PEOPLE across South Cumbria, North Lancashire and the Dales will gather to see their towns' Christmas displays lit up. Find out what's happening where and when.
Ambleside
When: Saturday, November 20 from 3.45pm
Where: Lights are switched on in a procession through the whole village starting at Compston Road
Details: Christmas Light Switch-On and Procession with market stalls and street entertainment. A Christmas cruise takes place from Waterside Pier at 2pm in search of Santa; at 3.30pm, Santa, riding his sleigh, will throw Christmas Dust which will magically illuminate the festive lights; then a spectacular firework display at Rothay Park at 5.15pm.
Barrow
When: Saturday, November 20 from 4pm
Where: Town Square
Details: Mayor Rory McClure throws the switch to turn on the festive season. Entertainment for all the family will include music from The Mend and The Sundays, children’s roundabouts and a funfair in Dalton Road.
Carlisle
When: Sunday, November 21
Where:
Details: The lights will be switched-on by local girl and Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton and Britain’s Got Talent star Shaun Smith and X-Factor finalist Lloyd Daniels are just two of the performers.
Kendal
When: Sunday, November 21 from 3.30pm
Where: Market Place
Details: The town centre will sparkle when its lights are officially switched-on with an early visit from Santa on his sleigh drawn by reindeers and the Salvation Army performing traditional carols, plus the Town Crier and street entertainers. Lights switched on at 4.45pm,
Lindal-in-Furness
When: Thursday, November 25 from 4.30pm
Where: Buccleuch Hall
Details: Christmas Fayre and switch on of the village tree.
Dalton-in-Furness
When: Sunday, November 28 from 5pm
Where: Tudor Square
Details: Christmas parade and the opening of the Christmas Tree Festival in St. Mary's Parish Church.
Ulverston
When: Saturday, November 27
Where:
Details: The switch-on takes place during the Dickensian Christmas Festival. Hundreds of festive stalls, entertainment and period costumes, plus horse-drawn costumed processions can be enjoyed during the weekend.
Windermere
When: Saturday, November 27 from 4.30pm
Where:
Details: The Winter Masked Parade which leaves the railway station led by Santa on his sleigh, will meander through the village as the Christmas lights are simultaneously illuminated on the way to Queens Park for the spectacular firework finale.
Grange-over-Sands
When: Thursday, December 4 from 6pm
Where:Yewtree Terrace
Details: Santa will arrive to meet children and switch on this tranquil town’s Christmas lights on, followed by carol singing.
Kirkby Lonsdale
When: Saturday, December 4 from 2pm
Where:
Details: The Christmas Fair includes stalls stocked high with gift offerings, there are street entertainers and for the children the brass band escorts Santa and his helpers through the town as the Christmas lights (as if by magic) are illuminated. Santa’s grotto is in the Market Square together with a small funfair for children.
Askam-in-Furness
When: Sunday, December 5 from 4.30pm
Where:
Details: Lights switch-on, , with carols, lanterns, fireworks and Askam Silver Band.
Keswick
When: Friday, December 5
Where:
Details: The traditional Christmas Fair and lights switch-on includes festive stalls and street entertainment. The town’s shops will also be aglow with colourful lights and Santa’s Grotto will be open for visits from children..
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