Please note that dates have not yet been announced for all visits from Santa. The elves are busy firming up his diary, and as soon as things are confirmed, this page will be updated.
We’re very lucky that the big man himself, Father Christmas, makes a special effort to visit children in the Lake District on the run up to Christmas Day. There are lots of fantastic Christmas events taking place this year, but if you specifically want to book at time slot to check in with the Big FC then read on, as here we have compiled all the places in the Peak District to meet Father Christmas this year.
Keswick
1. Honister Slate Mine
14th November to 23rd December
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A slate mine is not exactly a usual place to meet Santa, but every year he makes the journey underground to make a visit to him super exciting! A Christmas visit involves a bus trip, then a journey underground guided by the Chief Elf. After meeting Father Christmas himself, the journey finishes with an underground Christmas sledge!
2. Keswick Victorian Fayre
Dates not yet announced
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Keswick’s lovely Victorian Christmas Fayre takes place annually on the Market Square in Keswick. This is a brilliant traditional festive market, with a Santa’s grotto alongside live music, a raffle and lots of lovely stalls.
3. Borrowdale Institute
Dates not yet announced
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Borrowdale Institute, in Borrowdale Village, will be holding it’s annual Christmas market and cafe. Free entry. There will be a chance to meet Santa in his grotto, with a gift for every child. There will also be lots of lovely stalls to browse for Christmas treats.
4. Springs Farm
Dates not yet announced
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More info coming soon!
5. Threlkeld Quarry
Dates not yet announced
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The Santa train is running in Threlkeld Quarry this December. Enjoy a ride on a steam train, find Santa, and receive a present for every child. Tickets are priced per compartment, with different sizes to choose from.
Ambleside
6. Hayes Garden World
Dates not yet announced
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Meeting Santa at Hayes Garden World is very popular, and tickets usually sell out early in September. Children can venture through a winter wonderland, greeted by elves along the way, with lovely activities to take part in before finally meeting the big man himself.
7. Santa Cruises on Windermere Lake Cruises
Dates not yet announced
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Windermere Lake Cruises offers special Santa Cruises on Lake Windermere and dates usually tie in with Ambleside Christmas lights switch-on. The journey around Lake Windermere involves a hunt for Father Christmas with help from the Snow Queen and attendants. Once he is found, Santa will board the cruise and hand out gifts to all the children on the boat.
8. Hawkshead Christmas Fair
Dates not yet announced
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This traditional Christmas fair in the picturesque village of Hawkshead features a Santa’s Grotto alongside festive stalls, live music, and a wonderful Christmassy atmosphere. Entry is free.
Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere
9. The World of Beatrix Potter
19th December to 24th December
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This year The World of Beatrix Potter is showing The Gingerbread Boy; a festive show including meet Santa with a free gift for every child. Held at The Victoria Wood Theatre, running time 50 minutes, plus visit with Santa. Suitable for ages 3+. You can also upgrade to The Gingerbread Boy Afternoon Tea Experience.
10. Glebe Markets Christmas Market
Dates not yet announced
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You’ll find loads of stalls serving gifts and food, as well as entertainment and choir singing, plus a visit from Father Christmas. This is a lovely setting and well worth a visit.
11. Marina View Bar
Dates not yet announced
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Marina View Bar are holding a Breakfast with Santa. Each ticket includes a breakfast barm, a soft drink, fun and games, and a present from Santa himself!
Ulverston
12. Swan hotel, Newby Bridge
Dates not yet announced
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The Santa’s Grotto at the Swan Hotel is known for being a lovely place where children up to the age of 14 can meet Santa and receive a present.
13. Millerbeck Light Railway
5th and 6th December
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Millerbeck Light Railway is a private narrow-gauge railway opened to the public on selected dates each year. Enjoy unlimited train rides during your 90-minute slot, meet Father Christmas in his photo booth, plus festive drinks and mince pies included with tickets. Additional refreshments, cakes, and biscuits are available to purchase.
Kendal
14. Castle Green Hotel
Dates not yet announced
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The Castle Green Hotel in Kendal will be holding a ‘Lunch with Santa’. From 12pm, a children’s meal is served at 12:30pm, then the children have entertainment from 1pm while the adult meal is served. Each child will receive a present, and it finishes at 4pm.
15. Carus Green Golf Club
Dates not yet announced
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Carus Green is holding a festive day on in December, including letters to Santa, bauble decorating, reindeer food making, and Christmas crafts. There will also be that all important visit with Santa and a present.
16 Kendal Leisure Centre
Dates not yet announced
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Kendal Leisure Centre usually holds a parent and child Christmas Activity session. Activities include a pool fun and games session, then (on dry land) party games and face painting, followed by afternoon tea with Santa where every child receives a gift.
Grange over Sands
17. Holker’s Christmas Grotto
12th, 13th, 19th, 20th and 21st December
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Father Christmas returns to Holker Hall this December for a magical festive experience. Meet Father Christmas in the grand library and receive a gift, enjoy festive crafts with the elves, post your Christmas letter, join the treasure hunt, sip hot chocolate or mulled wine, plus enjoy discounted dining and garden access.
Other Lake District Locations
18. Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Tinsel Train
Dates not yet announced
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The Tinsel Train that runs on the Lakeside to Haverthwaite railway line is always popular. You buy tickets for a compartment on the festive train, where you meet lots of festive characters, and Father Christmas who brings a gift for all the children. Adults are also looked after with a seasonal drink and snack. The train runs to Haverthwaite and then back to Lakeside.
19. Muncaster Castle
Dates not yet announced
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Visit Father Christmas at Muncaster’s cosy grotto, share Christmas wishes, and receive a special gift. Children can write and magically post letters to the North Pole in the castle workshop, then explore festive gardens filled with lights, music, seasonal surprises, and a family-friendly trail with clues and prizes.
20. Santa Express Trains at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway
Dates not yet announced
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The festive train ride on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway is always very popular. It starts at Ravenglass, with storytelling with the Christmas elves, and then the festive train travels to Dalegarth where Santa is waiting to give out gifts to all the children. Children also receive refreshments and activity packs, and adults also get refreshments too! The train then makes it’s return journey to Ravenglass.
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