Santa's Grottos & Appearances in the Lake District
Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, has temporarily left his workshop in the North Pole and is travelling around the world meeting boys and girls. He’s trying to find out whether they have been naughty or nice, and what gifts they would like for Christmas. He’s a clever chap, being able to appear in shopping centres, hotels, and even trains all around the world during the month of December. All powered by magic, and some elven elbow grease, of course.
The first Santa’s grotto took place in Liverpool in 1879 in a large department store. It was an instant hit, drawing the crowds into the store. Since then grottos have cropped up all over the world, bringing joy and excitement to millions of children each year.
Where to Meet Santa Claus in the Lake District
There are lots of opportunities to meet Santa Claus in the Lake District and Cumbria. Santa seems to be a big fan of this fantastic county, spending a lot of time meeting children here. He can be found in shopping malls, steam railways, and even on lake cruises. Parents should note that there is a charge for meeting Santa in most of the places we list here (someone has to pay the wages of all the elves after all), and it might be necessary to book in advance.
Whilst we try to maintain an accurate list, it's best to check with the official venues to ensure their festive events are still taking place. Some may or may not go ahead each year depending on funding. Most will update their websites by the early autumn, so please check early and book your place to avoid disappointment.
Would You Like to Feature Your Venue?
Should you wish to feature an event taking place at your venue in the Lake District, please get in touch via our contact page.
Santa's Secret Grotto at Ho-Ho-Honister
- Location: Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick Cumbria CA12 5XN
- When: From late November throughout December
- More Information: honister.com/product/santas-grotto
Santa's Secret Grotto at Ho-Ho-Honister Slate Mine involves a magical journey to get to Santa's secret underground grotto where you will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus himself and also receive a gift. The price also includes a festive drink and a festive snack, as well as reindeer food that you can take home for Christmas Eve.
Ambleside Light Switch On
- Location: Waterhead Pier, Lake Road, Waterhead, LA22 0EY
- When: 3rd Saturday in November
- More Information: amblesidechristmaslights.co.uk, facebook.com/Amblesidechristmaslights
Santa visits Ambleside each year to help the town with its annual Christmas light switch on festival. Not only does Santa get the honour of switching the lights on, but he also spends the day meeting passengers aboard the Windermere Lake Cruises, departing from Waterhead Pier. Each child on the cruise will receive a gift. Afterwards, join Santa as he gets back on his sleigh for a parade through the town.
Carlisle Christmas Market
- Location: Pedestrianised Area, Carlisle City Centre, Carlisle, CA1 1QS
- When: Third Sunday in December
- More Information: carlisle.gov.uk/news-and-events/carlisle-christmas-market
Carlisle bustles during the festive season with a number of events that include a Christmas lights switch on, a Christmas market and a Christmas carol parade. Santa magically transports his grotto to the city centre each year for a few days in December, inside a special marquee. Every child receives a gift, and they will meet plenty of magical beings along the way.
Cockermouth Light Switch On
- Location: Main Street, Cockermouth, CA13 9LU
- When: Last week of November
- More Information: cockermouth.org.uk/events/xmaslights.htm
Santa visits the small town of Cockermouth each November to help turn on the town’s Christmas lights. He often visits with his reindeer, and parades through the town centre, which is taken over with a fairground and charity market. Santa also sets up a temporary grotto for children to meet him and receive a present. The gifts are supplied free of charge, but donations to the town’s rotary club who run the event are appreciated.
Kendal Christmas Light Switch On
- Location: Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Kirkland, Kendal, LA9 5AL
- When: Mid to Late November
- More Information: kendaltowncouncil.gov.uk/kendal-christmas-lights-switch-on-event, facebook.com/kendalchristmaslights
In mid to late November, there is a large celebration in the centre of Kendal that culminates in the town’s Christmas lights being switched on. There are activities throughout the day, including a market, live music, and more. Santa likes to call in to the party in the afternoon with his reindeer. He lands his sleigh at the Abbot Hall Gallery where he spends some time meeting children before joining in with the town’s parade.
Hawkshead Christmas Fair
- Location: Hawkshead, LA22
- When: Early December
- More Information: hawksheadchristmasfair.co.uk, facebook.com/hawksheadchristmasfair
Hawkshead Christmas Fair usually involves a fair few market stalls for gifts and food, along with a lantern parade, live music, street performers and, of course, Mr Claus himself. Normally there is a grotto set up for children to meet Old St Nick and let him know what they would like for Christmas and he often comes to say hello to people around the market.
Keswick Victorian Fayre
- Location: Keswick, CA12
- When: Mid to Late November
- More Information: facebook.com/keswickvictorianfayre
Keswick's Victorian Fayre features a number of market stalls, selling local goods, such as handmade crafts and food in the heart of Keswick's city centre. In previous years, Santa Claus has arrived around noon at the Packhorse Court and sticks around for a couple of hours before he has to head off to the other many Lake District events!
Christmas in Cartmel
- Location: Cartmel, LA11
- When: Mid to Late November
- More Information: cartmelvillage.com/events-in-around-cartmel
Christmas in Cartmel involves a Christmas market in the centre of Cartmel with handmade crafts and delicious food. There is also live music, as well as a visit from Santa and his reindeer.
Penrith Christmas Festival
- Location: Penrith, CA11
- When: Mid to Late November
- More Information: discoverpenrith.co.uk/whats-on
The Penrith Christmas Festival usually sees a number of Christmas market stalls set up with great shopping for Christmas gifts and the town decked for Christmas with Father Christmas usually making an appearance!
Ulverston Dickensian Festival
- Location: Laurel & Hardy Museum, The Roxy, Brogden St, Ulverston, LA12 7AH
- When: End of November
- More Information: dickensianfestival.co.uk, facebook.com/ulverstondickensianfestival
The Ulverston Dickensian Festival takes place each year at the end of November. There is a huge market with traders and visitors dressed in Dickensian costume, as well as lots of other free and fun activities for the whole family. Santa likes to join in with all the fun, and he can usually be found at the Laurel and Hardy museum where for a small fee children can meet him and receive a gift. He then joins the town’s parade with his reindeer.
The Rheged Centre
- Location: Redhills, Penrith, CA11 0DQ
- When: Various dates in December
- More Information: rheged.com/event
There is so much for children to do at the Rheged Centre, so it’s not surprising that Santa likes to spend quite a lot of time there meeting with the children who visit. The Rheged Centre likes to make him feel at home, so there is a huge winter wonderland to stroll through, and children meeting Santa will receive a gift. Pre-booking is essential. In addition, the centre has numerous Christmas themed activities throughout December, so you can make it into a whole day event.
Christmas at Tullie House
- Location: Castle Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8TP
- When: First two weekends of December
- More Information: tulliehouse.co.uk/events/christmas-museum
Mr & Mrs Claus will be visiting the Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery over the first two Saturday and Sundays of December. There will be an opportunity to tell the big man himself what you want for Christmas, along with a photo opportunity, a gift from Team Claus, festive face painting, as well as an opportunity to make your own reindeer food. Other activities at the museum include Messy Play in their Community Room and a Festive Garden Hunt.
Father Christmas Tea Party at the World of Beatrix Potter
- Location: Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3BX
- When: Various dates throughout November & December
- More Information: hop-skip-jump.com/events
The World of Beatrix Potter throws a wonderfully festive afternoon tea with Father Christmas that tends to include activities, such as a viewing of a film like The Snowman, and normally, there is a balloon and a gift for every child, along with a photo opportunity with Santa. Be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
Father Christmas at Walby Farm Park
- Location: Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle, CA6 4QL
- When: Various dates throughout November & December
- More Information: walbyfarmpark.co.uk/latest-news/father-christmas-on-the-farm-now-on-sale
Walby Farm Park knows how to celebrate holidays and are the masters of celebrating Halloween and Christmas here in the Lake District. The farm goes all out with loads of festive activities, which, of course, includes a visit from Santa Claus where children can tell him what they want for Christmas, get a photo with him and also a receive a gift. There is also an opportunity to meet his reindeer up close in person with festive drinks and snacks for the whole family. A fabulously festive day out on the farm!
The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway 'Tinsel Trains'
- Location: Haverthwaite Station, Near Ulverston, LA12 8AL
- When: Various dates in December
- More Information: lakesiderailway.co.uk
A ride on a steam railway is a magical experience, and Santa is clearly a steam railway enthusiast, as he spends his weekends in December riding the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway line. Every child aboard the 'Tinsel Trains' will receive a gift, whilst accompanying adults receive a drink and a slice of Christmas cake. There are carol singers and elves to help keep you entertained during the journey. Booking opens on the 1st of November so be sure to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as each train only has 12 compartments so spaces are limited.
Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Santa Express
- Location: Ravenglass, CA18 1SW
- When: Various dates in November & December
- More Information: ravenglass-railway.co.uk
All aboard the Santa Express! Santa joins the La’al Ratty (The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway) as it chuffs through the Eskdale Valley. Board the train at Ravenglass and Santa will stroll through the train handing out presents to all the good boys and girls, along with festive treats. Parents won’t miss out either, as they will also receive a festive treat and snack aboard. Tickets normally go on sale in September or October each year and they sell out quickly.
Windermere Lake Cruises
- Location: Bowness Pier, Bowness-On-Windermere, LA23 3HQ
- When: Various dates in December
- More Information: windermere-lakecruises.co.uk
Santa loves to take time out and enjoy a relaxing cruise, and he can be found doing just that during the weekends in December at Lake Windermere. Hop aboard a heated boat departing from Bowness Pier, and you will find games, music, plus sherry and mince pies for the grown-ups. Every child will get a chance to meet Santa and receive a gift.
Keswick Launch Father Christmas Cruises
- Location: Derwent Water Foreshore, Keswick, CA12 5DJ
- When: Late November to Mid December
- More Information: keswick-launch.co.uk/cruises/father-christmas-cruises
December might be a little on the chilly side for a lake cruise, but at the weekends in December before Christmas, it’s worth wrapping up warm and hopping on board. Santa joins the Keswick Launch crew as they tour Derwent Water, providing warming festive cheer to all the passengers. Children will receive a present and adults can tuck into a mince pie with a sherry.
Dobbies Garden Centre – Carlisle
- Location: Orton Grange, Carlisle, CA5 6LB
- When: Late November & December
- More Information: dobbies.com
Dobbies Garden Centre is a few miles west of Carlisle city centre, and Santa can be spotted there for several weeks during late November and December. Children are invited to walk through a winter wonderland before heading into meet Santa, where a gift will be given. If you want to have more time with Santa, you can book into either breakfast or supper with the jolly fellow for an extra fee.
Houghton Hall Garden Centre – Carlisle
- Location: Houghton, Carlisle, CA6 4JB
- When: Late November & December
- More Information: klondyke.co.uk/static/houghton-hall-garden-centre-carlisle.html
Houghton Hall is a huge garden centre on the eastern side of Carlisle. Children wanting to meet Santa here will be taken on a fun ride through a winter wonderland, before heading into the grotto where they will receive a gift. There are usually a few of Santa’s reindeer hanging around, and for an additional fee, you can have breakfast or supper with Santa.
Hayes Garden World, Ambleside
- Location: Lake Road, Ambleside, LA22 0DW
- When: Late November to Late December
- More Information: hayesgardenworld.co.uk/event/santa-express-hayes-garden-world
Hayes Garden World is an enormous garden centre in Ambleside. Santa loves spending time amongst all the plant and marine life that can be found here, and you can visit him at the centre during late November and most of December. Visitors walk through a winter wonderland before meeting Santa, and will receive a photo capturing this special meeting. Parents who book online can let Santa know a bit about their child in advance, making the experience even more magical.
The Lakes Home Centre, Cockermouth
- Location: Low Road, Cockermouth, CA13 0HH
- When: Various dates in December
- More Information: lakeshomecentre.co.uk
The Lakes Home Centre is located on the edge of Cockermouth, selling a large collection of home furnishings, plants, and gifts. For a few days in early December, Santa visits to meet with children in the town. As well as being able to chat to Santa and receive a gift, children will also be able to do some Christmas themed crafts and have a snack in the centre’s café.
Dunmail Park Shopping Centre
- Location: Maryport Road, Workington, CA14 1NQ
- When: Various dates in December
- More Information: dunmailpark.com/whats-on
The Dunmail Park Shopping Centre on the edge of Workington is home to a supermarket, cinema, department store, and a small number of other stores. Knowing that many children are brought here by their parents doing Christmas shopping, Santa spends a few days here each December to help children escape the boredom of shopping and to give them a small gift.
Westmorland Shopping Centre, Kendal
- Location: 104-106 Stricklandgate, Kendal, LA9 4LU
- When: Various dates in December
- More Information: westmorlandshopping.com/news-events
Santa knows that charity is important, which is why he likes to devote a number of days in the run up to Christmas helping volunteer groups, including the Kendal Lions Club, who raise money for various causes. He can be found in the Westmorland Shopping Centre in Kendal, where children can have a chat with him, and parents are encouraged to donate to help good causes.
Carnegie Theatre & Arts Centre
- Location: Finkle Street, Workington, CA14 2BD
- When: From late November throughout December
- More Information: carnegietheatre.co.uk, facebook.com/CarnegieTheatre
Carnegie Theatre put on a Santa's Grotto on selected dates from late November throughout December - please refer to their official website for times, dates and costs. Aside from meeting Santa Claus, there are also a few opportunities to attend a storytime with Mrs Claus, and also have breakfast with the big man himself.
Grasmere Village Hall Christmas Market & Santa's Grotto
- Location: Broadgate, Grasmere, Ambleside LA22 9TA
- When: Early December
- More Information: facebook.com/GrasmereVillageHall
The Grasmere Village Hall is putting on a small arts & crafts market with free entry, as well as a Santa's Grotto for a very minimal fee. Children can come meet Father Christmas to tell them what they want for Christmas and get a photo with him and their parents can do a little shopping for handmade gifts and enjoy some food and drinks. The money raised will go toward the Grasmere Village Hall, as well as a conservation charity.