Two East Midlands market towns named in UK’s top 10 most 'Christmassy' destinations list
Bakewell and Buxton, two Derbyshire towns, have been named in the UK's top 10 most Christmassy destinations, celebrated for their festive charm, wintry weather, and strong seasonal traditions.
Two Derbyshire market towns have been named among the UK’s most Christmassy destinations, according to a new study by Betway.
Bakewell and Buxton both earned top spots on the list, celebrating their festive charm, wintry weather, and strong seasonal traditions.
Bakewell, the picturesque market town at the heart of the Peak District, ranked second overall for its Christmas appeal.
The study highlighted the town’s perfect winter balance — with average December temperatures around 4°C and roughly 31mm of snowfall — creating that postcard-style festive setting without extreme conditions.
For a town of just a few thousand residents, Bakewell punches above its weight when it comes to cosy spots to warm up.
With 35 cafés — equivalent to 107 cafés per 10,000 people — it scored highly for “cosy winter atmosphere.”
Add to that its annual Christmas Market Weekend, held this year on 15–16 November, which transforms Market Street and Riverside Crescent into a festive hub with more than 100 stalls, live music, and traditional food and drink.
“Bakewell captures the essence of a traditional British Christmas,” said one event organiser. “From the smell of mulled wine to the glow of fairy lights on the old bridge, it’s a town that really comes alive in winter.”
Not far away, Buxton also made the list, ranking fifth overall in the national survey. The elegant spa town is known for its Georgian architecture and hilltop location, which gives it a naturally wintry feel.
Buxton recorded one of the coldest average December temperatures among all towns in the study — around 3°C — along with a similar snowfall total to Bakewell.
This year, the town will again host its much-loved Lantern Parade, bringing a community glow to the streets, alongside a Christmas Fair at the Pavilion Gardens in early December featuring local crafts, gifts, and festive food. Visitors can also enjoy independent shopping around the Market Place and The Crescent, where decorations and lights will run through the month.
Local businesses say the recognition is well deserved. “Buxton has a warmth that cuts through the cold,” said a café owner in the town centre. “People come for the lights, but they stay for the atmosphere.”
Both towns reflect the best of a Derbyshire Christmas — scenic, community-driven, and rich with tradition. Whether it’s the bustling market in Bakewell or the lantern-lit nights of Buxton, the county’s festive season is clearly in full swing.