Winter events around Carnforth and North Lancashire
Winter in the north really brings out the best in people. Whether you’re passing the time of day on a brisk canalside walk or socialising with a festive hot chocolate or mulled wine, there’s a lot to enjoy at this time of year. We’ve highlighted some of the area’s best winter events and festivals, so all you need to do is pick your favourite(s) and book your stay at The Longlands to experience the very best of northern hospitality coupled with a few great days’ out.
Light up Lancaster, Lancaster
Thursday 5th – Saturday 7th November
From glowing sculptures to musical night markets, Light up Lancaster is a brilliant, free, fun family event that sees the entire historic city become swathed in light trails. Multiple locations across the city will be transformed with dazzling displays including a ‘Garden of Shadows’ in Williamson Park and jumping fish and a mirrored lighthouse in Lancaster canal.
The magical night market in Market Square has street food stalls and live musicand dancers and a big Ferris wheel at Dalton Square offers birds eye views of the city and all its displays. Hop on the train from Carnforth, only a few minutes from The Longlands, for the 10-minute journey to Lancaster. Thursday 5th, Friday 6th, Saturday 7th November, 5pm-10pm.
Cumbria Dark Skies Festival
Various locations across Cumbria – November
The Dark Skies Festival celebrates the wonders of the night sky with stargazing events, art installations, guided walks, and water-based activities under the night stars. On Thursday 19th November in Kendal, just a short drive from The Longlands Inn & Restaurant, you can join a short, guided walk to take in a dark sky friendly lighting project before having a chance to stargaze with experts from the Eddington Astronomical Society. Then head back to The Longlands to chat about what you’ve seen and warm up in front of the fires with a hot chocolate or something stronger!
https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/whats-on/festivals/cumbria-dark-skies-festival?p=2
Kendal Mountain Festival, Kendal
Thursday 19th – Sunday 22nd November
Still in Kendal, and the world’s largest outdoor cultural festival takes place again over the third weekend in November. Kendal Mountain Festival is one of the most celebrated gatherings of outdoor enthusiasts in the country and a must-visit for anyone who loves the outdoors. Expect a packed programme of events, film, music, and fascinating speakers including adventurer Bear Grylls, news presenter, Sophie Raworth, and BBC wildlife cameraman, Gordon Buchanan in conversation with Ben Fogle.
https://www.kendalmountainfestival.com
Beetham Nurseries Christmas Markets 2026, Beetham
Thursday 3rd – Sunday 6th December
Just a couple of miles north of The Longlands is where you’ll find the award-winning Beetham Nurseries garden centre and café. Their Christmas Markets weekend is always a popular day out with lots of talented artisan producers and local businesses making up the stalls in the Christmas Tipi Market. With lots of freshly cut and potted Christmas trees to choose from, plus family crafts, live music, mulled wine, and tasty food, it’s a great place to visit to snap up some special gifts. Open 10am-4pm Fri-Sun and 12 noon-7.30pm on Thursday 3rdDecember.
https://www.beethamnurseries.co.uk/activities/26/christmas-market-2026
Leighton Hall Magical Christmas Tour, Carnforth
Thursday 10th December
For one night only! The historic, ancestral home of the Gillow furniture family will be throwing open its doors to pre-booked guests on Thursday 10thDecember. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes candlelight tour of the 800-year-old home, culminating in mulled wine and mince pies in front of the open fire in the grand music room, beautifully decorated for the festive season. Numbers are limited to ensure a magical, intimate evening, so pre-booking is essential, and Leighton Hall is just a 10-minute drive from The Longlands. From 6pm.
https://www.leightonhall.co.uk/DB/events-diary/magical-christmas-tour
What’s on at The Longlands Inn & Restaurant this winter
If you prefer to rest and relax at The Longlands, there’s still plenty going on this November and December. Our popular series of live music will run on Fridays and Saturdays throughout December featuring performances from Rob Falcon, Ashleigh Wood, Gravel and Gun, Tom Woods, Howling Clowns, and Jeff Moore. We’ve also got a Wreath Making Workshop with Emma-Jo on Tuesday 24th November plus The Longlands ‘legendary Christmas Quiz Night’ takes place on Thursday 10th December.
Book A Table
You can now book your table online using our Open Table app, so there’s no need to make a telephone call or send us a message. You can simply fill in your details and your booking will be automatically added to our booking system in the restaurant and you will receive an email confirming the time and number of guests. It really couldn’t be simpler.
Open Table App
Food Allergies and Intolerances
All our food is prepared on site in our open plan kitchen. Whilst we can cater for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diets, please be aware that some of our foods contain allergens. Please speak to a member of staff for more information or to discuss your personal dietary requirements.
