Last updated: November 11, 2024
Get ready for a festive adventure in Carlisle with our detailed guide. For those who call Carlisle home and those just visiting, our guide is your festive companion.
Popular Events: Experience the thrill of the Kendal Mountain Festival, where adventure and outdoor films come together to celebrate the spirit of exploration during the holiday season. The Ambleside Christmas Light Switch On brightens up the town with a magical display, signaling the start of the festive cheer. And the Santa Express Train at Ravenglass is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a delightful ride through stunning scenery with the jolly man himself. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Community-driven festive light display with Santa Cruises and live music.
Ambleside Christmas Light Switch on features festive lights, Santa Cruises, a Lantern Parade, and a firework display, creating a lively atmosphere with community stalls, live music, and food outlets.
Where: Ambleside | More Info: Ambleside Christmas Light Switch on
Immersive light and sound installations inspired by Sizergh's estate.
Winter at Sizergh offers an immersive nature-themed light and sound experience around the Knoll, designed by local artists. Explore the estate's winter wildlife, discover the story of Christmas past in the House, and get creative with festive crafts in the Great Barn.
Where: Sizergh | More Info: Winter at Sizergh
Local artisan producers and live music in an Alpine-inspired setting.
Beetham Nurseries Christmas Markets feature local businesses, live music, festive decorations, and delicious food and drink in an Alpine-inspired shopping village.
Where: Beetham | More Info: Beetham Nurseries Christmas Markets
Traditional village market with live music and local crafts.
The Hawkshead Christmas Fair is a traditional family event featuring over 50 stalls with handmade crafts, local produce, and unique gifts. Live street music and carol singers create a lively atmosphere, while festive decorations enhance the village's charm.
Where: Hawkshead | More Info: Hawkshead Christmas Fair
Local artisans and crafts.
Explore Kendal's Christmas Market at Stramongate, featuring an array of local artisans, crafts, and seasonal delights.
Where: Kendal | More Info: Christmas Market, Stramongate, Kendal
Santa meets children aboard a steamer on Lake Windermere.
Embark on a delightful Santa Cruise in Ambleside, where Father Christmas meets children aboard a steamer amidst morning mists on Lake Windermere. Entertainment includes Snow Queen attendants, making the journey a joyful experience for all.
Where: Ambleside | More Info: Ambleside Christmas Lights Santa Cruise
Whimsical tale with intricate orchestral arrangements.
Iain Farrington's Scary Fairy Saves Christmas is a delightful musical piece that brings to life a whimsical tale with intricate orchestral arrangements, blending humor and charm.
Where: Kendal | More Info: Farrington's Scary Fairy Saves Christmas
Interactive puppet show celebrating individuality and creativity.
The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin is a heartwarming and humorous show about an enthusiastic inventor who dreams of meeting penguins in Antarctica. Featuring puppets, acting, movement, and song, it explores individuality and communication through quirky songs and sound effects.
Where: Kendal | More Info: The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin
Unique owl flight displays under the night sky.
Join Muncaster Hawk & Owl Centre for a special evening with owls, featuring a two-course meal, expert commentary, and a guided tour under candlelight.
Where: Ravenglass | More Info: Silent Night: a festive evening with owls at Muncaster
Live music and 3-course meal in the elegant Greta Suite.
Join us for a lively evening with live music by Glen Anderson, featuring party anthems and feel-good classics, accompanied by a sumptuous 3-course meal and tea/coffee.
Where: Keswick | More Info: Party Night with Glen Anderson
Largest-ever festival program with diverse events and activities.
Kendal Mountain Festival is a four-day celebration of adventure, culture, nature, and exploration, featuring over 200 live sessions including 300 speakers, 180 films, and 80 activities.
Where: Kendal | More Info: Kendal Mountain Festival
Interactive Santa meet-and-greet with festive treats.
Join the Santa Express Train at Ravenglass for a 40-minute journey to Dalegarth Grotto, where Santa Claus and his team welcome you. Children meet Santa, receive gifts, and activity packs, while grown-ups enjoy festive snacks and drinks.
Where: Ravenglass | More Info: Santa Express Train at Ravenglass
Hands-on Georgian Christmas crafts and historical holiday insights.
Celebrate Christmas with traditional Georgian crafts, gingerbread decorating, and insights into the Wordsworth family's holiday traditions.
Where: Grasmere | More Info: A Georgian Christmas at Wordsworth Grasmere
Interactive Christmas activities with real reindeer and festive food.
At Walby Farm Park, meet Father Christmas and his friends for a day filled with interactive activities like visiting passport control, making reindeer food, and decorating gingerbread biscuits. Enjoy real reindeer encounters, post letters to Father Christmas, and participate in various workshops and photo opportunities.
Where: Walby | More Info: Santa on the farm, Walby farm park
Interactive train-themed journey with Santa.
At Dobbies Garden Centre in Carlisle, children can embark on a Little Seedlings train-themed journey, interacting with woodland characters and meeting Santa Claus. The experience includes snowy scenes, hidden nutcrackers, and a professional photo opportunity. Each child receives a wrapped gift from Santa.
Where: Carlisle | More Info: Santa’s Grotto, Dobbies, Carlisle
Interactive Christmas experience with Santa and reindeer.
Hayesville Christmas Grotto at Hayes Garden World offers a colorful Christmas experience with reindeer sing-alongs, games, and a chance to see Santa. Visitors can play games, find hidden presents, and enjoy a private visit with Santa.
Where: Ambleside | More Info: Hayesville Christmas Grotto at Hayes Garden World
Personalized gift-giving experience with Santa.
Meet Father Christmas at Holker Hall, where children can share their wishes and receive a special gift. Activities include making reindeer food with the elves.
Where: Holker | More Info: Holker Hall Christmas Grotto
Craft a unique, personalized wreath with professional techniques.
Create your own stunning Christmas wreath under the guidance of Bluebell & Ivy's expert florists using fresh, seasonal materials. This workshop is an opportunity to unleash your creativity and take home a personalized masterpiece.
Where: Bowness-on-Windermere | More Info: Christmas Wreath Making, Bowness-on-Windermere
Family-friendly festive forest walk with festive songs and decorating.
Join Whinlatter Forest for a fun-filled family walk, led by jolly rangers, featuring festive songs and decorating. Dogs on leads welcome; all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Where: Braithwaite | More Info: Whinlatter Welly Walk
