Choosing to spend Christmas in the Lake District? The festive season is one of our favourite times of the year here in Cumbria, and while it might be a quieter period for visitors, there’s still plenty to see and do. We’ve rounded up a selection of festive events happening in the region from December, so plan your last minute Lake District Christmas breaks around some of our suggestions and enjoy a memorable trip!
Hawkshead Christmas Fair
The village of Hawkshead is transformed into a Winter wonderland in early December, and the annual festive fair is a favourite amongst both locals and visitors. A string of stalls, including gifts, food, and drink, set up in the centre of the village, and they’re accompanied by live music and street performers, adding to the festive atmosphere. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Christmas market without an appearance from Santa Claus, and he will be around to greet the little ones during the day.
Many of the stalls that you’ll find at the Hawkshead Christmas Fair will be showcasing the best of Cumbria, so don’t shy away from any free samples of tasty local produce. There’s car parking available within easy reach of the fair, and the stalls are open between 10am-4pm. On Saturday, a mesmerising lantern parade will take place, followed by Christmas carols – there’s nowhere quite like it if you’re looking for family-friendly, festive fun.
Where & when: Hawkshead village, LA22 0NS. 7-8th December 2024.
WHINLATTER Festive Welly Walk
While we can’t guarantee a layer of frost, muddly puddles needn’t be avoided on the festive Whinlatter Welly Walk, taking place over 2 weekends during December. This family-friendly event is led by a team of jolly rangers who will guide you through a trail around Whinlatter, all to the sound of everyone’s favourite festive songs. Everyone is encouraged to come dressed in their best Christmas jumpers and costumes, and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome too. Tickets can be booked online now for these events.
Where & when: Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Keswick, CA12 5TW, 7th December 11am & 2pm, 15th December 11am.
Hayesville Chrinchmas Grotto at Hayes Garden Centre, Ambleside
Throughout December, Hayes Garden Centre in Ambleside holds its annual festive event – the Hayesville Crinchmas Grotto. Sprinklings of snow and twinkling Christmas lights set the scene, and Santa will be making some guest appearances before he has to leave on the 23rd to begin delivering presents to homes around the world. This wonderland also boasts its own German-style market, and there’s a selection of stalls to explore. You can book your tickets online now, with options to add a Santa meet and greet slot.
Where & when: Hayes Garden Centre, Ambleside, LA22 0DW. Early December – 23rd December.
Santa’s Christmas Cracker, THE OLD LAUNDRY, BOWNESS-ON-WINDERMERE
Santa’s Christmas Cracker is coming to The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on- Windermere this December. Follow the story of Dotty the elf, Dasher the reindeer, and a lost penguin who has never even heard of Christmas, and add an afternoon tea experience to your afternoon of family-friendly fun at this stunning venue. As part of the show, each child gets to say hello to Santa, and he will give them all a wrapped present from him and his elves!
The running time is 45 minutes, making it the perfect duration for those with younger kids – in fact, the show itself is ideal for families with 2-8 year olds. Tickets can be booked online now.
Where & when: The Old Laundry, Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3BX. 16th – 23rd December, various show times.
Calvert Lakes Trust New Years Day Dip
Keen to blow away the cobwebs this New Years Day? Plunging into Derwentwater wearing fancy dress might not have been on your 2025 bingo card, but it might just be the perfect way to start the new year! This annual event takes place on 1st January, happening at the boat landings in Derwentwater. Once you’ve taken the plunge, you can warm up with hot chocolate and refuel with tasty, homemade cakes provided by Alpkit of Keswick.
This free event is run by Lake District Calvert Trust, and their instructors and staff will lead on the day. There are 200 places up for grabs, and this is a charity event with all funds raised going to Calvert Lakes – sign up now on the Visit Keswick website.
Where & when: Beyond The Boat Landings, Derwentwater, 1st January 2025, 11am.
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Plan a trip to the Lake District this Christmas
As the temperatures plummet, frosty, festive December mornings turn Snittlegarth’s surroundings into a picture postcard setting. If you’re looking to make the most of your time off with your nearest and dearest, why not book a last minute Christmas break in the Lake District? Take a look at our accommodation options online now, including our Lake District lodges, log cabins, and quirky Shepherd’s Hut.
