AS CAROLS play and festive treats are enjoyed, there's a kind of ruckus from the carriage next door as children clamber to see Santa and his chief elf JoJo on the platform, as the train steams into Lakeside and Haverthwaite Station, Newby Bridge. That's right, the Santa Special has just arrived and up pops the man in red himself, boarding the train along with JoJo and all the other elves. The festive party visits every child, delivering a handpicked early Christmas present for them to take home. Santa Specials are running from Saturday and Sunday to December 14 and 15. BR 015395-31594 or visit lakesiderailway.co.uk.        

Tickets: £13.50 (no concessions)    

HIGHLIGHTS Rural Touring Scheme presents The Scrooge Diaries playing at Skirwith Village Hall, near Penrith, on Saturday (December 7, 7.30pm). In this revelatory exclusive, Ebeneezer Scrooge opens his diary to expose the awful truth about Tiny Tim, the Fezziwigs, Jacob Marley and that disgustingly jolly, gluttonous, consumer-driven Ghost of Christmas Present, as he reveals the truth behind A Christmas Carol. Go on ruin someone’s Christmas and buy them a ticket. 

Box office 01768-88234 

Tickets: Adults £10; children £5; family £25 

THE Great Christmas Dig is an original and highly interactive family production by HandMade Theatre. This festival treasure hunt unlocks stories from long ago, umps into characters from the Romans to the Vikings and promises to ignite everyone’s Christmas spirit. On stage on Saturday (December 7, 11am & 2.30pm) at the Richard Whiteley Theatre (Giggleswick School). 

Box office 01729-893180 or www.giggleswick.org.uk/rwt 

Tickets £11; groups of 10+ £9.50 

TREES from the gardens of Sizergh Castle will adorn the stage set of this year’s panto Cinderella: A Fairytale, playing until January 11, 2020, at The Dukes, Lancaster. The story centres on bird-loving Ella who escapes the chores set by her horrible stepmother and, with the help of her feathered friends, sneaks off to the palace ball in her best party frock and sparkly Doc Marten books to meet her prince. With original music and dance routines spanning the 40s to the 60s plus fantastic puppets. Cinderella is the perfect show for all aged five plus to 95!  

Box office 01524-598500 

Tickets Blue | Ground £13.50, Balcony £11.50 

        Green | Ground £18, Balcony £15 

            Red | Ground £22, Balcony £19 

JOIN Santa and his helpers aboard the magical cruise through a wintry Windermere wonderland. You will be aboard a heated modern launch and Santa will be there throughout the cruise to join in the fun and deliver a wrapped present to every child. There will be Christmas games, music and loads of festive cheer; there’s even a mince pie and a glass of festive sherry for mums and dads. 

The boat departs Bowness pier for a 90-minute cruise on Saturday (December 7, 2pm); Sunday (December 8, 11.30am & 2pm); December 14 (11.30am & 2pm); December 15 (11.30am & 2pm). 

Cruises fill up very quickly so early booking is advised. 

Tickets 015394-43360 (no on-line booking available for these cruises). 

Tickets: Adults and children (3+ years) £12.50; children (U3) £6.25 

LINDISFARNE emerged from Tyneside in the 70s and quickly carved out a unique place for themselves as one of the British rock’s most original bands. Their pioneering sound, combining acoustic instruments like mandolin and fiddle with their electric blue roots, led to massive hit singles, such as Meet Me On The Corner and Fog On The Tyne. The current five piece comprise long-term members and they are still fronted by founder-member Rod Clements. 

Playing at The Platform, Morecambe, tomorrow (Friday, 8pm). 

Box office 01524-582803 

Tickets £21