If you’re planning on renting a cottage in the Lake District over the festive period, or perhaps even a hotel, you may be wondering what there is to do in the Lakes over Christmas! Well, the answer is- plenty! With tons of exciting Christmas markets; gift-worthy local produce; family activities and much more, you’ll not regret a seasonal holiday in the Lake District!
Here’s a list of the best Christmas markets and fun Christmas events in the Lake District for 2018:
24th November – 23rd December 2018 - Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway - Santa Express and Christmas Market
Running alongside their Santa express this year, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway are holding Christmas stalls. Entertain the family and get a spot of Chrimbo sopping done at the same time!
From November 30th, throughout Dec - Holker Hall Celebrates Christmas
Holker Hall have a fabulous array of events on of the Festive Season, including a ‘meet Santa’, wreath making workshops, Concerts, Christmas Dinners and much more…
Until 23rd December 2018 - Winter Wonderland at Hayes Garden World, Ambleside
It’s a Winter wonderland at Hayes Garden Centre in Ambleside this year. With a Santa Express, Grotto and the man himself of course!
Wed 28th November - Sun 2nd December - Carlisle Christmas Artisan Market
With over 50 traders, hot food, music and much more, Carlisle will be awash with Christmas spirit this year!
Sat 1st & Sun 2nd December 2018 - Hawskhead Christmas Fair & Beer Festival – 10am-5pm
One of the best Christmas festivals in the Lake District; Hawkshead is one not to miss! With plenty of artisan products and lashings of beer (or mulled wine if that’s your thing), you’ll find everything you could possibly want in a Lake District Christmas fair!
Sat 1st December 2018 - Blackwell Christmas Craft Fair
Set in the magnificence of Blackwell Arts and Crafts House, this artisan crafts market is perfect for the unique gift hunter - Ceramics, textiles, scarves, blankets and Christmas decorations will be on sale, as well as how-to shows and plenty of yummy snacks.
1st - 24th December 2018 - Keswick Live Advent
A festive themed window is illuminated each day in Keswick from the 1st to the 24th December, Highlighting different events and pop-ups.
The windows stay lit until early January, forming a magical and festive window trail around town which visitors and residents can follow and enjoy.
1st December 2018 to 23rd December 2018 – Ullswater Christmas Challenge with Ullswater Steamers
Help save Christmas! Find the missing Santa and his reindeer, hidden at various locations around the valley by Downloading the #UllswaterChristmasChallenge sheet online. Find them all and you could win a holiday!
Sun 2nd December - Keswick Victorian Fayre –10:30am – 4pm
Music and dancing; local produce, crafts and food stalls; reindeer; Father Christmas and many more festive goings on at Keswick Victorian Fayre this year!
Sunday 2nd December 2018 - The Mason’s Arms Christmas Market – 12:00 noon to 4:00pm
A great selection of Cumbrian food and gifts. Enjoy roast chestnuts, mulled wine, mice pies, a festive BBQ roast and much more at the Mason’s Arms annual Christmas Market near Bowland Bridge.
Sun 2nd/Sun 9th/Sat 15th/Sun 16th/Sat 22nd December 2018 – Christmas tea at the castle – Muncaster Castle
Enjoy a festive afternoon tea at Muncaster Castle, with mulled wine, mince pies and lots of other yummy treats. Tickets include entrance to the castle for the day, as well as their hawk and owl centre.
Sat 8th December 2018 - Orton Farmers’ Market
On the run up to Christmas, why not visit some of the Lake District’s finest farmer’s markets? Orton has a wide variety of products, artisan crafts and a variety of high quality and speciality local products.
Sat 8th December 2018 - Windermere Christmas Celebration – 11am to 6pm & Sun 9th December 2018, 10am to 4pm
It’s the third year of the Windermere Christmas Celebration. Plenty of stalls filled to the brim with crafts, local produce, hot food and much more. There are some naughty elves on the run from Santa’s workshop that the kids need to help find, hidden amongst the stalls!
Tue 11th December 2018 - Festival of Christmas Music - Crosthwaite Church (CA12 5QG) - 7.30 pm
Keswick Choral Society’s annual Festival of Christmas Music features Carols for both choir and for the audience. A wonderful start to the festive season.
Fri 16th December 2018 - Cartmel Christmas Food Market
Take part in the lantern procession, meet Father Christmas and enjoy a night of music and late night shopping in Cartmel Village.
Sun, 16th December 2018 – Santa Cruise with Ullswater Steamers
Cruise on Ullswater and enjoy a magic show, meet Santa, Christmas balloons and gifts for the children. For the adults there is a complimentary drink and mince pie.
Sun 24th December - Christmas Eve Carol Singing in Market Square, Keswick - Join in with the community, singing carols between 10 and 11pm in Keswick Market Square.
Thurs 27th ,28th, 29th and 30th December 2018 - The World of Beatrix Potter – Frozen Sing along
A screening of the frozen movie with lyrics to sing along to, as well as entrance to the World of Beatrix Potter.