Rhyme times, toddler sessions, stay and play and everything else that genuinely works with a pre-schooler in and around Keswick.
Stay and Discover at Keswick Museum, a story with Becky and Digby followed by a creative session for under 5s. Free, one booking per family, every term time Wednesday.
Santa, underground. A bus takes you up to a hidden entrance, you walk lit tunnels past the elves' workshop and the sleigh chamber, make a wish and get a gift, then come down an underground sledge slope. The mine's own words are that it sells out every year without exception, and at the top of Honister Pass in December, check the road before you set off.
A working farm on the edge of Keswick: a tractor trailer tour past the Highland cows, sheep, pigs and goats, then crafts, face painting and a Santa visit with gifts in the cafe. Only two adults per child fit on the trailer, spare grown-ups wait in the cafe, which in a Keswick December is not the worst job.
The quarry's railway runs Santa trains through December, seven departures a day from 10.15am. The page does not say what is included or what it costs, so check before you promise a present.
Keswick town centre goes Victorian for the day, with entertainment on the Market Square stage and in Pack Horse Court, and free children's costume competitions every hour. Put them in something Dickensian and layered, it is December in the Lakes.
A 55 minute Christmas show for ages 3 and up in the Studio, with magic, music and a malfunctioning robot helping save a forgotten town's Christmas spirit. No interval and under an hour, which is exactly the right length for a first theatre trip. Under 16s must be with an adult ticket holder.
A 45 minute Santa experience at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick with a story, a present and a photo. The 11am slot is just for under 5s. Ages 18 months to 11.