Get the BEST rates by booking directly on our website. Click here.

Things to Do for Christmas in the Lake District

Lake District Christmas Scene

A Festive Guide to Visiting the Cumbrian Lake District this Christmas

The Lake District transforms into a winter wonderland with its rugged fells and glistening waters during the festive season.

Whether seeking a cosy retreat or an adventure-filled holiday, Christmas in the Lakes offers something magical for everyone.

Christmas at the Whitewater Hotel

At the Whitewater Hotel in the Lake District, we offer a magical Christmas and New Year experience for guests seeking a festive getaway.

Our Christmas package, from 24th to 26th December, includes cosy accommodation and special meals at our Riverside Restaurant.

Upon arrival, we welcome guests with a three-course dinner, followed by Christmas Eve activities like mulled wine and a quiz.

On Christmas Day, we serve a lavish five-course lunch, festive cocktails, and provide evening entertainment.

We round off the stay on Boxing Day with a buffet brunch and offer discounted spa treatments.

We provide a special break from 30 December to 1 January for those looking to ring in the New Year with us.

This package mirrors our Christmas offering, with gourmet meals, spa discounts, and a grand New Year’s Eve celebration at Dolly’s, complete with a midnight toast.

Throughout both holidays, we at the Whitewater Hotel emphasize creating lasting memories through fine dining, a festive atmosphere, and relaxation opportunities.

We also offer a Christmas Fayre menu, ideal for corporate gatherings or family celebrations.

This menu showcases our commitment to catering to diverse guest needs during the holiday season.

Click here to find out more about Christmas at the Whitewater Hotel…

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.

Merry Xmas

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.

Snowy

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:

  1. Visit one of the region’s many museums, such as the Wordsworth Museum in Grasmere or the Pencil Museum in Keswick.
  2. Enjoy a spa day at one of the luxury hotels.
  3. Take a tour of the Lakes Distillery near Bassenthwaite Lake, where you can warm up with a taste of their finest whisky.
  4. Catch a film at Zeffirellis cinema in Ambleside, followed by a meal in their vegetarian restaurant.
  5. 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:

  1. Take a crisp walk around Tarn Hows or Buttermere, both stunning in winter.
  2. Try your hand at ice climbing at Helvellyn’s Gully.
  3. Join a guided ‘Red Deer and Winter Birds’ walk in Martindale.
  4. For the brave, take a chilly dip in Windermere – many locals partake in a Christmas Day swim!
  5. Enjoy winter fell walking, but always check conditions and be prepared with proper gear.

 

Fell Walk in the Lake District National Park

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 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.

Special Offers

Discover exclusive deals for hotel stays, spa retreats, and dining experiences at Whitewater Hotel and Cascades Spa.

Get the BEST rates when you book direct online.

We have various special rates for booking direct. Get up to 12% off your stay with us.

Best Price Guarantee: Book directly with us and we will match the best available price. 

Flexible Options: Enjoy the freedom to modify or cancel your reservation hassle-free, T&C’s apply.

Priority Upgrade: Book directly with us, and you’ll be first in line for a room upgrade to the category above if there is one available.

Sign Up to Receive Our Special Offers

By signing up to the newsletter, you agree for us to process and store your personal data in accordance with our privacy policy.