The first big fair of the season is at lovely Blackwell House, Friday 14 - Sunday 16 November. The historic Arts & Crafts rooms will be transformed into a cosy winter marketplace where some 15 talented local artisans will be showcasing their beautiful handmade creations - from ceramics and textiles to woodcraft and leatherwork. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or simply looking to enjoy a jolly day out, it’s the ideal way to embrace the Christmas spirit in truly magical surroundings. More details: https://lakelandarts.org.uk/blackwell/

Opening later this month (November 20) and running until January 10 is the festive ice rink at Another Place, The Lake, at Ullswater. This is a 200-square-metre ice rink overlooking the lake, and topped by a giant Christmas tree.

Skating sessions are included for guests staying at the hotel, but the ice rink is also open to non-residents. And there are sessions which can be booked to hire the whole place for schools or other groups looking for a team building activity with a difference.After working up an appetite on the ice, get your boots off and head to The Glasshouse for woodfired pizza, spice-infused mulled wine, cider and hot chocolate. Details and booking: https://another.place/the-lake/book/activities/ice-skating

At the Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness, you can join in the fun, or just sit back and be entertained in the beautiful Old Laundry Theatre. They have some perfect Christmas shows for young people. Just before Christmas, from December 20 - 24, there’s a production of Santa’s New Sleigh, twice daily.

Christmas is fast approaching and Santa’s Sleigh is nowhere to be found. Will Sprocket and Dibs be able to create a new sleigh in time or will Christmas be cancelled? Can you help them save the day? Only time will tell but with audience participation, sing-along songs and a free present from Santa for every child it promises to be the perfect festive treat.

Then, between Christmas and New Year there’s a puppet version of the perennial favourite The Snow Queen, again with two shows daily. The Toy Maker is in his workshop, making toys for the children when all of a sudden, they come to life to tell the story of The Snow Queen. Follow Gerda on her adventures as she sets out to rescue her brother Kai from the evil Snow Queen who is holding him prisoner in her ice palace and meet the magical creatures who help her on her mission.

Paul Batten of Theatrix Arts performs this magical story through puppets, changing scenery, music and sound effects, and afterwards there’s a chance for youngsters to meet the puppets and make one of their own.

All ages are welcome at the Wreath Making events on Fri 5 Dec at 2pm and 5.30pm, and Sat 6 Dec at 10.30am and 2pm. Staged in the Attraction’s own Winter Wonderland, you can learn how to use locally sourced foliage, natural materials and decorations to make an original wreath to brighten up your door. A glass of mulled wine or tea or coffee and a homemade mince pie are included with your ticket.

Then there’s the chance to try festive crafts on Sat 20, Sun 21 Mon 22 December. This event takes place in The Burrow (the events Café in the Attraction building). There will be craft tables for children to rotate around to create lovely Christmassy souvenirs to take home. For more details of all these, see https://worldofbeatrixpotter.com/events/

At Critter Creek Adventure Golf, there’s games with a difference, glow in the dark golf. The Glow Nights will be held through November and December at the venue, based at the Choices Health Club at Troutbeck Bridge. Tee up an adventure, more details https://www.crittercreekgolf.co.uk/

Over in the western Lakes, there’s a chance to ride on the Santa Express Ravenglass railway. There are still dates available in November. The run starts with enchanting, elf-led storytelling before a 40-minute steam train journey through stunning Eskdale. At Dalegarth grotto, meet Santa and his helpers for festive fun and surprises. There’s hot chocolate on arrival and a drink at Dalegarth with festive food available to order. Book your tickets online at ravenglass-railway.co.uk or call 01229 717171.

It’s lovely to go for a sail on the lake at this time of the year. The winter timetable is now operating on Ullswater where, during Pooley Bridge pier works (Nov 25 – Feb 26), the Steamer cruises will only run between Glenridding and Howtown. It’s to allow essential maintenance works will be carried out at Pooley Bridge, to strengthen the structure, reduce weather-related disruption, and improve facilities for passengers.

The new timetable has been adjusted to improve connections with Stagecoach 508 bus services over the winter months. Check the latest sailing times and service updates before travelling, by visiting: www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk.