Christmas events Cumbria 2026
Summer might not be over yet but many of the Christmas events below are already available to book. Find all the Christmas events Cumbria 2026 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.
If you have an event you want to be added, drop me an email at – info@northwestforkids.co.uk I add all events for free.
I’ve done my best to add the details of all these events accurately and keep them up to date but I strongly advise you to click through and check on the organiser’s website to ensure the dates, locations, times are correct. Events maybe changed or cancelled and I will not necessarily be aware of this. Links are providers so you can confirm all details for yourself before travelling or booking. 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.
These are all the Christmas events I can find in the Lake District.
Christmas light trails Cumbria and the Lake District
There aren’t many of these in Cumbria so you might consider some of the ones a little further a field. Find my guide to all the Christmas light trails North West.
Lights of Lowther, Lowther Castle – book now for 2026
When – 14th November – 30th December 2026
You will start your journey in the beautiful gothic ruins. Lit after dark, you will rediscover the Castle in a completely new light. Leaving the ruin, the trail leads you out into the gardens, which will be adorned in colour and twinkling lights. There will be immersive installations, photo opportunities and the grand finale which will be the view of the castle from the lawns like you have never seen it before.
Along the way festive food and drink including mulled wine and luxury hot chocolate will be served, as well as the opportunity to toast giant marshmallows over our fire pit.
Adults £20, children £15, under 3s free. Family tickets £65 (2 adults and up to 3 children or 1 adult and 4 children).
Book here – Lights of Lowther
Winter at Sizergh, book now for 2026
When – 20th November – 24th December 2026
Experience an enchanting trail of light and sound installations around Sizergh’s grounds and make magical memories with friends and family this winter.
Designed by local artists, this year’s outdoor trail is their most immersive yet. Inside the House, you’re invited to an extravagant Georgian winter celebration, get creative with seasonal crafts in the Great Barn and enjoy delicious festive food and drinks.
NT Members (adults and children over 5 years) £6.50, Children over 5 years (non-members), £9.75, adult non-members £13
Book here – Winter at Sizergh | National Trust
Santa’s grottos in the Lake District and Cumbria
If you’re just looking for simple visit Santa experiences then you need this post – Where to visit Santa Cumbria. Below are all the Santa experiences that are more than a grotto.
Santa’s Grotto at Honister slate mine – Book now for 2026
Where: Honister Slate Mine, Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XN
When: from 14th November – 23rd December 2026, selected dates
Cost: From £30 per adult, £30 per child, under 1s free
Summary: Guided by an elf, visit Santa in his underground grotto. After you can ride on the underground Christmas sledging slope! Each child gets a special gift and reindeer food for Christmas eve. Festive snack and drink included.
Book here – Ho-Ho-Honister’s Secret Grotto – Honister
Father Christmas on the farm, Walby farm park – Book now for 2026
Where: Walby Farm Park, Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA6 4QL
When: Selected dates from 28th November – 24th December 2026
Cost: Adults from £22.50, Children from £39.45, under 1s £16.50.
Summary: Tickets include all day farm park access, a visit to Father Christmas on his farm, snow time fun, enchanted forest with 3d glasses to wear, decorate gingerbread, make reindeer food and much more. 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 – Cumbria 2026 | Walby Farm Park
Ambleside Christmas lights 2026 – book the Santa cruise from 1st October 2026
Where: Ambleside town centre
When: 21st November 2026
Summary: There will be a Christmas market and entertainment zone all day. There will also be Santa cruises from Waterhead pier (prebooking essential). Lantern parade at 4:30pm. No firework display in 2026.
Find out more here – Ambleside Christmas Lights
Christmas at Muncaster – book now for 2026
Where: Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RD
When: Selected dates from 5th – 22nd December 2026
Cost: from £19.95 for adults and from £14.50 for children (3- 15), under 3s free
Summary: Event includes entry to the Gardens, Castle State Rooms and The Hawk & Owl Centre, World of Owls flying display, Have-a-go sessions in The Weapons Hall, Craft Fair Stalls, Enchanted Trail & Play Areas and Live Music (selected dates).
For kids there Christmas activities, Santa’s Grotto with a gift from Father Christmas (£3 extra)
Book here – Christmas at Muncaster
Holker Hall Christmas Grotto – limited details for 2026, tickets on sale soon
When: 12th, 13th, 19th, 2oth and 21st December 2026
Receive a gift from Father Christmas by the roaring fire in the magical setting of Holker’s grand library. Take part in the Christmas treasure hunt in the formal gardens. Join the elves in making festive crafts. Remember to bring your letter to post to Father Christmas. Free Hot Chocolate and Mulled Wine.
Adults £ , child £ , under 1s £
Book here – Holker’s Christmas Grotto – Holker Hall
Festive train rides Cumbria
Santa Express, Ravenglass and Eskdale – book now for 2026
Where: Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW
When: 21st November – 24th December 2026, selected dates
Cost: Adults from £28.08, children £28.08 (1-17 years old)
Summary: The experience starts with Christmas stories with the elves, followed by a 40 minute steam train ride. You will then meet Santa in his grotto at Dalegarth grotto. Festive refreshments.
Find out more here – Santa Express | Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway
Santa’s Little Helper Express, Ravenglass and Eskdale – book now for 2026
Where: Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW
When: 4th & 11th December 2026,
Cost: Adults from £26 , children £26 (1-17 years old)
Summary: The experience starts with a 40 minute steam train ride. You will then meet Santa in his grotto at Dalegarth grotto. Festive refreshments. Shorter, beautifully tailored festive experience, perfect for families with pre-school-aged children.
Find out more here – Santa’s Little Helper Express
Winter warmer trains, Ravenglass and Eskdale – limited details for 2026, tickets on sale soon
Where: Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW
When: 28th December 2026 – 3rd January 2027
Cost:
Summary: Enjoy a delicious mince pie as you travel through the breathtaking winter scenery. The stations and trains will still be adorned with Christmas decorations to add a little sparkle to your visit, and there are scenic walks at both ends of the line for that all-important fresh air.
Book here – Winter Warmer Trains
Tinsel trains at Lakeside and Haverthwaite railway – book from 4th November for 2026
Where: Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Co. Ltd, Haverthwaite Station, Nr Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 8AL
When: 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th & 20th December 2026
Cost: £125 per compartment of 4 people. Up to 8 people can be in a compartment. Additional people £30 each.
Summary: 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 cold drink and snack. Children aged 0-10yrs: will receive a personalised collectable soft toy. Children aged 11-17yrs: will receive a festive goody bag full of delicious treats . Every child will receive a yummy gingerbread person and soft drink…. handed out by a special helper!
After meeting the colourful Christmas Characters the main man, Father Christmas, comes to visit your families compartment. Choose where you wish Father Christmas to sit as he joins you to give out presents to all the good children onboard. Take this opportunity to capture a memorable family photo with Father Christmas.
Book here – Tinsel Trains 2026
Festive open days at Millbeck light railway – details for 2026, tickets on sale soon
Where: Millerbeck House, Staveley-in-Cartmel, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8NH
When: 5th & 6th December 2026
Cost: TBC
Summary: Unlimited train rides (during your 90 minute time slot) and a short visit to see Santa in his photo booth. 1 mulled wine or hot drink & mince pie with all adult tickets. 1 squash & mince pie with all child tickets. Other refreshments, cakes & biscuits are available to purchase – contactless card payments preferred.
Book here – Millerbeck Light Railway
Breakfast with Santa Cumbria
Find all the places you can enjoy Breakfast with Santa Cumbria here.
Other festive meals in Cumbria
Sunday lunch with Santa, Inn on the Lake -book now for 2026
Where: Inn on the Lake, Ullswater, Glenridding, Penrith, GCA11 0PE
When: 6th & 13th December 2026
Cost: Children – £25, Adults – £41
Summary: 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
Frozen afternoon tea, Lodore Falls hotel and spa – book soon for 2026
Where: Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa, Derwentwater, Keswick, CA12 5UX
When: 15th, 22nd November 2026
Cost: £25 for children and £38 for adults
Summary: spend 30 minutes with the princesses which will be followed by a festive afternoon tea. Singalongs and storytelling and glitter craft activities.
Book here – Frozen Afternoon Tea – Discover Lake District Hotels
Santa’s Sunday Lunch, Lodore Falls hotel and spa – book now for 2026
Where: Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa, Derwentwater, Keswick, CA12 5UX
When: 13th & 20th December 2026
Cost: £25 for children and £41 for adults
Summary: At this magical event, enjoy a 3-course Sunday lunch in the Falls Brasserie & meet Santa who will have a present for all the children.
Book here – Santa’s Sunday Lunch in Falls Brasserie – Discover Lake District Hotels
Lunch with the Grinch, The Swan – no details yet for 2026
When: From 22nd November – 21st December 2025
For £20 a kid (and £25 per big Who), We’ve got a feast that’ll make hearts grow two sizes too! Two courses of food, so festive and yummy, It’s enough to fill even the Grinch’s tummy!
Book here – Lunch with the Grinch
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.
Christmas family theatre Cumbria
A Christmas Carol at Theatre by the Lake – book now for 2026
Where: Theatre by the Lake, Lakeside, Keswick CA12 5DJ
When: 13th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027
Cost: Tickets £12,
Summary: It’s midnight on Christmas Eve, join us for a haunted Carol service as a spooky choir and the spirits of Christmas race to save the soul of Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge is a hard-nosed Victorian businessman from Keswick who has made his fortune in the big city, but is without a song in his heart. Scrooge hates Christmas and everything about it, but things are about to change when his business partner Jacob Marley returns from the grave.
Told in Theatre by the Lake’s signature magical Christmas style, and brought to you by Goblin, the makers of our acclaimed 2023 co-production The Lost Spells, this vibrant new adaptation is great fun for all the family with original songs and music performed live by a cast of talented actor-musicians.
Suitable for children aged 6 and over
Book here – A Christmas Carol – Theatre by the Lake
A Town Called Christmas – Theatre by the Lake – book now for 2026
Where: Theatre by the Lake, Lakeside, Keswick CA12 5DJ
When: 8th – 27th December 2026
Cost: Tickets from £16
Summary: Clementine dreams of a place where gingerbread houses glow under twinkling fairy-lights, and chocolate coins are currency. Where the streets are filled with snow-ball fights, and laughter hangs like baubles in the air! The happiest place on Earth.
Or at least it used to be…
Buckle in for a rollercoaster of magic, music and mayhem as our hero crash-lands in a crumbling town where only the long-forgotten fables, a cantankerous caretaker and a glitching robot remain. Can they save the day, and the town called Christmas?
Suitable for children aged 3 +
Book here – A Town Called Christmas – Theatre by the Lake
Pinocchio – Theatre by the Lake – book now for 2026
Where: Theatre by the Lake, Lakeside, Keswick CA12 5DJ
When: 28th December 2026 – 3rd January 2027
Cost: Tickets from £12
Summary: Steve Tiplady, as Geppetto, uses the objects of a carpenter’s workshop to tell the tale of the puppet that wants to be a real boy, and the puppet-maker who wants to be a real father.
Pinocchio is carved on stage, brushes become a fox and the shadow of two saws transforms into a giant shark. An element of improvisation makes each performance unique to its audience.
Puppetry, shadows, illusion and especially composed music combine to create a show with something for all ages; it’s inventive, visually and verbally witty with a big heart.
Suitable for children aged 4 +
Book here – Pinocchio – Theatre by the Lake
, Green room Theatre, Carlisle – no details yet for 2026
Where: West Walls Theatre, West Walls, Carlisle, CA3 8UB
When: 27th November – 6th December 2025
Cost: TBC
Summary: Come and enjoy our traditional festive pantomime, following on from 2024’s Hansel & Gretel, our 2025 pantomine is sure to be a classic show of laughs, songs, slapstick, and audience participation.
Book here – Little Red Riding Hood – Carlisle Green Room Theatre
The Elves & The Shoemaker, Brewery Arts, Kendal – book now for 2026
Where: Brewery Arts, 122A Highgate, Kendal, LA9 4HE
When: 19th – 28th December 2026
Cost: £15.50 per ticket
Summary: In the nooks and crannies of the old Shoemaker’s shop live the Elves. These cheeky stowaways live off the odds and ends left behind at the end of the day; shoelaces, scraps of leather and sandwich crumbs. They stay hidden from the big world–that’s just how they like it. But this Christmas, all is not well in the Shoe Shop. Sales are dwindling, and customers are looking for shoes elsewhere. When it looks like the shop might get closed for good, it’s time for the Elves and the Shoemaker to work together and save their home!
PaddleBoat Theatre Company bring their trademark inventive style to this highly interactive 50-minute adventure, full of clowning, puppetry and a magical miniature world. A perfect introduction to theatre for children aged 3 and up.
Book here – The Elves & The Shoemaker – Brewery Arts – Kendal
The Gingerbread Boy – The old Laundry Theatre – book now for 2026
Where: The Old Laundry Theatre, The World of Beatrix Potter.
When: 19th – 24th December 2026
Cost: Child (1-16 years) £10, adults £12
Summary: Deep in Fairy-tale Forest lives a remarkable boy made entirely of gingerbread! His lonely world is changed forever when Blake, a young lad from a nearby village, stumbles upon his incredible cookie cottage. Together, the two boys embark on a madcap journey of discovery…
And it’s Christmas Eve too … another surprise visitor is on his way!
Full of heart, laughter and song – and a healthy helping of cake – The Gingerbread Boy is a brand-new Christmas story about friendship and celebrating our differences.
Suitable for aged 3 years +
Book here – World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
Tomte’s Yuletide Tale, The old Laundry Theatre – book now for 2026
Where: The Old Laundry Theatre, The World of Beatrix Potter.
When: 28th December 2026 – 2nd January 2027
Cost: Child (1-16 years) £10, adults £12
Summary: Step into a snowy Nordic night with this enchanting theatre adventure inspired by Scandinavian winter folklore. Blending playful puppetry with shadow play and tactile paper craft, this festive adventure invites young audiences to solve problems, discover Nordic traditions, and help find a very lost Yuletide Goat.
Suitable for children aged 3-10 years
Book here – World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
Sleeping Beauty, The Forum – book now for 2026
Where: The Forum, Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2LD
When: 17th December 2026 – 2nd January 2027
Cost: from £13.50
Summary: Get ready, Barrow! As this Christmas, your fairy tale pantomime adventure returns as Sleeping Beauty arrives at Barrow Town Hall, bringing a burst of magic, mischief, and full-on pantomime chaos.
Once upon a time (not so far from Walney), Princess Aurora is celebrating her 21st birthday… until her wicked Uncle Caraboose crashes the party with a sinister plan. One prick of a finger on an enchanted spinning wheel sends Aurora into a deep slumber… a full 100 years asleep!
Book here – Sleeping Beauty
Other Christmas events in Cumbria
Christmas Carols with Grasmere Glee at Allan Bank, no details yet for 2026
Where: Allan Bank, Grasmere, Cumbria
When: 30th November & 7th December 2025
Enjoy a traditional afternoon at Allan Bank singing carols around the Christmas tree with local choir Grasmere Glee. Anyone can join in – the more the merrier!
Full details here – Christmas Carols with Grasmere Glee | National Trust
A Hill Top Christmas Tale, Hill Top – Book now for 2026
Where: Hill Top, Near Sawrey, Cumbria, LA22 0LF
When: 7th November – 13th December 2026
Cost: Adults £17.50, Children £8.50
Summary: Inspired by Beatrix Potter’s timeless tales, Hill Top is transformed for Christmas as her charming characters prepare for the festivities. Inside you’ll find stockings at the end of the bed, animals dancing around a twinkling tree and the warm scent of gingerbread in the air. Outdoors, you’ll find a family‑friendly trail and winter warmers from pop‑up catering. Look out for an exclusive charity pin badge and kick off your Christmas shopping in Hill Top’s shop.
Full details here – A Hill Top Christmas | National Trust
Free fire and Fairies, Ormsgill Community Garden – no details yet for 2026
Where: Ormsgill Community Garden, Middlefield, Barrow-in-Furness,, Cumbria, LA14 4BP
When: 13th December 2025
Cost: Free
Summary: Drop in any time from 11 – 3 for mulled juice, a chat around the firepit, and to enjoy the Christmas fairy walk around the gardens.
Book here – Fire and Fairies | The Bay
Always looking for inspiration for family days out across the North West? Join the Family Days Out North West Facebook group to be part of a community sharing the best family days out across the region. Join here.
More Christmas events
Find loads of Christmas light trails North West here
Find more Christmas shows Cumbria here.
Find Things to do between Christmas and New Year 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.
