Ho ho ho! Christmas 2023 is upon us and there is no shortage of festive events taking place this December in the Lake District!
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Christmas Markets & Events
The Christmas Light Switch Ons all took place in November, however, there are plenty of Christmas Markets & Events still to come in the Lake District, which we have listed below for ease:
Rydal Mount Christmas Fair
The Rydal Mount Christmas Fair is taking place between the 2nd and the 3rd of December from 10am-4pm each day at the former home of William Wordsworth. The event will include live music, mulled wine, mince pies, and local trade stands with festive goods for purchase.
Hawkshead Christmas Fair
The Hawkshead Christmas Fair is taking place between the 2nd and 3rd of December between 10am and 4pm. There is a lantern parade, a Christmas market, as well as a visit from Santa!
Holker’s Christmas Grotto
From the 2nd of December onward Holker Hall is hosting Santa Claus at their estate with a Mini Grotto for children. Join for a hot beverage or juice, along with a mince pie and get your photo with the Merry Man himself. You’ll want to be sure to book a space, as Santa is a popular fella this time of year!
Lindeth Howe Hotel Christmas Market
Lindeth Howe Hotel Christmas Market will take place on Sunday 3rd December from 11am to 4pm and will showcase local crafts and handmade items – the perfect opportunity to find your loved ones the perfect Christmas gift.
Keswick Victorian Fayre
The Keswick Victorian Fayre will be taking place on Sunday the 3rd of December starting around 10.15am and will include a series of live music, a visit from Father Christmas, as well as various other events to kickstart the festive season.
Grasmere Village Hall Christmas Market
Grasmere Village Hall Christmas Market is also taking place on Sunday the 3rd of December with local tradesman selling their crafts, a raffle and even a Santa’s Grotto. The event will take place from 10am to 5pm in – you guessed it! – the Grasmere Village Hall.
Beetham Nurseries Christmas Market Weekend
Beetham Nurseries will be having their usual Christmas market from 30th November to 3rd December and again from 7th December to 10th December. There will be artisan producers, as well as a local producers. Additionally, you’ll find live music, Christmas trees for sale, festive crafts, warming drinks and plenty more.
Taste Cumbria Christmas: Cockermouth
The Taste Cumbria Christmas in Cockermouth is nearly upon us with trade stands centering on food to take away as gifts, as well as food to eat then and there. The festival will take place between the 9th and 10th of December. There will also be loads of Christmassy events taking place in Cockermouth this weekend with gingerbread making workshops, opportunities to send Santa a letter, face-painting and more!
Christmas at Tullie House
Tullie House has a load of great Christmas events throughout the month of December, including Christmas at the Museum where you can meet Mr & Mrs Claus, explore a festive garden trail, enjoy some festive crafts, get your face painted and more. They are also putting on a few Christmas Family Crafts sessions, including tissue paper stained-glass baubles, 3D paper Christmas trees, recycled Christmas star decorations. Head over to their events page to check the dates, times, prices and book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
Santa’s Grottos in the Lake District
In addition to all the great Christmas markets and festivities going on, there are plenty of opportunities to see Santa Claus in the Lake District to thank him for all the gifts he has sent you over the years and get a photo with him. Check out our guide to Santa Claus Appearances in the Lake District.
Many of these may be taking place at the markets we have described in the first section, however, there are a fair few that are stand-alone Santa’s grottos that may be worth checking out. The more popular ones may already be fully booked but there will be plenty of Santa Claus opportunities still available.
Christmas Lunches at Dalemain
Dalemain, home of the famous Marmalade Festival, is hosting a series of Christmas Lunches for the 30th of November to the 18th of December with a special festive menu. The house will be festooned with traditional Christmas decorations and will have a roaring fire to complete the mood. Booking is absolutely essential.
Dove Cottage Poets Reading
The Dove Cottage Poets Reading is taking place on the 17th of December from 2-2.30pm at the Windermere Jetty Museum. This will include a live reading of poems by the Dove Cottage Poets. The reading is free with entrance to the museum.
Forty Farms Outdoor Exhibition Trail
The Forty Farms Outdoor Exhibition Trail is a unique outdoor exhibition where you can follow a family-friendly trail, as well as enjoy a series of photographs that showcase farm life and the local history. The event runs from November until Easter 2024 and open each day from 9am to 5.30pm, except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. Best of all, there is free entry with plenty of parking.
Lakeland Arts: December Events at Blackwell & the Windermere Jetty Museum
Lakeland Arts are putting on a few great events in the month of December, including Meet the artist: Halima Cassell on 9 December from 12-3pm at Blackwell, Halima Cassell: Live demonstration on 10 December from 10am-3pm also at Blackwell, and Drop – in family activities from 20 December to 2 January from 10am to 4pm at the Windermere Jetty Museum.