Christmas is a magical time to visit the Lake District, with festive markets, Christmas lights, family trails, illuminated gardens and plenty of events to get everyone into the Christmas spirit.
We’ve picked out some of the best family Christmas events in the Lake District for 2026, from sparkling light trails and festive days out to traditional Christmas markets and family theatre.
There are also plenty of Santa experiences, Christmas grottos and festive train rides taking place across the Lake District, from Santa trains and steam railway adventures to cruises and visits with Father Christmas. We’ve covered all of these separately in our Where to Meet Santa in the Lake District guide, so make sure you take a look if you’re looking for a festive experience with Santa. And for further information on festive markets, check out our guide to Lake District Christmas Markets 2026.
Christmas Lights & Festive Events
1. Ambleside Christmas Lights
Saturday 21st November
Ambleside
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Ambleside’s annual Christmas Lights event is one of the highlights of the festive season in the Lake District. The town comes alive with its Christmas lights switch-on, lantern parade and festive entertainment, with plenty happening throughout the evening.
2. Low Wood Bay Christmas Lights Switch-On
Friday 20th November, 5pm-9pm (lights switched on at 7:30pm)
Windermere
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Low Wood Bay is holding its first Christmas Lights Switch-On in 2026, with a free community event beside Lake Windermere. There will be seasonal drinks, local exhibitors and a special appearance from Sam the Dog, before the Christmas tree is illuminated at 7:30pm.
3. Kendal Christmas Lights Switch-On
Friday 27th November
Kendal
Further details TBC here
Kendal’s annual Christmas lights switch-on takes place in and around the Market Place, with the town getting into the festive spirit with entertainment and late-night shopping.
4. Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival
Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th November
Ulverston
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Step back in time at Ulverston’s popular Dickensian Christmas Festival, where the town is transformed into a traditional Victorian-style Christmas celebration. There is a Christmas market, festive food, live music, street entertainment, children’s activities and a grand costume parade. Many of the events are free, making this a fantastic festive family day out.
Christmas Light Trails
5. Lights of Lowther
Selected evenings from Saturday 14th November to Wednesday 30th December 2026
Lowther Castle
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New for 2026, Lights of Lowther transforms the grounds of Lowther Castle into a magical Christmas light trail. Follow the illuminated trail through the castle ruins and gardens, with festive food and drink along the way. There’s also luxury hot chocolate and the chance to toast giant marshmallows around the fire pit. The trail is accessible for prams/pushchairs via a step-free route, although they recommend a carrier where possible because it’s dark and some paths are uneven.
The event is pre-booked with timed entry slots, making it a lovely family evening during the festive season. Tickets cost £20 for adults, £15 for children under 16 and £65 for a family ticket. Children under three go free.
6. Winter at Sizergh
Friday 20th November to Thursday 24th December
Sizergh, near Kendal
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Winter at Sizergh transforms the grounds into an enchanting trail of light and sound installations created by local artists.
The trail runs every day from 12pm to 8pm and is suitable for all ages. During the day, younger visitors can also pick up a festive trail card and search for hidden antlers around the Knoll.
7. A Hill Top Christmas Tale
Saturday 7th November to Sunday 13th December
Near Sawrey
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Hill Top is transformed for Christmas in 2026. Step inside Beatrix Potter’s former home to discover a cosy, storybook Christmas, with her beloved characters getting ready for the festive season.
There are twinkling decorations, gentle music and festive touches inside the house, while outside children can follow a family-friendly trail and help Peter Rabbit post his Christmas cards.
Christmas Markets & Fairs
Do check out our full guide to Lake District Christmas Markets.
8. Keswick Victorian Fayre
Sunday 6th December 2026
Keswick
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Keswick’s Victorian Fayre is a lovely traditional Christmas event in the centre of town, with festive stalls, live entertainment, Christmas food and drink and a children’s funfair.
9. Hawkshead Christmas Fair
Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th December 2026
Hawkshead
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Hawkshead’s Christmas Fair brings plenty of festive cheer to one of the Lake District’s prettiest villages, with Christmas stalls, food, entertainment and a lovely seasonal atmosphere. There are also family activities and Christmas crafts taking place during the event.
10. Holker Winter Market
Friday 6th to Sunday 8th November
Holker Hall, near Grange-over-Sands
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Holker’s Winter Market is a great way to kick off the festive season, with a huge selection of independent makers, gifts, food and drink.
There will also be live music and outdoor bars, all set in the grounds of Holker Hall. It’s a good family day out even if you’re not particularly interested in getting your Christmas shopping finished!
Christmas at Lake District Attractions
11. Muncaster Christmas Festival
5-6, 12-13, 19-22 December
Ravenglass
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Muncaster Castle goes all out for Christmas, with festive castle interiors, twinkling gardens, live Christmas music, a family-friendly festive trail and a Christmas craft fair.
There is also the famous World of Owls display, festive food and drinks and plenty of space to explore. Santa visits are available separately, but you can enjoy the Christmas Festival without booking a grotto.
12. Christmas at Wordsworth Grasmere
2026 dates TBC
Grasmere
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Wordsworth Grasmere gets into the festive spirit with Christmas activities for all ages. Previous festive programmes have included wintry sketching, poetry activities, Christmas crafts and festive gallery tours, alongside Christmas decorations and seasonal displays at Dove Cottage.
Family Christmas Shows
13. A Christmas Carol at Theatre by the Lake
Friday 13th November 2026 to Sunday 3rd January 2027
Keswick
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Theatre by the Lake’s Christmas production for 2026 is a new adaptation of A Christmas Carol, with song, live music and a spooky twist on Dickens’ classic festive tale. There are regular matinee performances alongside evening shows, and under-16 tickets are available, making this a great Christmas theatre trip for families.
14. A Town Called Christmas at Theatre by the Lake
Tuesday 8th to Sunday 27th December
Keswick
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A Town Called Christmas is a family show filled with magic, music and mayhem. Follow Clementine as she discovers a strange Christmas town where gingerbread houses glow, snowball fights take place in the streets and something has gone very wrong with the festive spirit. There are daytime performances throughout December, making this a good option for younger children.
15. The Elves & The Shoemaker
Saturday 19th to Monday 28th December 2026
Brewery Arts, Kendal
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The Elves & The Shoemaker is a fun, interactive Christmas show for younger children. Follow the shoemaker as he tries to save his struggling business with a little help from some mischievous elves.
This 50-minute family show is suitable for children aged 3+, with plenty of audience participation, songs and festive fun.
16. Pinocchio
Monday 28th December 2026 to Sunday 3rd January 2027
Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
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Theatre by the Lake’s festive programme continues into the New Year with Pinocchio, a magical family adventure based on the classic tale. Follow Pinocchio as he sets off to discover the world, meeting a colourful cast of characters along the way.
The show is aimed at families with children aged 4+, making it a good choice for a Christmas holiday theatre trip after Christmas Day.
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And if you’re hiking with little ones, check out our tips for hiking with kids under 5 to help you get a extra mile or two out of those little legs.