Christmas in Lancaster

Sarah Gaffney-Lang, Families Editor
Ice rink - part of Christmas in Lancaster
The Borough Lancaster

23 November 2019 — 5 January 2020 Entrance is free

Visit the historic and beautiful City of Lancaster this December for a true winter wonderland that would warm the cockles of even Scrooge himself.  There’s a wealth of wintry activities taking place, guaranteed to get the whole family in the festive spirit this Christmas in Lancaster.

After the success of last Christmas, Lancaster on Ice will be returning for a second year, but this time with an even bigger ice rink – skates at the ready! Taking ten days to construct, Dalton Square will be transformed into a magical frozen world. The tipi will be back and families will be able to enjoy six weeks of entertainment, skating, food and drink, all under the gaze of Queen Victoria herself, sitting proudly in the centre of the Square.

Christmas in Lancaster

If all the talk of ice and winter is too much then warm up with a visit to the fabulous Dukes Theatre for the perfect festive family treat – Cinderella: A Fairytale. This new production presents the classic story with a thoroughly modern twist (thank goodness!), including glass slippers being replaced with Doc Martens. The Dukes are also presenting a special sing-along-with screening of Jim Henson’s much loved Christmas classic, The Muppet Christmas Carol, set in the beautiful surroundings of Lancaster Priory, on 6th December.

During the weekend of 14th and 15th December Lancaster will throw open its Castle doors for Christmas at the Castle. The Christmas at the Castle market and courtyard will be free to enter and will play host to a range of festive family activities, as well as music from bell-ringers, Victorian carol-singers, brass bands, jazz pianists and a carnival street band. With 50 stalls from local and regional artisans and makers, this is your perfect opportunity to find some unique gifts for Christmas.

Festive spirit is overflowing in Lancaster this Christmas so get the kids wrapped up warm, order yourself a mulled wine and enjoy.

23 November 2019 — 5 January 2020 Entrance is free

Where to go near Christmas in Lancaster

Manchester
Restaurant
Fairfield Social Club

Launching in spring 2024, Fairfield Social Club is a multi-purpose site next to Angel Meadows Park in the Green Quarter.

Cumbria
Theatre
The Coro

Nestled in the heart of Ulverston, a rural market town on the fringes of the Lake District, stands The Coro —an esteemed historic hub for arts, culture, and entertainment

Cumbria
Shop
Sam Read Bookseller

Award-winning small bookshop in the Lake District. Est. by Sam Read in 1887. Run by Will Smith and Polly Atkin.

Restaurant
Capri

Capri serves up homely, family-style Italian food in North Yorkshire.

Manchester
Restaurant
Manchester Wine Tours

Manchester Wine Tours is a relaxed, fun wine tour, taking in four or five venues across three hours, plus six high-quality glasses of wine.

Sheffield
Shop
Juno Books

Friendly local queer and intersectional feminist bookshop in Sheffield. Visit for interesting fiction and non fiction books.

Restaurant
The Dusty Miller

Family friendly pub situated in the beautiful village of Mytholmroyd.

What's on: Families

OUTDOOR ART CLUB AT THE WHITWORTH
Until
ChildrensManchester
Outdoor Art Club at The Whitworth

Enjoy fun and creative activities designed to encourage your little ones to play freely in the fresh air, while exploring nature and the outdoors with family and friends.

free entry
To The Lakes! at Wordsworth Grasmere
Until
ExhibitionsCumbria
To The Lakes! at Wordsworth Grasmere

Find out how the first tourists to the Lake District (a time before mobile phones, specialist clothing and TripAdvisor reviews) experienced the area, in this fascinating new exhibition.

from £6.00
Culture in South Lakes
Until
ExhibitionsCumbria
Culture in South Lakes

Not only one of Britain’s most picturesque national parks, the Lake District is also brimming with culture. Here’s what’s on over the next few months.

free entry
Until
FestivalsManchester
Winter Island

Freight Island has transformed into Winter Island for the Christmas season, focusing on all things fun and festive.

free entry

Culture Guides

Music in Manchester and the North

Spotlighting global artists who all, in one way or another, break the mould, we preview the best gigs happening this side of Christmas and beyond.