Carlisle’s Countdown to Christmas
The city is all set for another cracking festive season.
As the countdown gets into full swing, Carlisle will celebrate with a Christmas calendar jolly enough to bring seasonal cheer to even the sternest of Scrooge.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and all the annual festivities will return as the city collectively embarks on the countdown to Christmas, from the highly-anticipated light switch-on, to the bustling Christmas markets. With over 48,000 lights illuminating the city centre, Carlisle shines bright throughout the festive season.
Cllr Anne Quilter, Portfolio holder for Culture, Heritage and Leisure, said: “A wide variety of city-centre events and car parking promotions are lined-up to boost the city’s Christmas spirit in the countdown to Christmas.”
Christmas Light Switch-On Sunday 19 November
Festivities will kick off with the annual Light Switch-On, taking place on Sunday 19 November, from 2pm – 5.30pm. Once again, organised by Carlisle City Council, this free event brings open-air entertainment for all ages. The star-studded stage, outside the Old Town Hall, will welcome an impressive line-up of big name acts as well as showcasing a host of local talent, singers and performers. The event will see the city centre transformed into a hive of excitement, as hundreds don their big coats to mark the start of Carlisle’s official countdown to Christmas.
Carlisle Christmas Markets Thursday 23 November – Sunday 3 December
The city’s popular Christmas markets will be returning this year with a concoction of international fare, handcrafted Yuletide gifts and enough mulled wine to get cheeks glowing. From Thursday 23 November to Sunday 3 December the city centre will be decked out in authentic wooden stalls and twinkling Christmas lights, with an array of locally produced gifts, crafts and festive food and drink on offer.
Lanes Late Night Taste Event Thursday 23 November
To kick off the late night shopping, The Lanes Shopping Centre has teamed up with Taste Cumbria to offer Christmas shoppers an evening of food, drink, fashion and entertainment – with free prosecco too. On Thursday 23 November, the Lanes will host a selection of local stalls and demos, with a fashion showcase and beauty demonstrations to inspire Christmas party looks.
And to give everyone a head start with the Christmas shopping, the Lanes will be open for late night shopping every Thursday from 23 November to 21 December.
Festive Fun Day at the Market Hall Saturday 9 December
The Victorian Covered Market Hall is all set for a Festive Fun Day of it’s own and everyone is invited to join in the seasonal celebrations. Local stallholders will put on their best Christmas get-ups as they compete in categories including “Best Seasonally Decorated Stall” and “Best Dressed Tenants”. Children’s entertainers will be there to light up the faces of the little ones, who might even get a glimpse of Santa and his friends. And for the adults? It’s worth a visit for the popular Market Hall Christmas Voucher Draw.
Winter Wonderland and Santa’s Grotto Saturday 16 – Thursday 21 December
If the kids don’t manage to catch Father Christmas at the Festive Fun Day, there’s a chance to meet Santa himself in the city’s very own Winter Wonderland from Saturday 16 to Thursday 21 December. Anyone desperate to find out if they’re on the naughty or nice list this year, can visit the jolly, fat man in his glittering grotto and meet his little helpers on a magical journey through a sparkling, festive extravaganza.
Carols at Christmas Friday 2 December, 6.30pm
Morton Community Centre’s festive event. A carol service, followed by mulled wine and mince pies.
Christmas Remembrance Service Saturday 9 December, 3pm
At the Crematorium Chapel. All proceeds to the Mayor’s Charity Fund.
Christmas Carol Parade Thursday 14 December, 6.15pm
This popular event at St Cuthbert’s Church will also include carol singing in the city centre followed by a Hog Roast in the historic Tithe Barn. Tickets for the Hog Roast will available on the night of the event.
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