This winter, Cumbria Tourism is highlighting festive events and celebrations across Cumbria as part of its seasonal marketing campaign to support tourism businesses through the winter months.

This November and December, there’s a whole host of Christmas events taking place to mark the start of the holiday season. Plan ahead and get into the festive spirit, with fairs, markets and lights switch on celebrations throughout the region.
In Carlisle, the city turns into a winter wonderland with the Carlisle Christmas Market taking place between December 1 and 17. Forty Alpine style chalets and festive stalls will play host to local and visiting traders, offering everything from Christmas decorations to artisan food and drink; handmade gifts to hot food and mulled wine.
The popular Taste Cumbria Christmas returns to Cockermouth over the weekend of December 9 and 10, with festive food and drink aplenty. As well as market stalls and a hot food court, there are also gifts and homewares, fairground rides and live entertainment. 
At Rydal Mount and Rydal Hall, a Christmas market takes places across both venues on the weekend of December 2 and 3; tickets can be booked in advance. Head to Cartmel to see Santa’s sleigh pulled by Friesian horses at the village’s popular Christmas in Cartmel event (November 24). There’s also live music and a Christmas market to enjoy. 
In Hawkshead, the Hawkshead Christmas Fair (December 2 and 3) sees the village welcome stallholders serving up festive food and drink alongside crafts and local produce, live music and Santa’s Grotto. 
Santa is also in attendance at the Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair (December 1-3); visitors can also check out the town’s weekly Charter Market on November 30.
Barrow’s Christmas Lights Switch On Event takes place on Saturday, November 18 in the Town Square. Festivities kick off at 3pm, with plenty of live entertainment ahead of the big moment. Penrith Christmas Sparkle (November 18) also sees the town switch on its Christmas lights, alongside a tractor parade, live music, and festive food and drink. 
There’s also the Keswick Christmas Lights Switch On (November 17); the Ambleside Christmas Lights Switch On (November 18); and the Workington Christmas Festival and Lights Switch On (November 25) to name a few.
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. Head to www.visitlakedistrict.com/virtual-christmas-market for details.