Christmas events Cumbria 2024

Summer might not be over yet but many of the Christmas events below are already available to book. Find all the Christmas events Cumbria 2024 below. I’m sure there will be many more events in the Lake District and I’ll add them as the details are released over the next few months so save this page and keep coming back. Find more Christmas Events North West here.

I’ve done my best to add the details of all these events accurately and keep it up to date but I strongly advise you to click through and check on the organiser’s website to ensure the dates and times have not changed. Some of these events require pre-booking so I’d recommend you do that as soon as you decide you want to in order to avoid disappointment.

If you know of an event that I need to add to the list please drop me an email info@northwestforkids.co.uk

These are all the Christmas events I can find in the Lake District. If you’re just looking for visit Santa experiences then you need this post – Where to visit Santa Cumbria.

Walby farm park – limited details for 2024

When – Selected dates from 23rd November – 24th December 2024

Tickets include a visit to Father Christmas on his farm, meet real reindeer, snow time fun, enchanted forest with 3d glasses to wear, decorate gingerbread, make reindeer food and a naughty or nice machine!

Meet Father Christmas himself (group session for 15 mins, including time for individual photographs). Children can exchange a magical golden coin for a gift in the Elves’ Toyshop. You can also make your own cuddly Teddie in our Teddie-Tastic workshop.

Book here – Christmas with Kids in Cumbria 2024 | Walby Farm Park

Father Christmas tea party, The World of Beatrix Potter – book now for 2024

When – 14th -15th December 2024.

Where – The Laundrama, Rayrigg Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3BZ

The event takes place in the Laundrama party venue which is just across from the Attraction on Rayrigg Road.

Your ticket includes:

• Entry to the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction (between 10 am – 4.30 pm) on the day of the party
• A festive Afternoon Tea (please advise in advance of special dietary requirements)
• A screening of The Snowman film
• A balloon for every child
• A gift for every child
• A photo opportunity for every child with Father Christmas
• The party lasts around 75 minutes.  A visit to the Attraction takes around 45 – 60 minutes.

Cost – Baby (under 12 months) £7.50, Child (age 1-2) £20, Child (age 3-16) £26, Adult £31

Book your tickets here – Christmas events world of Beatrix Potter

Ambleside Christmas lights 2024 – Tickets for the Santa cruise on sale 1st October 2024

When – 16th November 2024

Where – Ambleside town centre

There will be a Christmas market and entertainment zone all day. There will also be Santa cruises from Waterhead pier (prebooking essential). At 4pm Santa will take a sleigh ride around the town centre before the lantern parade at 4:30pm. All wrapped up with a firework display in Rothay park.

Find out more here – Ambleside Christmas Lights

Santa’s Grotto, Dobbies, Carlisle – no details yet for 2024

When – 25th November to 24th December 2023, selected dates

Price – £11.99 per child

Take in the atmosphere as you walk through our enchanting forest. An elf will guide you to find our Little Seedlings characters along the way before arriving in our wildlife forest clearing where the little ones will make a special item to take home

Your experience will then continue with a chance to meet Santa Claus – children are encouraged to share their excitement, wishes and stories before receiving their gift.

Book here – Dobbies Santa’s Grotto

Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Hayes garden world, Ambleside – no details yet for 2024

Where – Hayes Garden World, Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0DW

When – Selected dates from November 3rd – 23rd December 2023

Pick up an activity sheet and Embark on a journey through the wardrobe to a magical icy wonderland, see if you can find the golden keys Mr beaver has hidden, but don’t forget to play all the fun snowball and fishing games along the way.

Look out for Aslan and his friends but beware of the white Frosty witch with her polar bears.

Finally post your ticket and eagerly await the Elf to take you to see the big man himself in his cosy grotto, tell him all your Christmas wishes before receiving your present and book.

Price – Baby 0 – 2 years £16, Children 2 – 16 years £22, Adults £4

Book here – Santa’s Winter Wonderland | Hayes Garden World

Santa’s Grotto at Honister slate mine – no details yet for 2024

When – from 18th November – 23rd December 2023, selected dates

Where – Honister Slate Mine, Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XN

Your adventure to Santa’s underground secret grotto begins at the Honister Slate Mine, where you’ll be greeted by Santa’s chief Elf helper, Holly Sparklefoot, your warm-hearted and mischievous guide who knows the secrets of this extraordinary place. Holly is known for her boundless enthusiasm and her magical ability to find hidden paths and passages within the mine.

As you board the bus and ascend the mountain path, you’ll be filled with excitement, knowing that this adventure will be like no other. Upon reaching the entrance, Holly will lead you into the secret wonderland, through tunnels and passages known only to the elves and a few lucky visitors.

As you venture deep into the mountain, keep a watchful eye out for the mystical creatures that call this underground realm home. Some say they are guardians of the mine’s secrets, guiding those with pure hearts on their quest to meet Santa Claus.

The real enchantment begins as you step into the secret underground winter wonderland, a place of twinkling lights and cosy nooks where the elves work tirelessly to create toys and gifts for children around the world. You may even catch a glimpse of these merry workers if you’re quiet and quick enough.

Next, you’ll come to the place where Santa keeps his sleigh hidden, ready for his journey on Christmas Eve. The legend says that the mine’s ancient tunnels are Santa’s secret pathways, allowing him to visit every corner of the world on his sleigh.

Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for arrives. In a magnificent, glowing cavern, you’ll meet Santa Claus himself. Gather around and share your Christmas wishes, and receive a special gift from Santa, a token of the magic you’ve discovered on this exciting underground adventure.

Tickets – £17.50 per adult, £20 per child, under 1s £5

Book here – Ho-Ho-Honister’s Secret Grotto – Honister

Santa Express, Ravenglass and Eskdale – No details yet for 2024

When – 25th – 26th Nov 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th,18th, 20th – 23rd December 2023

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.

Tickets from £22.50

Find out more here – Santa Express | Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Tinsel trains at Lakeside and Haverthwaite railway – no details yet for 2024

When – 2nd & 3rd, 9th & 10th , 16th & 17th December 2023

Where – Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Co. Ltd, Haverthwaite Station, Nr Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 8AL

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 snack, 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.

Tickets – £100 for a compartment for up to 4 people.

Book here – Tinsel Trains 2023

Mini grotto at Holker Hall – No details yet for 2024

When – 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 22nd and 23rd December 2023

Children can visit the mini Grotto where Santa will be waiting for you to tell him your Christmas wishes, join us for a hot drink or juice with a mince pie and a special gift from Santa, along with a photo opportunity.

Book here – Holker’s Christmas Grotto – Holker Hall

Santa breakfast, lunch or tea at South Lakes safari zoo – No details yet for 2024

Selected dates from 16th – 24th December 2023

Enjoy a meal, a gift from Santa and all the following

• Wooden Keepsake Christmas Eve Box for your group, filled with contents to make your Christmas truly magical
• Reindeer Meet, Greet and Feeding with photo opportunity (have your cameras ready!)
• Lemur Feeding
• Giraffe Feeding
• Hot chocolate
• Festive ice cream (for the kids)
• Tales from Mrs Claus
• Zoo Admission for the entire day

£35 a ticket

Find out more and book here – Christmas at South Lakes Safari Park

Santa’s Grotto at The Swan – No details yet for 2024

Where – The Swan Hotel & Spa, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8NB

When – Every weekend from 18th November – 24th December 2023.

This Grotto, is adorned with twinkling lights and festive decor, sets the perfect backdrop for meeting Santa.

For just £10 per child, your little ones will be greeted with warmth and cheer by the jolly old man, and each child will receive a special gift as a cherished memory of their visit. 

Book here – Santa’s grotto Swan Hotel

Lunch with Santa at The Swan – No details yet for 2024

Where – The Swan Hotel & Spa, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8NB

When – 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th December 2023.

Treat your little ones to a delightful two-course meal, brimming with scrumptious flavors and festive delights, all for just £20 per child and £25 per adult.

As they indulge in a delectable spread, Santa himself will make a grand appearance, spreading cheer and joy amongst the young guests. Each child will receive a special gift from Santa, adding an extra touch of enchantment to their experience

Book here – Santa at The Swan

Christmas Markets

Find all the Christmas markets North West here. It includes some in the Lakes and some further south in other regions of the North West

Tinsel at Theatre by the Lake – book now for 2024

When – 10th – 28th December 2024

Tinsel is the tale of one magical little boy who dreams of being the fairy on top of the Christmas tree! He can sing, dance, and wear a sparkly tiara as well as anyone else can. But to get to the top, he’ll have to convince a whole tree of doubting baubles, naughty elves, and a naysaying nutcracker that anyone can shine if they’re just given the chance!

Tickets £12, under 16s £10

Suitable for children aged 3 and over

Book here – Tinsel – Theatre by the Lake

Sunday lunch with Santa, Inn on the Lake – No details yet for 2024

When – 10th and 17th December 2023

Where – Inn on the Lake, Ullswater, Glenridding, Penrith, GCA11 0PE

Cost – Children – £20.50, Adults – £33.50

Enjoy a 3 course Sunday lunch and meet Father Christmas who will have a present for all the children.

Book here – Sunday Lunch with Santa at Inn on the Lake

The little Mermaid Pantomime – 2024, tickets on sale now

When – 29th & 30th December 2024

Where – Rheged centre, Redhills, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0DQ

Dive under the sea with us this festive season and enjoy a fresh, fantastical spin on this classic tale. Full of colourful characters, sensational songs, lots of laughter and more fun than you can shake a flipper at, join us in an underwater kingdom like no other!

Prepare to be enchanted by the Little Mermaid’s vibrant spirit, as our modern heroine embarks on an adventure, meeting colourful characters along the way that audiences of all ages will adore.

The Little Mermaid will include all the usual panto-wonderfulness – an enchanting story, goodies to cheer, baddies to boo, songs to sing along to and of course heaps of joining-in silliness, making it perfect for all the family.

Cost – Adults £12, children £10

Book here – The Little Mermaid | Christmas Live Pantomime | Rheged

Sleeping beauty, The Forum, Barrow – book now for 2024

When – 13th – 30th December 2024

Charming Entertainment Presents: Sleeping Beauty

Barrow’s 2024 Christmas Pantomime!

Book here – Sleeping Beauty – The Forum Barrow

at The Sands Centre, Carlisle – no details yet for 2024

When – 12th – 31st December 2023

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.

Book here – Peter Pan | The Sands Centre, Carlisle

Christmas at Grizedale – no details yet for 2024

When – 9th December 2023

Enjoy festive food and drink, wreath making sessions, open art studios, drop in family crafts, small selection of real Christmas trees, Zog Christmas trail and family Christmas adventure.

Full details here – Christmas at Grizedale

Breakfast with Santa Cumbria

Find all the places you can enjoy Breakfast with Santa Cumbria here.

More Christmas events

Find loads of Christmas light trails North West here

Find all the Christmas events Cheshire here.

Find more Christmas shows Cumbria here.

Find out Where to buy a real Christmas tree Cumbria here.

You might also like to know about all the great Christmas events Lancashire too.

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