Situated on the edge of the Peak District and South Yorkshire and just a mile from Sheffield City Centre, Hotel Mercure Sheffield Kenwood Hall & Spa is a fabulous hotel that makes the perfect base from which to the explore the idyllic countryside and exciting attractions in the region.
The hotel is an ideal setting for festive family gatherings, romantic escapes, or short breaks with friends, with lots of things to do for children and adults at Christmas.
At this time of year, the region is alive with seasonal gatherings, illuminated with spectacular light shows and you’re never far from a festive chorus of carol singers. You might even find them in an unusual location or two. Here, Beverley Davidson, Meeting and Events Sales Manager from the Mercure Sheffield Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa picks some of the best things to do in South Yorkshire and the Peak District this Christmas time.
1 A Nordic Christmas at Chatsworth House
An enchanting setting at any time of year, this 17th Century manor house comes into its own at the festive season, with a host of events for young and old. This year, the estate is transporting visitors to the frozen realms of the far north. A Nordic themed Christmas brings to life folklore and traditions of the Arctic and Nordic regions through a series of themed roomscapes. Expect sculpted ‘ice’ walls, tranquil pine forests, lanterns, traditional Nordic Christmas decorations and foliage foraged from woodlands.
Tickets to Chatsworth House at Christmas are £18 for children and £29 for adults.
https://www.chatsworth.org/events/christmas/
2 Carol Concerts in Peak Cavern
For Christmas carols in the most unique setting, travel to historic Castleton and one of its most famous and impressive caverns. Peak Cavern’s less flattering nickname ‘The Devil’s Arse’ may not sound too festive, but with mulled wine and minced pies on arrival and the entrance decorated in a sea of twinkling fairy lights, the result is truly atmospheric. Especially when the brass band plays a selection of Christmas classics.
Tickets are £15 for adults and £10 for children.
https://peakcavern.co.uk/christmas-carol-concerts/
3 Breakfast with Santa at Hotel Mercure Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa
There are lots of ways to celebrate Christmas at Hotel Mercure Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa throughout December, from glam party nights to a festive afternoon teas and a festive fun-filled extravaganza – a pantomime performance of Aladdin.
For little ones, what better way to meet the big man himself than with a delicious breakfast with Santa and his elves. Expect a warm welcome in beautiful surroundings.
Prices are £9.95 for children and £15.95 for adults. Booking is essential.
Visit https://www.kenwoodhall.co.uk/celebrations/christmas-party-venues-in-sheffield/ for information on all the property’s festive events.
4 Panto at Buxton Opera House
Christmas just isn’t Christmas without a traditional thigh-slapping, toe-tapping panto. Oh no it isn’t. Where better to enjoy this family tradition than within the beautiful setting of Buxton Opera House, a building that has stood proud in the town since 1903 and was built by one of Britain’s finest architects, Frank Matcham. Showing this year is Sleeping Beauty, with a stellar cast bringing Christmas joy and belly laughs to audiences from Saturday 10th December to Sunday 1st January.
https://buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/event/sleeping-beauty-2022
5 An Audience with Father Christmas at Bolsover Castle
Bolsover Castle is a venue that was built for aristocratic extravagance with lavishly decorated rooms and an astonishing riding school. At Christmas, younger visitors are invited to Meet Father Christmas himself as he tells festive tales amidst the yuletide decorations in this magical setting.
Entry to the castle starts at £8.50 for children and £14.20 for adults.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/bolsover-castle-audience-with-father-christmas/
6 Festive Events at Sheffield Cathedral
This already spectacular venue is illuminated from within at Christmas with an even more impressive light show, which this year is all themed around the manger. Throughout the entire festive season, Sheffield Cathedral joins with local charities, communities, and businesses to bring Christmas cheer to the people with the annual Christmas Tree Festival. Tickets for Sheffield Cathedral Illuminated are £5 and the Christmas Tree Festival is free to enter.
https://www.welcometosheffield.co.uk/content/events/sheffield-cathedral-illuminated-the-manger/
https://www.welcometosheffield.co.uk/content/events/sheffield-cathedral-christmas-tree-festival/
https://www.welcometosheffield.co.uk/content/events/sheffield-christmas-market/
7 Matlock Victorian Christmas Markets
Each year the picturesque Derbyshire town of Matlock hosts a fantastic Christmas market. Around 200 stalls are staged in two marquees and across Hall Leys Park, with a host of festive entertainment provided throughout the three days. Highlights include Santa’s Grotto, unique hand-crafted goods and a spectacular firework display on Sunday evening.
https://www.derbydaysout.co.uk/event/details/1912/matlock-victorian-christmas-market
8 Santa’s Grotto at Eureka
Eureka is a family favourite throughout the year and at Christmas you can see the big man himself as you take in the wonders of the interactive Children’s Museum. Tickets for Santa’s Grotto are £6 in addition to the standard admission charge.
https://www.eureka.org.uk/event/santas-grotto/
9 KWVR Mulled Wine Specials
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway runs a series of exciting festive journeys throughout December. The railway invites you to indulge in a seasonal mulled wine while you, “slow down and take a moment to enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle that December brings as you steam through the valley from Oxenhope to Keighley and back.”
https://kwvr.co.uk/events/mulled-wine-special/
10 Yorkshire Wildlife Park Winter Illuminations
Some 2400 metres of illuminated trails will delight guests young and old, including handcrafted lanterns and themed lands such as an enchanting Fairy-tale Kingdom, Animal Adventures, Under the Sea and much more.
Tickets start at £19 for children and £22 for adults.
https://www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com/things-to-do/special-events/winter-illuminations/