‘Christmas Fayres in Cumbria’
Keswick Victorian Fayre
1st December, 10:30am – 4pm
This is an outdoor event come rain, shine or snow so do please keep warm. If you’re looking for family, fun and festive entertainment then this is the place for you. Gaze at Victorian costumes, a nativity scene, the arrival of Santa and Mrs Claus in a reindeer-drawn sleigh. There is also a children’s funfair, live music and dance performances and the event comes to a close with a carol service. This is a spectacular day that will warm away any wintry chills. Bring your purse too, as there will be over 30 charity stalls, selling a selection of Christmas homemade crafts, produce, festive food and drink – delicious!
Orton Christmas Farmers’ Market
14th December
Set in the remote north Cumbrian village of Orton near Penrith, this farmer’s market is very popular throughout the year. And the 30 stalls the second Saturday of the seasonal month will be as popular as ever. Offering a wide variety of fresh local produce from seasonal veg and outdoor reared meats to artisan and award-winning pies, relishes and cakes, this is the perfect place to stock up whilst on a self-catering holiday. Do wrap up warm as this is an outdoor market in an un-sheltered location. Rheged Discovery Centre is not far away to warm up. Plus there are a couple of pubs in the village where you can enjoy an open fire and a good pint.
Santa Express, Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway
Saturday 30th November 2019 until Sunday 15th December (please see exact dates below)
This annual event is perhaps the most popular Christmas day out in the Lake District for families. It is worth knowing about early as booking is essential and places are limited.
The Santa Express offers 90 minutes of fun-filled festive entertainment when you and your family join the Santa Express, it’s as though you’re part of a festive panto. From elves carol singing as they dish out festive drinks to parents and then with much anticipation, the man in the red suit arrives in the carriage next door.
Before the steam train journey from Lakeside to Haverthwaite is over, all children choose a gift from Father Christmas. Truly a fun and interactive Christmas even not to be missed this year.
Whilst here isn’t a Christmas market as such here at Lakeside Railway, for Thomas The Tank Engine fans and train fanatics, nip into the gift shop to pick up stocking fillers and Christmas pressies, whilst excited little nippers are distracted
This event takes place on Saturday 30th November, Sunday 1st December 2019, Saturday 7th December 2019, Sunday 8th December 2019, Saturday 14th December 2019, Sunday 15th December 2019 – limited availability – booking essential.
Windermere – Christmas Celebration
Saturday 14th December 2019 – 10am to 6pm & Sunday 15th December 2019 – 10am to 4pm
This year marks the fourth year for this wonderful festive event and welcomes for the first time to an outdoor ice-skating rink! The Windermere Christmas Celebration promises snow cannons, Santa’s Grotto, live music and a record-number of local and national stallholders.
You don’t need to be staying in Windermere to enjoy an easy visit to this festive event. There is a shuttle bus provided for the duration of the event running from Windermere Lake Cruises Pier 1 in Bowness. You’ll find food, drink and craft with a festive theme across over 50 stalls.
Holker Hall Celebrates Christmas
Fri 29th November – Sun 1stDecember, Thurs 5th – Sun 8th December & Thurs 12th – Sun 15th December 2019. 11am-4pm.
Enjoy a wander through the Hall and gardens which are decorated beautifully for this festive season. The place is a treat for romantics and kids will love the visit from Santa as well as interactive festive activities.
If there’s frost or snow on the ground, then the experience of Christmas on a grand English country estate is experienced even more.
Dickensian Christmas Festival, Ulverston
23rd and 24th November
Just before the start of advent experience the famous Ulverston Christmas lights ‘switch on’ and the wonderful Dickensian Festival
Ulverston, on the Lake District border and just outside of Windermere and this historic market town doesn’t hold back when it comes to entertaining. In fact, Ulverston is known locally as a ‘festival town’ owing to its busy annual events line-up, including the famous Dickensian Christmas Festival.
Take a trip down memory lane and experience a Victorian Christmas during the town’s weekend-long Dickensian Christmas Festival.
This year’s festivities are packed with entertainment for kids and adults alike. The fancy dress competitions are the main event and there’s costume to hire locally so you can get into the festive spirit. Of course, there’s a Santa’s Grotto at the Laurel and Hardy Museum and a marquee where little ones can learn circus tricks.
The Christmas light countdown time is TBC but generally is around 4pm on the 24th.