Bolsover Castle Christmas Market and Lantern Parade
Saturday 28 November 2026
Bolsover Castle, Bolsover, Derbyshire(S44 6PR)
Bolsover Castle, six miles east of Chesterfield in Derbyshire, spends one Saturday in late November given over to Christmas, with its market and lantern parade spilling from the castle into the middle of Bolsover town. Brass bands and carol singers set the tone while stalls offer handmade crafts, and the Little Castle is done up in its festive best. As the afternoon draws on, the castle closes for a spell so the lantern procession can gather; when the lanterns have moved on, the doors open again and you can wander the castle after dark. People from Bolsover District and English Heritage members come in free, and everyone else pays standard admission, with 15% off if booked ahead.
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What to expect
Date & times
Saturday 28 November 2026
Getting there
Bolsover Castle, Bolsover, Derbyshire (S44 6PR for sat nav)
Dogs
Information coming soon
Accessibility
Available: Accessible toilets, Accessible parking / blue badge parking. Not confirmed: Wheelchair accessible, Step-free access, Accessible viewing areas.
Stalls
Stall list coming soon
Live schedule
Full timetable available when market goes live
Interactive map
Site map with GPS location available when market goes live
Live announcements
Real-time updates available when market goes live
Accessibility
Confirmed:
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking / blue badge parking
Not confirmed:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Step-free access
- Accessible viewing areas
Notes
The Little Castle is not accessible to wheelchair users. There is level access in the Terrace Range, the Venus Garden and parts of the Riding House and Stables, and wheelchair access to some areas varies with the season. Toilets, including accessible toilets, are in the visitor centre. Baby changing facilities are available. Disabled parking is about 50 metres from the entrance. Assistance dogs are welcome across the site.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Bolsover Castle Christmas Market and Lantern Parade in 2026?
It is a one-day event on Saturday 28 November 2026.
What are the opening times?
The event runs from 12 noon to 8pm on Saturday 28 November 2026, and the castle itself is open from 10am to 8pm that day. The castle closes from 4pm to 5.30pm so that the lantern parade can gather, and reopens once the parade has left the site.
Do I need a ticket?
The event is included with general admission to Bolsover Castle, and booking in advance saves 15%. Entry is free for residents of Bolsover District, who use a promo code at checkout and bring proof of address, and for English Heritage members, who bring proof of membership. Bring your booking confirmation on the day.
What is there to see and do?
The town centre and castle are given over to Christmas, with artisan craft stalls and handmade gifts, music and entertainment, brass bands and carol singing. The Little Castle is decorated for the season, and there is a lantern parade.
What is the lantern parade?
It is a lantern procession. The castle closes from 4pm to 5.30pm while the parade gathers, then reopens after the parade has left the site.
Is there parking?
Parking in the town of Bolsover is free, including the Bolsover Castle car park. Disabled parking is about 50 metres from the entrance.
Where can I eat and drink?
There is a large cafe at the castle entrance, with views of the Riding House, offering vegetarian options and made-to-order sandwiches, with child-sized portions and high chairs.
Can I bring my dog?
At Bolsover Castle, dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds only. Dogs other than assistance dogs cannot enter the Little Castle, the Riding Range or the Cavalier Horsemanship displays.
What access is there for wheelchair users and others who need help getting around?
The Little Castle is not accessible to wheelchair users. There is level access and gravel paths in the Terrace Range, the Venus Garden and parts of the Riding House and Stables, and wheelchair access to some areas varies with the season. Toilets, including accessible toilets, are in the visitor centre, with more beside the Riding House. Baby changing facilities are available. Assistance dogs are welcome across the site.
What is the nearest railway station?
The nearest railway station is Langwith – Whaley Thorns, about 4 miles away.
Where is Bolsover Castle?
Bolsover Castle is on Castle Street in Bolsover, off the A632, 6 miles east of Chesterfield. The postcode is S44 6PR.
How do I get to Bolsover Castle?
From the M1, leave at junction 29A and follow the brown signs. Chesterfield train station is 6 miles from the castle. Stagecoach bus services 1, 2, 49, 53 and 53a pass close to the castle entrance.
Is this your market?
This is a basic listing we've put together so visitors can find Bolsover Castle Christmas Market and Lantern Parade. If you're one of its organisers, you can claim it — take control of the page, add your schedule, map and more.
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