With Christmas just around the corner, it's time to embrace some festive cheer and explore the many seasonal markets taking place across the Lake District. From our bustling market towns to our charming villages, you'll find Christmas magic in every corner of the county.
Below are just a few of our favourites, all within easy reach of either our Windermere Cottages or our Ullswater Cottages - the Taste Cumbria Christmas Market in Cockermouth is a little further afield, but well worth a visit.
Bowness-on-Windermere Christmas Market: Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December
Located on the Glebe, the Bowness-on-Windermere Christmas Market will offer local produce, gifts, food and warming drinks. You'll also enjoy live music, carol singing, street entertainment and a visit from Father Christmas.
Hawkshead Christmas Fair: Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December
For more festive fun and Christmas cheer why not visit the picturesque village of Hawkshead? With lots of indoor and oudoor stalls, local crafts, delicious food and live music, this is a great day out for the whole family. Be sure to take part in the carol singing and keep an eye out for Father Christmas.
Christmas at Levens Hall: Saturdays and Sundays in December from 10.30am to 4pm
Levens Hall will be opening the house and the topiary garden in the run up to Christmas. On 6th and 7th, 13th and 14th, and 20th and 21st December, the house will be beautifully decorated for Christmas, with fires lit and choirs and musicians from the local area performing carols in the Great Hall. You will also be able to visit the Levens Kitchen where there will be a delicious festive menu on offer.
Keswick Victorian Fayre: Sunday 7 December
Step back in time with traditional Victorian stalls, vendors dressed in period costume, and a delightful mix of live entertainment including brass bands and carol singers. Visit the Christmas themed market where you can enjoy browsing an array of local crafts, artisan foods and unique gifts.
Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair: Friday 5 to Sunday 7 December
Kirkby Lonsdale is set to sparkle once again as its much-loved Christmas Fair returns for a weekend of festive fun from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th December 2025.
Expect plenty of festive activities, shopping and celebration - plus delicious seasonal food and drink.
Renowned for its independent shops, inns and cafes and quaint cobblestone yards, the combination of both indoor and outdoor markets means there's plenty to explore, making Kirkby Lonsdale a truly beautiful festive setting.
Taste Cumbria Christmas Market in Cockermouth: Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December
Get into the festive spirit with Taste Cumbria Christmas in Cockermouth on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December 2025.
You be treated to more than just food and drink at this Christmas event. There will be gifts and homewares, seasonal specials and all the sweet and savoury treats you'd expect from the county's favourite food festival.
Festive Family Day at Blackwell - the Arts and Crafts House: Saturday 20 December
Enjoy a fun festive day out with the family at Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house on Saturday 20 December.
Throughout the day, you can enjoy cheerful storytelling with Taffy Thomas MBE, live folk music, creative hands-on activities and a sprinkle of Christmas cheer as this beautiful historic house comes alive with seasonal spirit.
To make your day extra special, they will also be offering festive treats in the tea room.
National Trust Festive Days Out in the Lake District
There are a number of National Trust properties getting into the festive spirit. See houses decorated for the season, step into interactive sound and light installations, get stuck into Christmas crafts or join in the festive spirit with music and carols.
Whether you're looking for festive cheer, delicious local food or simply a taste of local tradition, these Lake District festive days out offer something for everyone. They're the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.
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