A Festive Guide to Visiting the Cumbrian Lake District this Christmas
As winter air settles over the hills and waters of Cumbria, the Lake District turns into a festive wonderland at Christmas time.
It is a great place to get away and enjoy nature, holiday fun, and old customs.
Away from busy city streets, this special site has calm views with snow on the mountains and fog over the valleys.
It creates a feeling of old-time charm. The region suits families, couples, and people on their own who want to make Xmas memories.
Related: Towns in the Lake District
Christmas at the Whitewater Hotel 2025
The Whitewater Hotel offers packages for Christmas 2025.
These include stays from 24 December to 26 December.
Guests can book for two or three nights.
Itinerary
- 24 December: Check-in from 3pm. Prosecco and canapés in the Lounge Bar at 6pm. Three-course dinner in the Riverside Restaurant at 7pm. Mulled wine and mince pies in Dollys at 9pm.
- 25 December: Buffet breakfast from 7:30am to 9:30am. Christmas lunch with canapés and prosecco from 12:30pm to 3pm. Cocktails and board games at 4pm. Mulled wine, cheese and meat platter, and mince pies from 7pm to 9pm.
- 26 December: Buffet brunch from 8am to 12pm. Dinner from 6pm to 8:30pm. 40% off spa treatments, subject to availability.
Booking Details
A 25% non-refundable deposit is taken at booking. Full payment is due on 31 October 2025.
No refunds for cancellations after 31 October. Menus sent by email after payment on 31 October.
Pre-order and seating time needed by 15 December 2025. Seating on first-come, first-served basis.
Add-Ons
Christmas Day lunch available for adults and children.
Children can order from the kids’ menu.
Limited to 20 non-residents (10 tables of two). Waiting list after full.
Click here to find out more about NYE & Xmas at The Whitewater Hotel…
Xmas Winter Landscapes in the Lake District
As winter descends, the Lake District dons a cloak of frosty beauty.
The iconic fells, dusted with snow, create a breathtaking backdrop for your Christmas getaway.
Mist often hangs low over the lakes, adding an ethereal quality to the stunning scenery.
The bare trees, their branches outlined in frost, starkly contrast against the moody skies, creating picture-perfect vistas at every turn.
Typical Lake District Weather Conditions Over Christmas
While a white Christmas isn’t guaranteed, the Lake District often experiences cold and crisp weather during the festive period.
Temperatures typically range from 0°C to 7°C (32°F to 45°F).
Rainfall is expected, so pack your wellies and waterproofs!
Snow is more likely on higher ground, but it’s truly spectacular when it does blanket the valleys.
Be prepared for short days, with daylight lasting from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Traditional Christmas Activities and Events
The Lake District comes alive with festive cheer during December.
Many towns and villages host Christmas markets, where you can sample local delicacies and pick up unique handcrafted gifts.
Keswick’s Victorian Fayre is charming, with stallholders dressed in period costumes.
Carol services in historic churches, such as St Mary’s in Ambleside, offer a chance to experience the true spirit of Christmas.
For families, a visit to ‘Father Christmas’ at Brockhole on Windermere or a ride on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway’s ‘Santa Express’ will delight the little ones.
Things to Do on Bad Weather Days During the Festive Season
When the Lake District weather takes a turn for the worse, there’s still plenty to keep you entertained:
- Visit one of the region’s many museums, such as the Wordsworth Museum in Grasmere or the Pencil Museum in Keswick.
- Enjoy a spa day at one of the luxury hotels.
- Take a tour of the Lakes Distillery near Bassenthwaite Lake, where you can warm up with a taste of their finest whisky.
- Catch a film at Zeffirellis cinema in Ambleside, followed by a meal in their vegetarian restaurant.
- Explore the covered Rheged Centre near Penrith, which houses shops, cafes, and an IMAX cinema.
Local Festive Cuisine and Drinks
The Lake District’s culinary scene shines during Christmas.
Traditional pubs serve hearty fare, such as Cumbrian roast turkey with all the trimmings or locally raised beef and Herdwick lamb.
Don’t miss regional specialities like Cumberland sausage or sticky toffee pudding.
Try Keswick Brewery’s ‘Thirst Noel’ winter ale or mulled wine made with damson gin from the Lyth Valley for a warming tipple.
Many local producers offer special Christmas hampers filled with regional delicacies – perfect for a self-catering holiday or as a gift to take home.
Outdoor Winter Activities
Don’t let the cold weather deter you from exploring the great outdoors.
Winter offers unique opportunities for adventure:
- Take a crisp walk around Tarn Hows or Buttermere, both stunning in winter.
- Try your hand at ice climbing at Helvellyn’s Gully.
- Join a guided ‘Red Deer and Winter Birds’ walk in Martindale.
- For the brave, take a chilly dip in Windermere – many locals partake in a Christmas Day swim!
- Enjoy winter fell walking, but always check conditions and be prepared with proper gear.
Shopping for Unique Lake District Themed Christmas Gifts
The Lake District is home to many independent shops and artisans, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts.
Explore the winding streets of Ambleside or Keswick for local art, handmade crafts, and speciality food items.
The Herdy shops, with their cute sheep-themed goods, are great for Lake District souvenirs.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
The Lake District gears up for New Year’s Eve as Christmas winds down.
Many towns host fireworks displays, with Keswick’s being particularly spectacular against the backdrop of the fells.
Join the torchlight procession in Alston, England’s highest market town, for a unique celebration.
Final Notes on Your 2025 Lake District Christmas
Christmas in the Lake District offers a magical blend of natural beauty, festive cheer, and cosy retreats.
Whether you’re seeking adventure in the frosty fells or a quiet escape by a roaring fire, the Lakes provide an unforgettable backdrop for your yuletide celebrations.
Its rich traditions, stunning winter landscapes, and warm Cumbrian hospitality make it the perfect place to create lasting Christmas memories.
