Cumbria Tourism has launched its 2023 Virtual Christmas Market to showcase homegrown festive gifts and support local businesses. 

The county’s Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) originally launched the initiative in 2020 as part of a recovery marketing campaign to help support local businesses affected by the nationwide lockdowns that put a halt to high-street shopping. 
Back by popular demand, the event is returning for its fourth instalment and will encourage shoppers who are unable to visit Cumbria in the run-up to Christmas to continue shopping local and actively supporting Cumbrian makers, producers, and retailers. 
Running throughout November and December on visitlakedistrict.com, shoppers will find a wide range of independent retailers, hotels, restaurants, attractions, cultural venues, activity providers and artisans all selling unique gifts and experiences online.
Cumbria Tourism’s marketing manager, Sue Clarke, said,“We have an array of Christmas markets and festive events to enjoy around the county, but the Virtual Christmas Market is a great online alternative for anyone who can’t get along in person.  
“As well as offering a more personal shopping experience when compared to impersonal global online retailers, it offers a platform to support your favourite Cumbrian businesses. Not only will people be helping local communities but they also have the added benefit of receiving unique and personalised gifts for their loved ones this Christmas.”
Geoff Monkman, managing director at Lakeland Artisan added, “At Lakeland Artisan we love to take part in local events and especially enjoy the community of small businesses coming together at this time of year, supporting each other and spreading joy as much as possible. 
“Being a part of the virtual Christmas markets each year plays a big part in this and we are always keen to participate.” 
Cumbria Tourism members can promote their online gifts via the Virtual Christmas Market for free by completing an online form or contacting website@cumbriatourism.org. All they need is the ability to transact online, along with an image, plus 20 words to describe each item they are selling and a URL to the product page (for up to a maximum of two products). Non-member businesses are also able to register as sellers for £50 plus VAT per listing. 
Meanwhile, Cumbria Tourism is also launching a new advent calendar prize draw in the run-up to Christmas. 
From Michelin starred meals to luxury breaks away for two, there will be prizes to be won each day from December 1-24 – all provided by tourism-related businesses from across Cumbria.
The advent calendar giveaway will go live at www.visitlakedistrictchristmas.com.