Lighting Up Keswick for Christmas: A Gift from Local Hotel Group

Keswick’s town centre has been transformed into a magical winter wonderland, with the Skiddaw Hotel, Inn on the Square, and King’s Arms at the heart of the festivities. Each year, these three hotels, part of the family-owned Lake District Hotels group, invest in creating stunning Christmas light displays that bring warmth and sparkle to the town during this special time of year.

The inspiration for these dazzling displays comes from Lake District Hotels’ Director, Kit Graves, whose Danish heritage has shaped her passion for Christmas. In Denmark, the festive season is a time of togetherness, tradition, and creating a cosy, inviting atmosphere – a concept known as hygge. Inspired by the magical Christmas lights and decorations found in Copenhagen, Kit has made it her mission to bring some of that same festive joy and wonder to Keswick.

“We’ve always admired the way Christmas is celebrated in Denmark,” says Kit Graves. “The lights and decorations in Copenhagen are fabulous and hugely inspiring. For me, it’s about creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming, magical, and full of cheer – a real sense of hygge that everyone can enjoy.”

A Long-Term Commitment to Festive Cheer

The creation of these displays is no small undertaking. Over the years, the group has spent tens of thousands of pounds on the lights, with updates and additions made annually to keep the displays fresh and inviting. Each installation takes several weeks and involves a skilled team using specialist equipment, including a cherry picker, to ensure the lights are perfectly placed.

“It’s a real labour of love for us,” says Dani Hope, Director of Lake District Hotels Ltd. “We’re so proud to see the lights bringing joy to residents and visitors, and helping Keswick shine during the festive season. While people sometimes assume the lights are part of the council’s decorations, we’re happy to share that they’re our contribution to creating a magical Christmas for everyone in the town.”

A Boost for the Community

The festive lights help bring Keswick to life during the darker months, encouraging people to visit, shop, and enjoy the local area. They’ve become a key part of the town’s identity during the Christmas season and are cherished by both residents and visitors.

“We love seeing the joy these lights bring to people as they stop to admire them or take photos,” Dani adds. “It’s our way of giving back to the community we’re so proud to be part of, and it’s wonderful to know they help make Keswick such a special place to spend Christmas.”

Support Local This Festive Season

Lake District Hotels Ltd. hopes that the lights serve as a reminder to support local businesses during the festive season. From dining to shopping to overnight stays, every visit helps ensure Keswick continues to thrive and sparkle at Christmas for years to come.

So, next time you stroll through Keswick’s festive streets and admire the beautiful displays on the Skiddaw Hotel, Inn on the Square, and King’s Arms, you’ll know the lights are a heartfelt gift from a local business – one inspired by Danish traditions and dedicated to making Christmas in Keswick truly magical.