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
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.
Festive lights trail
For many years, visitors have enjoyed illuminated trails and festive lights at Calke Abbey. These large-scale light displays won't be taking place this year, but the festive spirit is still alive throughout Calke.
From decorated interiors and seasonal displays to atmospheric tunnels and Christmas markets, there's still plenty of Christmas magic to enjoy during your visit.
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.
Step inside a festive Calke
Explore the historic house and St Giles Church, where selected rooms are beautifully dressed for Christmas.
Nature has come indoors this year, with colourful feathers, antlers woven into displays, and glittering lights throughout. Keep an eye out for the much-loved knitted mice, returning in even more imaginative scenes.
With a fire lit in the Entrance Hall, twinkling trees and the sound of carols in the background, Christmas in the house at Calke is full of festive charm.
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.
Normal admission applies for the Christmas markets
Please note that like the rest of our Christmas offer, the market is included in normal admission, which is free for National Trust members. We encourage those who are interested in visiting the market to consider what else is on offer to make the most of your Christmas visit.
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 including double chocolate and cranberry cookies, mince pies and December's scone of the month, goat's cheese and fig served with a rich goat's cheese spread and fig chutney.
Where can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome to enjoy the lights, 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.
Access
To help you plan your visit this Christmas, take a look at our accessibility article 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 markets and winter fairs
Find perfect Christmas presents or stock up on seasonal treats and decorations at a Christmas market or winter fair.
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.
