Christmas & New Year in the Lake District, Cumbria is a magical time, combining all the festive fun that Christmas and New Year promises with the breathtaking landscape for which the Lake District is so famous. Find festive inspiration with a full list of seasonal events taking place around the county and check out our blog for a round up of What's On this Chistmas.
For the perfect place to spend this special time, take a look at these Christmas and New Year breaks - where you can take it easy, put your feet up and be pampered over the festive season, safe in the knowledge that everything is taken care of.
If you fancy a slice of festive luxury what could be better than sitting in your own hot tub with a glass of champagne looking up at the crystal clear sky in wonder at the sight of a Cumbrian Dark Sky full of millions of stars.
During your visit, take in a Christmas Market, where you can treat youself to a glass of mulled wine, find perfect gifts for your friends and loved ones and really get in the spirit of Christmas. If you can't wait to start shopping, take a look at our Virtual Cumbrian Christmas Market, packed full of great great gift ideas available for delivery directly to your door from our local Cumbrian businesses.
We've put together some inspiration and ideas below to help you plan your perfect Christmas and scroll further for a full list of all Christmas events taking place.
However you choose to spend Christmas and New Year in the Lake District, Cumbria you can be assured of a perfect seasonal getaway to remember, one that will make you want to come back for more next Christmas and New Year.
Christmas Inspiration
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.

Number of results: 55
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Grasmere
Experience the festive sprit at Allan Bank as voices fill the air with music.
Join us for a joyful afternoon of traditional Christmas carols in the decorated hall at Allan Bank, led by the wonderful local choir, Grasmere Glee. Everyone is welcome…
Keswick
1st January | 11am-2pm
£67
Welcome drink
90-minute all-you-can-eat slot
Eastern & Western specialities
Relax and recover from all the New Year's Eve partying at our East Meets West buffet brunch, where you can enjoy wonderful live music performed…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Enjoy a fun festive day out with the family at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house on Saturday 20 December!
Throughout the day, you can enjoy cheerful storytelling with Taffy Thomas MBE, live folk music, creative hands-on activities and a sprinkle…
Carlisle
Cumberland Council has announced one of the season's most anticipated sparkling events for the area.
The sparkling spectacular will be held outside the Old Town Hall, in the city centre.
The star-studded Christmas Lights Switch-On is organised by…
Bowness on Windermere
Christmas is fast approaching and Santa's Sleigh is nowhere to be found. Will Sprocket and Dibs be able to create a new sleigh in time or will
Christmas be cancelled? Can you help them save the day? Only time will tell but with audience…
Great Langdale, Ambleside
FREE EVENT! Join us as we light up The Langdale Estate for Christmas like never before!
A family friendly event that's free to attend. Get in to the Christmas spirit with Carols, Christmas Snack Menu and plenty of festive cheer around the Stove…
122A Highgate, Kendal
Enter the incredible world of Stuff and Nonsense.
There's a wolf coming… but for now, The Three Little Pigs have tricked him onto a bus. If he catches them, he'll huff and he'll puff and we all know how that ends…
On the run and with the need to…
Windermere Marina Village, Bowness-on-Windermere
Perfect for your work Christmas party, or a seasonal catch-up with family and friends. Whether you're a group of 4 or a party of 100, we've got the space to celebrate in style!
Choose from our ticketed festive party nights or create bespoke food…
Dalston, Carlisle
Beautiful decor, open fires and all your favourite Christmas tunes and a wonderful Festive Afternoon Tea with Chef's amazing Christmas creations inside a Christmas decorated castle!
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Treat yourself or someone special to a mindful, hands-on experience crafting a luxurious wreath using sustainably grown and dried British foliage and festive florals. Guided by Ashley from The Floralistas, you'll create a wild and whimsical design…
Rosehill, Carlisle
We are hosting a Charity Christmas Tractor Run at H&H Auctions in Carlisle on Sunday 30th November from 3pm onwards, route has been planned with H&S in place.
Penrith
The perfect chance to get into the Christmas spirit and make a start on your gift shopping with a variety of stalls selling gifts, food and drink. For more information, please contact the Events Team on 01768 868111 or email events@northlakeshotel…
Ambleside
Come along to Rydal Hall craft fair on the 29th November from 10am to 4.30pm.
Entrance is free and it's a great opportunity to see what our local artists and makers have on offer.
Pick up a unique Christmas gift or something for your home and…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Celebrate craftsmanship, heritage, and festive spirit 14 – 16 November at the Winter Craft Fair at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house, one of the finest examples of Arts & Crafts design.
Over three days, this beautiful historic house will be…
Great Langdale, Ambleside
Join Ashley from The Floralistas at Wainwrights' Inn for a festive escape into nature and creativity. In this hands-on workshop, you'll craft a wild and whimsical wreath using sustainable British foliage and Cumbria-grown willow. Enjoy mulled wine…
Kendal
Kendal's Christmas Lights Switch On Event.
Friday 28th November
5pm - 7:30pm
Kendal Town Centre
The big light's switch on will take place at 5:30 pm.
Expect an evening full of festive cheer including:
- ⭐️Live entertainment on stage,…
Kendal
There's winter wonder for the whole family at the gateway to the Lake District this year. From 21 November - 24 December, make memories with loved ones at Sizergh.
Borrowdale, Keswick
Step inside Santa's Secret Grotto – hidden deep inside a Lake District mountain!
Ho-Ho-Honister is back for 2025 with even more festive magic. Journey aboard the Honister bus into the heart of the fells before venturing underground with one of…
Castle Green Lane, Kendal
Friday 12th December 2025
Get ready for a night of fantastic food, fun, and funky beats at our 2-Course Meal & Disco Event! Start your evening with a mouth-watering two-course meal, then hit the dance floor as the disco lights flash and the DJ…
Church St, Ambleside
From the World's Most Spectacular Opera series, experience the love, laughter and loss of La Boheme at the magnificent Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour.
Puccini's beloved classic - the original bohemian love story - has long captivated audiences…
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