The festive period is a wonderful time to visit the Lake District. With snow-capped fells, a touch of frost on the lakeshore and loads of cosy cottages to snuggle up in, winter in the Lakes is a real treat. If you’re visiting over the festive period, what better way to get in the Christmas spirit than a day out at the local markets! Here we list some of the best Christmas markets in the Lake District to kick off the festive season!
1. Cumbria Life Christmas at Rheged, 16th-17th November
This Christmas market showcases the best of Cumbria’s arts & crafts with over 60 handpicked stalls on display. Kick off your Christmas shopping, enjoy some festive food & drink (including a glass of prosecco on entry) or take part in one of the many masterclasses and learn a new craft or skill! Entry costs £5 including your welcome drink plus an event programme, or book a weekend ticket for £7.50 and enjoy the full range festivities on offer. If you’d like to visit for the whole weekend, why not stop in one of our nearby cottages.
2. The Lowther Christmas Fair, 22nd-24th November
Set within the impressive courtyard of Lowther Castle, this Christmas market is one not to be missed. The event has free entry and hosts an array of stalls by local, independent businesses. Pick up some high quality, locally produced gifts while enjoying the historic surroundings of the Castle. Make sure to catch the carol singing and get stuck into some tasty food and drink served in the Cafe too.
3. Ulverston Dickensian Festival, 23rd-24th November
A unique festive event, the Ulverston Dickensian Festival is much more than your standard Christmas Market. See the Dickensian era brought back to life in the traditional market town of Ulverston, with independent traders lining the cobbled streets. Feast on mince pies and mulled wine while marveling at the street performers and the fantastic costumes – you could even come in fancy dress yourself and join in with the parade! Why not stay a one of our nearby cottages and enjoy the festivities all weekend.
4. Keswick Victorian Fayre, 1st December
One of the most popular Christmas markets in the Lake District, Keswick’s Victorian Fayre sees thousands of visitors flock to the town every year for some festive fun. Here you can enjoy the great selection of charity stalls on offer and pick up some individual, handmade Christmas gifts. The market enjoys the unique addition of Victorian-style performers, live music and entertainment, plus a visit from Santa’s reindeer’s! The best way to enjoy this Christmas Market is from the comfort of one of our Keswick holiday cottages.
5. Yew Tree Barn Christmas Market Extravaganza, 6th-8th December
When it comes to Christmas markets in the Lake District, this one is a must-see! With over 40 artisan stalls, Yew Tree Barn Christmas Market is a great spot to pick up some unique gifts. Warm up with mulled wine or some food from the outdoor BBQ while enjoying the live music on offer. The quaint courtyard setting creates a lovely, magical atmosphere and is a great, festive day out for all the family. There’s also a shuttle service running along the main road for easier access, so you don’t have to worry about where to park! Take a look at some of our cottages close to Yew Tree Barn if you want to stay for the full weekend.
6. Hawkshead Christmas Fair, 7th-8th December
If you’re looking for traditional Christmas markets in the Lake District, Hawkshead could be the one for you! This beautiful, car-free village centre boasts historic buildings and cobbled streets brought to life with twinkling Christmas lights and plenty of market stalls to browse. With over 80 gift and craft stalls plus delicious food and drink, the Hawkshead Christmas Fair is a real festive celebration. Don’t forget the Lantern Parade on the Saturday followed by Christmas Carol Singing in the Main Square. Children can also enjoy a visit from Santa plus some fun fairground rides. Fancy staying to explore some more of the area? Check out our Hawkshead holiday homes and make the most of your stay.
7. Taste Cumbria Christmas Festival, 7th-8th December
Christmas time is always a favorite with food-lovers so what’s better than a Christmas market dedicated to festive culinary masterpieces! All kinds of festive flavours will be on offer at the Taste Cumbria Christmas Festival in Cockermouth, as well as plenty of family-friendly activities including fairground rides, Christmas crafts, and live entertainment. We have a selection of cosy cottages nearby which would make a great base from which to visit the market.
8. Askham Hall Christmas Market, 8th December
The lovely setting of Askham Hall comes to life at Christmas time for a bustling market, full of hand-picked, seasonal stalls. As well as Christmas shopping you can enjoy a visit to Santa’s Grotto, live music from Penrith Town Band and a competition for Children’s Best Christmas Jumper! Entry is £4 which includes a strip of raffle tickets so you could be in with a chance of winning some festive goodies too. If you’d like to visit this Christmas market why not stay in on of our North Lakes cottages.
9. Windermere Christmas Celebration, 14th-15th December
When it comes to Christmas markets in the Lake District, Windermere Christmas Celebration is one of the most popular! Expanding each year, this festive fair is favoured by locals and visitors alike. Lining the streets of Windermere with independent local trade stands, there’s something for everyone here. From mulled wine and handmade fudge, to arts & crafts and hot food stalls, Windermere Christmas Celebration is a fantastic family day out and a great chance to pick up some last minute gifts. Make sure to stop by Santa’s Grotto, and the Ice Rink which is brand new for 2019! If you fancy getting involved with the celebrations, why not book in to one of our Windermere or Bowness cottages? If staying down by the lake you can catch one of the free shuttle buses up to the markets – even better!
