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.
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 and this year I’m offering low cost “Featured events” where your event will be pinned to the top of the guide, you can include a photo and you’ll also get a dedicated Facebook post to promote just your event to my page of 18k. Email me to find out costs and potential reach of your chosen guide.
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. If you’re just looking for visit Santa experiences then you need this post – Where to visit Santa Cumbria.
Santa on the farm, Walby farm park – Book now 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 have sold out
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 – book now for 2024
When – 28th November to 24th December 2024, selected dates
Price – £12.99 per child
This year we are offering a Little Seedlings train-themed journey for children and families, complete with interactive elements and a meeting with Santa himself!
Take in the atmosphere as you arrive at our enchanting forest, and after a warm welcome from the elves at Sleighbell Station, children will get to experience snowy scenes, spot woodland characters, find hidden nutcrackers, all culminating in the chance to meet Santa
Children are encouraged to share their excitement, wishes and stories before receiving their gift.
Book here – Dobbies Santa’s Grotto
Welcome to Hayesvile Chrinchmas grotto at Hayes garden world, Ambleside – book now for 2024
Where – Hayes Garden World, Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0DW
When – Selected dates from November 3rd – 23rd December 202
Price includes entrance to Hayes-ville to find all the hidden presents. Play
games along the way through the Christmas town. Private visit to see Santa with your family to collect your present and a book for each child.
Please bring a device for the elf to take photos for you to have memories of your special day.
Price – Baby 0 – 2 years £18, Children 2 – 16 years £25, Adults £5
Book here – Buy Santa’s Grotto Tickets online – Hayes Garden World
Santa’s Grotto at Honister slate mine – Book now for 2024
When – from 15th November – 15th December 2024, 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 – £25 per adult, £25 per child, under 1s £25
Book here – Ho-Ho-Honister’s Secret Grotto – Honister
Santa Express, Ravenglass and Eskdale – book now for 2024
When – 23rd, 24th, 30th November. 1st, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 20th – 23rd December 2024
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. Grown-ups 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 lunchbox or upgrade to first class to this very special day out.
Tickets from £30
Find out more here – Santa Express | Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway
Winter warmer trains, Ravenglass and Eskdale – book now for 2024
When – 26th December 2024 – 1st January 2025
Our 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!
Enjoy the festive train ride and a mince pie with each full-line return ticket. Tickets can be booked online or purchased on the day, subject to availability.
Book here – Winter Warmer Trains
Tinsel trains at Lakeside and Haverthwaite railway – Tickets on sale 4th November 2024
When – 30th November, 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th & 15th December 2024
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 – £125 for a compartment for up to 4 people.
Book here – Tinsel Trains 2024
Holker Hall Christmas Grotto – book now for 2024
When – 14th, 15th, 21st & 22nd December 2024
Your ticket to Holker’s Christmas Grotto includes;
- A jolly welcome by our team of Elves who can’t wait to meet you.
- Meet Father Christmas and receive a gift chosen just for you.
- Join the elves in making magical reindeer food to sprinkle outside on Christmas Eve.
- Get creative in our festive craft making workshop.
- Remember to bring your letter to post to Father Christmas.
- Take part in the Christmas treasure hunt in the formal gardens.
- Free Hot Chocolate and Mulled Wine.
- 10% off in our Courtyard Café.
- Access to the formal gardens of Holker.
Book here – Holker’s Christmas Grotto – Holker Hall
Santa’s Grotto at The Swan – book now for 2024
Where – The Swan Hotel & Spa, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8NB
When – Every weekend from 16th November – 24th December 2024.
This Grotto, is adorned with twinkling lights and festive decor, sets the perfect backdrop for meeting Santa.
For just £12.50 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
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 – sold out for 2024
When – 15th December 2024
Where – Inn on the Lake, Ullswater, Glenridding, Penrith, GCA11 0PE
Cost – Children – £22, Adults – £36
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, Rheged centre – 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
The man who wanted to be a penguin, Brewery Arts, Kendal – book now for 2024
When – 14th – 24th December 2024
The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin explores individuality, being different, learning to communicate, and fitting in. Overall it is humorous, joyful, full of energy, exploratory and works for people of all ages. It is authentic and sometimes challenging, it is not just a cute story about fluffy penguins! The first half of the show is set in the man’s garden, and the second half in the Antarctic.
The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin features puppets, acting, movement, song and audience participation. It is full of humour, quirky songs and sound effects, interesting characters, relevant stories and infectious energy.
The show lasts one hour, with no interval, and is best suited to ages 3+.
Book here – The Man Who Wanted To Be A Penguin
We have seen this show in 2022 in Manchester. Find our review here – The man who wanted to be a penguin review
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
Winter at Sizergh, Book now for 2024
When – 22nd November – 24th December 2024
Wander through nature-themed light and sound installations, designed by local artists and inspired by Sizergh’s estate, and get closer to our winter wildlife. In the House, discover the intriguing story of the Strickland turkey, and enjoy historical Christmas decorations through the ages. Then get creative in the Great Barn, with festive crafts for all.
Members £3, Children (non-members), £7, adult non-members £11
Book here – Winter at Sizergh | National Trust
Aira force winter illuminations, Book now for 2024
When – 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st December 2024
FREE
Twinkling lights and illuminated trees add sparkle to the woodland glade at Aira Force where decorations made by local school children adorn selected trees. Small but beautifully formed this free festive event is a celebration of local community, nature and the great outdoors.
It is a short stroll through the woods, with hot drinks available at the welcome hut. Wrap up warm, bring a headtorch and make sure you’re wearing sensible footwear. Free. Car park charges apply for non-members.
Full details here – Aira Force Winter Illuminations | National Trust
Christmas Carols with Grasmere Glee at Allan Bank, 2024 details
When – 1st & 8th December 2024
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
Tea or breakfast with Santa, Lakeland Wildlife Oasis – book now for 2024
When – Breakfast: Sunday 8th, 15th & 22nd December 2024, Tea: Saturday 14th & 21st December 2024
Breakfast: Choose between a full English Breakfast or Tasty Stack of Pancakes with a hot drink or juice
Tea: Afternoon Tea with sausage rolls, sandwiches, and homebakes with a hot drinks, juice or mulled wine for the adults.
Includes: Animal Handling, Festive meerkat enrichment, Watch the Snow Leopards being fed, food and drink, individual chat with Santa and an early Christmas present
Tea starts at 2pm | Breakfast starts at 10am
Prices: Adults: £20, Children £23, Under 3s £13. Babies too young to take part are free. Members receive 20% off
Full details here – The Lakeland Wildlife Oasis
Festive open days at Millbeck light railway – book now for 2024
When – 7th & 8th December 2024
Where – Millerbeck House, Staveley-in-Cartmel, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8NH
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.
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 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.