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Christmas at Calke Abbey

A warmly lit, brightly decorated Christmas tree stands at the bottom of the main staircase at Calke Abbey.
Christmas decoration in the main Staircase Hall at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire | © National Trust Images/David Goacher

Step into a magical festive season at Calke Abbey. Explore decorated interiors, wander through the historic tunnels and browse Christmas markets in the Riding School as the estate is transformed for Christmas.

Experience a magical Christmas at Calke Abbey from Friday 27 November until Wednesday 23 December.

Explore the decorated house and St Giles Church, wander through the atmospheric tunnels, and browse festive markets in the Riding School as Christmas returns to Calke this winter.

Everything is included in your visit, every day throughout the Christmas season.

What's included in your visit

  • House and St Giles Church dressed for Christmas
  • Atmospheric tunnels experience
  • Festive markets in the Riding School
  • Seasonal food and drink in the Stableyards

Opening times

Daily, Friday 27 November to Wednesday 23 December

  • House and Church: 11am to 4pm
  • Tunnels: 11am to 4pm
  • Festive markets: 10am to 4pm

Please note that Calke Abbey is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Planning your visit

Whether you visit during the week or at the weekend, you'll be able to enjoy the same festive experience throughout the Christmas season.

The tunnels at Calke Abbey, with multicoloured lights strung across the ceilings and down the walls.
The tunnels at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire, lit up with Christmas lights | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Inside the house this Christmas

Explore the historic house and St Giles Church, where selected rooms are beautifully dressed for Christmas.

Inspired by Calke's historic jewellery collection (featured on series 4 of the BBC's 'Hidden Treasures of the National Trust'), admire dazzling displays and decorated trees dripping with jewels.

With a fire lit in the Entrance Hall, twinkling trees and the sound of carols in the background, the house in winter is full of festive charm.

A tree decorated with bright lights and paper chains, with presents wrapped in brown paper beneath it, at the base of a staircase in the house at Calke Abbey.
A decorated Christmas tree in the house at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire. | © National Trust Images/Susan Guy

Through the tunnels

Venture through Calke's historic tunnels and discover a quieter side of Christmas on the estate.

Inspired by the parkland in the winter, the tunnels feature subtle seasonal lighting and projections that celebrate the landscape and wildlife of Calke, while remaining mindful of the bats that make their home here.

This unique underground route offers a chance to slow down and experience a different side of Christmas at Calke.

Christmas markets in the Riding School

Browse festive stalls from Curly Magpie and discover a range of gifts, seasonal food and drink, and handcrafted items in the Riding School. 

Whether you’re shopping for presents or treating yourself, the markets are a great place to pick up something special to take home this Christmas. 

For enquiries about stalls at this event, please contact Curly Magpie directly via their website listed below. 

Curly Magpie

Admission for Christmas at Calke

From 27 November to 23 December, admission for non-National Trust members is £10 per adult and £5 per child. This includes the festive market, the house and tunnels, and access to the wider estate. Entry for National Trust members is free. There are no additional charges for parking.

Image shows two visitor exploring the indoor Christmas market
Find last-minute Christmas gifts at the market | © National Trust/Annapurna Mellor

Festive food in the Stableyards

Soak up the atmosphere in the Stableyards with seasonal treats and warming food and drink during your visit.

Don't miss the 'Piggy Pod' serving pigs in blankets (weekends only), or festive favourites in the Restaurant.

Visits chatting in the cafe over a cuppa with a Christmas tree in the background
Get into the festive spirit with an afternoon tea | © National Trust/Rod Kirkpatrick

Where can I bring my dog?

Dogs are welcome to enjoy the Christmas markets and Stableyards, provided they're on a short lead. Only assistance dogs are allowed in the house, tunnels and St Giles Church.

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. 

 

Visiting with your dog

Access

To help you plan your visit this Christmas, take a look at our accessibility article below.

Accessibility at Calke

Buggy service available over winter

The buggy service will be available daily from November – February (subject to volunteer availability), providing visitors with mobility needs or wheelchair users access to the house and gardens from the ticket office.

A view of the west side of the house and a glimpse of the Pleasure Grounds through trees on a sunny day at Calke Abbey

Discover more at Calke Abbey

Find out when Calke Abbey is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

You might also be interested in

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.

Image shows children's books and toys on shelves in the shop

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.

Image shows the Dining Room at Calke Abbey. The dining table is in the centre of the room and the table is laid for a meal.

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.

Bright orange and yellow leaves carpeting a woodland floor and tree stump.

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.

A group of visitors enjoying a dawn chorus guided walk in the park at Calke Abbey, focused on a visitor using a pair of binoculars to see the birds

Historic houses decked out for Christmas 

Step back in time and visit a historic house decorated for Christmas. Discover traditions from medieval to modern times, join in with crafting and carol singing, and celebrate the season.

Christmas at Powis Castle, Powys

Christmas markets and winter fairs 

Find perfect Christmas presents or stock up on seasonal treats and decorations at a Christmas market or winter fair.

Visitors exploring the Christmas market at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

Christmas lights and winter illuminations 

See your favourite places lit up with colour by visiting the best Christmas 2025 light trails and displays near you.

A view of Waddesdon Manor illuminated as part of a Christmas lights event, with three lit-up Christmas trees in front of the manor and a large tree hung with bauble lights to the left

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