Winter Events in the Lake District
Events
Winter is a great time of the year to visit the Lake District. Even though it can be quite chilly and the days are short, there’s plenty of things to do and lots of events happening. In fact, there’s so much to choose from that you may struggle to pick one, so we’ve compiled a list of Winter Events happening in the Lake District that are within easy reach of Skelwith.
Family Friendly Events in the Lake District
The Lakes are a a popular destination for families and in the weeks running up to Christmas, there are lots of themed events to attend, and you can really start to get into the Christmas spirit.
- Father Christmas on the Farm: starting every weekend from the end November all way until Christmas, children can meet reindeers, decorate gingerbread biscuits, build a teddy, visit the enchanted forest, toast marshmallows and of course meet Santa! And if you thought things couldn’t get any better, there’s also lots of entertainment for parents. We recommend booking tickets in advance as there’s limited availability.
- Santa’s Secret Grotto at Ho-Ho-Honister: take your family on a unique journey to discover Santa’s Secret Grotto, hidden in a slate mine. Santa’s elf, Holly Sparklefoot will be your mountain guide as you explore all the hidden passages and find your way to meet Santa at the heart of the grotto. Children can expect a special gift if they haven’t been naughty! This event runs every Friday to Sunday from the 22nd of November up until Christmas, we recommend booking in advance for this fantastic experience.
- Santa’s Sunday Lunch: On the 1st of December, enjoy a special Christmas lunch at the Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa. This 3-course Sunday lunch is extra special, as children will have the opportunity to meet Santa and get presents. Due to the events popularity, booking is essential.
All of these family-friendly winter events are about an hour away from Skelwith, making them the perfect one-day trip destination.
Christmas Markets
Of course, as we countdown to Christmas, things wouldn’t be the same without a visit to at least one Christmas Market.
- Beetham Nurseries Christmas Market Weekend: from the 5th to the 8th of December, enjoy a Christmas market filled with stalls, festive workshops, live music and lots of delicious food!
- Taste Cumbria Christmas in Cockermouth: running on the weekend of the 7th and 8th of December, you will find a lovely Christmas market in the heart of Cockermouth, showcasing local festive food and drink, as well as gifts, fairground rides, live music and lots of activities for the kids.
- Ulverston’s Dickensian Christmas Festival: Get into the Christmas spirit – Dickensian style! You will find multiple festive performances throughout the day including fire eaters, jugglers, singers and magicians (all dressed up of course!). Visit the outdoor market and try some of the delicious street food from local businesses.
All of the Christmas markets are about 45 minutes away from Skelwith Fold, making them easily reachable from our cottages, and the perfect distance for families looking to make the most of the Christmas in the Lake District.
Christmas Lights Switch On
Most of the towns in the Lake District do a Christmas lights switch on to kick off their Winter celebrations. The most popular Switch Ons in the Lake District include:
- Ambleside Christmas Lights: taking place on the 16th of November, it includes two Santa Christmas Cruises, food stalls, processions with lantern bearers and overall a festive atmosphere!
- Kendal’s Christmas Lights Switch-On: on the 21st of November, be ready to experience an opening parade, food and drink stalls, Christmas carols and be ready to meet Santa of course, as this is the perfect family friendly event to soak in the Christmas spirit.
- Cockermouth Christmas Lights on the 17th of November.
- Coniston Christmas Lights Switch On
In addition to these events, why not visit Winter at Sizergh, a National Trust family friendly celebration taking place from the 22nd of November all the way until Christmas Eve. Families can enjoy a magical stroll across Sizergh’s estate and enjoy the animated lights and decorations.
Holiday Cottages for Winter Breaks in the Lake District
Our holiday park is closed from the end of November until March. However, if you’re thinking of visiting the Lake District this Winter our cosy holiday cottages with hot tubs are open until the middle of December (we take a short break over Christmas) and are open again in January. They definitely make for the perfect Winter getaway!
Cottage Number One and Number Three are perfect for families and groups of up to six people and are dog friendly. These holiday properties come with high-quality furniture with classic luxury pieces, creating a cosy space to relax any time of the year.
Our Greenhouse is a very large property that hosts group up to 16 people, and is wheelchair friendly. This contemporary, self-catering accommodation benefits from luxury furniture and ample spaces to wind down and relax – the perfect Winter holiday home for larger groups.