Christmas is a little over a month away and whether you’re looking for ideas for shopping or fun things to keep friends and family entertained, there is plenty going on around the county as the season kicks into gear.
From November into December, Christmas markets offer a chance to buy directly from small local producers and find unique one-off gifts that cannot be found on major high streets.
Amongst the Christmas markets taking place in 2024 are Quaker Tapestry Christmas Fair on November 22 and 23, Devonshire Street Christmas Party in Carlisle on November 24, Swarthmoor Hall’s Winter Fair on November 29, late-night festive shopping in Sedbergh on December 4 and a fun filled day of entertainment at Barrow Christmas market on December 14.
Christmas shopping reaches fever pitch over the weekend of December 7-8 with multiple events taking place at Hawkshead, Kirkby Lonsdale and Cockermouth.
Of course, shopping isn’t for everyone and there is still plenty to do for those who want more of an ‘experience’. Ulverston’s annual Dickensian Festival takes a step back in time on November 23 and 24, while launching the same weekend, Winter at Sizergh is a new event combining history, culture, light and nature right up until Christmas Eve.
In Keswick enjoy a family night at the theatre for a showing of The Jungle Book until January 5.
Meanwhile kids have ample opportunities to meet Father Christmas at the likes of Walby Farm Park near Carlisle, Holker Hall near Grange-over-Sands, Rosehill Theatre near Whitehaven and the Swan Hotel near Newby Bridge. Honister Slate Mine is taking things underground on a thrilling journey to meet Santa and his elves at its Secret Grotto experience.
There are also many immersive and active experiences to be found including ongoing festive dark skies walks at Whinlatter Forest, ice skating at Another Place, Ullswater, where the gardens are being turned into a picture-perfect winter scene; guided winter walks in Carlisle and Christmas themed activities at Muncaster Castle and many of the National Trust properties.
It’s also possible to learn new creative skills such as wreath making, card making and willow weaving at various venues, while food and drink businesses across the county are offering specially created seasonal menus.
Cumbria Tourism has launched its Virtual Christmas Market and from December 1 will once again launch an Advent Calendar Giveaway with fantastic prizes to be won every day.
For information about all of these events and more go to visitlakedistrict.com/Christmas
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