December in the Lake District, Cumbria

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and there’s plenty to get you into the festive spirit here in the Lake District, Cumbria.

Experience the magic of winter in the Lakes: our landscapes are sparkling with seasonal splendour, and festive cheer lights up our towns and villages – there are Christmas lights, markets and events aplenty. This is the perfect time for a winter staycation, and there’s still time to book your getaway; with fantastic special offers to enjoy, too. There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from, including cosy country inns, cottages with hot tubs, luxurious spa hotels, welcoming B&Bs, and more. Book your stay and enjoy a relaxing holiday in stunning surroundings.

We've even got your Christmas shopping sorted: browse gifts from a selection of Cumbrian retailers with our Virtual Christmas market, and get a piece of the Lake District delivered straight to your door.

Feeling lucky? We’ve got lots of fantastic prizes up for grabs with our free prize draws, including bed & breakfast at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal – perfect for a winter staycation. Take a look at what’s up for grabs and enter here. Good luck!

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Carlisle Christmas Market

The city centre open-air market, based in the pedestrianised shopping area, will be held between 2 - 11 December.
 
In this first year of the new Christmas Market, traders will come together to offer residents and visitors to Carlisle a very Merry Christmas. Open daily, the market will feature over 40 Alpine style chalets selling a wide range of gifts, crafts, food and drink.
 
Featuring local and visiting traders there will be a variety of delicious treats and Christmas favourites on offer: giant bratwurst, an exotic selection of ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers, Italian macaroons, traditional hot Glühwein and the very best in cheeses and chutneys. Amongst the wonderful smells and tastes of the food stalls, traditionally decorated chalets will be selling artisan craft products - perfect as unique gifts and stocking fillers.

More Information

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Storrs Hall Hotel

A beautiful Georgian Country House Hotel, right on the shores of England’s largest lake with spectacular views. Relaxed luxury providing a warm welcome. An elegant lake view restaurant serving breakfast and A la Carte dinner menu, plus a characterful bar with a traditional pub menu.

Walks right from our door, nearby museums and attractions, plus local activity providers for the adventurous.

Visit the Storrs Hall website.

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Theatre by the Lake

Join us at Theatre by the Lake this Christmas for acrobatic feats, magical storytelling and original music with Mary Norton’s The Borrowers in our Main House, perfect for 6+.

Or you can pop into our Studio for a classic Christmas tale with a jazzy twist where Goblin presents The Ballad of Rudy, great for children 2+. With live music, great storytelling and the magic of theatre, we promise you some Christmas Magic this year!

Find out more about the shows!
 The Borrowers + The Ballad of Rudy

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When you purchase a Pure Lakes gift, you are choosing award-winning skin care products that are ethical, sustainable and hand-made in the Lake District.

In their online shop you will find ‘gifts for her’ and ‘gifts for him.’ Included are also their suggestions for stocking fillers starting from £6 and gift sets starting from £26.

Buy your loved one a perfect Lake District gift this Christmas. 

Visit the Pure Lakes website.

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Festive Dining at Augill Castle

Celebrate Christmas with afternoon tea or dinner in a castle. 

At Augill Castle we’ll deliver a delicious start to Christmas with a twist.Our festive menus begin on December 7.

And on December 18th & 19th bring the whole family for afternoon tea with Santa!

Dinner starts at £28 and afternoon tea is £25 per person.

Visit the Augill Castle website.

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Festive breaks with Parkdean Resorts

Parkdean Resorts are offering a range of festive-themed weekend and mid-week breaks across selected parks throughout the festive period right up until New Year’s Eve!

There are two wonderful resorts in the Lake District to choose from, both with beautiful lodges and plenty of festive activity going on. Why not explore what they both have to offer and book your stay today!

To enjoy your festive break, check out our Christmas Breaks!
And our New Year's Eve Breaks! 

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Pre-Christmas Luxury Foodie Askham Break

Stay at the jewel in our crown, Askham Hall. Eat in our Michelin-starred restaurant, Allium and enjoy a 'Posh pub lovers' menu at our newest addition, The Queen’s Head in the pretty village of Askham.

Discover what we love about this place on the edge of the Lakes, or relax and get into the festive spirit with a hand-picked glass of wine.
 
2 nights from £345 per person

Visit the Askham Hall website and
book your festive break here!

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Festive Fun In & Around Barrow-in-Furness

From a ride on the Santa Express Land Train to vibrant outdoor music performances, there is a whole series of festive events to enjoy across Barrow Borough this December. Download our festive events leaflet on visitbarrow.org.uk
 
In the run up to Christmas, Barrow’s award winning Indoor Market is open Monday to Saturday and Sunday 18th December. Browse for gifts from a wonderful array of stalls selling everything from local produce to silk flowers. Check out the festive events leaflet for details of special food & drink tastings and choral performances being held in the market.
 
Pantomime season is back and The Forum Theatre are host to a sparkling production of Cinderella. Starring Love Island’s Laura Anderson as The Fairy Godmother, it’s set to be a show to remember, with dance, music and magical special effects.

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Enter Our Free Prize Draws

We've got some cracking new prize draws for you this month and even better - they're all absolutely FREE to enter!

New prize draws this month include:

• Bed & Breakfast at Castle Green Hotel, Kendal
• Luxury Spa Break at Macdonald Old England
• Pure Lakes Home Spa Cosmetic Bag
• Overnight stay for 2 at Low Wood Bay

Enter the free prize draws here

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Save Ruskin's View, Kirkby Lonsdale

Ruskin's View, Kirkby Lonsdale, was once described by John Ruskin as 'one of the loveliest views in England'. However, access to this popular viewpoint was closed in 2021 due to erosion from floods.

Now, the town is working to raise £1 million over twelve months to restore access to this stunning viewpoint for all to enjoy and connect with Kirkby Lonsdale's heritage and surrounding landscape. 

Can you help? Check out their Just Giving page.