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The festive season is fast approaching, and the Lake District, Cumbria, is the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit. Explore pretty towns and villages, mulled wine in hand; or browse the stalls at a city centre market. Here's our run down of festive events taking place this Christmas.
Christmas Markets
Get into the festive spirit with a visit to one of our Christmas markets: enjoy seasonal food and drink, and pick up local gifts to take home.
Taste Cumbria Christmas / Photo by Tom Kay Photographic
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Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Celebration: 6 - 8 December
The charming market town of Kirkby Lonsdale is the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit. The annual Christmas Market takes over the main square between 6 - 8 December, filling it with local food and drink producers and gift stalls. There's also the town's popular weekly Charter Market on 5 December to kick things off.
An ever popular event in the picturesque village of Hawskhead, with plenty of giftware as well as delicious local food and drink. Stroll through narrow cobblestone streets, mulled wine in hand, as you soak up the festive atmosphere. There are also street performers, live music performances and plenty more to enjoy.
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Taste Cumbria Christmas: 7 & 8 December ** Cancelled due to weather **
** Please note: this event has been cancelled due to weather. However, Cockermouth remains open and home to lots of wonderful food & drink businesses. Show your support & shop local this Christmas. **
If you like festive food and drink, you’ll love Taste Cumbria Christmas. Held in Cockermouth, this popular food festival highlights the best of Cumbrian produce, with a local makers market; outdoor picnic area with live music; and a hot food court. There will also be plenty of gifts and homewares to shop for the perfect Christmas gift.
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Barrow Christmas Market: 14 December
A magical Christmas market in Barrow's town centre, complete with live music and entertainment.
Top tip: don't miss a FREE Santa Express Land Train in Barrow over the weekend of 7 - 8 December. There will also be free movie showings, festive music and the chance to meet Santa.
For something a little bit different, head to the visitlakedistrict.com Virtual Christmas Market for a selection of local gifts including food, drink, accommodation, experiences and more. Relax with a brew or mulled wine, and get a piece of Cumbria delivered to your door.
For more festive events ideas and inspiration, keep an eye on what's on in the Lake District, Cumbria on our events page.
These events have now taken place. Check back next year for 2025 dates!
Head to Kendal for Bowness Bay Brewing's first ever Christmas market! Complete with artisan stalls, delicious food and drink, and live music, it's a great way to get into the festive mood.
Christmas cheer galore at The Swan Hotel & Spa, Newby Bridge. Their barn area will be packed with stallholders; the hotel will be beautifully decorated; and there'll be music, Santa's grotto, and plenty more.
Step back in time at the 25th edition of Ulverston’s popular Dickensian Festival and welcome in the festive season at this Christmas market with a traditional twist. The smell of mulled wine and roast chestnuts fills the air as you wander along cobblestone streets, sampling local produce and picking up gifts made in Cumbria.
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Carlisle Teenage Christmas Market: 23 November
Head to the city of Carlisle for a Christmas market made up of young traders this festive season. Pick up unique and locally made Christmas gifts, and enjoy live entertainment throughout the day. The market offers young people aged between 8 and 25 the chance to have an invaluable experience at a fantastic showcase for their work.
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Keswick Victorian Fayre: 1 December
Celebrate the Christmas season in the north Lakeland town of Keswick, at the popular Victorian Fayre. Stall holders and fair goers alike dress in Victorian costume; there’s also live music, festive games and more to enjoy.
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Kendal Christmas Celebration: 1 December
Festive cheer in the market town of Kendal as this Christmas celebration brings Christmas stalls to the centre.
Head to the traditional market town of Sedbergh this December for an evening of Christmas shopping, as local shops stay open ‘til 8pm. Father christmas will be in attendance, with Santa’s Grotto open for families to visit. There will be live music, market stalls, and lots more.
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Photo: Barrow Christmas Lights Switch On 2021
Christmas Lights Switch On Events
See our towns and villages light up for Christmas with lights switch on events taking place across the county this winter.
See this picturesque market town sparkle at Keswick's Annual Christmas Lights switch on, with entertainment for all to enjoy. Festivities begin at 4:45pm; lights switch on around 7pm.
This popular community event includes Father Christmas boat cruises (sold out), local market stalls, a lantern procession and a fireworks display. 12pm - 6pm.
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Maryport Christmas Lights Switch On | 16 November
An afternoon of festival fun, packed with family friendly entertainment leading up to the big event, which will see the town sparkle with Christmas lights. Lights switch on at 5pm.
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Penrith Christmas Lights Switch On | 16 November
Head to Penrith for an afternoon of festive fun, with live music, Santa and a Christmas parade (including tractors!). 2pm - 7pm (lights on at 6pm).
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Cockermouth Christmas Lights Switch On | 17 November
Enjoy entertainment, Christmas stalls, and plenty more at this family friendly Christmas lights switch on in Cockermouth. 1pm - 6pm.
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Kendal's Christmas Lights Switch On: 21 November
Santa, live music and sparkling lights in the market town of Kendal as part of the Lights Switch On event, taking place alongside Kendal Mountain Festival opening parade. The festive event takes place between 6pm - 8pm in Market Place.
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Barrow Christmas Lights Switch On | 23 November
Head to the coastal town of Barrow for an evening of festive fun, as their Christmas Lights switch on in style. Last year’s event saw live music in the town square as well as fairground rides and plenty more. 3pm - 6:30pm.
Head to Workington Town Centre for a day of festivities, culminating in a Christmas lights switch on event. Pop group 911 will headline the event, followed by the lights switch on at 5pm. 11am - 5pm.
A magical event for all to attend with live entertainment, market stalls and other fun activites. 11am - 6pm.
Christmas Celebrations & Events
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Devonshire Street Christmas Party, Carlisle: 24 November
An afternoon of live music and entertainment, shining the spotlight on local community groups, schools and performers.
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