Have you been scouring the internet looking for the best Christmas events across Cumbria? Well, like Father Christmas on December 25th, you’ve landed in the right place. We’ve got plenty of making up to do after last year’s rather lukewarm seasonal celebrations. So our advice to you: dig out that Christmas jumper, stick a little Wham on, and don’t just wait until the big day for some festive family fun. Here’s a sleigh full of attractions that’d put a smile on even the Grinch’s face.
Keswick Christmas Lights Switch-on
If you think it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas now, wait until the Keswick Christmas Lights Switch-on. Taking place on Friday, November 19th, the day will begin at 10am with a Christmas food and gift fayre. From 6pm until 7pm in Market Square, Local Vocals will be warming up the crowds ahead of the big switch-on at 7pm. The honour this year falls to community first responders.
Workington Christmas Festival and Lights Switch-on
Workington town centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland on Saturday, November 20th, when the town’s Christmas Festival and Lights Switch-on returns. Running from 11am until 5pm, there’ll be live local performers, a Christmas market, fun fair, face painting, Santa’s Grotto, imagination parties, puppets, princesses, crafts. If all that doesn’t put you in the mood for Christmas, nothing will.
Whitehaven Christmas Markets
There’s more than one festive market to get excited about in Whitehaven this year. First up, Whitehaven Christmas Market takes over King Street on Saturday, November 27th, from 10am until 3pm. And there’ll be something for everyone with bakers, crafters and makers all offering up a range of festive fancies. With more than 30 stalls dotted about St Nicholas Gardens, this year’s Whitehaven Town Council Christmas Market is going to be bigger and better than ever according to organisers. Friday, December 3rd, is the diary date for that one.
Kendal Christmas Card Workshop
Why not create extra special Christmas cards for your loved ones this year? Kendal Christmas Card Workshop is a fun, hands-on craft experience where using blank screens and paper stencils you will create your own festive designs before printing them out onto a set of A5 cards. Workshop dates are Friday, November 26th, 10am – 1pm; and Saturday, December 4th, 10am – 1pm. The course is open to all abilities, and costs £50. Email bd@bendodge.com to book.
Keswick Victorian Fayre
Travel back in time with the Keswick Victorian Fayre where homemade Christmas crafts and cakes are served up by traders dressed in period costume. Visitors are more than welcome to join in the dress-up fun at the event, which will also feature a nativity scene, street performers, and a fun fair. The fayre is also a fantastic way to support local charities, with a number of local and national causes holding their own stalls. The Keswick Victorian Fayre takes place on Sunday, December 5th, starting at 10am.
Penrith Christmas Markets
The popular Penrith Christmas Twilight Market returns this year offering visitors a chance to pick up a few gifts while entering into the Christmas spirit. There’ll be an array of market stalls, mouthwatering food vendors, and an appearance from Father Christmas himself. Penrith Christmas Markets takes place at Penrith Paceway on Friday and Saturday, December 17th and 18th, running from 4 – 9pm on both days.
Barrow Christmas Market (with axe throwing)
If you’ve ever fancied a spot of axe throwing while out Christmas shopping, well we’ve got an early gift for you. Shop Barrow Day will play host to a Christmas market on Saturday, December 4th, with a host of attractions including axe throwing, live music and street entertainers. Barrow BID will be providing free parking in all council owned town centre car parks during the day.
At PCCU, we fully understand the financial pressures that come with Christmas Day, and the days and weeks leading up to it. For nearly 40 years we’ve helped hundreds of account holders borrow to pay for these Christmas related expenses. If you do need a helping hand this Christmas you can apply for loans online or via the secure Nivo app. Our friendly and experienced team will be there via telephone on 01282 691333 to guide you every step of the way.
