This guide covers Christmas 2026. Updated on 30/10/2026.
You’re spoilt for choice with Christmas events in the Lake District this year – it seems everyone is getting involved. But what if you want a guaranteed chance to meet the Big Guy himself? Many of our families ask where to see Santa in the Lake District, so I’ve put together a helpful list of the best spots, including a few I can’t wait to visit myself.
They’re mostly focused on the South Lakes near The Pheasant Lodge. From boat and train rides to markets, choirs and festive shows, these experiences are sure to keep big and small kids alike entertained.
Take a look below at my pick of the best Santa visits in the Lake District for 2025. Be warned – make sure you book in advance where you can so you don’t miss out!
See Santa in the Lake District 2026
1. The Swan at Newby Bridge Christmas Market
Meet Santa in his festive grotto every Saturday and Sunday from 14 November to 20 December 2026, with a gift for each child and tickets costing £12.50 per child. Book ahead, and visit on 14–15 November if you’d like to enjoy the Christmas market too.
Price: £12.50 per child, including a gift.
2. Sedbergh Late Night Shopping
Sedbergh’s festive shopping evening returns on Wednesday 2 December 2026, from 5–8pm, with a Santa’s grotto, craft market, street food, music and carols. Entry to the evening is free; separate grotto prices and booking details are still to be confirmed.
Price: FREE. A separate Santa’s grotto price tbc.
3. Kendal’s Christmas Celebration
Kendal’s Christmas Celebration is returning for 2026, but I’m waiting for clarification of the date and this year’s Santa’s grotto arrangements before adding the details here. Will update as soon as possible!
Price: Unknown
4. Breakfast with Santa at Marina View, Bowness
Enjoy Breakfast with Santa at Marina View on Saturday 12 December 2026 at 11am, with games, a breakfast barm, a soft drink and a festive gift for each child. Adults attend free but must still select an adult ticket when booking.
Price: Child ticket tbc. Adult free.
5. Hayes Garden Centre, Ambleside
Join Santa’s elves for singing, dancing and Christmas crafts before meeting Father Christmas and receiving a special gift, with advance booking recommended for the grotto experience.
Prices tbc
Purchase tickets in advance
6. The World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness
Watch The Gingerbread Boy at The World of Beatrix Potter from 19–24 December 2026, a festive adventure with songs, surprises and a special visit from Santa. Check the booking page for performance times and current ticket prices.
Price: Children aged 1–16: £10; adults: £12, for the show and Santa visit. With attraction admission: children aged 1–2 £10, children aged 3+ £16.50, adults £23.50.
Pre booking is essential.
7. Bowness Glebe Christmas Market
I’m keeping an eye out for confirmed 2026 dates and Santa details for the Christmas market at The Glebe in Bowness and will add them here once announced.
Price: tbc
8. Lakeside and Haverthwaite tinsel train
Take a festive train ride on 5–6, 12–13 or 19–20 December 2026, with Christmas characters, seasonal treats and Father Christmas visiting your compartment with presents for the children. Compartments cost £125 for up to four people, with additional passengers £30 each, and online booking opens at 10am on Wednesday 4 November.
Price: Each compartment is £125, seats up to 4 people
9. Walby Farm Park, Carlisle
Father Christmas on the Farm returns on 28–29 November, 5–6, 12–13 and 19–24 December 2026, combining a Santa visit with festive activities and all-day farm park admission. Tickets are on sale, starting at £25.50 per adult and £39.45 per child. Located further north, so would be a day trip from the Pheasant lodge holiday home.
Price: Adults £25.50–£27.50; children £39.45–£41.45, depending on date. Under-ones: £16.50 with a gift or £5.50 without. Includes all-day farm park entry.
10. Ambleside Christmas light switch-on
Search for Father Christmas on a special lake cruise on Saturday 21 November 2026, with the morning sailing departing Waterhead at 11am and boarding from 10.30am. Santa joins the return journey to meet children and give them a small present; the town’s lights celebrations also return that day, although there will be no fireworks this year.
Price: £24.45 per adult or child, plus a £0.61 booking fee per ticket: £25.06 each for the listed age categories.
11. Levens Hall
Meet Father Christmas in the Old Nursery at Levens Hall on 5–6, 12–13 and 19–20 December 2026, alongside the decorated house, winter topiary gardens and Christmas music. Santa visits must be booked in advance; check the booking page for current prices.
Price: tbc. The booking page confirms one free adult per child ticket. General Christmas admission is £9.50 per adult and £3 per child aged 5–16, but these are not the Santa experience prices.
12. Windermere Jetty Museum, Bowness
Father Christmas arrives by heritage boat at Windermere Jetty on Saturday 12 December 2026, with a gift, hot chocolate and a chance for a photo included in the experience. Tickets cost £12.50 per child, including up to two adults, with advance booking recommended; museum admission is separate.
Price: £12.50 per child, including up to two accompanying adults. Museum admission is separate.
Choosing where to see Santa in the Lake District
With so many Santa experiences across the Lake District, you and your family are spoilt for choice. Each one offers something unique – from festive markets to grotto visits and magical boat rides. There are also some other magical Christmas events on which you can check out here.
Staying at The Pheasant Lodge puts you close to all the South Lakes Christmas events, with a relaxing retreat to return to afterwards. For availability or local tips, please do get in touch.
Hannah – Host at The Pheasant Lodge x