Plan your holiday adventure in Lancaster with our detailed event guide. Whether you're a Lancaster insider or an outsider looking in, this guide helps you create lasting memories.
One of the highlights of the festive season is the Mayor's Tree Lighting, where the community gathers to celebrate the arrival of Christmas with a beautifully illuminated tree. Additionally, the Christmas Lights Experience at Refreshing Mountain offers a spectacular display of lights that transforms the area into a winter wonderland. And the Santa Visits event is something you definitely don't want to miss, providing a charming opportunity for children to meet St. Nick himself. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Lancaster
- Christmas Lights Experience at Refreshing Mountain
- Santa Visits
- Mayor's Tree Lighting
- Kendal Mountain Festival (Kendal)
- East Lancashire Railway Santa Specials (Bury)
- Santa Express Train at Ravenglass (Ravenglass)
- Ewell Plaza Holiday Arts Market
- Christmas Grotto Wonderland, Blackpool Pleasure Beach (Blackpool)
- Santa’s Grotto at Honister (Honister)
- Beetham Nurseries Christmas Markets (Beetham)
See these and even more events listed below!
Lancaster Holiday Light Displays
Mayor's Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community-driven tree lighting ceremony.
Description:
The Mayor's Tree Lighting is a cherished annual event where the city comes together to illuminate the town square with beautifully decorated trees, symbolizing the start of the holiday season.
Where: Lancaster | More Info: Mayor's Tree Lighting
Christmas Lights Experience at Refreshing Mountain
What to Expect:
Ziplining through a forest of Christmas lights.
Description:
Stroll through hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights along a beautifully lit path through the Christmas Light Forest. Enjoy access to the Wildlife Center and take part in thrilling ziplining and high rope challenges.
Where: Lancaster | More Info: Christmas Lights Experience at Refreshing Mountain
Ambleside Christmas Light Switch on
What to Expect:
Santa-themed cruises and lantern parade.
Description:
Ambleside Christmas Light Switch on 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 Light Switch on
Lancaster Holiday Markets and Shopping
Ewell Plaza Holiday Arts Market
What to Expect:
Live performances by local artisans in an outdoor setting.
Description:
Ewell Plaza's Holiday Arts Market features local artisans showcasing their unique handmade crafts amidst twinkling lights and joyful melodies.
Where: Lancaster | More Info: Ewell Plaza Holiday Arts Market
Beetham Nurseries Christmas Markets
What to Expect:
Alpine-inspired shopping village with local artisan producers.
Description:
Beetham Nurseries Christmas Markets feature festive chalets with local businesses, delicious food and drink, live music, and family activities. Visitors can shop for unique gifts, enjoy festive treats, and participate in workshops.
Where: Beetham | More Info: Beetham Nurseries Christmas Markets
Lancaster Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Perfect Harmony at The Barn at Paradise Station
What to Expect:
Unique blend of musical theater and church worship concert.
Description:
Perfect Harmony at The Barn at Paradise Station features professional vocalists performing stunning original arrangements of holiday classics in a unique, intimate setting. The show blends musical theater nostalgia with church worship concert elements, making it perfect for the entire family.
Where: Paradise | More Info: Perfect Harmony at The Barn at Paradise Station
Illumination at Prima Theatre
What to Expect:
Candlelit holiday concert with grand piano and skilled musicians.
Description:
Illumination at Prima Theatre features an immersive holiday concert with captivating renditions of beloved holiday classics, performed by skilled musicians and vocalists in a radiant candlelit ambiance.
Where: Lancaster | More Info: Illumination at Prima Theatre
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre Holiday Shows
What to Expect:
Broadway-style holiday shows with a buffet meal.
Description:
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre presents holiday shows featuring Broadway-caliber performances and classic American cuisine, ensuring a delightful evening for all ages.
Where: Lancaster | More Info: Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre Holiday Shows
Christmas Grotto Wonderland, Blackpool Pleasure Beach
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas experience with Santa and festive activities.
Description:
At Blackpool Pleasure Beach, children will walk through an interactive walkway where they'll write a Christmas wish list, collect reindeer food, and meet Santa Claus. The experience includes a ride on Alice in Wonderland and hot chocolate with marshmallows.
Where: Blackpool | More Info: Christmas Grotto Wonderland, Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Heskin Hall Christmas Party Night
What to Expect:
Exclusive Christmas party venue with locally sourced menu and live DJ.
Description:
Heskin Hall offers a stylish and exclusive setting for your Christmas party, featuring a delicious festive menu made from locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy table linen and décor, along with a house DJ to keep the night lively. Choose from a 2-course meal starting at £28 or a 3-course meal at £32 per person. Drinks packages are available, including a 3-drinks voucher pack for an extra £13 per person.
Where: Chorley | More Info: Heskin Hall Christmas Party Night
The Rat Pack – Swingin' at the Sands Christmas Party
What to Expect:
Authentic tribute to the Rat Pack with comedic timing and Great American Songbook mastery.
Description:
The Rat Pack – Swingin' at the Sands Christmas Party features a tribute to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., with performances of classic songs and festive favorites.
Where: Blackpool | More Info: The Rat Pack – Swingin' at the Sands Christmas Party
Lancaster Other Holiday Activities
Santa Visits
What to Expect:
Sample traditional Christmas cookies at authentic Amish homes.
Description:
Visit genuine Amish homes to sample traditional Christmas cookies and learn about their rich heritage during the holidays. Gather recipes and make new friends while taking home lasting memories.
Where: Lancaster | More Info: Santa Visits
Santa Express Train at Ravenglass
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa meet-and-greet with festive treats.
Description:
Join the Santa Express Train at Ravenglass for a 40-minute journey to Dalegarth Grotto, where Santa Claus and his team of helpers await. Children will meet Santa, receive a gift, and enjoy festive refreshments. Grown-ups will also receive a festive snack and drink.
Where: Ravenglass | More Info: Santa Express Train at Ravenglass
Santa’s Grotto at Honister
What to Expect:
Unique underground Santa's grotto experience in the Lake District.
Description:
Embark on an underground adventure to Santa's Secret Grotto at Honister Slate Mine, guided by Holly Sparklefoot through ancient tunnels and mystical creatures to meet Santa Claus himself.
Where: Honister | More Info: Santa’s Grotto at Honister
East Lancashire Railway Santa Specials
What to Expect:
Steam train ride with festive characters and gift-giving.
Description:
Embark on a memorable journey through the Irwell Valley with East Lancashire Railway's Santa Specials. Meet festive characters, enjoy a brass band performance, and receive a gift from Santa Claus. The event includes a beautifully decorated winter wonderland walkthrough at Bury Bolton Street Station and an approximately 80-minute steam train ride to Rawtenstall.
Where: Bury | More Info: East Lancashire Railway Santa Specials
Farmer Christmas walking adventure
What to Expect:
Meet Farmer Christmas in a festive farm setting.
Description:
Join Farmer Ted's for a festive walking adventure where you can meet Farmer Christmas and enjoy the beautiful Lancashire countryside.
Where: Ormskirk | More Info: Farmer Christmas walking adventure
Christmas at Mrs Dowson’s
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas experience with themed activities and Santa's grotto.
Description:
Christmas at Mrs Dowson’s offers an immersive adventure featuring Father Christmas, an Elf Workshop, and various activities like decorating gingerbread and meeting singing reindeer.
Where: Mrs Dowson’s Farm | More Info: Christmas at Mrs Dowson’s
Santa by the lake at Brockholes
What to Expect:
Unique Christmas experience with Santa in a natural reserve setting.
Description:
Meet Santa in his workshop at Brockholes Nature Reserve, where children can chat with him and pick out a special gift. The event features a cookie decorating station and festive photos.
Where: Brockholes | More Info: Santa by the lake at Brockholes
Popcorns preparation party
What to Expect:
Hands-on popcorn-making experience for the holiday season.
Description:
Join us for a fun-filled Popcorns preparation party where you can learn the art of making delicious popcorn for Christmas. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and get creative with your holiday treats.
Where: Greenlands Farm Village | More Info: Popcorns preparation party
Build your own bear at Greenlands farm village
What to Expect:
Build your own teddy bear with personalized birth certificate.
Description:
Create your own cuddly companion at Greenlands farm village, where you'll choose from a delightful range of teddies, stuff them with love, and receive a personalized birth certificate.
Where: Greenlands Farm Village | More Info: Build your own bear at Greenlands farm village
Lytham St Annes Christmas Calligraphy Workshop
What to Expect:
Hands-on calligraphy workshop with expert tutors.
Description:
Join Mellor & Rose at Lytham St Annes for a Christmas Calligraphy Workshop, where you'll learn the fundamentals of modern calligraphy, including how to hold a dip pen, learn the upper and lower alphabet, and create decorative illustrations and flourishes. Guided by expert tutors Beverley Mellor and Lucy Mellor, you'll take home a fully comprehensive starter kit, including a calligraphy box, workbook, and luxury stationery items.
Where: Lytham St Annes | More Info: Lytham St Annes Christmas Calligraphy Workshop
Kendal Mountain Festival
What to Expect:
World-class adventure films and live talks in the heart of the Lake District.
Description:
The Kendal Mountain Festival is a four-day celebration of adventure, culture, and nature, featuring over 200 live sessions including 300 speakers, 180 films, and 80 activities.
Where: Kendal | More Info: Kendal Mountain Festival
Stirk House Christmas Wreath Making
What to Expect:
Hands-on wreath-making with professional guidance.
Description:
Create your own beautiful Christmas wreath with local florist Hannah Maybury, no experience necessary. All foliage and tools provided.
Where: Clitheroe | More Info: Stirk House Christmas Wreath Making
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Morecambe (3 miles)
- Fleetwood (12 miles)
- Thornton-Cleveleys (15 miles)
- Fylde (15 miles)
- Barrow in Furness (18 miles)
- Blackpool (19 miles)
- Kendal (19 miles)
- Preston (20 miles)
- Lytham St Annes (22 miles)
- Blackburn (24 miles)
- Leyland (25 miles)
- Accrington (27 miles)
- Darwen (28 miles)
- Chorley (28 miles)
- Nelson (28 miles)
- Burnley (29 miles)
- Colne (29 miles)
- Southport (29 miles)
- Rawtenstall (32 miles)
- Rossendale (33 miles)
- Ormskirk (33 miles)
- Skelmersdale (34 miles)
- Bolton (35 miles)
- Wigan (35 miles)
- Formby (35 miles)
- Westhoughton (36 miles)
- Hindley (37 miles)
- Bury (37 miles)
- Maghull (37 miles)
- Farnworth (38 miles)
- Atherton (38 miles)
- Keighley (38 miles)
- Radcliffe (39 miles)
- Tyldesley (39 miles)
- Kirkby (39 miles)
- Heywood (39 miles)
- Ashton in Makerfield (39 miles)
- Rochdale (40 miles)
- Leigh (40 miles)
- Whitefield (40 miles)
- Walkden (40 miles)
- Golborne (40 miles)
- Crosby (40 miles)
- Litherland (41 miles)
- Bootle (41 miles)
- Prestwich (41 miles)
- St Helens (41 miles)
- Bingley (41 miles)
- Newton-le-Willows (42 miles)
- Middleton (42 miles)
- Prescot (43 miles)
- Royton (43 miles)
- Eccles (43 miles)
- Salford (44 miles)
- Huyton (44 miles)
- Wallasey (44 miles)
- Shipley (45 miles)
- Liverpool (45 miles)
- Oldham (45 miles)
- Halifax (45 miles)