Discover more at Calke Abbey
Find out when Calke Abbey is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Christmas at Calke Abbey
Christmas at Calke 2023 has now finished. We loved welcoming you for another festive season and look forward to doing it all again next year. The following information refers to Christmas 2023. More information about Christmas 2024 will be released later in the year.
Christmas at a glance
Christmas at Calke is open every Saturday and Sunday in December until Saturday 23 December. Calke Abbey is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Here’s a round-up of all things Christmas at Calke this year, so you can get the most from your visit:
- Join the festive fairs in the Riding School from 10am – 6pm.
- Bump into Father Christmas and Mrs Claus on your travels from 2pm – 6pm.
- Explore the icy tunnels from 11am – 6pm.
- See Calke lit up in festive lights from 3.30pm – 6pm
Christmas trail at a glance
Go back in time on the Christmas with the Tudors trail every day from Saturday 2 December – Sunday 7 January, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The trail will be open from 9.30am – 4pm, Monday – Friday and from 9.30am – 6pm on Christmas at Calke weekends. The trail will then re-open on Boxing Day until 7 January from 9.30am – 4pm.
Christmas lights and illuminations
As darkness falls, see Calke lit up in festive lights around the Stableyards, Pleasure Grounds and St Giles Church.
Take in scenes of a dreamy Christmas Eve, inspired by the state bed in the House or pose for a photo on Santa's chair in the Pleasure Grounds.
Don’t forget to stop by the Stableyards for more festive fun. Enjoy a ride on the carousel, play in the shadow puppet theatre, and then grab something warming from the refreshments pod.
We'd love to see your favourite moments this Christmas. Share them with us, using #MyCalkeChristmas on social media.
To provide this event without an additional ticket cost, we rely on the support of National Trust members and all our visitors. If you’ve had a great time, please help us by making a small donation before you leave, so we continue to bring Christmas to Calke for years to come.
The icy tunnels
The festive lights continue through the inner courtyard of the House and into the icy tunnels, new for 2023.
Travel underground and take in frosty scenes and showers of snowflakes. Look out for the Northern Lights as they dance across the walls and then emerge from the chilly depths in the warmth of the Brewhouse.
The icy tunnels open at 11am – perfect if you’re visiting with little ones or looking for a quieter Christmas lights experience.
Christmas markets
Get into the festive spirit with a trip to the Christmas fairs in the Riding School with our friends, Curly Magpie.
With handmade crafts, local food and festive drink, you're sure to find something extra special to gift your loved ones this Christmas.
For enquiries about stalls at this event, please contact Curly Magpie directly via their website.
Christmas with the Tudors trail
Ever wondered how the Tudors celebrated Christmas? Find out on a festive family trail around the Stableyards, Pleasure Grounds and St Giles Church.
Bookable events
For those seeking an exclusive Christmas experience, book onto one of the events listed below and enjoy an early Christmas treat, while making memories with loved ones.
Meet Father Christmas
Join Father Christmas for breakfast at Calke. Enjoy a hearty breakfast in the café before meeting Father Christmas in his grotto. He’ll be bringing gifts for all good boys and girls.
Booking is essential for both children and accompanying adults.
Meet Mrs Claus
Join Mrs Claus for a coffee morning, where families with little ones can enjoy stories, crafts or singing.
Booking is essential for both children and accompanying adults.
Festive afternoon tea
Take a break from Christmas planning and treat yourself and a friend or loved one to an afternoon tea in the café.
Booking is essential per person.
Where can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome to enjoy the lights, Christmas markets and the family trail, provided they're on a short lead.
Only assistance dogs are allowed in the tunnels.
Please be respectful of others when visiting with your furry friend this Christmas, as we want everyone to have a magical time.
For more information about visiting Calke with your dog at other times, please look at our dog article below.
Access
To help you plan your visit this Christmas, take a look at the access statement below.
Buggy service available over winter
The buggy service will be available daily from November – February from 10.30am – 2.30pm (subject to volunteer availability), providing visitors with mobility needs or wheelchair users access to the house and gardens from the ticket office.
You might also be interested in
Article
Eating and shopping at Calke Abbey
There are plenty of places to refresh and refuel at Calke Abbey, where you'll find a café, shop, second-hand bookshop and seasonal pop-up facilities throughout the year.
Article
Things to do in the house at Calke Abbey
Discover the 'un-stately' home at Calke Abbey, where peeling paint and abandoned rooms vividly portray a period when many country houses didn't survive.
Article
Exploring the estate at Calke Abbey
Reconnect with nature and make yourself at home in acres of historic parkland on the Calke Abbey estate in Derbyshire.
Article
Guided tours at Calke Abbey
Explore more of Calke Abbey on a guided tour, walk or talk – from behind-the-scenes tours in the house to garden and parkland rambles.
Article
Historic houses decked out for Christmas
Step back in time and experience a historic Christmas first-hand. From the 1800s to the 1980s, see houses decked out with decorations from across history at the places in our care.
Christmas markets and winter fairs
Find perfect Christmas presents or stock up on seasonal treats and decorations at a Christmas market or winter fair.
Article
Christmas lights and winter illuminations
During winter, many of the places in our care are transformed with colour as they host winter illuminations and lights trails. Check back later in the year for details of the events coming up in 2024.