Ambleside Lantern Parade & Christmas Lights Switch On, Our Festive Family Day Out

Ambleside is always a magical place to visit, but there’s something truly special about being here on the day of the Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights switch-on. It’s one of our favourite festive family traditions, a day filled with glowing lanterns, independent shops, good food, Santa’s arrival, and an incredible firework finale that lights up the whole valley.

This is our full guide and personal experience from the day, including where we parked, what we did, and what to expect if you’re planning a trip next year yourself.

Where We Parked: Miller Bridge Car Park (Arrive Early!)

We always head straight to Miller Bridge car park. In our experience it’s the best spot for the Lantern Parade because it’s close to the centre and ideal for spending the whole day.

We arrived early, and thank goodness we did. By lunchtime the car parks were overflowing, and cars were looping around with almost no luck.
If you’re visiting for the parade or the Christmas lights, arrive before late morning. It makes the day so much easier.

A Slow Morning Around Ambleside’s Independent Shops

Unlike most of our Lake District days, there were no hikes planned, just a slow wander around Ambleside’s lovely independent shops. The town has such a warm, friendly feel, and every shop had its own cosy Christmas atmosphere.
From handmade gifts to outdoor gear, there’s always something to look at.

It’s one of those places where you don’t rush, you just enjoy the day.

Lunch at Stiles Coffee Bar — We Actually Got a Table!

Stiles Coffee Bar is usually packed. Most days we can’t even get through the door.
So when we walked past and saw an empty table… we didn’t hesitate!

As always, the food was delicious:

  • Pancakes (the boys' absolute favourite)

  • A full English

  • Hot chocolates for all of us — well, it was a festive day out!

The staff were lovely as always, and it felt like the perfect cosy lunch before the afternoon’s events.
If you’re visiting on a weekend or event day, expect it to be busy. We definitely got lucky.

A full English breakfast served at Stiles Coffee Bar in Ambleside before the lantern parade.
A plate of stacked pancakes drizzled with syrup at Stiles Coffee Bar in Ambleside
A mug of hot chocolate topped with cream inside Stiles Coffee Bar in Ambleside during our festive day out.

Funfair Games & Charity Stalls at the School Car Park

After lunch, we walked over to the school car park, where they set up a small funfair and lots of charity stalls.
It’s such a nice part of the day full of local fundraising, games, prizes, and a really friendly atmosphere.

The boys’ favourite was the Human Slot Machine.
You ring a bell, three people “roll” their arms like a real slot machine, and each pulls something out of a box.
If all three match, you win.

Simple idea… absolutely hilarious in real life

Letting Off Steam at the Park

Next stop was the park. Ambleside’s play park is brilliant its big, well-designed, and great for all ages. The boys had loads of fun burning off some energy before the big evening events.

If you’re bringing children, this is a perfect place to let them run around after exploring the shops.

A Quick Bite at Dusty Dog’s Street Food Stall

By mid-afternoon our tummies were getting peckish again, so we grabbed something from Dusty Dog’s, a street food stall we tried a previous year. Their hotdogs and fries are seriously good, one of our favourite little treats when we’re in Ambleside for the Christmas lights.

Perfect fuel for the lantern parade ahead.

The Streets Begin to Fill, Festive Atmosphere All Around

As the sky darkened, the streets slowly filled with people arriving for the Lantern Parade and the Christmas Lights switch-on.
Lanterns were glowing, music was playing, children were running around with light up toys, and the whole place felt magical.

Ambleside has a real sense of community spirit, and days like this show just how special the town really is.

Santa Arrives to Switch On the Christmas Lights

Then came the moment everyone waits for Santa’s arrival.

He rides through town, waving to everyone, stopping every so often to throw a handful of “magic dust” into the air. And with a cheer from the crowds, the Christmas lights turn on above the street.

It’s one of those moments that feels properly festive, no matter how old you are.

Santa waving to the crowd from a red sleigh during the Ambleside Christmas Lights switch-on para
Crowds gathering on Ambleside’s main street at dusk as people arrive for the Lantern Parade and Christmas lights event.

The Lantern Parade A Beautiful Community Effort

Following Santa is the Lantern Parade, and the creativity people put into these lanterns is unbelievable.
Every year we’re amazed by the designs, huge glowing shapes, illuminated costumes, and so much attention to detail. People must spend hours preparing them, and it really shows.

Walking through town surrounded by light, music and smiles… it’s something every family should experience at least once.

A performer dressed in glowing white winged costume at the Ambleside Lantern Parade during the Christmas lights switch-on event.
A group of drummers performing in the Ambleside Lantern Parade with festive lights overhead.
Lake District Mountain Rescue vehicle decorated with Christmas lights during the Ambleside Lantern Parade.

Fireworks in the Park, An Incredible Display

After the parade, everyone heads down to the park for the fireworks display. Even though the ground was really wet from recent rain (and yes, quite a few people were slipping!), nobody let it spoil the mood.

Everyone was happy, laughing and excited and the fireworks were spectacular. It’s not a small display at all; it’s a proper, impressive show that lights up the whole town.

We even spotted a few people watching from the surrounding fells. They must have had an amazing view. We’ve always wanted to watch from up there, and now that the boys are older, even they said it looked brilliant so maybe in a year or two we’ll finally give it a go.

Bright fireworks exploding above Ambleside park during the Christmas lights switch-on celebration.

Why We Love Ambleside at Christmas

The Ambleside Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights switch-on is one of the best festive days out in the Lake District.
It has everything:

  • A warm town atmosphere

  • Great food

  • Friendly people

  • Amazing lanterns

  • A magical visit from Santa

  • A brilliant firework finale

  • Plenty to do for families

We always drive home tired, happy, grateful and we can’t wait to do it again next year.

Thinking of Going Next Year? Our Quick Tips

✔ Arrive early for parking
✔ Wrap up warm (it gets chilly fast)
✔ Waterproof shoes are a good idea
✔ Bring cash for stalls and the funfair
✔ Expect large crowds but friendly ones
✔ Make lunch plans early — cafés fill quickly
✔ Don’t miss the fireworks; they’re incredible

Explore More Lake District Days Out

If you enjoyed reading about our Ambleside Lantern Parade day, here are more ideas and guides you might like: