The Best Christmas Markets, Fairs, & Events in Lancashire & Cumbria
It might be the coldest time of the year, but there’s enough fun and excitement across North Lancashire, Morecambe Bay, and Cumbria to keep you warm and cosy between now and the New Year. From Christmas markets and fairs to festive light displays and laugh out loud pantos, there’s plenty to keep you busy this December – and all within a short distance of The Longlands Inn & Restaurant. Here’s our pick of some great things to see and do close to The Longlands this winter.
Lancaster on Ice
Dalton Square, Lancaster
Friday 21st November – Sunday 4th January
Skate under the twinkling fairy lights with Queen Victoria watching on from her vantage point of the stunning Victorian Dalton Square in Lancaster. Enjoy hour long sessions on the 800–metre real ice rink, browse the Christmas markets, brave the big wheel, or head to the Giant Tipi Bar for hot chocolates & toasting marshmallows around the firepits. Live music Fridays 7-9pm.
The Snow Queen
The Dukes Theatre, Lancaster
Friday 21st November – Wednesday 31st December
The Dukes Christmas Show for 2025 is The Snow Queen – ‘a frozen heart melted by the power of friendship’. Sit back and prepare to be transported away through enchanted forests, frozen landscapes, and strange, mysterious lands.
https://dukeslancaster.org/whats-on/theatre/christmas-show-2025
Snow White: Family Panto
The Lancaster Grand, Lancaster
Friday 28th November – Sunday 28th December
This year’s Lancaster Footlights pantomime is the much-loved tale of Snow White and her relationships with a gang of hardworking miners, a Prince, the Wicked Queen, and of course a hilarious panto Dame to keep the laughs coming. Expect lots of fun, comedy, and catchy songs on a great family day outthis winter.
https://lancastergrand.co.uk/shows/snow-white-family-panto/2025-11-28/
Santa Paws Experience at Dobbies Garden Centres
Preston
Saturday 29th November – Wednesday 24th December
Everyone knows how much we love our four-legged friends at The Longlands, so why should they miss out at Christmas? Dobbies Garden Centres Santa Paws experience is aimed at dogs and their families! Meet Santa Claus, take part in a fetive sniff-ari and take home a special gift. It’s a pawsome day out for all the family and you can even capture the magic with a paw-fessional photo!
https://events.dobbies.com/event-detail/?e=4380&v=0&r=v
Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair
Kirkby Lonsdale
Friday 5th – Sunday 7th December
Get into the festive spirit in the cobbled town of Kirkby Lonsdale over the first weekend in December. The historic Market Square will be transformed into a Christmas Chalet Village with great food, drink, and gift stalls. There’s an indoor market in Lunesdale Hall and Santa’s Market at St Mary’s Church. Father Christmas will switch on the lights at 6pm on Friday before leading the Santa Parade through the town at 2pm on Saturday. There are also lots of fabulous independent shops to buy some unique gifts for the special people in your life.
https://www.kirkbylonsdale.co.uk/event/christmas-fair/
Christmas Festival Market
Yew Tree Barn, Low Newton
Friday 5th – Sunday 7th December
Around 40 handpicked artisan makers and creatives will be setting up stall inside and outside Yew Tree Barn and its courtyard over three days at the start of December. The popular festival market runs a free shuttle bus from High Newton village and the Cartmel junction as parking is limited. There’s lots of festive food & drink available plus a great choice of premium Nordmann Fir Christmas Trees to buy to take home. Children free, £5 adult entry.
https://yewtreebarn.co.uk/pages/christmas-festival-market
Christmas Tree Festival,
St Paul’s, Grange over Sands
Friday 5th December – Sunday 28th December
More than 30 trees have been beautifully and thoughtfully decorated and set up around the church this year by local groups and organisations. This year’s theme is ‘The Greatest Gift’.
Victorian Christmas & Pop-up Tearooms
Judges Lodgings Museum, Lancaster
Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th December 11am-4pm
Enjoy the magic of a bygone Christmas with traditional music, beautiful nostalgic decorations, pop-up vintage Victorian tearoom, kids crafts, and visit to Father Christmas in Lancaster’s oldest town house. The museum also houses the world’s largest collection of Gillows furniture including special items that have never before been on display in the Gallery. Free entry for kids, adults £5.
https://lancasterjudgeslodgings.org.uk/event/victorian-christmas-and-pop-up-tearooms/#
Lancaster Winter Wonderland
Lancaster
Sunday 7th December
Lancaster city centre is the place to be on Sunday 7th December with an animatronic polar bear, Olaf & Elsa, festive stilt walkers, and a Santa’s Grotto Bus. There’s also a Gingerbread Man strolling the streets as part of the Gingerbread Trail. Free parking in Lancaster City Council’s city centre car parks or a short 10-minute train ride from Carnforth station to Lancaster.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1256774189830478&set=pcb.1256779129829984
Winter at Sizergh, Sizergh Castle
Sizergh, Kendal
Daily from Friday 21st November – Wednesday 24th December
Light and sound installations will turn Sizergh Castle and Gardens into a magical masterpiece this year. Taking on a nature theme, all the sights and sounds have been designed by local artists to help visitors feel closer to Sizergh’s winter wildlife. There will also be festive crafts to join in with and lots of seasonal gifts and treats available to buy in the shop and café.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/sizergh
Robin Robin Adventure Trail
Leighton Moss, Silverdale
Monday 1st – Tuesday 30th December
In homage to the current Netflix film, Robin Robin, and the archetypal winter bird, Leighton Moss’s Adventure Trail tells the story of the Robin’s quest to find food to survive the winter. You’ll hear her singsong (and have a go yourself!), find your own superpower, and use every one of your senses to connect with your ‘inner robin’. Exclusive activity packs are provided with challenges to complete along the trail as well as robin-related activities to try at home, plus a certificate to say you’ve completed the trail to become a brilliant robin!
https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/27328?language=en
Beetham Nurseries Christmas Market Weekend
Beetham, near Milnthorpe
Thursday 4th – Sunday 7th December
Beetham Nurseries Alpine-inspired Christmas Market Weekend kicks off at the beginning of December. Just a couple of miles drive north along the A6 from The Longlands, the popular Christmas Chalet Village hosts 15 local artisan businesses offering a great selection of unique gifts for loved ones. There’s live music, hundreds of freshly potted Christmas trees to choose from, festive kids craft workshops, lots of seasonal food & drink, and live music on the terrace. Open 10am-4pm Fri-Sun and 12 noon-7.30pm for late night shopping on Thursday 4th December.
https://www.beethamnurseries.co.uk/activities/26/christmas-market-2025
Winter Lantern Festival
Morecambe
Saturday 6th December
Led by the talented Baybeat Streetband, Morecambe’s Winter Lantern Festival procession will take place through the streets of the West End of the town.
https://www.visitlancashire.com/whats-on/west-end-winter-lantern-festival-p1149890
Christmas at Levens Hall, Levens Hall, Levens
Saturdays and Sundays in December from 10.30am to 4pm
Over three weekends in December (6th–7th, 13th-14th, 20th– 21st), Levens Hall will be opening the fully decorated house and topiary garden. The fires will be lit,and traditional Christmas music will be playing courtesy of local choirs and musicians in the Great Hall.
The Longlands popular series of Live Music events will be taking place every weekend during December. We’ll be welcoming back some talented names and familiar faces including the acoustic sounds of Molly Warburton, fresh from supporting the chart-topping (and Celebrity SAS 2025 winner), Lucy Spraggan on seven tour dates across the UK.
Our mouthwatering Festive Menu will be served from Monday 1st December and our Big Longlands Christmas Quiz Night takes place on Thursday 11thDecember from 8pm!
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.
