Santa's grottos, Christmas light switch-ons and markets, festive train rides, food festivals - there are no shortage of Christmassy events taking place in the Lake District this December!
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World of Beatrix Potter: Father Christmas Tea Party & Santa Saves Christmas
The World of Beatrix Potter is hosting two great Christmas events this Christmas season. The first is a Father Christmas Tea Party, which includes a festive afternoon tea in a winter wonderland, a screening of The Snowman film, a gift for every child, and a photo opportunity with Santa in his sleigh.
The second Christmas event is a show entitled Santa Saves Christmas, which lasts approximately one-hour and 15 minutes where every child gets a present from Santa. You will also have the option of adding a festive afternoon tea to enjoy after the performance. Tickets prices vary and be sure to book well ahead to avoid disappointment.
Santa's Winter Wonderland at Hayes Garden World
Hayes Garden World is a popular place to meet the famous Mr Claus and you can get your Christmas wishes in early too, as it’s open from the 1st of November all the way up to the 23rd of December. The ticket price includes the entrance to the centre’s Winter Wonderland where they will be having various games along the way to meet Santa, a visit and a photo opportunity with the Big Man himself, and a present. It is wonderful that they also offer ‘Special Needs Sessions’ with various dates and times available for those children who would benefit from a quieter, more relaxing atmosphere. The slots are booking up quickly so book now!
Tullie House: Christmas at the Museum
Tullie House will be hosting Christmas the Museum over the first two weekends of December: Saturday 3rd, Sunday 4th, Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th December, 2022. Here children will have the opportunity to meet Mr & Mrs Claus and receive a gift from them, get their face painted, make their own reindeer food, and there will be various other festive activities going on across the museum. A wonderfully festive day out for the whole family.
Christmas Afternoon Tea at Muncaster Castle
Muncaster Castle is hosting a festive Christmas afternoon tea on the Castle’s elegant state rooms. The tea will comprise of a selection of sandwiches, seasonal cakes, scones, plus tea or coffee. There are a range of dates in December still available but book early to avoid disappointment.
Moonrunner in Whinlatter Forest
Whinlatter Forest will be hosting a 10k moonlit head torch trail run this December on the 17th at 6pm. Entry includes a mug/medal, free downloadable photos, a packet of wild seeds, prizes for the top 3 men and top 3 women finishers, and more.
CBeebies: Dick Whittington and His Cat Film at Rheged
Rheged will be showing a CBeebies pantomime on screen from the 3rd to the 11th of December exploring the famous Dick Whittington and his cat. A wonderful festive film for kids and their families.
Creative Festive Workshops at Brockhole
Brockhole will be running some creative workshops from the 7th of November to the 20th of December this winter. There will be an option to add a ‘Crafternoon Tea’ along with craft sessions involving things like making handmade ceramic decorations, mosaic decorations, linocut printmaking, felt foliage leaves, glass mosaics, and more.
Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway: Tinsel Trains
At the time of writing in just mid-October, the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway “Santa Express” trains are totally sold out! So, unless there are any cancellations, I’m afraid that one is a no go for anyone who hasn’t quite booked yet. The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Tinsel Trains, however, are still an option with the online ticket window opening on the 1st of November, 2022 at 6am.
These rides involve a one-hour journey in a private compartment (£80 each and seats 4 people) and will be quite the festive experience in terms of decorations and music. Whilst onboard, adults will receive a festive beverage and cake, whilst the children will receive an age appropriate gift from Father Christmas and his elves. There are only 12 compartments on the train with just 4 timeslots (10:00, 11:30, 13:00, 14:30) available each day that it’s running: 3rd & 4th, 10th & 11th , 17th & 18th December 2022. We’d recommend logging on right on the 1st of November at 6am if you want any chance of securing a booking!
Father Christmas at Walby Farm Park
Walby Farm Park never disappoints when it comes to big holidays like Halloween and Christmas. This 2022, Father Christmas will be back visiting the farm with dates selling out quickly. In fact, as we write this in October, they note that certain weekends in December are already mostly sold out. The event organisers have truly thought of everything again this year with loads of great activities for your kids and an opportunity to meet Santa and his reindeer up close in person.
Holker Hall Winter Markets
Holker Hall is having a Winter Market on Friday 4th, 5th and 6th December on their lovely grounds. The market will be open each day from 10am to 4pm. Market stalls will feature festive goods and treats for the Christmas season with a discount on tickets if you book early.
Taste Cumbria Christmas: Cockermouth
Taste Cumbria Christmas will be taking place on Saturday the 10th and Sunday the 11th this December in Cockermouth. The food festival will feature plenty of festive market stalls with lots of fun and entertainment for the whole family.
Christmas Market Weekend at Beetham Nurseries
Beetham Nurseries is hosting an epic Christmas Market weekend this December from Thursday 1st December up until Sunday 4th December. The market will feature loads of fabulous local businesses, food and drink stands, live music, Christmas carols, a Christmas shop, freshly cut or potted Christmas trees and more!
Santa’s Grottos
The Lake District provides plenty of options of Santa’s grottos, some of which we have been detailed above and others not yet announced for the 2022 season. Keep an eye on the ones we have listed here and always refer to official websites and event organisers for the most up-to-date details.
Christmas Markets
There are loads of Christmas Markets and local town Christmas light switch-on events taking place throughout the Lake District. Normally, the light switch-ons take place in mid to late November with markets and other events taking place simultaneously and also later in December. Because there are so many and not all of the organisers have yet released their details for 2022, we encourage you to take a look at our dedicated page and, again, check with the official organisers for all the details.