Ambleside Community Christmas Lights & Switch On
Visitors can watch the lantern procession as Father Christmas switches on the town's festive illuminations. Market Cross features community stalls, live music, and an official mulled wine and mince pie stand. Families can also explore a fun zone featuring fair rides, kids' entertainment, and food outlets.
What to Expect
Lantern procession with Father Christmas switching on the town lights.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Town Centre
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Ambleside Christmas Lights Committee
Food & Drink
Food stalls and outlets are available by the school, with an official mulled wine and mince pie stall at Market Cross.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and visitors looking for a festive community event
Vibe
Festive and community-focused
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Know Before You Go
- Parking: No designated parking is available. The page recommends public transport and lists three town car parks.
Tips & Advice
- Take the bus if you can, since there's no designated parking and buses from Kendal and Keswick run hourly into the centre of town.
- If you drive, park considerately around town, because traffic wardens will be out on the day.
- Buy your mulled wine and mince pies at the official Market Cross stall, because all its profits go back into funding the lights.
- Bring some coins for the collection buckets, since the whole event depends on donations, collections on the day and year-round fundraising.
- Head to the Gables Hotel for the start of the lantern procession, where Father Christmas sets off to switch on the lights around town.
Special Events & Promotions
- No firework display this year; the event returns to its roots with the lantern switch-on parade.
- Two Christmas cruises with Windermere Lake Cruises leave Waterhead Pier on the day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
- Extra toilet facilities are being added for the day.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be fireworks this year?
No. This year the event goes back to its traditional roots and focuses on the switch-on parade, so there's no firework display.
What is there for children?
The Children's Fun Zone runs all day in the school playground on Vicarage Road. It has Taylors Fun Fair, kids' entertainment, stalls and food outlets.
Where should I park?
There's no designated event parking. The three main car parks are Rydal Road, Lake Road and Miller Bridge Town Centre. Hourly buses from Kendal and Keswick drop you in the centre of town.
What food and drink is there?
There are food stalls and outlets down by the school. The only official mulled wine and mince pie stall is in Market Cross, and its profits help fund the lights. Plenty of eateries and pubs stay open into the evening too.
Are there Christmas cruises?
Yes. Windermere Lake Cruises runs two Christmas cruises on the day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Both leave from Waterhead Pier.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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