Ambleside Christmas lights switch on and Santa cruise 2025
Categories: Events
 | Tickets go on sale at 10am on the 1st Oct. |
Ambleside Christmas Lights Switch-On Cruises
Saturday, 15 November 2025
This year, experience the magic of the Ambleside Christmas Lights Switch-On with TWO exclusive cruises on beautiful Lake Windermere!
Morning Cruise
- Boarding: From 10:30 am for special ticket holders
- Departure: 11:00 am sharp from Waterhead Pier, Ambleside
Set sail into the morning mists as we embark on a festive quest to find Father Christmas on the lake. If luck is on our side, we might even discover some of Santa's helpers!
Afternoon Cruise
- Boarding: From 1:30 pm for special ticket holders
- Departure: 2:00 pm sharp from Waterhead Pier, Ambleside
After the afternoon cruise, Father Christmas will wander along the promenade at Waterhead, switching on the festive lights before boarding his sleigh to meet up with the lantern bearers in Ambleside.
Tickets available from 1 October
Get yours from the Ambleside Lights website and be part of this unforgettable holiday tradition!
Timings for the day
All day - Children's Fun Zone in the school playground on Vicarage Road.
10.30 am - The first Steamer provided by Windermere Lake Cruises will be ready for boarding at Waterhead.
11.00 am - The first Steamer leaves Waterhead Pier to search for Santa.
12 pm - Market Cross stalls open, and entertainment commences.
1.30 pm - The second Steamer will be ready for boarding at Waterhead.
2.00 pm - The second Steamer leaves Waterhead Pier to search for Santa.
4.00 pm (approx) - Santa begins sleigh ride to the town centre.
4.30 pm - Lantern procession departs from Gables Hotel.
5.30 to 5.45 pm (approx) - Firework display in Rothay Park.
Feel free to enjoy the evening in one of the many eateries and watering holes and have a wander around the shops.
For more information and to book please head to the Ambleside Christmas lights website.
