Christmas in the Lake District: Festive Fairs and Markets

WE know how to celebrate Christmas in the Lake District. And the festivities are getting under way already. So here’s a sample of what’s happening at fairs and markets from now till Christmas in the Lake District.<\/p>

Taste Cumbria

This is now an annual treat for foodies in the Lakes, held in the lovely market town of Cockermouth. It’s about an hour from us here at the Cedar Manor. The emphasis is on food and drink, especially local produce, with stalls, cookery demonstrations in the Market Place, street food and gourmet treats and gifts. But there’s plenty more as well, with fairground rides for the youngsters, live music, and an outdoor picnic area. It’s a delightful community event and the festive spirit spills over across the whole town. This year it will be staged Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December.<\/p>

Hawkshead Christmas Market

This is on the same weekend, December 7 and 8, but much nearer to home for us. The Hawkshead fair is one of the highlights of the year in this lovely historic tourist village. Although last year there was perhaps too much excitement when an unexpected and very heavy snowfall hit the area. Traders and visitors were stranded, and nearby in Grizedale Forest, where a car rally was being staged, the mountain rescue team and police were called to the aid of spectators and rally drivers.

No snow is forecast this time! In the village centre, market stalls fill the streets, and there’s more inside the village hall. You’ll find local produce, gifts and crafts, and Christmas trees. On the Sunday afternoon, as the light starts to fade, a lantern parade lights up the whole village, followed by carol singing.<\/p>

Tweedies Christmas Market

Over in Grasmere at the popular venue on Red Bank Road there’s a Christmas market being staged at Tweedies Bar and Lodge on November 30 and December 1, from 10 till 6. Father Christmas will be in his grotto with his elves, alongside a life-size snow globe, but there will also be gifts galore on sale, crafts from across Cumbria, and handmade treats. Festive food will be served all weekend, and of course there will be a fabulous selection of beers to sample, alongside mulled wine and cider and Christmas cocktails. There will also be live music all weekend.<\/p>

Christmas with Wordsworth

Also in Grasmere, at Dove Cottage, which was the home of the poet William Wordsworth for several years, there’s a chance to experience what Christmas was like 200 years ago. For one day, the Georgian Christmas event invites you to try some traditional Christmas crafts, including making pomanders and wreaths. You can read Dorothy Wordsworth’s gingerbread recipe and decorate some gingerbread stars, while learning about what the Wordsworth family ate on Christmas day, and how they celebrated. And if you wish, you can dress up in Georgian costume. It’s on just one day, December 21.<\/p>

Winter at Sizergh

From November 22, the lovely Sizergh Hall estate is transformed into a winter wonderland every day. This will be one of the most exciting events over Christmas in the Lake District. Visitors can wander through nature-themed light and sound installations, designed by local artists and inspired by Sizergh’s estate, and get closer to winter wildlife. In the House, discover the intriguing story of the Strickland turkey, and have a go at making some Christmas crafts in the Great Barn. This is a daily event for which booking is essential, and if you’re a member of the National Trust, do bring along your membership card to scan on arrival. The trail is outdoors and may be muddy, so boots or wellies, and warm clothes, are recommended. You can choose which day and time to go, and book tickets.<\/p>