The strong community spirit and distinctive culture of Cumbria is particularly demonstrated at this time of year across the many winter markets and Christmas fairs.

It’s a time of year when our communities come together to celebrate, whatever adversities they have faced during the year.

A warm welcome for locals and visitors alike can be found in abundance right across the region from small villages to towns and the capital city of Carlisle.

One community that has had its fair share of challenges over the last 19 months and come back stronger is Hawkshead. In May 2018 the Windermere Ferry caught fire, resulting in five months without a car crossing point at this popular point on the lake, adding over 10 miles drive around the lakeshore.

This had a significant impact on the lives of locals, business and visitors trying to access the popular village.

Hawkshead is tightly-knit village and home some of the Lake District’s most popular brands including Hawkshead Relish and Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s family home, run by the National Trust.

During the period the ferry was out of action, which coincided with peak summer season, many businesses reported a 30-40 per cent downturn.

However, the strong community spirit shone through with traders launching a #HawksheadIsOpen social media campaign, supported by many organisations including Cumbria Tourism, and culminating in a joyous Christmas Fair. The year’s event promises to be no less magical.

The annual light switch-on takes place on November 30, accompanied by a parade led by the Bay Beat Band and late night shopping until 8.30pm.

The Christmas Fair runs across the weekend of December 7 and 8. With fabulous window displays and pretty streets lit with festive lighting and Christmas trees, the village square will be lined with about 50 outdoor stalls and 30 indoor stalls in the Market Hall and Park House buildings.

Artisan food stalls will be selling everything from locally sourced meats and cheeses to local gin and mulled wine. Keep an eye out for the inspirational ‘Earthworm’ team, who prepare vibrant plant-based recipes using fresh ingredients. There is a Christmas lantern parade at 4.30pm on the Saturday, December 7.

Andrew Wilson, from Chocolate Factory Hawkshead, said: “This is a wonderful event at the heart of a quintessential Lake District village community.

“Local business owners’ welcome people from far and near, to join together and celebrate the start of the Christmas season.

“It’s such a friendly, happy and festive atmosphere with both stallholders and visitors returning every year. Local accommodation is booked a year in advance, with the pubs, bed & breakfasts and luxury lodges seeing returning guests year after year.

“It is very much a community event, with the village school, local children, scouts and brownies, local choirs, bands and orchestra’s all taking part.”

At the other end of the scale and within a community that has also met challenges in recent years, is the county’s largest open-air festive market in Carlisle’s city centre.

It runs from November 30 until December 8, with chalets lining the streets outside the Old Town Hall offering a wide range of food, drink, gifts and entertainment.

For a more stately affair head to the former homes of the Earls of Lonsdale; Lowther Castle on November 22-24 and Askham Hall on December 8.

In central and south lakes you can choose from Ulverston’s Dickensian Christmas Festival on November 23-24, Keswick Victorian Fayre on December 1 or two Christmas Fairs in Grasmere on the weekend of November 23 and 24 at Tweedies (home of the Grasmere Guzzler) and Wordsworth Hotel & Spa. Alternatively, head to Windermere Christmas Celebration on December 14-15 to enjoy stalls, brass bands and the Mountain Goat Santa’s Grotto.

With warmth, cheer and more artisan treats than you can shake a stick at, Cumbria really is the place to be this festive season.

To find market near you have a look at www.golakes.co.uk/events