Christmas & New Year is always a magical time of year. Why not make this year even more special and enjoy all the festive fun against the stunning backdrop of Cumbria’s rugged mountains, shimmering lakes and sweeping coastlines.
Soak up the brilliant atmosphere and a warm, friendly welcome at one of these seasonal events or check out our blog for more inspiration on what to see and do this festive season.
Searching for the perfect place to stay? Take a look at these Christmas and New Year breaks and find your idyllic cosy winter getaway. This is a great time of year to slow down, disconnect and enjoy some quality time with friends & family.
Treat yourself to a touch of luxury and choose accommodation with your own private hot tub, get outside for an adventure under Cumbria’s spellbinding dark skies full of millions of stars – or tuck into a scrumptious Christmas dinner prepared by expert local chefs. Whatever you choose to do it’s time to start making some wonderful Christmas memories.
Get into the Christmas spirit and visit one of the many Christmas Markets taking place across the region – there’ll be mulled wine, tasty treats and fabulous Christmas gifts aplenty! If you want to start shopping straight away, look through our Christmas Gift Guide to Cumbria bursting with great gift ideas for friends and family, direct from our fantastic Cumbrian businesses.
Below you will find everything you need to start making some wonderful Christmas plans. Scroll further down for all the events taking place across the region this Christmas.
What could be better than beautiful winter scenery, tasty Christmas dining and magical festive events. There really is something for everyone to enjoy across the Lake District, Cumbria this festive season.
Christmas Inspiration
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.

Number of results: 40
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Moresby, Whitehaven
Come and celebrate the festive season with us and enjoy an evening full of great West Cumbrian talent in our great Big Christmas Concert!
Upon arrival you will be welcomed with a Hot Roast Turkey Roll and a glass of something non-alcoholic but very…
Newby Bridge
Food, glorious food!
Christmas Lunch at The Swan
'Cause food is what Christmas is really about, right? Enjoy your turkey dinner with all of the trimmings, minus the washing up this year! Join us for a fabulously festive 3-course lunch with all of…
Ravenglass
Alan Cleaver and his wife Lesley Park conjure up the spirit of Cumbria's Christmas past with a look back at some of the customs and traditions of yesteryear including Eskdale's Christmas carol, delivering the Christmas post, snow pancakes and a…
Ambleside
Local Crafts Christmas Fair – Two Days of Festive Magic!
Get into the holiday spirit at our Local Crafts Christmas Fair, a two-day celebration of creativity, community, and Christmas cheer! Discover a wonderful variety of handmade gifts,…
Windermere Marina Village, Bowness-on-Windermere
Wednesday 31st December (NYE)
Millie Mac Live, DJ Robin Kershaw & Sax
7pm - 1.30am
️ Tickets - https://buytickets.at/marinaview/1855407
We're ringing in the New Year with another huge lineup of live music and entertainment!
We kick off the…
The Abbey, Carlisle
Every Christmas the Carlisle Cathedral choirs join forces for the annual Christmas Concert; this year our boy and girl choristers, Consort and Lay Clerks will be singing Carols by Candlelight - the perfect pre-Christmas musical treat, including…
Penrith
It's puppet pandemonium in this magical pantomime!
Join Pinocchio, Geppetto, and a cast of colourful characters as the little wooden boy sets out on a wild adventure to become real, but watch out for the villainous Stromboli who's always out to…
Longtail Hill, Bowness-on-Windermere
Served Daily Between 1pm & 5pm
Book now for our afternoon tea with a festive twist.
Our festive deluxe afternoon tea is available from 1st December 2025 - 1st January 2026. Excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Eve and New…
Ambleside
Grove Barn proudly presents "Carols by Candlelight," featuring the internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble, Amabile,from Merchant Taylors' School under the visionary direction of Marie-Claire Gervasoni. Amabile is renowned for its musical…
Newby Bridge
he Swan's Santa's Grotto, a festive wonderland awaits your little ones!
Every weekend from November the 15th (coinciding with our Christmas Markets!), we invite children of all ages, up to 14, to experience the joy of meeting Santa Claus himself.…
Bowness-on-Windermere
✨ Santa's Grotto Experience – Just £10 per Child!
(Adults go free!)
Step into the magic of Christmas at The Royalty, where Father Christmas awaits in his enchanting winter wonderland!
Upon arrival, one of our cheerful elves will greet you at the…
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…
Kendal
Join us for our Christmas Opening here at Levens Hall this December. We will be opening the House and Topiary area of the Gardens over the first three weekends in December.
5th, 6th, 7th December
12th, 13th, 14th December
19th, 20th, 21st…
Conishead Priory, Ulverston
CHRISTMAS EVE & DAY & MEDITATION RETREAT
Celebrate Christmas in a different way
This Christmas, give yourself the most meaningful gift: a peaceful and loving heart.
In the beautiful and relaxing environment of the Kadampa Temple for World Peace,…
The Abbey, Carlisle
Carlisle Cathedral will once again host their Christmas Tree Festival throughout December, building on the success of the first event held in 2024.
Last year's festival involved 30 local charities, organisations, schools and groups, all of whom…
2 Compston Rd, Ambleside
Back by popular demand, the Leeds City Stompers are returning to Zeffirellis Jazz Bar for an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration. Bringing the spirit of 1920s and 30s blues, jazz, swing and ragtime to life, the band delivers a captivating mix…
Ravenglass
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Santa Express – A Magical Christmas Journey Step aboard our magical Santa Express for a festive adventure like no other!
Weekends from 22nd November – 14th December (including Friday 12th December)
Premium…
Ravenglass
Wrap up warm and step aboard for a magical winter journey on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway's Winter Warmer Trains! From 28th December 2025 to 3rd January 2026, enjoy a scenic train ride aboard scheduled heritage steam and diesel trains through…
Conishead Priory, Ulverston
NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION IN CONISHEAD PRIORY
WITH MANTRAS AND MEDITATION
Time for a New Perspective
December 31
Time for a New Perspective ~ Learning to be happy whatever happens!
Begin 2026 with a new perspective that will help you maintain a…
Carlisle
We are delighted to welcome Isabella and Charlotte to the Fratry, as they join forces to entertain us. Both have been closely involved in the life of Carlisle Cathedral over the years, and it is an honour to have them return to perform together…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL