BIG North Christmas 2025
100 people attending
0 places left
5 people waitlisted
Join us in the Lake District to bring in the festive season! ☃️
As ever, returning to a grand mansion house in the Lake District, we'll bring you a range of winter walks and other activities to enjoy, along with a superb dinner, entertainment, friends old and new, the OutdoorLads bar to to keep you in the party spirit, and of course a festive dance floor to get the party going!
Our venue couldn't be more fitting for Christmas, set in an old mansion house with its own grounds. Whether you choose to relax in the main living room around the fire or brave the December cool air and take your drinks to the fire pit on the main garden, you will have no trouble having a great time here.
Based in the heart of the Lakes, we're well positioned for access to great walks and there'll be a variety on offer which will provide a challenge for those who want it, or a gentler stroll for those who wish to take things a bit easier.
We'll have a great OutdoorLads Christmas party, with our very own DJ Dan spinning the tunes on the dancefloor, a secret Santa, and heaps of festive loveliness! So don't miss out this year, you know you can't wait to sing your tonsils off to Mariah! - so get yourself to BIG North Christmas and maximise the good times this December!
Events
We will have a variety of walks on offer on the Saturday, of various levels of challenge, from mountain walks to more of a stroll. Given our location, they all will involve hills, however!
If you are a walk leader and would like to lead a walk, please get in touch on support@outdoorlads.com - we can help with routes and event pages!
All events will meet in the lounge.
Telegram Group
Use this group to keep up with any last-minute updates, connect with one another, share photos from the event, find/offer lifts etc.
Join the Telegram group >
Bar
The OutdoorLads Charity Bar with its extensive spirits, real ale, lagers, beers, wines and soft drinks will be at your disposal for the weekend, all at great prices. Remember, buying from the bar raises money for OutdoorLads, so help the charity by buying from the bar.
Volunteering: Events like these rely on volunteers (in addition to the BIG Events Team) to make a success of the event. We'll need help with clearing pots, moving furniture, assisting with car parking, etc. Please be prepared to do your bit and help out when asked, or just get stuck in if you see something needs doing. Volunteering is at the heart of OutdoorLads and helps us to keep event prices below market value. If everyone does a little bit, we'll all have a better weekend!
Dogs: Sorry, this event is not suitable for dogs. If you will be bringing a registered assistance dog, please let us know when you book on support@outdoorlads.com
Photos: Provided by the YHA and OutdoorLads members and used with permission.
OUTDOORLADS FOUNDATION Fancy coming along but having a difficult time of it (for whatever reason), and/or finding it hard to justify the expense? Apply for a place on this event through the OutdoorLads Foundation! Nobody apart from staff members will know and we don't need lots of financial info from you either. To apply through the Foundation, you'll need to complete a very short form, which can be found along with more information here.
PAY IN INSTALMENTS You can arrange to pay in instalments if that helps. Please contact the office on support@outdoorlads.com who will help you to secure a place and set up paying in instalments. The event must be fully paid up a week before the event takes place.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
What to bring
Here's a suggested kit list if you're planning to take part in any walks on Saturday
Water: bring at least two litres
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch
For the Hostel
Festive jumper for Saturday night! 🎄
Secret Santa gift if you wish to take part (around the £10 mark).
Friday evening buffet contribution (enough food for one person).
Bedding is provided. You'll need to bring a towel and toiletries.
Rooms are shared between 4-14 people in bunk beds. So, bring a head torch so you don't have to turn on the 'big light' whilst others are sleeping. You might want to bring earplugs and an eye mask. The bathroom facilities are shared.
Food & drink
The OutdoorLads Charity Bar will be on hand to supply your drinks all weekend and what is better, buying from us helps OutdoorLads raise funds which keep our events affordable for all. So drink at the bar and leave your drinks at home. For licensing reasons you will not be able to drink your own drinks on the ground floor of the venue.
You'll need a packed lunch for Saturday.
Friday Arrival: Mulled wine and mince pies will be available from around 6pm in the main living area. A great way to get the weekend started!
Friday Buffet: Please bring an item for the buffet. Don't go over the top; if everyone brings an item equivalent to feed one person we will have a buffet enough for everyone. We will not be able to cook or heat anything - your contribution must be ready to serve. Be creative, it always goes down well.
Saturday Breakfast: A selection of toast, cereals and preserves will be available.
Saturday Christmas Dinner: Our fantastic kitchen team will prepare a brilliant festive lunch for us all! PLEASE ENSURE YOU FILL IN YOUR DIETARY INFORMATION ON YOUR PROFILE.
Sunday Breakfast: A selection of toast, cereals and preserves will be available.