Bakewell Christmas Market 2024: A Peak District Xmas

Over one weekend in November, Bakewell Christmas Market takes over the town centre. It’s a busy, festive event that hosts around 100 chalets and is one of the most popular winter events in the Peak District.

In this guide, I share confirmed dates, opening times, and what to expect when you arrive.

Bakewell Christmas Market 2024

Dates and Location

Bakewell Christmas Market dates: 16th and 17th November 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Market Street, Granby Road and Riverside Crescent.
Opening times: 9am to 5pm.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Santa: Yes, including a breakfast with Santa event.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Not recommended.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Musical events including choirs and brass bands.
Specialities: Breakfast with Santa. Classic Bakewell puddings and tarts.
Where to stay: The H Boutique is a stylish hotel, located directly at the event.

Note: Bakewell Christmas Sparkle is a separate event that takes place on Sunday, 8th December 2024 (confirmed), from 10am to 4pm at Bakewell Agricultural Business Centre. Find all the details.

Nearby Hotels

If you’re looking for a hotel near the event, The H Boutique is a highly-rated, comfortable hotel in an ideal location. The rooms are extremely spacious and beautifully designed, with modern bathrooms.

The Peak District isn’t the only place to visit this year. Read my UK Christmas Markets List for ideas.

Christmas in the Peak District

Known for its charming courtyards and historic bridge, Bakewell is a great weekend getaway where you can eat delicious pudding and work it off along the Monsal Trail (when the weather allows).

Its central location means you can visit other destinations on the same trip. Read our Chatsworth House Christmas Market Guide to plan a visit.

With over a hundred stalls across the town centre, there’s a huge variety of artisan crafts, gifts and local produce.

The backdrop of the Peak District’s rolling hills and the charm of the town’s historic buildings add to the festive spirit, creating an appealing holiday ambience.

This weekend market is a huge event considering the size of the town. There’s much to see and do, including all the traditional experiences like drinking mulled wine and shopping for gifts and stocking fillers.

At the Food Stalls

• Mulled Wine: A classic winter drink.
• Bar with Hot Toddies: There’s nothing quite like a hot toddy to warm you from the inside out. A bar at the market specialises in this mix of whisky, honey, lemon and hot water.
• Mulled Cider: A fruity alternative to mulled wine.
• Bakewell Pudding: This local specialty needs no introduction in Bakewell.
• Hog Roast Rolls: Roast pork, served in a fresh roll with stuffing and apple sauce.
• Yorkshire Pudding Wraps: A local twist on the traditional wrap.
• Roasted Chestnuts: A classic street food snack.
• German Sausages: Varieties like bratwurst and currywurst are typically served in a bun with a choice of sauces.
• Vegan and Vegetarian Options: A range of plant-based street foods, from vegetable curries to vegan-friendly desserts.
• Milk Shakes, Burgers, Hot Dogs: Traditional fast food favourites like milkshakes, burgers and hot dogs.
• Greek Wraps: A taste of the Mediterranean with grilled meats, salad and tzatziki sauce.
• Crepes and Waffles: Choose from various toppings, like chocolate sauce and cream.
• Pizza and Jacket Potatoes: Lots of options.
• Cheese Toasties: Filled with cheese, ham, tomato and other options.
• Pulled Pork and Beef Brisket: Options for meat lovers.
• Chocolate Fountain: Dip fruit, marshmallows and doughnuts in chocolate.

What to Buy

• Crafts and Gifts: Local artisans display handcrafted items, from beautiful ceramic pieces to wooden toys.
• Wreaths and Plants: Festive wreaths are made from various materials, including traditional evergreens. Indoor plants, including a selection of succulents, are also available.
• Garden Ornaments: Unique garden ornaments crafted in the Peak District to withstand the British weather.
• Books: Book stalls carry a wide range of titles, from children’s literature to cookbooks, with an emphasis on local authors and subjects.
• Cheese and Pies: You can find a selection of locally produced cheeses and freshly baked pies to take home or add to a gift hamper.
• Alcohol: Locally brewed ales, craft gins, and other spirits are available, reflecting the region’s brewing and distilling traditions.
• Clothing and Accessories: Stocking filling items, including underwear, socks, belts, hats, bags, scarves and gloves.
• Home Decor: Festive cushions, bedding, handmade soaps and fragrant bath bombs.
• Stationery: Diaries, calendars, cards and pens.
• Dog Accessories: Don’t forget your furry friend! There are stalls carrying a range of dog accessories, from leashes to chew toys.

Sustainability Tips

• Shop mindfully. Only purchase what you really need.
• Walk, cycle and use public transport to get around.
• Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy.
• Avoid using plastic or buying items made or packaged with plastic.
• Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible.
• Limit your consumption of meat and dairy.
• Explore more than just the main tourist areas.
• Support the arts and attend local events.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research.