Christmas in the Lake District 2020 – 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.
2020 has been a bit of a tricky year so far though, so things can change – do check the individual websites for more info. I have included events from last year and will hopefully be able to add dates as and when they are announced. Fingers crossed all the lovely festive events will still be able to go ahead.
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway 2020
28th November 2020 to 29th November 2020, 5th December 2020 to 6th December 2020, 12th December 2020 to 13th December 2020, 19th December 2020 to 23rd December 2020, 26th December 2020 to 3rd January 2021
FREE mince pie with every Calling All Stations Pass during the Festive period. Collect your mince pie token at the ticket desks and exchange for your free mince pie at The Turntable Café, Ravenglass Station.
Muncaster Castle, The Lake District 2020
Still waiting for details for 2020.
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 2020.
If you are an exhibitor and would like to take a stand, you should contact us now. Last year’s event was a runaway success – some producers, including one very experienced food producer, told us that it was the best market they had ever attended. Send an email please to info@lowthercastle.org asking for a booking form.
Please note that applications are now open and that this is a carefully curated event. We want to make sure that the spread is wide and that all items on sale are ‘not on the high street’ and speak of quality and charm.
See our review of Lowther Castle.
The World of Beatrix Potter
Still waiting for details for 2020.
Father Christmas Tea Party
The World of Beatrix Potter are hosting a ‘Father Christmas Tea Party’ during the dates before Christmas. You receive entry to the attraction, a party lunch, or afternoon tea, a meeting with Father Christmas with a gift for every child and a screening of The Snowman.
Peter Rabbit Tea Party in a Winter Wonderland
Ullswater ‘Steamers’
Dogs not permitted.10:30 OR 13:30 from Glenridding Pier
£16.50 per person, under 3s free
See our review of Ullswater ‘Steamers’ here.
Christmas Events Lake District
Lakeside and Haverthwaite
Still waiting for details for 2020.
Santa Specials Weekends
Join Father Christmas and his helpers on a magical family journey aboard our ‘Santa Express’. Presents for the children, festive treat and seasonal drink for the adults, with Carols and a good time for all. Take the 1hr 20min return journey between Haverthwaite & Lakeside, absorbing the festive spirit from all the colourful elves to experience a journey you’ll never forget! The excitement builds as you sit in your decorated carriage, the doors close, and on the platform is a procession of elves and of course, Father Christmas, waving to all the children as they pass.
As carols play, adults are given a festive treat and seasonal drink. You are teased while you hear a ruckus from a neighboring carriage- he must be on his way! With a boom the carriage door opens and chief elf ‘JoJo’ enters, followed by more elves the ‘panto’ atmosphere is alive, after introductions there is carol singing, getting everyone on-board into the Christmas spirit. In all the excitement, a tall figure in red enters the carriage, watch the children’s faces ‘light-up’, it’s Father Christmas! With the help of his elves he visits every child, delivering a handpicked present.
Take this magical journey and create memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime. (Please note: special fares apply. The train will pause numerous time throughout the 3 1/2 mile journey from Haverthwaite- Lakeside, to allow time for Santa to visit every child)
Christmas in the Lake District 2020
Carlisle Christmas Market 2020
Still waiting for details for 2020.
Carlisle city centre will stage an open-air festive market between Saturday 30 November and Sunday 8 December. The chalets will be based outside the Old Town Hall and will include a wide range of food, drink and gifts.
Carlisle Christmas Lights Switch On
Still waiting for details for 2020.
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.
Cinderella – Christmas Pantomime
Saturday 14 to Tuesday 31 December 2020
Relaxed Performance: Wednesday 30 December, 2pm
Welcome to the world of fairytales, where poor Cinderella is doomed to live un-happily ever after with her two horrible Ugly Sisters! Cinderella manages, with the help of her silly friend Buttons and a magical Fairy Godmother, to make all her dreams come true!
Christmas Jumper Day – Race Meeting
13th December 2020
Join us for Jumper for a Jumper Day on our last race meeting of 2020. (prize for the best Christmas jumper)
