Hawkshead, one of the most picturesque villages in the Lake District is a wonderful place to start the festive season. On Saturday 30 November enjoy late night shopping as the Christmas lights are switched on with a parade led by Father Christmas and the Bay Beat Band, ahead of the Christmas Fair on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December. Each year, the village rings out Christmas cheer with a weekend packed full of live and festive music, street entertainment and an abundance of locally sourced food, drink and craft stalls.
The local shops and businesses have fabulous window displays and the pretty streets are lit with festive lighting and Christmas trees. The village square and streets are lined with over 50 outdoor stalls and 30 indoor stalls in the Market Hall and Park House buildings. The selection of stalls is varied, with creative local crafts and talented artists.
In addition to the local shops, pubs and cafes there are fabulous artisan food stalls selling everything from locally sourced meats and cheeses, to fusion cooking with flavours from the Caribbean and India. The inspirational ‘Earthworm’ team prepare vibrant, exciting plant-based recipes using an abundance of fresh ingredients. Local gins and other festive drinks can be sampled, and great Christmas presents purchased from one of the many local shops, including Hawkshead’s own Handmade Chocolate Shop.
The Christmas lantern parade begins at 4.30pm on the Saturday 7 December. It is open to everyone, bring your own homemade lantern to take part and for added incentive there’s a prize for the best lantern.
Andrew Wilson, Chocolate Factory Hawkshead says, ‘This is a wonderful event at the heart of a quintessential Lake District village community. Local business owners’ welcome people from far and near, to join together and celebrate the start of the Christmas season. It’s such a friendly, happy and festive atmosphere with both stallholders and visitors returning every year. Local accommodation is booked a year in advance, with the pubs, bed & breakfasts and luxury lodges seeing returning guests year after year.’
Listings information:
What: Hawkshead Christmas Fair
When: 10am-5pm, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December 2019
Where: Hawkshead village
Cost: Free
In brief: Experience the magic of a true Lakeland village Christmas Fair. There will be craft stalls, local produce, music, entertainment, children’s rides and Father Christmas, plus a lantern parade at 4.30pm on Saturday only.
What: Hawkshead Christmas Light Switch on and Late Night Opening
When: 5pm-8pm, 30 November 2019
Where: Hawkshead Village,
Cost: Free
In brief: A Lantern Procession led by Father Christmas and the Bay Beat Band will turn on the lights throughout the village with “magic dust”, There will be carol singing from the Church Choir and school children and chance for late night shopping until 8pm.
