But, we\u2019ve all had that holiday feeling of not wanting to leave our\u00a0Lakelovers Lake District Cottage Holidays;\u00a0of wanting to eek out more of the Lake\u2019s\u00a0special\u00a0rejuvenating powers.<\/p>\n
And just imagine\u00a0if you had two extra days for FREE. \u00a0And indeed this year you can; with participating Lakelovers properties when you book any 7 nights over Christmas, starting on 21st December, you get the weekend of 19th and 20th December FREE! \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n So, what to do with that glorious extra relaxing time? \u00a0We\u2019ve collected a round-up of the extra-special festive things to do in the Lake District over the Christmas holiday weeks in the Lakes\u00a0this year. Click the image to view Lakelovers \u2018Two Nights for FREE\u2019 Christmas 2015 offer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Santa Express,\u00a0<\/b>Ravenglass to Eskdale Railway\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n \u2018All aboard\u2019! \u00a0The famous \u2018Santa Express\u2019 has limited availability left on the following 2015 Christmas dates: 21st, 22nd and 23rd December. Booking is essential as this very popular Ravenglass to Eskdale attraction\u00a0where you hop on board to enjoy the 14 mile\u00a0steam adventure through spectacular Lake District scenery to meet Father Christmas and explore his Dalegarth grotto.<\/p>\n Life-size nativity & feed Rudolph!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Take part in a life-size nativity including real-life donkeys, for adults and kids alike, at the South Lakes Animal Park<\/strong><\/a> nativity as part of several Christmas events take place at the park throughout December. \u00a0As well as the ice-rink and chance to meet Santa in his special enchanted house you can hand feed\u00a0Santa\u2019s herd; Rudolf, dasher, prancer and friends.<\/p>\n The World of Beatrix Potter Christmas Party, Bowness-on-Windermere <\/b><\/p>\n Meet Santa and enjoy a special Christmas Party at The World of Beatrix Potter on both FREE days, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th December at midday. \u00a0\u00a0Booking is essential, recommended for ages 3+ and ticket price includes entrance into the attraction (\u00a312.50 for adult and \u00a310.00 for children). The event includes a scrummy Christmas party lunch with a special VIP appearance from Santa himself! The charm of the Peter Rabbit and Friends characters, including the delightful\u00a0Tailor of Gloucester, of which the animation is shown as part of the special party, are sure to\u00a0enchant and there will be smiles all around\u00a0as children leave with their gift\u00a0from Santa.<\/p>\n Meet the huskies, Brockhole, Windermere\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n On Saturday 19th and Wednesday 23rd December,\u00a0huskies are coming to Brockhole<\/strong>, the\u00a0Lake District Visitor Centre, which is nice to reach via\u00a0Windermere Lake Cruises<\/a>. <\/strong>Who needs to go to Lapland! Drop in between 11.00-3.00\u00a0and\u00a0meet the huskies\u00a0and if you\u2019re aged between 4-8 years old you can even have a little sleigh ride! A\u00a0\u00a0small donation to the Snowdog Shelter is required.<\/p>\n \u2018Ai Ai Skipper\u2019! Join Ullswater Steamers<\/strong> <\/a>for Christmas Afternoon Tea Cruise, 12-5pm until 23rd December, including mulled wine and mince pies!<\/p>\n This December Keswick Brewery<\/strong><\/a> are celebrating their 10 year anniversary. \u00a0Why not join them in their tasting event on\u00a0Saturday 19th December where they are specially\u00a0opening their\u00a0Flying Fox Bar for\u00a0extended hours \u2013\u00a010am \u2013 5pm \u2013 and sample\u00a0their festive Thirst Noel dark ale!\u00a0Their Christmas Shop will be open also, where you can take home\u00a0a special 5L mimi cask, perfect for your holiday cottage Christmas!<\/p>\n Enjoy\u00a0exclusive private dining with TV\u00a0Chef\u00a0Peter Sidwell<\/b><\/p>\n Exclusive to Lakelovers Lake District holiday cottages<\/a> you can enjoy\u00a0a dazzling menu cooked for you and your guests in your holiday cottage by award-winning chef Peter Sidwell! \u00a0Peter will impress with his culinary skills, delight with mouth-watering local produce and you are sure to be entertained\u00a0by the warm charm and wit\u00a0of this celebrity TV Chef! \u00a0\u201cIts like having Saturday Kitchen in your own home for the evening\u201d said\u00a0a guest after enjoying a 3 course dinner as well as tastings along the way.<\/p>\n Rheged Helter Skelter, Penrith\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n For the first time a 9 metre festive indoor Helter Skelter<\/strong> will feature in the Mountain Hall at the popular shopping and activity centre, Rheged. \u00a0You\u2019ll be whisked away to a truly magical world where everything is on a giant scale,\u00a0\u00a0including giant decorations festooning the giant vintage Helter Skelter;\u00a0giant Christmas present \u2019huts\u2019 offering\u00a0festive treats and activities. \u00a0Rides available for adults and kids (Under 5\u2019s require adult accompaniment) across the festive period, open 10am \u2013 5pm \u2013 certainly not one to miss!<\/p>\n Ice Skating, Kendal\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Falling over, picking yourself up and holding onto loved ones as you whirl around on ice skates \u2013 what a joyful festive activity for your Christmas in the Lake District. \u00a0A beautiful outdoor ice rink complete with costermongers selling roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate and mince pies is the\u00a0perfect Christmas scene and\u00a0open from 21st -23rd December 2015 at\u00a0Kendal Market Place \u2013 \u00a0the rink is a first in Kendal, hosted by Explore South Lakeland,<\/a><\/strong> and sure to be stacks of fun!<\/p>\n 4\u00d74 Off-roading, Windermere \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Take on the festive wintry weather by surprising a loved one with a unique Lake District adventure gift for Christmas this year, such as a 4\u00d74 off-roading experience with Kankku based in Windermere. Kankku<\/strong><\/a> offer Christmas vouchers and are designed of all ranges of driving ability \u2013 these vehicles are made for wintry conditions so you\u2019ll be able to see parts of the Lakes often closed during the festive time of year.<\/p>\n Astral Circus, Brockhole, Windermere\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n For Sunday 20th December only join in the\u00a0fun with Astral Circus at 11.00, 12noon, 1.30 and 2.30 at Brockhole<\/strong><\/a>, Windermere.<\/p>\n Add a bit of Lake District sparkle to your Christmas with a visit to Brockhole this year\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Festive shopping at Brockhole\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Christmas inspiration awaits you in the Brockhole<\/strong><\/a> shop this month with a brand new selection of gifts, so why not surprise someone special and put a little bit of something different under the tree this year? \u00a0There\u2019s\u00a0plenty of local gift ideas from brands such as Herdy and Lakes Distillery plus a host of home accessories, fashion scarves, jewellery, stationery and soft toys \u2013 perfect for that special gift!<\/p>\n Christmas Carols, Keswick\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re up for a Christmas sing-along, instore at Cotswold Keswick on Tuesday 22nd December you can enjoy Christmas Carols from Keswick Out of School Club and Brownies.<\/p>\n Cartmel Choral Society Annual Christmas Concert<\/strong><\/p>\n The historic Cartmel Priory<\/strong> hosts this evening Christmas choral concert and will be enjoyed by anyone with a love of singing!<\/p>\n Festive Panto,\u00a0<\/strong>The Snow Queen, Theatre By The Lake, Keswick<\/b><\/p>\n A family friendly festive performance by the acclaimed artistic team at Theatre By The Lake,\u00a0based on the Hans Christian Andersen\u2019s classic story of adventure and friendship will leave you feeling enchanted.<\/p>\n Theatre by the Lake Snow Queen<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Cinderella, Rheged, Penrith,\u00a0<\/b>Tuesday 29th Dec 2015 and Wednesday 30th Dec 2015<\/b><\/p>\n Enjoy one of the world\u2019s best know fairytales for a wonderful festive pantomime with spectacular scenery and performances in this magical pantomime at the Rheged Centre<\/a>, for ages 4+.<\/p>\n Doggy Santa Grotto!<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re staying near the UK\u2019s most dog friendly town, Keswick, then you must treat your four-legged friend to a trip to meet Santa Paws at\u00a0Podgy Paws Pet Shop<\/strong><\/a> in central Keswick. And of course, for a small donation, Rover will be treated to a surprise Christmas present from Doggy Santa with money raised going to West Cumbria Animal Rescue.<\/p>\n Keswick Festive Window Trail\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Whilst enjoying some festive Christmas shopping, take in the fun in and around\u00a0Keswick with their festive window trail \u00a0\u2013 24 beautifully lit windows all part of the Keswick Advent of events, a festive event and illuminated window for each of the 24 days of Christmas. Theatre by the lake kick\u00a0off with their illuminated\u00a0window on 1st December and the trail ends on Christmas Eve with outdoor adventure equipment store, Kong Adventure where at 2:15 you will catch Santa doing some last minute preparations scaling the roof of Kong Adventure and you can then go and visit him once last time before Christmas Day in their grotto. \u00a0Check out the Keswick Festive Advent Calendar<\/strong> for al the events going on in Keswick across the advent.<\/p>\n Book a winter warming spa package<\/strong><\/p>\n Cosy up for a special family warming spa package\u00a0in the comfort of your Lake District holiday cottage! \u00a0Bringing heated treatment beds, fresh linen and gorgeous organic products\u00a0My Personal Sanctuary<\/strong><\/a> therapists will help warm toes, sooth muscles and paint princess nails this winter without having to leave your cottage fireside!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Make\u00a0an ethical bath time Christmas bauble<\/strong><\/p>\n From 10am-4pm on Saturday 19th December join sophisticated social\u00a0toiletry brand The SoapCo<\/a><\/strong> in Keswick in making your own festive glittery bath bomb baubles.<\/p>\n Kids Christmas craft workshop, Rheged, Monday 21st December<\/strong><\/p>\n Create your own\u00a0Christmas tree decoration<\/strong>, design a Christmas card and create a candy-cane Reindeer with lovable Lake District kids brand, Felltarn Friends. \u00a0Suitable for 2-9 year olds, this Christmas craft event, held at 11am and 1pm, is sure to get little imaginations fired\u00a0up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Grasmere 2014<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Snowflake Trail, Lowther\u00a0Castle, Penrith\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n For the first time an\u00a0art-inspired Snowflake Trail\u00a0will guide you through the newly renovated estate and\u00a0gardens, with a mystery prize if you find them all! \u00a0Along with the trail, there are plenty of features throughout the many garden walks to entertain all family members, look out for the giant stone bathtub, tree swings, adventure playground, castle ruins, the wooden \u2018Hansel and Gretel\u2019 hut and take a flask of hot drink to enjoy at the Jubilee Summer House where the Queen once lunched and admire the \u2018Surprise View\u2019 of the secluded Eden Valley.\u00a0For\u00a0the first three weeks in December Santa is also making a visit, and tickets to visit the tasteful Grotto must be booked in advance. \u00a0Located in north Lake District, you can expect less visitors here allowing you to truly relax and enjoy the stunning gardens which have recently been brought to life by celebrated gardener and TV presenter,\u00a0Dan Pearson.<\/p>\n Brockhole Festive Weekend, Windermere<\/strong><\/p>\n Visit Brockhole<\/strong><\/a>, one of the Lakes most popular family attractions, on your FREE weekend of 19th and 20th December and enjoy lots of great indoor and outdoor Festive Activities. \u00a0There\u2019s a fabulous outdoor adventure playground for a wide range of ages and fun still in the Winter! \u00a0There\u2019s a free indoor softplay area for Under 5\u2019s and at this time of year in the Lakes there will be lots of muddy puddles for endless fun! \u00a0The gardens are extensive with nature trials throughout\u00a0and are perfect for hide-and-seek!<\/p>\n Thanks Lake District National Authority<\/a> for letting us know about the fab\u00a0fun packed weekend of festive family entertainment from 10am at Brockhole, Windermere. \u00a0Make the most of a trip to Brockhole and jump aboard Windermere Lake Cruises <\/a>from Brockhole gardens. \u00a0Whilst the festive cruises are all fully booked there are plenty of vessels making daily trips across the lake, heading north to Ambleside or South to Bowness and Lakeside. The cruises also stop at Wray Castle, which is perfect for a Winter romantic walk or family fun day of knights and princesses!<\/p>\n Festive Woodland Wander<\/strong>, Coniston\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n For many families a walk on Boxing Day is a staple tradition, and imagine the rejuvenation of taking\u00a0in Lake District fresh air and stunning scenery as you walk off that Christmas pud! \u00a0Join the festive fun in a stroll (6.2 miles) through Guards Wood to Boon Crag and by woods to Tarn Hows, returning down beautiful Tom Gill and Yewdale, hosted by The Lake District National Park Authority. 10:30am from Coniston Tourist Information.<\/p>\n Boxing Day Waddle, Lakeland Walks & Talks, Rydal Hall\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n How does a post Christmas\u00a0\u2018World\u2019s Highest Marathon\u2019 sound to you? Yes, maybe not a Boxing Day activity. However, the Boxing Day Waddle<\/strong> leader, Steve Watts, is in fact taking part in the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon next Spring and donations from this Waddle are supporting\u00a0the Heartbeat for Everest campaign (The British Heart Foundation and The Himalayan Trust UK) \u00a0\u2013 with New Year\u2019s Resolutions and the weight of Christmas pud\u00a0in mind, this stroll along the\u00a0coffin route, \u00a0Grasmere shore and Loughrigg Fell \u00a0is a must! And don\u2019t forget your santa hat!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Driving home for Christmas . . .<\/b>Classic Drive and Ride In Day at Lakeland Motor Museum, Windermere<\/b><\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Lakelovers](\"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2020\/10\/7b2b629b91a87014ea08e625f9cd2e4b-e1448540482927.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMeet Santa and friends<\/h3>\n
Taste a\u00a0Lake District Christmas<\/h3>\n
Get active this advent<\/h3>\n
Christmas\u00a0shopping<\/h3>\n
![\"Christmas](\"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2020\/10\/93bb084baae7b25c68d2e128e2432a8b.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nClassic Christmas entertainment<\/h3>\n
![\"Lakelovers](\"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2020\/10\/3e3d04e9805407619e51e9f0c77af60d.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nTry something a bit different this Christmas<\/h3>\n
![\"8.%20Family%20Treatment%20Time-2\"](\"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2020\/10\/2bb1cac091a92f70b34cc18488d386b1.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nEnjoy some festive fresh Air<\/h3>\n
![\"Christmas_2015_Two_Nights_for_FREE_sheep\"](\"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2020\/10\/2cb20fcb94c66bc1f36a9bf70019d3ed.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBoxing Day<\/h3>\n
![\"Boxing](\"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2020\/10\/224f57ad03e7a4d12703c3246ee1d74d.jpg\")
<\/a><\/h3>\n