From theatre to lunch with Santa, there’s plenty for a fun-filled Christmas for all the family in the Lake District, Cumbria. Read on to discover what's on across the area during the festive season, and don't forget to book ahead to avoid missing out!

Cinderella Pantomime at The Forum Theatre, Barrow

Celebrate Panto season with this family-friendly performance of Cinderella, at The Forum Theatre in Barrow. Featuring songs, dazzling dance routines, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and amazing special effects, it promises to be an unforgettable experience for all ages. Love Island’s Laura Anderson stars as The Fairy Godmother, while comedy legend Rollo features in the role of Buttons.

Showing between Tuesday 13 – Tuesday 27 December, book your tickets here.

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Festive Productions at the Theatre by the Lake

Love theatre? Why not catch a show at the Theatre by the Lake! Enjoying a stunning location on the shores of Derwentwater, there are two family-friendly productions to choose from this Christmas. The Borrowers (ages 6+) features magical storytelling and acrobatic feats, while The Ballad of Rudy (ages 2+) is a Christmas classic with a jazzy twist.

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Meet Festive Favourites at The Beacon Museum

Santa’s helpers have put together an exciting programme of festive events at The Beacon Museum to get you into the Christmas spirit. Between 17 – 22 December, visit Santa’s Grotto: upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by one of his friendly elves who will keep you entertained with hot chocolate and crafts, before it’s time to visit Santa in his winter wonderland grotto.

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Enjoy Christmas crafts at Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery

Between 17 – 22 December, get creative with Christmas crafts at Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery in Carlisle. There are two sessions to enjoy, both of which are drop-in only and included with an adult general admission ticket. On the 17th, make Norwegian Nisse Gnomes; on the 22nd, try your hand at creating Paper Reindeer.

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Have lunch with Santa…

Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s heading to the Swan Hotel & Spa at Newby Bridge for lunch! On Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 December, enjoy a festive lunch and write a Christmas letter, before heading over to Santa’s Grotto where kids can meet the man himself. Tickets include a Christmas gift – book now to avoid missing out.

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…or Afternoon Tea!

On his travels, Santa will also be stopping at Augill Castle for a very special Afternoon Tea along with his chief Elf as they head for the North Pole. On Sunday 18 and Monday 19 December, enjoy Afternoon Tea and visit Santa in Augill Castle. Children’s tickets include a gift; book ahead to avoid missing out.

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Ravenglass & Eskdale Winter Warmers

If you’re looking for a way to extend the Christmas season and hold on to that festive magic, Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway has just the thing. Between December 26 – January 1, their special ‘winter warmer’ trains will be travelling along the scenic narrow gauge railway route between Ravenglass and Dalegarth, taking in striking views of the Eskdale Valley. Enjoy a complimentary cup of non-alcholic festive fruit punch and a mince pie; and admire the trains as they will be dressed in their festive finery.