Your Guide to Christmas in The Lake District
It’s hard to imagine a more magical place to be than The Lake District at Christmas time. With snow often to be seen on the higher peaks at this time of year, you can dream of a white Christmas while you’re here.
Book your luxury self-catering accommodation in the Lake District now and don’t miss a moment of the festive fun.
Luxury Self-Catering in Windermere
Windermere Marina Village offers luxury self-catering accommodation in the picturesque village of Bowness on Windermere in the heart of the Lake District. Whether you’re after a dog friendly property, large group accommodation or the perfect family holiday, our wide range of properties cater to a variety of preferences.
Built using traditional Lakeland materials, our luxury self-catered accommodation is nestled around our beautiful marina, offering spectacular views across the water. Designed with modern, luxurious interiors, our lakeland apartments are the perfect choice for your next getaway and are ideal for family holidays. The marina is situated close to the village of Bowness and located in one of the most breathtaking locations in the Lake District.
There’s so much to do in the run up to Christmas, from Christmas markets to craft workshops, and if you have little ones hoping for a chance to meet Santa, there are plenty of opportunities in the Lake District.
Winter Wonderland – Hayes Garden
If you want to soak up the festive atmosphere, you can’t beat the Winter Wonderland Hayes Garden World in Ambleside, which is open from early December up to the 23rd.
Explore the magical realm which is decorated with Christmas lights and artificial snow for a real festive feel. It leads to a grotto where younger visitors may be lucky enough to see Santa. Don’t forget to fit in some festive shopping at the German-style Christmas market, which has a range of delightful seasonal produce and gifts.
Christmas Markets
Beetham Nurseries Christmas Market – 2025 Dates TBC. Festive cabins line this popular garden centre offering local crafts, cakes and winter warming drinks
Hawkshead Christmas Fair – 6th & 7th December 2025 – 10am – 4pm. Featuring a lantern parade, childrens rides, live music, local producers and much more the Hawkshead Christmas Fair is always popular. Take the Windermere Car Ferry from next to Windermere Marina Village for the shortest, most direct route!
Art Events
There are many arts events in the Lake District over the Christmas period. Here’s our pick of the ones that should not be missed:
- Theatre by the Lake, Keswick. With independent events and productions. The 2025 programme includes ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and ‘Little Gift’. Great for the younger mebers of the family.
- The Brewery Arts Centre, Kendals independent cinema and theatre venue hosts one off Christmas films on the run up to Christmas (2025 TBC) This years family production – ‘Three Little Pigs’ is showing between the 20th and the 28th December.
- The Old Laundry Theatre – at The World Of Beatrix Potter you’ll find an exciting day our with live theatre – 2025 show TBC
Festive Outdoors
Wrap up warm and you can enjoy fell-walking even in December, but be sure to keep safe and check that the weather forecast is suitable before you set off. If you can’t face exploring the beautiful scenery of the Lakes on foot at this time of year, there are other ways of getting about and taking in the view.
A boat trip in the Lake District is a pleasure at any time of year, but at Christmas time it has an extra dimension, with sparkling Christmas lights on shore adding to the beauty of the scenery. As a guest of Windermere Marina Village you’ll also save 10% on Windermere Lake Cruise tickets
The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway will be operating a series of Tinsel Trains, running from the southern tip of Windermere. Carols, seasonal drinks and a visit from Santa and his elves make for a very special festive train journey. 2025 dates TBC
Santa will also be making an appearance at the Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway, and there will be festive stalls at Ravenglass Station on December weekends leading up to Christmas.
World of Beatrix Potter
Young children will love a visit to the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, and it’s even more magical in December with Father Christmas Tea Parties and Santas Christmas Cracker. The price includes admission to the World of Beatrix Potter attraction.
Muncaster Castle
For a very special festive afternoon tea, visit Muncaster Castle during the run up to Christmas. Why not take part in the ‘Silent Night’ owl evening, join them for some enchanting performances, and family-friendly activities with Muncaster’s elves
Sizergh Castle
Visit the National Trust’s Sizergh Castle for a immersive light and sound show, Christmas themed house tours, festive crafts and mouth watering seasonal foods.
When it comes to luxury self-catering accommodation, Lake District visitors are spoilt for choice.
Whatever you choose to do in the Lake District over the festive season, we wish all of our guests a merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
Updated November 2024
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