Celebrating Christmas in the Lake District can be a truly memorably experience, not only for the winter scenery and thousands of twinkling lights, but for all the fantastic opportunities! And no one does Christmas quite like Lake District Hotels. In fact, our 6 family-owned hotels have became attractions in their own right as they boast spectacular decorations and plentiful festive events.
Here are 50 ways you can make this festive season special with us…
1. Enjoy a mouth-watering Christmas roast carved at your table.
Visit the Borrowdale Hotel to experience a selection of juicy roasts, delicious seasonal vegetables and fluffy Yorkshire puddings from our traditional silver serving trolley.
2. Experience some afternoon festivi-tea with our Christmas-themed Afternoon Tea.
Savour a delicate and delectable afternoon tea at a selection of our locations: the Borrowdale Hotel, Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa and Inn on the Lake.
3. Join a Christmas craft workshop.
The Inn on the Lake plays host to an annual Christmas Wreath Masterclass where you can get creative with your own hands before tucking into a luscious afternoon tea.
4. Attend a carol singing session at the Borrowdale Hotel.
Fully immerse yourself into the festive spirit by joining in our carol singing and afternoon tea event at the Borrowdale Hotel.
5. Take a winter walk with stunning views
Feel rejuvenated with a scenic walk before enjoying a mulled wine by the fire in any one of our Christmas-adorned hotels.
6. Treat yourself to a festive spa day at The Falls Spa.
Spoil your senses with a Festive Delights Mud Rasul Spa Day, with this package you will enjoy: 2-hours spa access, 45-minute Rasul Ritual, one of our festive scented muds (mulled wine, candy cane or snow angel), a glass of mulled wine or Baileys luxury hot chocolate, traybake treat and a choice of afternoon tea OR a two-course Pan-Asian lunch in Mizu.
7. Sip a Christmas cocktail at the Front Bar, Inn on the Square.
‘Tis the season to be jolly! Come and experience our innovative Christmas cocktail creations, crafted to elevate your spirits!
8. Meet Father Christmas at a Santa Sunday Lunch.
Make all your little one’s dreams come true this Christmas and bring them to meet the big man himself at Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa, the Skiddaw Hotel or Inn on the Lake. Sit down to a soul-warming, traditional Sunday Lunch before receiving a gift straight from Santa Claus’ sack!
9. Try to count all the hotels' beautifully decorated Christmas trees.
Our hotels are beautifully decked out for the festive period every year, see if you can count all our Christmas trees across all six of our hotels!
10. Make wholesome memories to last a lifetime.
Why not take a special family photo in front of the beautiful Christmas decorations to keep in a memory box to look back on in years to come?
11. Try our Yuletide Hikers Board at the Skiddaw Hotel.
This unique festive treat is sure to tantalise your taste buds. Check out our unusual twist on traditional afternoon tea which incorporates ingredients that capture the very essence of Christmas.
12. Bring your pooch to our Christmas Dog Walk.
Starting from the Kings Arms Hotel in 2023, our annual Christmas Dog walk will take place on Friday 15th December. Enjoy a leisurely walk followed by a complimentary mulled wine & mince pie back at the hotel where we will announce the winner of our ‘Best Dressed Dog’ competition. The winner will receive a doggy hamper from Podgy Paws Pet Shop, a Pooch Pamper Hamper from Bugalugs Pet Care and a dog photography experience from Olive Paw Photography!
13. Attend a special Christmas Eve gala dinner.
As part of our Christmas Break Packages, you will be warmly invited to our 4-course Christmas Eve Gala Dinner which takes place in all six of our hotels. Make sure to pack your finest outfits, ready to impress, as this is an event that radiates elegance and class.
14. Experience a Christmas-themed murder mystery dinner.
Our annual sell-out Christmas-themed murder mystery dinner at the Skiddaw Hotel is always a big hit! Witness a live murder mystery with a seasonal twist guaranteed to entertain before tucking into a delicious 2-course meal (plus tea and coffee).
15. Be in with the chance of winning your Christmas Day turkey!
2023 will see the debut of our exciting new event: Turkey Bingo! The Skiddaw Hotel and the Inn on the Lake will play host to a night of festive bingo with a variety of prizes up for grabs…the grand finale being a WHOLE BRONZE TURKEY. Not only that, but your ticket also includes a mouth-watering meal of festive pie, creamy mash, and gravy!
16. Relax by one of our many fireplaces.
Snuggle up in a plush armchair with a good book and a boozy hot chocolate for a wholesome afternoon of escapism which will bring you an abundance of peacefulness and rejuvenation.
17. Have a family game night in one of our hotel’s lounges.
Take that perfect opportunity to spend some family time together offline. Be in the present and have some fun with both modern and vintage board games in our inviting lounges at the Borrowdale Hotel and The Ramblers Bar at Inn on the Lake. Our other hotels will have these ready for you on your request.
18. Explore the Lake District with a guided winter walk.
Embrace the serene beauty of the Lake District through a guided winter walk, an enchanting experience that unveils the region’s captivating allure perfectly. The snow-laden landscapes, frost-kissed trees and glistening lakes make you feel as though you have fallen straight into a Christmas film.
19. Enjoy live music and entertainment
Let loose in a fun-filled evening comprising of live music and entertainment at the Kings Arms Hotel, where every visit promises a warm welcome and feel of community spirit. This characterful and hearty pub in the centre of Keswick offers regular live music every third Thursday of the month..
20. Take a winter photography workshop in the stunning landscape
Embark on a captivating journey through a winter photography workshop set amidst the breathtaking landscape, a perfect opportunity to capture the ethereal beauty of the season. Reflect after a day of creativity in the winter air, with a mince pie and a cup of tea by the fireside in one of our cosy hotels.
21. If it snows, build a snowman in the hotel gardens.
Turn a wintry wonderland into a playful canvas, craft your own snow people from the doorstep of Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa, Inn on the Lake, and the Borrowdale Hotel. With beautiful gardens at your disposal, you can create treasured memories brimmed with laughter and cheer.
22. Attend a special New Year’s Day Jazz Brunch.
Relax and recover from all the revelry of New Year’s Eve with a New Year’s Day Jazz Brunch at Inn on the Lake, the Borrowdale Hotel or Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa. Indulge in a sumptuous array of delicious food meticulously prepared to tantalise the taste buds whilst enjoying the elegant ambiance create by the infectious rhythms of live jazz performances.
23. Take part in a Christmas Quiz.
Put your Christmas knowledge to the test and participate in the Christmas Quiz at the Kings Arms Hotel. Assemble your friends and family for an evening of merriment and festive cheer. Indulge in a festive treat from our Christmas-sprinkled menus that compliments the season perfectly.
24. Take a dip in the heated outdoor pool (even in the snow!) at The Falls Spa.
Experience the ultimate relaxation with a swim in our heated hydrotherapy pool at The Falls Spa. Containing multiple underwater bubble loungers and hydromassage neck jets our pool is the best place for rejuvenation. The star of the show must be the conjoining infinity edge hot tub which plays host to spectacular views of Derwentwater and Catbells.
25. Organise a Christmas-themed costume party and book one of our function rooms to celebrate in.
Elevate your celebrations by organising a Christmas-themed costume party and reserving one of our exclusive function rooms for an unforgettable gathering. Our spacious and stylish rooms provide the perfect venue for festive revelry and fun. Did you know we also offer Celebration Packages at each of our hotels? These are ideal for creating plans that take minimum effort, just make your reservation and let us take care of the rest!
26. Book a Party Night to Remember.
Don your glad rags and come to one of our sparkling Party Night to Remember events at either the Skiddaw Hotel or the Borrowdale Hotel. Indulge in a sumptuous 4-course dinner before dancing the night away to the music of our resident DJs. These events are perfect for Christmas catch-ups and especially for work parties as they take minimal effort to organise; simply book your place and turn up.
27. Go stargazing on a clear winter night.
Immerse yourself in your rural escape, take advantage of the subdued lights and spend some time appreciating the stars on a clear winter night. Collect one of our complimentary stargazing guides from reception in all hotels if you have a keen interest in the constellations.
28. Attend a Christmas play at Theatre by the Lake.
Plunge yourself into the festive spirit by bearing witness to an enchanting Christmas play at Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake. Step into an enchanting world of festivity where seasonal wonder and theatrics combine. Did you know you can also enjoy a discount on your ticket when you stay at one of our hotels?
29. Visit the Keswick Victorian Fayre right outside our 3 Keswick hotels.
Learn about our local, festive traditions by visiting Keswick’s Victorian Fayre on the 3rd December 2023 which takes place right outside three of our hotels: Inn on the Square, the Kings Arms Hotel and Skiddaw Hotel. This fayre includes: a children’s funfair, free live entertainment which can be enjoyed throughout the day and over thirty charity stalls offering an array of homemade crafts and delectable treats.
30. Meet Anna & Elsa from Frozen.
Treat your children to meeting their idols with a magical afternoon at the Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa on the 26th November. Watch them become enamoured with a special meet and great, a fun sing-along and plenty of photo opportunities with the two icy princesses. Finish off with a delightful festive Afternoon Tea designed to highlight the very best tastes of the season.
31. Sort your Christmas shopping at The Falls Spa Christmas Open Evening.
Festive shopping doesn’t have to be draining; pamper yourself whilst getting things done at The Falls Spa Christmas Open Evening. Indulge in mulled wine, prosecco and Mizu canapes whilst selecting carefully curated gift sets. Chill out with a complimentary reflexology pressure point hand massage in the relaxation room and even grab yourself a bargain with one of our 30-minute mini treatments.
32. Christmas Day Lunch.
Savour the festive spirit with a scrumptious meal that you didn’t have to plan, prepare, cook, and clean up after! Make your Christmas simple by booking your place and walking through our front door.
33. Boxing Day Lunch
Relish a scrumptious roast dinner with a succulent array of meat, roasted vegetables, fluffy Yorkshire puddings and lashings of gravy. Recover from the chaos of Christmas Day by relaxing and being served by our team of friendly staff.
34. New Years Eve Dinner
See in the New Year with a delicious array of food meticulously curated by our chefs for you to delight in. Count down the clock with us and a glass of bubbly as we say goodbye to the year.
35. New Years Day Lunch
Rest and recover from the excitement of New Years Eve with a homemade, traditional roast dinner that serves to warm the soul. Start your year off right surrounded by loved ones and good food!
36. Enjoy Christmas with a difference at Mizu.
Do you feel like having a change this Christmas Day? Mizu will be serving a mouth-watering 6-course lunch with an Asian twist that is sure to make for a memorable Christmas.
37. Scenic Drive through Borrowdale Valley
Embark on a picturesque adventure by driving through Borrowdale Valley. The winding roads offer breathtaking vistas of majestic peaks, lush woodlands and cascading waterfalls that seem to be straight out of a painting. Amidst this natural splendour you will find Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa and the Borrowdale Hotel. Why not stop off and warm up with a mug of hot chocolate before continuing your journey? This is also available on the Borrowdale bus which only costs £2 per journey.
38. Christmas shopping in Keswick
Keswick is home to a plethora of boutique independent shops such as Poet’s Interiors, Bookends, Friars Chocolate Shop, and the Keswick Cheese Deli – to name a few. Reward a hard day’s shopping by popping in for a delicious bite to eat from our lounge menus at Leading Keswick Hotel – Inn on the Square 4 star luxury accommodation, the Skiddaw Hotel, and the Kings Arms.
39. Take Instagram-worthy photos in front of our light-adorned hotels.
Christmas is the perfect time of year to add to your gallery of aesthetic photos. As night falls, our hotels transform into enchanting marvels, adorned with a mesmerising array of twinkling lights. Our Christmas displays promise a feed-worthy collection of images that exude festive charm.
40. See Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa from a bird’s eye view from Surprise View.
Journey up to Surprise View to witness a spectacular vista you may think could only be possible in dreams! Made even more stunning by the snow-capped fells, glistening lake and frost-adorned trees, the view of Derwentwater and its surroundings during winter should not be missed. See if you can spot Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa from a bird’s eye view…
41. Santa Splash.
Taking place on the 1st December this year, the Santa Splash on Keswick Launch is an annual event that local companies like to get involved in. In a bid to win the ‘Santa Cruz’ trophy, competitors dress up in their best Santa gear before jumping in their boats to race around Derwentwater. This is a fun-filled event for both competitors and spectators alike!
Why not take a walk to the Skiddaw Hotel for a spot of lunch and a warm drink afterwards?
42. Visit the Christmas trees at Whinlatter Forest.
What’s Christmas without a real Christmas tree? Visit Whinlatter Forest where you will find them growing beautifully amidst nature, before making your journey back to Keswick and settling in by the fire to enjoy a glass of mulled wine at the Kings Arms.
43. Try our festive beer.
You know that Christmas is around the corner when Lake District Hotels bring out their festively branded beer! We have had a variety of names in the past such as Reinbeer, Crimbo Ale, Santa’s Tipple and most recently, North Pole Nectar in 2023.
44. Take a boat trip around Ullswater or Derwentwater.
A boat trip around a lake is serenity itself…unveil a mesmerising perspective of the snowy fells as the boat gently glides enveloping you in a tranquil ambiance as you take in the grandeur of the Lake District’s natural beauty. Hop off at the Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa if you’re on the Keswick Launch and visit the Inn on the Lake if you’re cruising on an Ullswater Steamer.
45. Go fell walking in the snow.
There is no better ingredient for your mental wellbeing than coming in from a productive walk in the snow and taking off your wet boots before stretching out by the fire to warm up. Take this time to reflect on the beautiful views you witnessed surrounded by a winter wonderland.
46. Christmas film night at the Alhambra in Keswick:
Watching Christmas films is the epitome of getting into the festive spirit. The Alhambra in Keswick is a cosy cinema where you can kick back and relax for an hour or two with a few sweet treats!
47. Witness the ‘Keswick Light Switch On’ from the doorstep of Inn on the Square, Skiddaw Hotel and Kings Arms Hotel.
The traditional light switch on in Keswick will take place on the 17th November in 2023. This magical event is a collective experience that brings the community together, ignites the holiday spirit, and fills hearts with wonder and joy. It can be viewed easily from the doorsteps of Inn on the Square, the Skiddaw Hotel, and the Kings Arms Hotel, why not pop in for a Christmas-themed drink? Or even better, book a room and watch it from above!
48. Vote in the Keswick Christmas Tree Festival.
Keswick Methodist Church holds an annual festival where the community can vote on their favourite Christmas Tree, pop in between the 30th November – 3rd December to have your input. The winner will be revealed on the 10th December where you can get involved in carol singing and a countdown to lighting the Nativity window. Treat yourself to a hot chocolate or other festive-themed treats for the price of a donation to Action for Children.
Please Note: This image is an artist impression and so may be subject to change.
49. Stay in a Suite.
Christmas is the time of year where indulgence is accepted by everyone. Why not take advantage and book yourself a relaxing break in one of our luxury suites? These are available at Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa and the Skiddaw Hotel, with 2 brand new ones about to be unveiled at Inn on the Lake. Be the first to stay in our newly refurbished Suites which radiate opulence and style!
50. Save your energy for fun things.
Utilise our hospitality and avoid having to cook, clean and wash up this Christmas. Those hosting responsibilities can be a thing of the past!
