Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-christmas-at-chatsworth-near-bakewell"><a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/events/christmas/">Christmas at Chatsworth</a>, near Bakewell</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="853" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Chatsworth-garden-lights-Christmas-853x1024.jpg" alt="Chatsworth garden illuminated trail Peak District Derbyshire Christmas" class="wp-image-6776" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Chatsworth-garden-lights-Christmas-853x1024.jpg 853w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Chatsworth-garden-lights-Christmas-250x300.jpg 250w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Chatsworth-garden-lights-Christmas-768x922.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Chatsworth-garden-lights-Christmas-438x525.jpg 438w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Chatsworth-garden-lights-Christmas.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 853px) 100vw, 853px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image / Chatsworth House Trust</figcaption></figure>



<p>Book ahead for this one. Christmas at Chatsworth is always popular. From <strong>Sat 9 November until 5 January</strong> the gardens will be even more beautiful that usual as they are lit up with an interactive sounds and light trail that weaves past the famous Cascade waterfall, rock garden and maze. Adult tickets include entry to the house and cost from £32, kids from £8.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-christmas-lantern-spectacular-ashbourne"><a href="https://ashbournefestival.org/christmas-lantern-spectacular-2024/">Christmas Lantern Spectacular,</a> Ashbourne</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/ashbourne-lantern-parade-1024x683.jpg" alt="paper lantern in shape of owl at christmas lantern parade ashbourne" class="wp-image-11018" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/ashbourne-lantern-parade-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/ashbourne-lantern-parade-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/ashbourne-lantern-parade-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/11/ashbourne-lantern-parade.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ashbournefestival/?hl=en">@ashbournefestival</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>This lovely lantern parade through pretty Ashbourne is gorgeous, warm and the perfect way to start feeling a little bit festive. Stunning illuminated homemade lanterns parade through the town on <strong>Fri 6 December</strong>, along with a giant &#8216;living snowglobe&#8217; new for this year. Expect street entertainers, market stalls and a grotto too. Want to get involved and make or carry your own lantern? <a href="https://ashbournefestival.org/christmas-lantern-workshops-open/">Get in touch</a> with the organisers asap.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-christmas-at-calke-abbey-ticknall"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/calke-abbey/christmas-at-calke-abbey">Christmas at Calke Abbey</a>, Ticknall</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/CAlke-lights-Christmas.jpg" alt="Calke Abbey lit up for Christmas lights Derbyshire Ticknall" class="wp-image-6778" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/CAlke-lights-Christmas.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/CAlke-lights-Christmas-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/CAlke-lights-Christmas-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/CAlke-lights-Christmas-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">National Trust Images</figcaption></figure>



<p>Festive lights, illuminations and a family trail inspired by nature will light up December nights at Calke this year. And the stable yard will come over all carnival-like with a carousel, shadow puppet theatres and a refreshment pod for hot drinks and treats. Open every Friday and weekend <strong>from Fri 6 Dec to Mon 23 Dec </strong>and normal admission applies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winter-light-trail-shugborough-estate"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/shropshire-staffordshire/shugborough-estate/christmas-at-shugborough-estate">Winter Light Trail</a>, Shugborough Estate</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Luminate-Nov-whats-on-1024x683.jpg" alt="Luminate festive light trail Shugborough" class="wp-image-2171" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Luminate-Nov-whats-on-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Luminate-Nov-whats-on-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Luminate-Nov-whats-on-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Luminate-Nov-whats-on-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Luminate-Nov-whats-on.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>A magical one for the whole family and worth the hop across to Staffordshire, <a href="https://luminate.live/hardwick-hall">Luminate events</a> are spellbinding. The magical illuminated trail through Shugborough&#8217;s historic grounds is a mesmerising mile long, with stunning installations and fabulous light play, all set to music. You can warm up with a hot drink at the start of the trail and break for toasted marshmallows and mulled wine a third of the way round. <strong>From 29 Nov</strong> &#8211; 31 Dec, family tickets from £45.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-light-post-farm-white-post-farm-farnsfield"><a href="http://www.gigantic.com/light-post-farm-tickets">Light Post Farm</a>, White Post Farm, Farnsfield</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/Light-Post-Farm-1024x683.jpg" alt="Family walk through winter light trail" class="wp-image-10923" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/Light-Post-Farm-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/Light-Post-Farm-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/Light-Post-Farm-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/Light-Post-Farm.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Mittens out! We love a twinkling winter light trail at Muddy, and this one looks like a total treat for littlies. <a href="http://www.gigantic.com/light-post-farm-tickets">Light Post Farm</a> is a magical new collab between GloWorm festival and White Post Farm will see the family farm get a winter glow-up. Open <strong>from Thurs 21 Nov</strong>, it runs until 22 Dec and a family ticket costs £45.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lights-of-abraham-matlock-bath"> <a href="https://www.heightsofabraham.com/winter-lights-trail-2024">The Lights of Abraham</a>, Matlock Bath</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/11/lights-of-abraham-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-11023" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/11/lights-of-abraham-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/11/lights-of-abraham-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/11/lights-of-abraham-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/11/lights-of-abraham.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Another newbie for this year. Head for the heights above Matlock Bath <strong>from 22 Nov</strong> for <a href="https://www.heightsofabraham.com/winter-lights-trail-2024">The Lights of Abraham </a>winter lights trail at the Heights of Abraham (where else?). Take a moonlit cable car to the top and then weave through illuminated woodland trails and colourful surprises around every corner.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-derby-lantern-parad-e-derby"><a href="https://www.surtalarts.co.uk/derby-lantern-parade-1">Derby Lantern Parad</a><a href="https://www.festivederby.co.uk/whats-on/derby-latern-parade/">e</a>, Derby</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Derby-Lantern-Parade.jpg" alt="Derby-Lantern-Parade" class="wp-image-6774" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Derby-Lantern-Parade.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Derby-Lantern-Parade-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Derby-Lantern-Parade-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Derby-Lantern-Parade-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Fancy something completely different this festive season? Derby&#8217;s dazzling annual lantern parade kicks off from St Peter&#8217;s Cross on <strong>Sat 30 November</strong>. Expect a mesmerizing Chinese Dragon dance to the thunderous beats of the Dhol drum, as well as colourful Bollywood and high-energy Bhangra dances. Bring your own lantern (leave glass lanterns and real flames at home though) or make your own lantern at one of the workshops in the build up to the big night.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-illuminated-arboretum-alrewas"><a href="https://www.thenma.org.uk/what's-on/events/illuminated-arboretum">Illuminated Arboretum</a>, Alrewas</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Illuminated Arboretum" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lxj3qI0QZk4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p>Expect a kaleidoscope of colour on this mile-long illuminated route through the National Memorial Arboretum on the Derbyshire/Staffordshire border. <strong>From 6-22 Dec</strong>, tickets from £25.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winter-light-trail-trentham-gardens"><a href="https://trentham.co.uk/events/winter-light-trail/">Winter Light Trail</a>, Trentham Gardens</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/11/winter-light-trail-trentham2.jpg" alt="little girl in red coat walks across illuminated stepping stones" class="wp-image-11030" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/11/winter-light-trail-trentham2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/11/winter-light-trail-trentham2-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/11/winter-light-trail-trentham2-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/11/winter-light-trail-trentham2-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/11/winter-light-trail-trentham2-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Back for 2024 after a year off, Trentham&#8217;s fabulous light trails is now over a mile long. With interactive displays, captivating soundscapes and larger than life illuminations, there&#8217;s also warming-up opps in the après ski lodge bar and chalets, food stalls, and marshmallow toasting.<strong> From 29 Nov to 31 Dec</strong>, family tickets cost from £55.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancelled-for-this-season">Cancelled for this season&#8230;</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wollaton-hall-nottingham"><a href="https://www.christmasatwollaton.org/">Wollaton Hall</a>, Nottingham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Christmas-at-Wollaton.jpg" alt="light up deer wollaton hall nottingham festive light trail" class="wp-image-6773" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Christmas-at-Wollaton.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Christmas-at-Wollaton-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Christmas-at-Wollaton-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Christmas-at-Wollaton-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Wollaton Hall does Christmas <em>right</em>. From the illuminated deer to gorgeous winter garden, every year people flock to catch the fantastic light trail that takes over the whole park. Alas, the council has cancelled this year&#8217;s event (blame last year&#8217;s wash-out). But it promises to return in 2025. Watch this space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rufford-abbey-nottinghamshire"><a href="https://spectacleoflight.co.uk/rufford-abbey/">Rufford Abbey</a>, Nottinghamshire</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Rufford-Abbey-lights.jpg" alt="Rufford Abbey Spectacle of light illuminated trails" class="wp-image-6768" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Rufford-Abbey-lights.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Rufford-Abbey-lights-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Rufford-Abbey-lights-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Rufford-Abbey-lights-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Rufford-Abbey-lights-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Rufford-Abbey-lights-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Sadly, the after dark excitement at<strong> Rufford Abbey </strong>is switching venues this year and won&#8217;t make an appearance at the abbey. There will be <a href="https://ruffordabbey.co.uk/events/">other Christmas activities</a> to enjoy though, including Santa&#8217;s grotto, Christmas markets and an elf garden trail.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elvaston-castle-derby"><a href="https://www.livetickets.org/whats-on/shine-a-light-elvaston-castle1/">Elvaston Castle</a>, Derby</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="&#039;Shine A Light&#039; returns to Derbyshire for 2022/23" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3TLI2wzyG3Q?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p>No illuminations planned for Elvaston Castle or Cromford Mills this season I&#8217;m afraid. Fingers crossed Shine a Light and Derbyshire-born video projection artists <a href="https://www.illuminos.co.uk/">Illuminos</a> make a return next year.</p>



<p><em>Main image: <a href="https://trentham.co.uk/events/winter-light-trail/">Trentham Winter Light Trail</a></em></p>


Magical winter light & lantern trails in Notts, Derbyshire and beyond

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