Racing Santas will take to Derwentwater to launch this year's Keswick Live Advent.

Teams of Santas will battle it out for the trophy at noon on Friday, December 1 in the third annual race.

Last year's winning team, the Little Crosthwaite Chargers from the Lake District Calvert Trust, will be back and hope to retain their title.

Justin Farnan, business manager for the trust, said: “The ‘Santa Cruz’ Turkey Trophy has its place on our trophy shelf and it will not be relinquished lightly.”

After the race, the town's first Advent window will be lit at Theatre by the Lake.

Organised by Keswick Tourism Association and Allerdale council, Keswick Live Advent involves the lighting of an advent window each day in December alongside a festive event.

Vanessa Metcalfe, tourism manager for the association, said: “We have been absolutely delighted this year with the enthusiasm of businesses in the town, some of whom contacted us as early as August to secure their date.

"There are several new window venues this year and there is a really great mix of events. It continues to go from strength to strength and is now a firm favourite in the Christmas event calendar.”

Keswick Live Advent day by day

December 1: Santas and elves battle it out on Derwentwater, starting at Keswick Boat Landings at noon. Window to be lit at Theatre by the Lake.

December 2: Mulled wine and mince pieces at George Fisher, 3pm to 4pm.

December 3: Keswick Victorian Fayre, 10.30pm to 4pm, followed by window lighting at Keswick Tourism Association at 4pm.

December 4: Free vegan mulled wine and nibbles plus goody bags at Kat's Kitchen, 4pm.

December 5: The Secret Garden reading by a member of Theatre by the Lake's show at Bookends at 4pm.

December 6: Traditional Christmas carols by St Herbert's School Choir at West Cumbria Rivers Trust at 4pm.

December 7: Christmas tree festival with nativity scenes at St Mary's Church, Threlkeld, 10am to 4pm. Window lighting at the Keswick Reminder office at 4pm.

December 8: Tasting day with free beer samples at Keswick Brewery, noon to 5pm, with window lighting at 4pm.

December 9: Meet Santa, with mulled wine and mince pies for grown ups, at the Lake District Florist and Cakery, 2pm to 4pm.

December 10: Thirty-minute panto by Bob Bryden at Keswick Museum and Art Gallery, 2pm and 3pm. Tickets £5 for adults with accompanied children free. Window lighting after second show.

December 11: 5km run from New Balance at 6.30pm, with prizes for the competitor who most accurately predicts their finish time. Food and drink to follow.

December 12: A festival of Christmas music hosted by Keswick Choral Society at Crosthwaite Church at 7.30pm. Tickets £12 from Bookends (under 12s free). Window to be lit at the tourist information centre at 4pm.

December 13: Interactive storytelling of Julia Donaldson's The Highway Rat by the Forestry Commission at Cafe Hope at 4pm.

December 14: Discounts of 10 per cent at Ness from 9.30am to 5.30pm along with festive treats and music. Window to be lit at 4pm.

December 15: Make your own glittery bath bombs at The Soap Co from 1.30pm to 4pm.

December 16: Fairtrade food and coffee tasting at Oxfam from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Window to be lit at 4pm.

December 17: Sweet treats for all ages at Cake and Salad, including fruit cider and mulled wine for adults, from 2.30pm to 4pm.

December 18: Meet the Thwaite's shire horses with their dray at The Royal Oak from noon to 1.30pm. Window to be lit at noon.

December 19: Sample Hawkshead Relish preserves accompanied by mulled wine at Treeby & Bolton from 3pm to 5pm. Window to be lit at 4pm.

December 20: Keswick Ministries open day at Rawnsley, with music from Cumbrian Community Gospel Choir, noon to 12.30pm, in aid of the Lake District Calvert Trust. Additional cost applies.

December 21: Christmas crafts for kids of all ages and festive fun at Keswick YHA Cafe.

December 22: The Chalet tea room will unveil its new tasting nibble Podgy Little Devils, a classic take on devils on horseback versus Cumbrian tatie pot, washed down with free gluhwein, 3pm to 4pm.

December 23: Christmas treasure hunt around Kong Adventure, 10am to 12pm. Costs £5 including entry to the play area. Window to be switched on at 4.30pm.

December 24: Encore matinee of the Royal Ballet's Nutcracker at 2pm with all proceeds to Cumbria Community Foundation. Free interval drink and sweet. Window to be lit during the interval.