Home to many breathtaking landscapes, the Lake District transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. With its charming villages, sparkling lakes, and snow-capped mountains, the region offers a picturesque backdrop for a truly magical Christmas get-away. Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, join us as we explore the festive events that make the Lake District the perfect destination for celebrating Christmas.
Keswick Light Switch on 17th Nov 2023:
Annual Christmas light switch-ons are truly magical as they mark the official beginning of the festive season. It’s a collective experience that brings people together, ignites the holiday spirit, and fills hearts with joy and wonder. It is an enchanting tradition that captivates both young and old alike. Keswick has a variety of wholesome small businesses and shops which are home to perfect gifts for all. There are also a variety of cafes and restaurants to grab a bite to eat and a hot drink to warm you up. Why not stop by the Kings Arms and check out our festive menu or give our famous homemade pies a try?
Christmas Open Evening at The Falls Spa, Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa - 16th November 2023:
Christmas stressing you out? Visit our ‘Christmas Open Evening’ at the Falls Spa on the 16th November! Festive shopping doesn’t have to be draining; pamper yourself whilst getting things done. Chill out with a reflexology pressure point hand massage and test out a variety of muds in the Rasul. Get ready for Christmas with a variety of gift sets available to purchase and indulge in complimentary mulled wine, prosecco and Mizu canapes.
The real highlight is our specially discounted £45 mini treatments! Receive a 10% discount on individual products purchased on the night when you book one. What’s more – a donation of £2.50 per booking will be donated to our Charity of the Year, Jigsaw Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.
Photo Credit: Theatre by the Lake
'A Little Princess' at Theatre by the Lake
Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake is playing host to a fresh interpretation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved children’s classic, ‘The Secret Garden’ from the 17th November – 7th January. This enchanting story will feature a captivating cast of characters, original musical compositions, and mesmerizing puppetry. The show is expected to provide a heartwarming holiday experience that celebrates the magic of imagination and the importance of friendship, perfect for the entire family this Christmas season!
Christmas Wreath Masterclass at Inn on the Lake - 28th-29th November 2023:
NOW FULL!
What better way to embody the festive spirit than by getting creative? Join us at Inn on the Lake on the 28th or 29th November for a wreath-making masterclass where you can create a personally designed wreath with your own two hands! (On that note, please remember to bring your own garden gloves to ensure a comfortable experience.) All the materials you need will be thoughtfully provided. However, if you’re feeling inspired and wish to incorporate a personal touch with items from your home or garden foliage, you’re more than welcome to do so. After you have accomplished the construction of your wreath, immerse yourself in the festive spirit even further with a delightful Festive Afternoon Tea. This event offers the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends whilst partaking in therapeutic crafts and preparing for the Christmas season.
Frozen Afternoon Tea with Elsa and Anna at Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa - 26th November 2023:
Spaces selling fast!
Have your children caught that Frozen fever? Make all their dreams come true this Christmas and bring them to a fun-filled Afternoon Tea with special guests, Anna and Elsa! Watch their faces light up as they meet their favourite characters and revel in the delight of receiving their very own delicious Afternoon Tea. This event will run on the 26th November at Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa.
The Reindeer Run with Jigsaw, Cumbria's Childen's Hopsice
Our Charity of the Year is gearing up for its third annual Reindeer Run this December, building on the success of previous years where over £70,000 was raised by primary schools in Cumbria. They are inviting primary schools, sports teams, and youth groups to join in the festive fundraiser for Jigsaw, providing participants with antlers and sponsorship forms. It’s a fun opportunity to support a vital local organization that assists children and young adults in need in the community. This event will be running from the 1st December – 31st December.
If you would like to donate to our Charity of the Year, you can do so here: Lake District Hotels’ Just Giving Page.
Santa Splash at Keswick Launch - 1st December 2023:
Keswick is home to the annual ‘Santa Splash’ race where teams from different organisations compete in a boat race around Derwentwater, in a bid to win the ‘Santa Cruz’ trophy. Traditionally, all competitors dress up in their Santa gear, but there have been some interesting participants with appearances from gorillas and dinosaurs in recent years…
It’s a fun-filled activity creating amusement and laughter which will be sure to get all spectators and competitors alike into that festive spirit! Why not take a walk over to Inn on the Square‘s Front Bar for a warm drink and a bite to eat afterwards?
Keswick Victorian Fayre - 3rd December 2023:
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the Keswick Victorian Fayre, a beloved annual event that brings the spirit of Christmas to life in the heart of this this charming community. There will be a range of free live entertainment featuring bands, choirs, dancers and more. Visit the Main Street where you will find over 30 charity stalls waiting to offer you a treasure trove of homemade crafts, delectable produce, festive food and delightful drinks. Take part in festive games, tombola, and raffles to be in with a chance of bagging yourself a prize whilst contributing to a good cause. The Fayre embodies the true spirit of giving! Whilst on Main Street, why not nip into Skiddaw Hotel and try our Yuletide Hiker’s Board – our own festive, savoury twist on the traditional Afternoon Tea?
The Gutted Grotto Murder Mystery at Skiddaw Hotel - 7th December 2023:
NOW FULL!
Don your detective cap and be a part of our festive Murder Mystery event hosted at Skiddaw Hotel on December 7th. Delight in a delicious two-course meal whilst immersing yourself in an interactive seasonal murder mystery. It’s a riveting adventure suitable for all ages, featuring magical elves, endearing reindeer, and perhaps even Santa Claus himself! Yet, a sinister secret lurks within Santa’s sack. The store manager has mysteriously disappeared, and the wrapping paper appears dubiously tarnished in crimson..
Keswick’s Christmas Tree Festival – 10th December 2023:
From the 30th November – 3rd December, pop into Keswick’s Methodist Church to vote for your favourite Christmas tree before the main event when the winner will be revealed on the 10th December! Get those singing voices warmed up for carol singing in the hall and join in with the countdown for lighting the Nativity window. Hot chocolate and festive-themed treats will also be available for the price of a donation to Action for Children.
Christmas Dining at Lake District Hotels 2023:
Get into that festive spirit with Lake District Hotels at one of our six beautiful venues this Christmas. Enjoy a spot of seasonal indulgence with festive dining from our Christmas sprinkled menus. Let our delicious, home-cooked food comfort you as you relax in the contentment of being served by our friendly team of staff.
Want to try something different?
Indulge in the ultimate festive delight with our exquisite ‘Yuletide Afternoon Tea’, brimming with seasonal flavours and holiday cheer! Skiddaw Hotel’s Yuletide Hikers’ Board is our own savoury twist on the traditional afternoon tea, complete with a generous selection of bitesize dishes and a couple of sweet treats to finish off.
Christmas Dog Walk
Calling all dog lovers…join us for our annual Christmas dog walk on the Friday 15th December as we take a fun-filled festive stroll around Friars Crag and Castlehead. What better way to get into the festive spirit than by taking a relaxed winter walk with your furry friends? Grab your walking boots, get wrapped up snug and meet us at the Kings Arms Hotel for 1:45pm.
Indulge in complimentary mince pies and a choice of mulled wine or hot chocolate – we even have free treats for the pooches! Take part in our annual ‘Best Dressed Dog’ competition, we are lucky enough to have multiple local collaborators getting involved this year! The winner will receive a doggy hamper from Podgy Paws Pet Shop, a Pooch Pamper Hamper from Bugalugs Pet Care and a dog photography experience from Olive Paw Photography!
To book your FREE place or receive further information please contact Becca Brayton on 017687 87024, or email becca@lakedistricthotels.net.
Christmas Party Nights
This year, treat yourself to a real Christmas blowout at one of our sparkling Party Nights at either the Borrowdale Hotel or the Skiddaw Hotel! Step foot into one of our cosy locations for a pre-dinner tipple then take your seat in our elegant restaurant where you can enjoy a tempting 4-course festive feast before dancing the night away to our resident DJ. Get ready for a fully decked out Christmas get together to immerse you in the spirit of the holiday season! The price of a ticket includes a 4-course meal, tea, coffee and mince pies and dancing into the early hours.
Borrowdale Hotel:
Thursday 7th December ~ £39.95- Resident DJ
Saturday 9th December ~ £49.95 – Resident DJ
Saturday 16th December ~ £49.95 – Resident DJ
Christmas Day in Mizu
If you fancy trying something different this Christmas…why not book a table at Mizu?
Their Far Eastern take on ‘roast with all the trimmings’ is guaranteed to delight your taste buds as you take a break from the more traditional standard Christmas dinner. This six-course Christmas Day menu with an Asian twist will certainly give you something to talk about!
New Year's Eve in Mizu
Gather your nearest and dearest to celebrate bright times ahead in the elegant surroundings of the Candleroom at Inn on the Lake.
Enjoy a splendid 2-course dinner then dance the remainder of the year away as our resident DJ ‘Dancing in the dark’ will be here to help you kickstart the new year in the most enjoyable way imaginable.
The team will be waiting to provide you with a glass of bubbly at midnight so you can mark the occasion listening to the sound of the Piper.
New Year's Day Jazz Brunch at Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa
This year our famous Jazz Brunch has been thrown in the air and is now also available in Mizu!
Relax and recover from the chaos of Christmas and New Year’s Eve at our East Meets West buffet brunch where you can enjoy wonderful live music performed by our resident jazz band. Served in both the Lake View Restaurant and Mizu, indulge in a huge buffet of breakfast, brunch, lunch & Asian delicacies.
Sunday Lunches with Santa at Inn on the Lake
Watch the smile appear on your children’s faces when they see Father Christmas himself appear at the Inn on the Lake. At this magical event, enjoy a 3-course Sunday lunch and meet Santa who will come bearing gifts for the children.
Sunday 10th and 17th December
Children £20.50 / Adults £33.50
Sunday Lunches with Santa at Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa
Witness the joy emanating from your children’s faces as they behold Father Christmas himself making a grand entrance at Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa. Partake in this enchanting occasion, savor a delightful 3-course Sunday lunch, and have the opportunity to meet Santa, who will arrive with presents for the little ones.
Sunday 3rd & 10th December
Children £20.50 / Adults £33.50
Sunday Lunches with Santa at the Skiddaw Hotel
Looking for a wholesome way to introduce your children to Santa? Relish a delectable 3-course Sunday Lunch before being joined by the big man himself at the Skiddaw Hotel as he brings gifts for all children.
Sunday 17th December
Children £20.50 / Adults £33.50
Please note: Once you have made your booking, a member of the team will give you a call to book your preferred meal time. Alternatively, you can call us on 017687 72071.
