Here’s our official A to Z guide to winter in Lancaster, just to get you in a festive mood

We’re officially heading into winter in Lancaster, with temperatures dropping by what feels like -50 degrees, cafes rolling out their seasonal drinks menus, and even some snow predicted for next week.

With deadlines also fast approaching as they always do this far into term, students definitely need some wintery activities to lift their moods. We’ve come up with the perfect A to Z rundown (literally) of everything you need to know about winter in Lancaster, for those who need some extra festive cheer to get them through the rest of term.

A is for Artisan markets

Nothing screams winter like a trip around some markets, and the Lancaster SU Christmas Market is coming up swiftly! We can get ready for an array of stalls, treats and more.

B is for Bake Off

Bake Off is pretty much the heart and soul of British households, and with only a few episodes left until the final, you still have time for watch parties with your flatmates. You can cosy up with your favourite blankets, crack out the Aldi wine and even re-create some of their sweet treats for yourself!

C is for Crafting

Need to de-stress after a long day of uni? Why not make some Christmas decorations early this year? It’ll save you spending money on gonks and Christmas lights from Poundland, and you can have full creative control over your decorating – how successful it will be is another question altogether.

D is for Decorating

Most Read

On and off: The relationship status of each MAFS UK 2024 cast member and who’s dating now

Kieran and Kristina reveal whether they went to that festival together after MAFS UK reunion

The heartbreaking reason behind Tulisa’s transformation and why she looks so different now

The best part of a uni Christmas is the mish-mash of decorations your flat collects, so why not put your handmade “artisan” creations to good use? The creativity flatmates use to make a Christmas tree on a budget is…questionable but unmatched.

E is for Eating

A bit general, we know, but Lancs is nothing without its good food. Grab some dinner with your friends in Gallico Lounge, try out a bottomless brunch in the Study Room or even pop for a sweet treat in Atkinsons – winter is the perfect time for some cozy meals out!

F is for Freebies

You’ve definitely still got a massive pile of Freshers’ Fair freebies in your desk drawer, so why not put all of the face masks the SU gave you to good use and have a self-care night?

G is for Gonks

Almost nothing is more confusing than the absolute chokehold that Gonks have on us, but it can’t be helped so we’d definitely recommend buying one as your flat mascot this Christmas.

H is for Hot chocolate

It’s a tragedy that we only get festive hot chocolates once a year in Lancaster’s many cafes, so soak up the even bougier than normal hot drinks while you can.

I is for Ice skating

Lancaster on Ice is back for 2024 from 23rd November to 5th January, so book your tickets here to save your space!

J is for Jigsaws

Grab a jigsaw from The Works or a local charity shop (or, if you’re really fancy, Waterstones) to de-stress from your dissertation deadlines.

K is for Kitchen disasters

Listen, there’s absolutely no way you’re getting through a flat Christmas without a few minor disasters…or a whole-building fire evacuation. But that’s the fun in it!

L is for Light switch-on

If you really want to get involved with the Christmas vibes, head into City Centre on 24th November for the annual Christmas lights switch on and musical performances.

M is for Morecambe  

It’s a bit cold for a beach day, but you can still try pottery painting at Pottyroos for a wholesome bonding day with your friends or flatmates!

N is for Nine AMs

You can’t escape them, even if Mariah Carey has defrosted.

O is for Ornaments

Lancaster’s shops are officially bringing out the Christmas decorations, so head into town to stock-up on flat decorations early.

P is for Pantos

The Dukes and The Lancaster Grand are the usual spots in town for pantos, but there are even more close by you can visit on a day trip. Keep an eye out for our annual panto round up.

Q is for Quizzes

Lancaster’s pub quizzes are some of the best, and with Tipple bringing out their new festive cocktails AND a pub quiz, make sure you head there before the end of term for a classic student night out.

R is for Road trips

If there’s not enough going on in Lancaster for you, why not take a train ride to nearby Christmas markets and events in Manchester or Blackpool?

S is for Sweet Treats

It’s not winter without some sweet treats and movie nights, and The Sweet Escape is back at the campus markets every Thursday…do we really need to say anything more?

T is for Toby Carvery

You can’t go to uni in the North and not have a Toby Cavery in winter – it’s practically a rule. The nearest is in Morecambe, so just get on the 100 bus and keep going.

U is for Underpass

Get ready to brave the cold in the queue for the 1A.

V is for VKs

The cold won’t stop our nights out.

W is for Williamson Park

We mostly head to Williamson in the summer, but a crisp autumn walk through the woodlands is seriously underrated – especially now the leaves have fallen.

X is for Xmas markets

The Christmas markets will be back from 22nd to 24th November at Lancaster Brewery, so get your bank accounts ready.

Y is for Yorkshire puddings

They’re a requirement at this point.

Z is for Zoom calls

Facetime is probably more likely, but this was the letter we were going for – get ready for some long phone calls with your family to get you through the colder months and the stress of deadlines!