The landscapes of the Lake District and Cumbria are renowned for their otherworldly beauty, carved with the contours of ancient peaks and mirrored in glacial lakes. Made all the more dreamlike in wintertime, the region transforms into a wonderland with snow-dusted fells and lakeside villages adorned in fairylights. For the quintessential Yuletide escape, there are few places more magical.
To make your luxury staycation the most memorable this year, uncover our guide to Christmas markets in the Lake District and Cumbria ready to peruse stalls, sample seasonal favourites, and find something special to place under the tree…
Ambleside Christmas Lights
16th November 2024
One of the best places to visit in the Lake District, the beautiful town of Ambleside resides at the northerly-most tip of Windermere. Home to some of the best pubs and Michelin recommended restaurants in the Lake District and Cumbria, it is adored for its breathtaking location and plethora of local treasures. Especially captivating at Christmas, the streets of Ambleside come alive each November with the town’s annual lights switch on. Held on Saturday 16th November this year, this family-friendly event promises lights, lantern parades, fireworks, market stalls, carollers, hot food and mulled wine, and even a visit from Santa himself.
Kendal Mountain Festival
21st - 24th November 2024
Kendal Mountain Festival offers a Christmas experience with a twist for festive merrymakers. One of the biggest events on the Cumbrian calendar, it draws hikers, climbers and mountain lovers from near and far across a whole weekend each year. With hundreds of events encompassing live sessions, speakers, films, activities, trail runs, visual arts, parties and more, there’s something for all outdoor enthusiasts to uncover. Head over on the night of Thursday 21st for the festival’s Opening Ceremony, followed by the Kendal Street Parade around the Christmas light-strung town and Market Square.
Dickensian Christmas Festival, Ulverston
23rd - 24th November 2024
The Cumbrian market town of Ulverston plays host to a famous Dickensian Christmas Festival each year. Running since 1999, this beloved festival sees the whole town transform into a romantic Victorian-era time-trap, complete with costume-clad street performers and parades. A Dickensian reverie for revellers of all ages, this year marks the festival’s 25th anniversary and promises an abundance of live entertainment and a town full of market stalls. With performance stages and roving artists alike, a collection of brass bands, singers, magicians, circus acts and more are all part of the festive offering. Embrace the period attire or simply layer up in your cosiest apparel as you venture over to the festival.
Coniston Christmas Market
24th November 2024
Held on Sunday 24th November, Coniston’s Christmas Market proposes lakeside strolls and unique shopping opportunities this year. Held in Coniston Hotel within a 1,400-acre estate on the shores of Coniston Water, it features a collection of handpicked producers and artisans. Combine your visit with a luxurious spa day or simply take your time perusing the various Christmas collections. From beautiful homeware and country accessories to botanical fragrances and delicious chocolates and treats, a range of gift ideas await to pique your interest – perfect for finding that special something for a loved one.
Bowness Glebe Markets
1st December 2024
Glebe Markets in Bowness on Windermere take place throughout the year and are a favourite with visitors and locals alike for fresh, seasonal selections. Wrapped in Christmas festivity this December, the lakeside market tempts with dozens of stalls. The ideal place to find treasured gifts and thoughtful stocking fillers, it offers a huge assortment of local food and crafts. Take your time wandering through the rows of stalls and absorbing the atmosphere, stopping off to try delicious samples and cast your gaze over present possibilities. Buttery fudge, organic soaps, Cumbrian canvases, vintage curios and more await…
Rydal Mount Christmas Fayre, Ambleside
30th November - 1st December 2024
The former home of wordsmith William Wordsworth, Rydal Mount is an enchanting attraction in the Lake District. A wonderful place to visit throughout the year, its 16th century house and landscaped gardens are particularly charming in winter and curates a delightfully festive fayre. To see the world of Wordsworth in a new fairylight-festooned perspective, visit on either Saturday 30th November or Sunday 1st December this year. With a beautiful backdrop of Rydal Water and the house’s wintery gardens, you can explore the finest local arts and crafts between 10am and 4pm each day. Fuelling the festive spirit is Christmas music and seasonal food and drink.
Sedbergh Late-Night Christmas Shopping
4th December 2024
The perfect way to celebrate Christmas in Cumbria, Sedbergh Late-Night Shopping weaves together high street favourites and local artisans for one unmissable evening. Set amongst the rolling Howgill Fells gilded with glistening snowy coats in winter, Sedbergh makes for a dreamy destination for winter escapes. Make way on Wednesday 4th December 2024 to uncover a Christmas craft market, musical processions and town bands, carol singers, nativity plays and more. For artisan treats, an array of market stalls await under sparkling Christmas lights, while as dusk falls, high street stores open for late-night shopping. As one of England’s beloved book towns, Sedbergh is also a great place for literary lovers to pick up a Christmas page-turner.
Yew Tree Barn’s Christmas Markets
6th - 8th December 2024
Brimming with unique finds, Yew Tree Barn at Low Newton, Cartmel, resides within a 19th century Westmorland barn conversion and is a dream for antique seekers. The host of a family-friendly Christmas festival each year, it is also one of the best places to visit this Christmas to pick up one-of-a-kind gifts. Follow spellbinding Cumbrian roads to reach Yew Tree Barn during the first weekend in December and discover a curated collection of artisan makers and creatives selling bespoke wares. Serenading merrymakers is live music, while satiating appetites is food from Harry’s Café, Heft, Yonder and more. From Christmas trees and wreaths to furniture and ceramics, there’s plenty to capture your attention.
Hawkshead Christmas Fair
7th - 8th December 2024
The picturesque village of Hawkshead can be found in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Loved for its soul-stirring walks and welcoming pubs, it also lends itself perfectly to winter retreats with its frost-tinted landscapes and annual Christmas markets. One of the best Christmas markets in the Lake District and Cumbria, Hawkshead Christmas Fair beckons with local streets and venues filled with festive offerings, from food tents stacked with indulgent treats to gardens garlanded with lights. Adorn your warmest winter layers and meander along Hawkshead’s quaint streets and stalls to bask in the ambience and find a present or several to take home with you.
Taste Cumbria Christmas Market, Cockermouth
7th - 8th December 2024
Christmas is the season of goodwill and there’s no better love language than food. For the culinary connoisseurs and pursuers of epicurean delights, there’s no finer festival this season than Taste Cumbria Christmas Market. Held in the market town of Cockermouth, considered the gateway to the Western Lakes and Solway Coast, this cherished festival celebrates the very best of foodie festivity. On the line-up, visitors can expect a vibrant marketplace, hot food court, outdoor picnic area, cookery demonstrations and an array of food counters. Adding to the entertainment, live music, fairground rides, and children’s activities can also be enjoyed across the weekend.
Feeling festive? Uncover our luxury cottages in the Lake District and Cumbria.
