A Guide to Christmas in the Lake District
Christmas is a magical time to visit the Lake District. Quaint villages are turned into picture-postcard scenes, while the slightest touch of frost transforms the landscape into a true winter wonderland.
Whether you’re planning a family getaway or a couple’s retreat, if you’re spending Christmas in the Lake District, we’ve rounded up some of the best festive activities for you to try.
Dark Skies Festive Walk
Located in Whinlatter Forest, just a 45-minute drive from the hotel, this dark skies festive walk run by Jo from JAG Outdoors offers you the chance to spot some of the stars Father Christmas will use to navigate on his epic Christmas Eve journey.
The walk covers approximately three to four miles of trails but there are points when those with smaller ones can take an alternative route to cut the walk short if needed. Warm clothing, waterproofs and stout boots are recommended as the paths can get muddy.
Walks will run on 21st and 23rd December from 5.30pm to 8pm, and pre-booking is essential. Tickets cost £15 per adult, £20 for one adult and two children or £35 for up to two adults and three children under 12. Dogs are also welcome on the walk, making it a fantastic way to spend Christmas in the Lake District with all the family.
Hawkshead Xmas Fair
If you’re looking for picture postcard Christmas scenes, there’s no better place to head than the Hawkshead Xmas Fair hosted on the 7th and 8th of December from 10am to 4pm. As well as stunning scenery sure to get you in the festive mood, there’s an array of stalls from local artisans selling homemade gifts and festive treats.
Live entertainment and a Santa’s Grotto where children can visit the big man himself round this off as a must-visit event if you’re spending Christmas in the Lake District.
Santa Paws Festive Photoshoot – Allan Bank
If you’re enjoying a festive break with your four-legged friends, then this is the perfect activity to capture treasured memories together. Shaun Barr is offering free 15-minute photoshoot slots on the 1st and 8th of December from 10am – 2.40pm, giving you the chance to capture you and your furry friend donned in your best festive attire.
After the session, you can explore Allan Bank, a historic, romantic villa that was once the home of Wordsworth.
Although the photoshoot is free, booking is advised, and normal admission charges to Allan Bank apply.
Santa’s Secret Grotto – Honister Slate Mine
For a truly unique Christmas in the Lake District, make sure you visit Santa’s secret Grotto in the depths of Honister Slate mine. This one-of-a-kind experience combines festive magic with the thrill of exploring underground caverns and is well worth the hour and ten-minute drive from the hotel.
Enjoy a scenic bus ride up the mountain guided by one of Santa’s elves before being guided through secret mine passages. Watch out for mystical creatures along the way before you reach a magical winter wonderland with twinkling lights and toy-making elves busy at work before greeting Santa and receiving a special gift.
This experience is available from mid-November until 24th December and costs £25 per child and £35 per adult, which includes a festive drink and snack and reindeer food for Christmas Eve. The event is popular, so pre-booking a slot is essential.
Father Christmas Tea Party – World of Beatrix Potter
If your perfect Christmas in the Lake District involves bunkering down and not travelling far from the hotel, this is the ideal festive activity. Just a five-minute walk away, the special Christmas-themed tea party offers adults and little ones plenty of festive delights. As well as a special screening of the classic Christmas animation The Snowman, there’s a scrumptious afternoon tea to enjoy, before meeting Father Christmas.
Adult tickets cost just £3, while children's tickets range from £26 for 3–16-year-olds to £7.50 for babies. This includes entry to the World of Beatrix Potter attraction as well as the party, which lasts approximately 75 minutes.
Wild Wreath Making Workshop
One for the adults, this wild wreath-making workshop run by Katie from Forage and Foliage promises to get you in a festive mood. With cocktails, snacks and Christmas tracks playing, it’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.
The workshop is on the 28th of November from 7pm to 9pm and costs £65, which includes everything you need to make your own Christmas door wreath.
Enjoy a festive getaway
Experience Christmas in the Lake District at The Ro hotel. Our family-friendly hotel is the perfect place to enjoy a unique festive getaway in one of the most picturesque areas of the UK.
Book your stay today and experience the beauty for yourself.