Christmas markets and festive days out from Alfreton and Chesterfield

There’s something about a Christmas market that gets everyone in the festive mood… the smell of mulled wine, the twinkling lights and a stall of gifts you didn’t know you needed!

The trouble is that getting there isn’t always so merry. Busy roads, expensive car parks and a designated driver who can’t enjoy a mulled wine can take the shine off a day out. If you’re travelling with a group, a minibus is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a Christmas market from Alfreton or Chesterfield. You’re dropped off right outside, you travel together, and you head home without worrying about parking, driving or timings.

Ahead of the beginning of this year’s festive season, we’ve put together this guide to share some of the best festive days out within reach of Derbyshire, as well as advising you on how to plan a group trip.

Where are the best Christmas markets near Alfreton and Chesterfield?

You don’t have to travel far for a festive day out nearby Alfreton and Chesterfield, but here are some of the most popular options within the easiest reach…

Nottingham:

Nottingham’s ‘Winter wonderland’ Christmas market fills the city centre with lights, stalls, food and seasonal attractions. It’s a short journey (around 30 mins drive) from Alfreton, which makes it ideal for an afternoon and evening out, with plenty of shops, pubs and restaurants nearby to build a full day around.

Chatsworth:

For something a little different, Chatsworth’s Christmas market and festive events bring a touch of grandeur to the Peak District. Think a stately home and parkland dressed up for Christmas, with seasonal stalls and treats. It’s a lovely choice for a relaxed, scenic day out, and it’s just a 20-30 mins drive from Chesterfield.

Sheffield:

Sheffield’s Christmas market is one of the larger events close to Chesterfield, with a wide choice of food, drink and gift stalls, plus the city’s shops and restaurants on your doorstep. It’s a great option if your group wants to combine markets with a bit of Christmas shopping at Meadowhall!

Chesterfield:

Chesterfield’s very own festive events and market stalls make a great base for a local meal or night out with friends or family, close to home.

Further afield; Lichfield, York and Manchester:

If your group fancies a bigger adventure, further away cities like Lichfield, York and Manchester are known for their festive markets and make for a complete Christmas shopping day out. Hiring a minibus is particularly useful here, because the journeys are longer and we all know how parking can be so difficult and expensive in city centres!

Planning your group trip to a Christmas market

A little preparation can go a long way in making your group visit to a Christmas market much smoother…

1. Choose your destination and date: Check the market’s opening dates and busiest times. Weekday visits are often calmer than weekends.
2. Confirm numbers: Work out how many people are travelling so you can choose the right size of vehicle.
3. Agree your pick-up points: Most groups choose a single meeting point in Alfreton, Chesterfield or a nearby town, but others can be arranged where possible.
4. Decide on your return time: Give yourselves enough time to enjoy the market, but set a clear meeting time so everyone knows when the minibus leaves.
5. Mention any access needs: SC Travel provides wheelchair accessible transport, so let us know if anyone in your group needs it.
6. Book early: Festive weekends are popular, so securing your date in advance means less worry later.

Is a Christmas market trip a good idea for clubs, community groups and organisations?

Absolutely! Many groups use Christmas market trips as a simple, low-cost way to celebrate the season, including social clubs and community groups, workplace teams looking for an alternative to a Christmas meal, friends and family groups, and residential and care groups looking for a safe, comfortable day out.

Because the transport is arranged for you, the organiser doesn’t have to worry about driving, parking or counting heads in a car park.

What else can you do on a festive day out in and around Derbyshire?

Christmas markets aren’t the only way to enjoy the season. If you’d like to build a longer day around them, you could also consider a festive lunch or afternoon tea at a country pub or restaurant, a visit to a garden centre or attraction with seasonal displays, Christmas light trails and illuminated events after dark, or a bit of local sightseeing (which our guide to hidden gems around Chesterfield and Alfreton can help with).

If you’re planning to head out for an evening of festivities, you might also find our post on getting to Goose Fair and Derbyshire’s autumn events without the parking headache useful.

With over 20 years of experience providing safe and reliable transport across Derbyshire, SC Travel can make your Christmas market trip simple from start to finish.

To check availability, call 07949 300 629, email info@mysctravel.co.uk or enquire online.