A sparkling line-up of Christmas events for Carlisle is on the cards.

Carol singing, an open air market and guided walks around key landmarks will be among the attractions available in the build-up to December 25.

Supporters hope they will boost business and attractions include:

  • Late-night shopping every Thursday between November 17 and December 22 with free parking after 3pm in the following car parks: Bitts Park; Cecil Street; Civic Centre; Devonshire Walk; Lower Viaduct; Lowther Street; Paddy’s Market; The Sands Centre; Town Dyke Orchard and Upper Viaduct.
  • There will be bands on the bandstand in Carlisle City Centre on Saturday, 26 (Border Concert Band) and Sunday, November 27 (Ritz) 11.30am to 3.30pm.
  • Festive gifts can be bought at a showcase for local producers, including Made In Cumbria stalls, during Thursday 1 and Saturday, December 3. This is part of the Carlisle Christmas Market which is in the city centre from Wednesday, November 30 to Saturday, December 3, from 9am to 5pm and Sunday, December 4 from 10am to 4pm. A Christmas Carol Parade will take place at St Cuthbert’s Church on Thursday, December 8 starting at 6.15pm.

This will also include carol singing in the city centre followed by a Hog Roast in the Tithe Barn.

  • Northumberland Theatre Company presents Little Red Riding Hood at the Old Fire Station on Thursday, December 1 at 7pm. Doors open 6.30pm, with admission £10 for adults and £5 concessions.
  • Friends of Chances Park and Morton Community Centre’s festive event is on Friday, December 2 at 6.30pm, with BBC Radio Cumbria’s Val Armstrong compering. Carlisle Musical Society and St Bede’s Primary School Choir will perform, accompanied by St Stephen’s Silver Band.
  • A Christmas Fun Weekend is being held at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery on Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4, running from 11am to 4pm, when visitors can meet Santa and join storyteller Ian Douglas for some mid-winter Christmas tales. There will be an opportunity to create Christmas crafts. Children £5 and adults free.
  • Carlisle’s Victorian Covered Market Hall will be filled with Christmas cheer when it stages its Festival Fun Day. Santa and friends will be there and entertainment will be provided by Astral Circus, Mary the Faerie and Silly Gilly face painters. It is on Saturday, December 10 from 11am until 3pm.
  • Festive spirit is the name of the game at the Winter Wonderland, organised by Hope Carlisle, taking place in the city centre on Saturday, and Sunday, December 10 and 11.
  • Drop-in sessions at Tullie House Museum to create various crafts on Tuesday and Thursday, 20, 22, 27 and 29 December, from 1pm until 4pm.