Christmas in the Lake District 2023 – Looking for Christmas events in the Lake District/Cumbria? Looking to visit Santa, or a Christmas market in the Lake District? See our list of fantastic Christmas events in the Lake District with kids. Also have a look at our list of suggestions for great family hotels in the Lake District.
Do check the individual websites for more info and the most up to date information.
I have included events from previous years and will hopefully be able to add dates as and when they are announced.
The Sands Centre – Peter Pan – Christmas Pantomime
Tue 12 Dec 2023 – Sun 31 Dec 2023
10:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm
TAKE A MAGICAL CARPET RIDE TO THE FAR EAST!
Let your dreams take flight at The Sands Centre this December.
Join the boy who never grows up… Peter Pan! Take part in his adventures with Wendy as they fly off to Neverland and meet some fantastical characters along the way; Tinker Bell, the Lost Children, Tiger Lily, Nana the dog, Pirates, Smee and of course Captain Hook.
Don’t miss another spectacular family pantomime from the same team behind previous Christmas productions of Aladdin, Cinderella & Beauty and the Beast.
With a star cast, impressive live music, and plenty of laughter and flying that will thrill the child in all of us. Come and see Peter Pan soar to new heights at The Sands Centre this Christmas.
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
25th Nov 2023 – 26th Nov 2023
2nd Dec 2023 – 3rd Dec 2023
9th Dec 2023 – 10th Dec 2023
16th Dec 2023 – 18th Dec 2023
20th Dec 2023 – 23rd Dec 2023
What’s on at Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway over Christmas?
Our magical Santa Express trains make a welcome return in 2023. Join us for a festive treat at the railway, where our elves will be on hand at Ravenglass to allocate your seats on the Santa Express. The 40-minute journey to Dalegarth is filled with excitement as you make your way up the valley to Dalegarth Grotto where Santa Claus and his team of helpers are on hand to welcome you including Stu Di Doo the magician and one of his festive puppets. Children will be called up to meet Santa and receive a gift from the big man himself. Children will also receive an activity pack and some festive refreshments. Grownups are not without favour and will receive a festive snack and drink whilst the train waits at Dalegarth station for the return journey back to Ravenglass.
There is also an option to add a festive feast to this very special day out:
Festive Adult Box – £8.95 Hot turkey roll with cranberry and stuffing, with pigs and blankets
Extra of chips and roast potatoes at £2.80
Festive Adult Box for Veggies – £8.95 Mushroom and leek pie, with sweet pea and mint falafel bites and cranberry sauce
Extra of chips or roast potatoes at £3.20
Children’s Box – £5.95 Pig in blankets with chips/ Chicken bites and chips /Falafal bites and chips
Muncaster Castle, The Lake District
Still waiting for details for 2023.
Muncaster Castle usually go all out for Christmas. Christmas Tea in the Castle – Come along for a festive Afternoon Tea in the run-up to Christmas this year! The ideal way to brighten those dark pre-Christmas days; meet by a roaring fire in the Great Hall decorated for Christmas for a warming glass of mulled wine or hot spiced apple. Then enjoy a special afternoon tea at your private table in one of the Castle’s elegant state rooms decked out in their festive finery.
Christmas Afternoon Tea comprises the mulled wine on arrival plus a seasonal selection of sandwiches, homemade cakes and scones with jam & cream, plus choice of tea or coffee and is served in the Castle at 2.15pm.
Also included in the price is general entry for the day to Muncaster’s Gardens and Hawk and Owl Centre (from 11am) with ‘Sky Hunters’ bird of prey display at 1.30pm PLUS entry to the Castle’s public rooms from 11.30am. Complete your day with a browse round the scenic woodlands and terraces (lovely in all seasons) and catch the display before heading back to the Castle for tea.
Lowther Castle, Penrith, Cumbria
Still waiting for details for 2023
Christmas at Lowther Castle usually includes a Christmas Market.
The World of Beatrix Potter
Still waiting for details for 2023
Who can save the magic of Christmas? Jack’s beanstalk won’t grow, Cinderella’s glass slipper is broken and what’s happened to the magic in the Fairy Godmother’s wand? It looks as though Christmas might have to be cancelled…
Join Jack, Dasher the Reindeer and Pompom the Penguin for this festive, musical, interactive adventure, as they meet Father Christmas at his home in the North Pole and help Santa Save Christmas! It’s a family show most suitable for 2-7 year olds, where every child will receive a specially wrapped present from Santa – after the most Christmassy Christmas show ever, HO-HO-HO!
Find more info at The World of Beatrix Potter.
Ullswater ‘Steamers’
See our review of Ullswater ‘Steamers’ here.
Christmas Events Lake District
Lakeside and Haverthwaite
Still waiting for details for 2023
Tinsel Trains
Lakeside and Haverthwaite -Join Father Christmas and his Railway Elves on board the LHR Tinsel Train. Take this 1 hr journey in your own private compartment from Haverthwaite to Lakeside and return.
Your compartment will be embellished with all things ‘Christmassy’ and filled with seasonal tunes, it’s the perfect environment to soak up the festive atmosphere.
Whilst onboard our Porter will serve Adults with a seasonal drink and piece of Christmas cake, while the Children receive a personally labelled, age specific present, handpicked by Father Christmas and his Railway Elves.
You must wait patiently for Father Christmas to visit your compartment. From your doorway he will give out presents to all the good children onboard. The perfect opportunity to capture a photo of the big man himself as he meets your family.
Christmas in the Lake District
Carlisle Christmas Market
Still waiting for details for 2023
Carlisle city centre is set to be transformed into a festive winter wonderland this December with the launch of a new Christmas Market.
The market will feature over 40 Alpine style chalets and festive themed trading units selling a wide range of gifts, crafts, food and drink.
Shoppers can find everything from handmade Christmas decorations to fresh macaroons, and lots more. Hot, fresh food will be available, as well as speciality food and drink to take home. In amongst the smells and tastes of the food stalls are wonderfully presented craft and gift chalets, selling handmade trinkets and presents. Christmas favourites, such as mulled wine and cheese and stocking fillers, will also be available to buy.
The Carlisle Christmas Market will be open daily.
Carlisle Christmas Lights Switch On
Still waiting for details for 2023
Local dance groups and school choirs will join celebrity acts at this year’s event. The headline celebrity acts will be announced later this year. The star-studded Christmas Lights Switch On stage will be in place in the city centre pedestrianised area, outside the Old Town Hall. Organised by Carlisle City Council, it will provide a packed family entertainment programme, to suit all ages.
The Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr Marilyn Bowman will trigger a brand-new galaxy of Christmas lights in the city centre at 5pm. The Christmas Lights Switch On is part of Carlisle’s countdown to Christmas. The annual sparkling spectacular will be held between 3.30pm and 5.30pm. Please note that times are subject to change.
Christmas Jumper Day – Race Meeting
17th December 2023
OUR CHRISTMAS JUMPER RACE DAY IS AN ALL-AROUND FAVOURITE!
We encourage you to come and embrace the festivities and get your best Christmas Jumper on.
This race day hosts the Class Two 3m1f Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle which acts as a qualifier for the Pertemps final (Grade 3) at The Cheltenham Festival. We thank Pertemps for their continued support.
Beetham Nurseries Christmas Market Weekend
Dates to be announced
Christmas is coming and we are delighted to be hosting our very first Christmas Market Weekend here at Beetham Nurseries! This free, four-day spectacular will see festive chalets housing fabulous local businesses, delicious food & drink, plenty of Christmas family fun and live music across the weekend will bring the sights, sounds and smells of the festive season alive!
Christmas Chalet Village
We are honoured and privileged to be welcoming nine local businesses to Beetham Nurseries, selling their premium products for all four days of the Christmas Market Weekend. As always, here at Beetham Nurseries we stock hundreds of freshly cut and potted Christmas trees for you to take home and adorn with beautiful twinkly lights and festive decorations.
Opening the Christmas Market on Thursday 1st December will be the children of Beetham Primary School, kicking things off with festive singing which is sure to make you feel as Christmassy as can be!
As always, Beetham Nurseries is very much a place for all the family, and the Christmas Market Weekend is no exception!
Join Kirstie in the marquee on both Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th for free, festive crafting from 10am. Enter our colouring competition in The Garden Café and look out for festive games to join in with each day.
Click here to find out all the details of the Christmas Market Weekend.
Also see out Christmas events and Christmas Markets in the UK posts.