Cumbria enthusiast Ian John looks ahead to the county’s festive-themed events.
The Lakeland fells have an irresistible allure during the winter. Whether it’s a dusting of snow giving the landscape an undeniable festive feel, or enjoying the quieter season hunkering around a warming drink in one of the region’s many excellent coffee shops, there are plenty of winter-friendly attractions to attract festive holidaymakers.
Visiting at this time of the year can give even the most experienced Cumbrian visitor a new perspective of what makes this beautiful part of north-west England so special. In addition to the great winter walks, there are many Christmas-themed celebrations – making a trip at this time of year unforgettable. Here are some of Cumbria’s Christmas highlights:
1. Santa Cruise & Evening Christmas Parade
Sat 24th November, 10:00 – 20:00 at Bowness on Windermere. £11 adults, £6.50 children.
Travel on Lake Windermere from Bowness and meet fellow passengers Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit on your trip to see Santa! Each child will get to meet Father Christmas and receive a special gift while Beatrix Potter reads A Winters Tale to all aboard. The day finishes with a carol concert, winter lights parade, mince pies, mulled wine in Queens Park and a huge fireworks display.
> Discover more with Walks Around Windermere and Kendal
2. Santa’s Grotto
Each weekend until Sun 16th December, then from Thurs 20th until Mon 24th December inclusive at Carlisle Tourist Information Centre. £3.50 per child.
Santa returns to Carlisle in his specially-made grotto, meeting children to hear their Christmas wishes! Each child will receive a specially-wrapped gift from Father Christmas.
> Follow Father Christmas with the Santa Map
3. Victorian Tours at Muncaster Castle
9th, 16th, 21st, 27th and 28th December – pre-booking advised. Adults £6.50, children £3.50.
Enjoy this fantastic old castle illuminated and decorated for Christmas on a guided tour taken by servants in period costume and in character. Learn more about the history of the castle and its owner, the sleeping Lord Muncaster, while enjoying a glass of mulled wine and mince pie.
> Discover more Lake District gems with Time Out
4. The Santa Express
Weekends of 1st and 2nd, 8th and 9th, 15th and 16th December, plus Thurs 20th to Sun 23rd December at Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway – pre-booking advised.
Book your tickets on the magical Santa Express to meet Father Christmas and discover his beautiful grotto. Set in the beautiful Eskdale region, this is a hugely popular narrow gauge railway event – pre-booking early is wise if you plan to make the trip.
> Spruce up your festive greetings with the Cavallini Santa Christmas Mailing Set
5. A Magical Winter Wonderland at Walby Farm Park
Every weekend from Sat 1st until Sun 23rd Dec, plus Fri 21st Dec 10:00 until 18:00. Adults £6.95, children £4.50.
Bring the magic of the Nativity to life at Walby Farm Park, where a team of actors include plenty of real life animals to bring to life the Christmas story for children like never before. Each day sees several Nativity plays, carol services, ‘snowtime’ and the chance to enjoy all the farm’s other animals, as well as a chance to visit Santa in his grotto.
> Discover the animals that shouldn’t be friends but are this Christmas
6. Christmas International Market
Wed 5th to Sun 9th December, Carlisle City Centre.
If you enjoy a spot of Christmas shopping then Carlisle’s Christmas International Market is well worth a visit. Each year the market boasts a large number of Christmas-themed stalls, from as far afield as Thailand, India, South Africa, France, Spain and Germany – all selling a number of festive gift ideas from around the world.
Of course, if you’re in the Lake District then walking is always a great option and a Christmas amble around the country is well worth the effort. Tarn Hows by Coniston offers easy walking for the family as you can drive to the top – then it’s just a short walk along a circular pathway to stunning views of the region. Other great winter walks to consider include Ruskin’s View in Kirby Lonsdale, Holme Fell in Coniston and High Dam in Windermere.
> Explore the Lake District with the AA’s set of 30 short walks cards
Want to discover more of Cumbria and the Lake District? Browse our range of Lake District maps and travel guides.