Twixmas in the Lake District 2026/2027: things to do in the Christmas holidays

That awkward time between Christmas and New Year can be an odd one. You’re stuffed from Christmas, genuinely have no idea what day it is, but you’ve still got to keep the kids entertained and store some energy for the obligatory New Year celebrations.

This is often a time when families look to do a staycation in the Lake District; perfect for decompressing after the Christmas rush. Plus, a brisk walk in the hills is just what everyone needs to balance out all those mince pies. If you’re planning a festive getaway, check out our guide to Lake District Holiday Cottages for Families.

But what do you actually do once Christmas Day is over? While some Christmas events finish before the big day, there are still plenty of things happening across the Lake District between Boxing Day and the start of the new school term. From festive shows and Christmas light trails to attractions that stay open over the holidays, there are plenty of ways to get the kids out of the house.

So, if you’re wondering what’s on this Twixmas in the Lake District, here are some ideas for family days out between Christmas and New Year.

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Festive events

1. Lights of Lowther

Sunday 27th to Wednesday 30th December 2026
Lowther Castle
Click here for more information and to book

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.

2. A Christmas Carol at Theatre by the Lake

Saturday 26th December 2026 to Sunday 3rd January 2027
Keswick
Click here for more information and to book

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.

3. A Town Called Christmas at Theatre by the Lake

Saturday 26th & 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.

4. The Elves & The Shoemaker

Sunday 27th & 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.

5. 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.

Attractions open and days out

6. World of Beatrix Potter

Open every day from 26th December
Bowness-on-Windermere
READ OUR GUIDE
Click here for more information and to book

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction is a good option for a Twixmas day out, particularly if you have younger children. Step into Beatrix Potter’s famous stories as you explore the recreated scenes featuring Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, Mr McGregor and friends.

There’s also a seasonal Tomte’s Yuletide Tale running from 28th December to 2nd January, bringing a little extra festive magic to the attraction during the Twixmas period.

It’s in the centre of Bowness, so it’s easy to combine with a walk around the town or a winter trip out on Windermere.

7. Take a winter cruise on Windermere

Saturday 26th December 2026 to Sunday 3rd January 2027
Bowness-on-Windermere and other lakeside piers
Click here for the Christmas holiday timetable

Windermere is beautiful at any time of year, and there’s something particularly peaceful about getting out on the lake during the quieter winter months.

Windermere Lake Cruises has a specific timetable covering 26th December 2026 to 3rd January 2027, so there are cruises running throughout the main Twixmas period. The company does not operate on Christmas Day, but services resume on Boxing Day.

Wrap up warm, enjoy the views and let someone else do the driving for a change. Depending on the timetable, you can also use the boats to connect Bowness with other lakeside destinations.

8. Windermere Jetty Museum

Sunday 27th December 2026 to Sunday 3rd January 2027
Windermere
Click here for more information

Windermere Jetty Museum explores the history of boating on Windermere, with historic boats, interactive displays and exhibitions about life on the lake. Kids can see boats being restored in the conservation workshop and explore the galleries, with plenty of interesting things to discover about the boats and people that have shaped Windermere.

On selected dates, you can also take a heritage boat trip from the museum’s own jetty, while the lakeside café makes a handy stop for lunch or a hot drink.

9. Grizedale Forest & Go Ape

Sunday 27th December 2026 to Sunday 3rd January 2027
Grizedale Forest
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There’s plenty to do at Grizedale Forest during the Christmas holidays, from exploring the woodland trails and sculpture trail to cycling through the forest. For older children, Go Ape adds some extra adventure, with high ropes and zip lines through the trees.

Go Ape is open from 27th to 31st December, while the forest itself remains open into the New Year, making this a good option for burning off some of that Christmas energy.

10. Sizergh Castle

Saturday 26th December 2026 to Sunday 3rd January 2027
Near Kendal
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Click here for more information

While Sizergh’s historic house is closed over the Christmas period, the gardens and wider estate provide a lovely winter outing. Follow the paths through the gardens and woodland, look out for wildlife and enjoy views across the surrounding countryside. There’s also a café for warming up afterwards, making this a good option for a winter walk without committing to a full fell hike. Plus, you must not miss The Wild Trail, which is separate from the castle and gardens.

As Sizergh Castle is run by the National Trust, it’s free for NT members to enter. If you’re not a NT member, you can still access The Wild Trail for free (further information here).

11. Lake District Wildlife Park

Open from 26th December and closed on New Year’s Day
Bassenthwaite, near Keswick
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Click here for more information

Lake District Wildlife Park is home to more than 100 species, including big cats, monkeys, meerkats, red pandas and birds of prey. There are also keeper talks and bird-of-prey displays throughout the year, plus play areas for younger children.

12. Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Monday 28th December 2026 to Sunday 3rd January 2027
Ravenglass
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Climb aboard the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway for a scenic journey through the Eskdale Valley on the historic narrow-gauge railway. The seven-mile journey takes around 40 minutes each way, with the option to get off at stations along the route and explore the valley.

The railway’s Winter Warmer Trains run from 28th December to 3rd January, making this a particularly fitting Twixmas day out.

13. Lakes Aquarium

Open every day from 26th December
Lakeside
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For a rainy day after Christmas, head to Lakes Aquarium at Lakeside. Follow the underwater journey from the waters of the Lake District to tropical rivers and rainforests, with everything from local freshwater species to sharks, rays and otters.

The aquarium is next to the Lakeside pier and Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, so there are plenty of options for combining attractions into a full day out.

14. Derwent Pencil Museum

Open from 27th December (closed Boxing Day and New Year’s Day)
Keswick
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Click here for more information

Derwent Pencil Museum is one of those wonderfully quirky Lake District attractions. Discover the story of pencil-making in Keswick, see the world’s largest colouring pencil and learn how pencils have been made over the years.

Kids can also take part in a museum quiz as they explore the exhibits, and everyone gets a pencil as a souvenir with their admission.

15. The Puzzling Place

Open from Saturday 26th December 2026 to Sunday 3rd January (closed Mon-Fri throughout January)
Keswick
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Puzzling Place is a fun indoor attraction in the centre of Keswick, packed with optical illusions, holograms and interactive exhibits. Kids can try the Anti-Gravity Room, Ames Room and Sideways Room, with plenty of opportunities for some very strange photos.

It’s a good option for a wet day and doesn’t take up a whole day, so works well alongside exploring Keswick. During the Christmas holidays, it is open daily from 11am to 5pm.

16. Get hiking

At this time of year, nothing quite beats a brisk walk in the fells followed by a pub lunch. Search for a family pub walk using our search tool and make sure you prebook a table if you’re planning to eat.