With the sheer amount of Christmas events in Cumbria, Winter is a magical time of year in the Lakes.
Twinkly lights decorate the picture-perfect landscape and the streets are full of festive cheer. Most importantly, there’s lots of chance to eat, drink and be merry.
We’ve handpicked our favourite Christmas markets in the Lake District and compiled them into a handy list.
Keep reading to learn more about some of the most popular Cumbria Christmas events to visit this year…
Christmas Events in the Lake District
In the Lake District, there are many Christmas events to choose from, often linked to a Christmas light switch on, or a visit from Santa.
The wonderful collection of Christmas markets taking place across the region each promise the perfect festive atmosphere, all in the unrivalled setting of the Lakelands favourite towns and villages.
Traditionally taking place in Germany, we enjoy the Cumbrian version here in the Lakes. Showcasing the very best local produce, you’ll probably find Cumberland sausage rather than bratwurst!
Here’s a guide to a few of our favourite festive celebrations in the Lake District. With the majority free to enjoy, we’re sure you’ll find plenty of excuses to buy food, drink or perhaps some Christmas gifts.
Hawkshead Christmas Fair, Hawkshead
Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd December 2023
This small Lakeland village is brimming with festive cheer when the popular Hawkshead Christmas Fair takes over the ancient streets.
Over 80 themed stalls find themselves scattered throughout the village, stocking seasonal food, crafts, and gifts.
Hawksheads shops and pubs open their doors for festive treats and last-minute Christmas shopping opportunities.
An enchanting lantern parade makes it way through the streets of the village, with carolers, musicians, and street performers providing the soundtrack to the weekend.
An outdoor event, we recommend wrapping up warm before heading to this Cumbria Christmas event.
Taste Cumbria Christmas Festival, Cockermouth
Saturday 10th – Sunday 11th December 2023
Taste Cumbria hold a series of food festivals throughout the year, taking place across the region.
The markets showcase the very best that local producers have to offer and the Taste Cumbria Christmas Festival is the pinnacle of these food festivals.
Paired with festive cheer, the end result is a much-loved food & drink event, perfect for picking up some delicious, locally-sourced goods to go with your Christmas feast.
A beer and fizz tent provides some winter warmth, and there’s a range of hot food stands to be sampled.
Craft stalls offer a range of homemade gifts and trinkets, and there are fairground rides sure to keep the little ones entertained.
Keswick Victorian Fayre, Keswick
Sunday 3rd December 2023
Taking place on one day only, the Keswick Victorian Fayre promises hours of festive fun.
Held across the Market Place and Packhorse Court, you can expect live entertainment, a child-friendly funfair and a wonderful array of charity stalls.
Live bands, choirs and carol singers will perform on stage throughout the day. When its time to refuel, there’s a variety of festive food and drink vendors to choose from.
You’ll be spoilt for choice with over 30 stalls to shop, stocked with a collection on homemade crafts, local produce and winter food and drink.
If you’re feeling lucky, there’s also tombolas and raffles to try your hand!
Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival
Saturday 25th – Sunday 26th November 2023
The tale of ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens is brought to life each year in the town of Ulverston.
The Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival sees the clocks turned back to the Dickensian era with a Christmas market like no other.
Dress to impress in your finest Dickensian garments. Costume hire is available with Victorian Costumes.
You’ll find horse-drawn carriages, live street entertainment and a mouth-watering array of street food. Whilst you’re here, be sure to peruse the market stalls, stocked high with a fabulous selection of keepsakes.
The highlight of the Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival is the grand parade finale.
Making its way through the historic streets of the town, you’ll really feel part of the community.
Ambleside Christmas Lights
18th November 2023
Far more than just a market, the Ambleside Christmas Lights is a much-loved Cumbrian Christmas event taking place in the heart of the Lake District.
Combining the traditional Christmas shopping experience with countless other festive activities, the Ambleside Christmas Lights is one of our favourite Cumbria Christmas events!
Offering something a little different, there will be Christmas cruises departing from Ambleside, all with on-board entertainment suitable for little ones. For some lucky cruisers, Santa himself might even climb aboard!
On dry land, countless community market stalls will find themselves dotted throughout the town. Peruse the stalls in search of gifts, refreshments and keepsakes.
There’s lots to see and do, with live music, street performances and a dedicated family fun zone.
When the skies turn dark, a latern parade and jaw-dropping firework display add to the festive atmosphere.
Carlisle Christmas Market
Friday 1st – Sunday 17th December 2023
Over the festive period, the pedestrianised centre of Carlisle is decorated with over 25 market stalls.
Each adorned with twinkly lights and a beautiful array of Christmas decorations, its hard to believe you’re not in Germany!
You’ll be spoilt for choice, will stalls brimming with goods from local artisian producers, along with live music and entertainment. Indulge in luxurious macaroons, mulled wine and fresh, hot food, all while perusing the charming stalls.
Paired with the city centres fantastic range of shops, there’s lots of opportunty for Christmas shopping in Carlisle!
Carlisle Christmas Market is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit and uncover the delights of this great Border city.
Wrap up warm and head to the Lakes to explore the delights of these Cumbria Christmas events for yourself! Our wonderful collection of Lake District lodges will put you right in the heart of the action.
If you’re planning on visiting during the festive season, you’re sure to enjoy a memorable winter break in one of these Christmas lodges in the Lake District!
For more ways to spend your time this festive season, give our guide on 5 of the best Lake District winter walks a read!
This blog has been adpated from original content written by Lake District Lodge Holidays
