Experience the best of the holidays in Barrow in Furness with our comprehensive guide. Whether Barrow in Furness is your permanent address or your temporary haven, this guide is your holiday companion.
Popular events abound, including the Ambleside Christmas Lights, which transform the town into a festive wonderland with twinkling displays and a warm community spirit. Another highlight is the Kendal Christmas Light Switch On, known for its lively atmosphere and exciting performances. And the Father Christmas at Walby Farm Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering children a chance to meet Santa in a delightful farm setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Barrow in Furness
- Ambleside Christmas Lights (Ambleside)
- Father Christmas at Walby Farm Park (Crosby-on-Eden)
- Kendal Christmas Light Switch On (Kendal)
- Santa Express, Ravenglass and Eskdale (Ravenglass)
- Father Christmas Tea Party at the World of Beatrix Potter (Bowness-on-Windermere)
- Santa's Secret Grotto at Ho-Ho-Honister (Keswick)
- Holker Hall Christmas Grotto (Holker)
- Windermere Lake Cruises with Santa (Bowness-On-Windermere)
- Hawkshead Christmas Fair (Hawkshead)
- The Little Mermaid (Barrow-in-Furness)
See these and even more events listed below!
Barrow in Furness Holiday Light Displays
Kendal Christmas Light Switch On
What to Expect:
Synchronized lighting of historic buildings in Kendal's town center.
Description:
Join Kendal for a spectacular Christmas light switch on event at the Riverside Hotel, where the town comes alive with vibrant lights and festive atmosphere.
Where: Kendal | More Info: Kendal Christmas Light Switch On
Windermere Lake Cruises with Santa
What to Expect:
Exclusive Santa cruises on Lake Windermere.
Description:
Embark on a festive journey aboard Windermere Lake Cruises with Santa, exploring Lake Windermere in search of Father Christmas and his helpers.
Where: Bowness-On-Windermere | More Info: Windermere Lake Cruises with Santa
Ambleside Christmas Lights
What to Expect:
Unique blend of festive activities and community spirit.
Description:
Ambleside Christmas Lights features two Father Christmas Cruises, community stalls, live music in the Market Cross shopping area, a festive atmosphere around the town, a family fun zone with stalls and food outlets near the school, a main procession with Father Christmas and lantern bearers, and a firework display in Rothay Park.
Where: Ambleside | More Info: Ambleside Christmas Lights
Winter at Sizergh
What to Expect:
Immersive nature-themed light and sound experience with local artist-designed installations.
Description:
Explore immersive light and sound installations around Sizergh's Knoll, discover the story of Christmas past in the House, and get creative with festive crafts in the Great Barn.
Where: Sizergh | More Info: Winter at Sizergh
Barrow in Furness Holiday Markets and Shopping
Hawkshead Christmas Fair
What to Expect:
Meet Santa Claus in his enchanting grotto amidst local artisanal gifts and food.
Description:
The Hawkshead Christmas Fair is a traditional event featuring local artisanal gifts, food tents, and entertainment in the picturesque village of Hawkshead. Meet Santa Claus and enjoy a variety of festive activities.
Where: Hawkshead | More Info: Hawkshead Christmas Fair
Barrow in Furness Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas in Cartmel
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas services in a historic priory setting.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas in Cartmel with a variety of services, including the Christingle Service, Light Up A Life service, Cartmel Choral Society Concert, St John Carol Service, Nine Lessons and Carols, Crib service, Midnight Mass, and Holy Communion.
Where: Cartmel | More Info: Christmas in Cartmel
Father Christmas Tea Party at the World of Beatrix Potter
What to Expect:
Classic animation screening with festive afternoon tea and gift-giving.
Description:
Join Father Christmas and friends for a delightful afternoon tea party featuring a screening of the classic animation "The Snowman." Enjoy festive afternoon tea with crackers and meet Father Christmas, who will present each child with a small gift. This event takes place in the Laundrama party venue, just across from the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction.
Where: Bowness-on-Windermere | More Info: Father Christmas Tea Party at the World of Beatrix Potter
Sleeping Beauty
What to Expect:
Comical, cheeky, and engaging Welsh-themed pantomime.
Description:
Charming Entertainment presents Sleeping Beauty, Barrow's 2024 Christmas pantomime, featuring a comical and engaging performance with a Welsh twist. The show will run from Friday 13th to Monday 30th December, with tickets available from £12 to £16.50, including booking fees.
Where: Barrow-in-Furness | More Info: Sleeping Beauty
The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin
What to Expect:
Interactive puppetry and audience participation.
Description:
The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin is a heartwarming family show about an enthusiastic inventor who travels to Antarctica to meet penguins. Featuring puppets, acting, movement, and song, this show celebrates individuality and creativity. The main character learns to speak penguin language, engaging the audience in a humorous and joyful journey.
Where: Kendal | More Info: The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin
The Little Mermaid
What to Expect:
Fast-paced, high-energy musical adventure with stunning sets and sparkling costumes.
Description:
In a whimsical tale, Chester the Castle Jester embarks on an adventure to deliver invitations to Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Princess Rapunzel, Belle, and The Snow Queen for the Enchanted Princess Ball. This high-energy musical features stunning sets, sparkling costumes, and plenty of songs, dance, and audience participation.
Where: Barrow-in-Furness | More Info: The Little Mermaid
Farrington's Scary Fairy Saves Christmas
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling through music.
Description:
Iain Farrington's "Scary Fairy Saves Christmas!" is a musical story for narrator and orchestra, featuring each character with its own melody that changes and develops to follow the action.
Where: Kendal | More Info: Farrington's Scary Fairy Saves Christmas
Barrow in Furness Other Holiday Activities
Santa's Secret Grotto at Ho-Ho-Honister
What to Expect:
Exclusive underground journey to meet Santa Claus.
Description:
Embark on an adventure to Santa's Secret Grotto at Ho-Ho-Honister, where you'll meet Santa Claus and receive a special gift. Guided by Holly Sparklefoot, you'll explore the underground mine, discover twinkling lights, and enjoy festive treats.
Where: Keswick | More Info: Santa's Secret Grotto at Ho-Ho-Honister
Father Christmas at Walby Farm Park
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas activities with real reindeer.
Description:
Meet Father Christmas at Walby Farm Park, where you can enjoy a variety of festive activities, including visiting Passport Control, Snow Time Fun, and decorating gingerbread biscuits. The event includes meeting real reindeer, making Reindeer Food, and exchanging magical golden coins for gifts. There are also photo opportunities and festive food available.
Where: Crosby-on-Eden | More Info: Father Christmas at Walby Farm Park
Santa Express, Ravenglass and Eskdale
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa meet-and-greet with festive refreshments.
Description:
Embark on a 40-minute journey from Ravenglass to Dalegarth, where Santa Claus and his team await to welcome children and offer festive treats. Children receive gifts and activity packs, while adults enjoy festive snacks and drinks.
Where: Ravenglass | More Info: Santa Express, Ravenglass and Eskdale
Holker Hall Christmas Grotto
What to Expect:
Meet Father Christmas by the roaring fire in the grand library.
Description:
Meet Father Christmas and the Elves at Holker Hall, where you can receive a gift by the roaring fire in the grand library. Enjoy a range of activities and trails as you create cherished memories with your family. Savor a delicious hot chocolate or mulled wine, and stay for lunch with 10% off your food order.
Where: Holker | More Info: Holker Hall Christmas Grotto
Silent Night: a festive evening with owls at Muncaster
What to Expect:
Interactive owl displays under the night sky.
Description:
Join Muncaster Castle for a unique evening with owls, featuring a two-course meal, owl displays, and expert commentary on conservation efforts.
Where: Ravenglass | More Info: Silent Night: a festive evening with owls at Muncaster
Whinlatter Welly Walk
What to Expect:
Family-friendly festive forest walk with festive songs and decorations.
Description:
Join Whinlatter Forest Visitor Centre for a fun-filled family walk through the forest, featuring festive songs and decorations.
Where: Braithwaite, Keswick | More Info: Whinlatter Welly Walk
Swan's Santa's Grotto
What to Expect:
Personalized Santa encounters with special gifts for each child.
Description:
At Swan's Santa's Grotto, children of all ages can meet Santa Claus in a charming setting adorned with twinkling lights and festive decor. Each child will receive a special gift as a cherished memory of their visit.
Where: Newby Bridge | More Info: Swan's Santa's Grotto
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Morecambe (15 miles)
- Fleetwood (16 miles)
- Lancaster (18 miles)
- Thornton-Cleveleys (18 miles)
- Blackpool (22 miles)
- Fylde (23 miles)
- Kendal (24 miles)
- Lytham St Annes (27 miles)
- Preston (32 miles)
- Southport (33 miles)
- Whitehaven (34 miles)
- Leyland (36 miles)
- Formby (39 miles)
- Workington (39 miles)
- Blackburn (39 miles)
- Ormskirk (40 miles)
- Chorley (40 miles)
- Darwen (42 miles)
- Maghull (43 miles)
- Skelmersdale (43 miles)
- Accrington (43 miles)
- Crosby (44 miles)