Hi folks, I’m so happy to bring you some of my favourite Yuletide events. Don’t forget that I have a weekly double-page spread called the Lakes Diary that is brimming with tinsel-tinted events and activities just calling out for your attention. From Christmas Concert gigs galore and swashbuckling, thigh-slapping Christmas shows and pantos to German-style markets – oh Ja there is! (sorry) plus Santabundant grotto’s. Enjoy!

CHRISTMASTIDE is always a good excuse to host a celebration and no less this year as Demi-Paradise's Deck The Hall with Boughs of Holly returns to Lancaster Castle for its 17th and final year. Bowing out in style the concert is packed with everyone's favourite seasonal goodies, wrapped up with some exciting new material, and presented in the splendid setting of the neo-gothic Shire Hall. The concert features a capella singing partners Five in a Bar, actor/readers Sarah Thurstan, Richard Sails, Eve Robertson and Callum Wernyj. This farewell concert will again gladden hearts and raise spirits for three glorious evenings of words and music from Thursday to Saturday (December 15-17), 7pm for 7.30pm. Box office 01524-64998.

Tickets: Adults £14; children £7.

A MAGICAL mission to save Christmas challenges eight-year-old Holly in this year's Brewery Art Centre's festive theatre offering, Secret Santa: A Kendal Christmas Tale. Holly is just an ordinary girl from Kendal and she thinks she knows a secret...Santa lives next door! This spellbinding seasonal tale of friendship, childhood wonder and reindeer-pigs will enthral and delight families this Yuletide. Playing from Saturday (December 17-24). Times vary. Box office 01539-725133.

Tickets: Adults £12; child (under 16) £10.

CHILDREN will love The Forum's swashbuckling panto adventure, Peter Pan, this Christmas, since the boy who refuses to grow up and his fairy sidekick Tinkerbell, confront scheming, child-loather, Captain Hook and his trusted cohort, Bosun Smee. Can Pan and his gang rid Neverland of the evil, one-handed pirate once and for all? On stage at The Forum, Barrow-on-Furness, from Tuesday (December 13-30). Times vary. Box office 01229-820000.

Tickets from £10 to £15. Family tickets available, enquire at box office.

IN A Nutshell is a charming and intimate puppet show for families. It tells a warm and touching story of beginnings and endings. The clock has stopped at a quarter to spring - the world is frozen in winter. In a quest to find breakfast for his friend Robin, Little Acorn embarks on an adventure to find the key to the New Year which lies hidden - in a nutshell, perhaps? A gorgeous set and character puppets feature in this delightful show playing at Kirkby Stephen Methodist Church Hall, on Saturday (December 10) at 11am & 2pm. Box office 017683-71885.

Tickets: Adults £8; child £6; family £24.

SANTA enjoyed his visit so much last year that he has chosen to again meet and greet children at Beetham Nurseries for two weekends running, this Saturday & Sunday (December 10 & 11) and December 17 & 18. Visit him in the cosy and warm Shepherd’s Hut, warming his feet by the log fire, where he will grant each child a wish and a gift. To book call 015395-63630 or pop to the information desk to purchase ticket/s.

Ticket cost £5.99 each child.

THERE’S quite a few exciting Santa-related events taking place at Tewitfield’s Greenlands Farm Village, from Breakfast with Santa or visiting him in his snug grotto to having Tea with the Big Man, petting his reindeers and even riding a donkey. Also, there’s festive craft-making, such as making a candle-holder, a colouring activity pack and even food to give to the reindeers. Also, the farm is open to visitors as usual. Christmas activities and events vary so visit the website to view and book appropriate date and time. Booking required 01524-784184 (opt 3) or on-line www.greenlandsfarmvillage.co.uk/news-and-events.

Tickets: Adults £7.50; children £13.50.