Cruise along to Windermere’s Christmas celebration!

Windermere’s Christmas Celebration is back after a two-year break! And what better way to journey to the spectacular event - than by boat and goat!

Windermere Lake Cruises has teamed up with the Mountain Goat travel firm to give revellers a wonderful winter-time cruise across the lake at Windermere to Bowness Bay Pier – then a free shuttlebus will run you up to the seasonal celebration in the heart of Windermere village.

The celebration is even more keenly anticipated this year as it’s not been held since 2019 because of the global pandemic.

So, to add that extra seasonal spice – why not leave your car behind - hop onboard a Windermere Lake Cruises vessel and head to Bowness over the waters of England’s longest Lake?

You can set off from Ambleside or Lakeside and once you arrive at Bowness Bay Pier a free Mountain Goat shuttle bus will whisk you along to the celebration in the heart of Windermere village

“It’s a wonderful way to start your Christmas celebrations,” says Windermere Lake Cruises’ Sales and Marketing Director Jennifer Cormack. The scenery around the lake is often enhanced at this time of year by snow covered mountain tops and frosty fresh air – so what better way to head to and from the Christmas Celebration!”

The weekend-long event takes place on Saturday and Sunday, December 10-11 on the streets of Windermere vilage. It draws crowds from across the country to enjoy food, drink and family fun. There’s live music and entertainment, food and craft stalls and a fun fair. It’s the perfect festive family event and Father Christmas is expected to make an appearance!

Led by the team from the Windermere Tourist Information Centre and The Mountain Goat, the community-run event hopes to establish itself for years to come.

Windermere Lake Cruises has been one of the major sponsors since it first launched. Other main sponsors are Mountain Goat, Lamplighter Dining Rooms, Windermere Town Council and McClures.

Event Director Kate Barton, of Windermere TIC, says: “It’s been a challenging few years but we are determined to bounce back better than ever! The Christmas Celebration is taking place in the usual on-street location - Victoria Street, High Street, Cross Street.”

Kate adds: “Due to roadworks in Windermere we would strongly advise people to take advantage of the free shuttle bus – and why not add a seasonal treat and take a cruise on Windermere as well!”

The free shuttlebus runs daily from Braithwaite Fold Car park, Glebe Road Car Park and Bowness Pier. It will drop off at Ellerthwaite Square in Windermere where visitors can walk through the village to the event.

Discount cruises are available through Windermere Lake Cruises. Local residents of any age can apply for the Local Residents Discount Card which, until May 1, 2023, offers half price scheduled sailings and half price entry to the Lakeland Motor Museum.

The free shuttle bus runs between 10am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday.