Christmas Festivities in the Lake District

Are you visiting the Lake District in December for the day or thinking of taking a festive break? There’s so much for you to see and do in Cumbria this winter that it might be hard to know where to start! Don’t worry, though; we’ve put together our festive event round-up below to help you plan your Christmas 2021 activities and events for all the family.

CHRISTMAS FAYRES & MARKETS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

Below you will find a list of all the current Christmas fayres and markets in the Lake District in 2021. At the time of writing, all of these fayres are going ahead, but please double-check each events website before heading to the event in case restrictions change during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

CHRISTMAS IN CARTMEL, 26TH NOVEMBER 2021

Join the local community for Christmas in Cartmel and stock up with your favourite local treats in time for Christmas or perhaps purchase some last-minute gifts. Held in the famous Unsworth’s Yard, it would be rude not to sample local ales from the Yard or enjoy some unique flavours from Cartmel Cheese!

ULVERSTON DICKENSIAN FESTIVAL, 27TH AND 28TH NOVEMBER 2021

Charles Dickens’s famous tale ‘A Christmas Carol’ is brought to life in Ulverston Town Centre each year for the Ulverston Dickensian Festival. With stallholders dressed in traditional Dickensian costume, live entertainment, delicious street food, and the festival’s highlight – the grand parade. You’ll find some fantastic Christmas gifts at the market, so be prepared for a spot of Christmas shopping!

HAWKSHEAD CHRISTMAS FAIR, 4TH AND 5TH DECEMBER 2021

Join the Hawkshead community at their annual Christmas Fair this December from 10 am till 4 pm. Stroll through the streets packed with independent sellers, tasting local delicacies on offer. From 4 pm on Saturday 4th, a magical lantern parade will take place throughout the town, an extraordinary way to start your festive season.

KESWICK VICTORIAN FAYRE, 5TH DECEMBER 2021

This Victorian Fayre is located just 30 minutes drive from The Daffodil in the countryside town of Keswick. Stallholders will be dressed in traditional Victorian attire selling a selection of Christmas crafts and produce. There’s live bands, a choir and entertainment for the children to ensure a fun-filled day out.

CHRISTMAS FAYRE AT RYDAL MOUNT, 11TH AND 12TH DECEMBER 2021

If you’re a literary enthusiast, you may want to check out the Christmas Fayre at Rydal Mount, Wordsworth’s former home. Browse the stalls of some of the country’s best artists and artisans while enjoying live music and mulled wine. Hosted by Wordsworth’s great-great-great-great grandsons, Christopher Andrew and Simon Bennie, this fayre is not one to be missed!

TASTE CUMBRIA CHRISTMAS, 11TH AND 12TH DECEMBER 2021

Tuck into some incredible food in the heart of the Lake District in Cockermouth this December. Taste Cumbria brings together incredible local produce, local ales and a hot food court alongside live music on a festival stage and plenty of family-friendly activities over the two-day event.

CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH-ON IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

If you want to catch some Christmas sparkle, below we cover the Christmas lights switch on happening across the Lake District.

AMBLESIDE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Despite there being no formal light switch on due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you will still be able to walk the stunning streets of Ambleside to see the beautiful lights and decorations around the village.

KENDAL CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON

The Kendal Christmas lights switch-on is usually one not to miss! Gather in the historic Market Square on Saturday 27th November to enjoy the lights and live music before heading off for a spot of Christmas shopping.

COCKERMOUTH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON

Cockermouth invites you to celebrate their town’s light switch on event on Sunday 21st November from 2 pm-6 pm. With so much for the family to get involved in, including a funfair, real reindeers and a giant snow globe, you’ll want to spend the entire day there!

THINGS TO DO IN THE LAKE DISTRICT IN DECEMBER

Watching light’s switch on and visiting Christmas markets isn’t the only thing to do in the Lake District this winter season. There are plenty of other fun winter attractions to do when you visit the Lake District for your well-deserved break.

EXPLORE THE LAKE DISTRICT SCENERY

The Lake District is world-renowned for its walking trails, so why not take advantage of the stunning scenery and take the family on invigorating winter walks during your visit. Don’t let the cold weather put you off from getting out and enjoying the great outdoors, not when some of the best walks around Grasmere are on The Daffodil Hotel’s doorstep.

ENJOY A FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA

Sit by a roaring fire and enjoy views of the Lake District in winter while you tuck into a  at The Daffodil Hotel. Enjoy seasonal delights such as turkey and bacon sliders, Rudolph’s cranberry frosted nose, coconut snowman, festive wreath cookies and cranberry and orange scones while the day passes you by in a relaxed haze.

DO SOME CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

Set in the heart of the Lake District on the shores of Grasmere, the Daffodil Hotel is the perfect place for you to stay as you do your Christmas shopping. Take advantage of some of the best shops and local produce the Lakes offers from towns like Grasmere, Windermere, Ambleside, Keswick and Kendal. Stop for lunch in one of the cosy traditional pubs before continuing with the rest of your shopping adventure.

GO ON A BOAT RIDE IN BOWNESS ON WINDERMERE

Surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views of Lake District mountains, make your way to the lakeside of Bowness on Windermere for a boat ride around the lake. One of the more unusual winter activities on our list, a boat ride on the lake, is one of the best vantage points to see the surrounding scenery in late December.

ENJOY THE FESTIVE SEASON IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

With plenty of attractions remaining open this year, make the most of a sunny winter morning, afternoon or evening and enjoy the very best of the Lake District this festive season.