All you need to know about Christmas lights, festive markets and family fun across Cumbria!
Christmas is all around
Christmas lights, festive markets and family fun across Cumbria.
by Danni Murphy
With Christmas just around the corner, towns across Cumbria are preparing to welcome the festive season with Christmas lights switch-ons, markets, fireworks and plenty of family entertainment.
From meeting Santa and browsing festive stalls to enjoying live performances and watching the Christmas lights illuminate town centres, there are plenty of opportunities to get into the Christmas spirit over the coming weeks.
Here is a round-up of some of the festive events taking place across the county this November and December…
Whitehaven
Whitehaven has a busy festive season planned, beginning with Remembrance Sunday on Sunday 8 November, with further information available from the organisers.
The town’s Christmas Lights Switch-On takes place on Saturday 14 November, with DJ Tony Pierce compèring the celebrations. Local theatre schools and performers are also expected to take to the stage, with further details to be confirmed.
Festive celebrations continue into December with Whitehaven’s Christmas Market on Friday 4 December, held in St Nicholas Gardens.
The market will be followed by the annual harbour fireworks display at 5.15pm, providing a spectacular start to the festive season.
Carlisle
Carlisle’s Christmas Lights Switch-On will take place on Sunday 15 November, with local schools, community groups and performers being invited to take centre stage as part of the celebrations.
Organised by Cumberland Council, the event will be held outside Carlisle’s Old Town Hall and will feature pop sensation Una Healy, best known as a member of the multi-platinum-selling group The Saturdays, who will be headlining this year’s event.
The afternoon will be hosted by Britain’s Got Talent 2025 winner and magician Harry Moulding, with a packed programme of music, entertainment and performances for the whole family.
Entertainment will be between 3pm and approximately 4.50pm, ahead of the official lights switch-on at 5pm and a headline performance later in the evening.
It is a great opportunity for local talent to be part of one of Carlisle’s most anticipated festive events.
The festive countdown in Cumberland has officially begun!
Keswick
Keswick will be holding its Residents Christmas Lights Switch-On on Wednesday 18 November, from 5pm to 7pm.
This year’s event has been scaled back, with the focus on encouraging residents from Keswick and the surrounding villages and towns to come together and enjoy the celebrations.
A small funfair will be operating during the day, although there will be no market stalls this year. The event offers a chance for the local community to gather, enjoy the festive atmosphere and see Keswick’s Christmas lights switched on.
Penrith
Penrith will be bursting with festive sparkle on Saturday 21st November, as the town welcomes Christmas with an afternoon of free family fun, 3pm to 7pm. Expect a dazzling illuminated parade featuring locals dressed in their festive best, alongside live music and local performers bringing plenty of singing, dancing and entertainment.
There’ll be food trucks, rides, crafts, face painting and a visit from Santa to keep everyone smiling. New for 2026 is ‘Switch On the Crowd’, inviting visitors to bring something they can light up at 6pm, adding an extra glow to the celebrations.
With plenty to see, eat and enjoy, Penrith Christmas Sparkle promises to be a lovely way to kick off the festive season.
Maryport
Maryport will welcome Christmas with its Christmas Lights Switch-On on Saturday 21 November, bringing a range of family-friendly activities and entertainment to the town.
Santa will be welcoming visitors to his grotto at Maryport Labour Club, while families can also enjoy free face painting from Gray Facepainting and Arts, taking place at the Labour Club.
Over on Senhouse Street, Wilmot’s Amusements and Catering Cumbria will provide small fairground rides, adding to the festive fun. There will also be entertainment on the outdoor stage in the upper section of Senhouse Street, giving visitors plenty to enjoy throughout the celebrations.
With Santa, fairground rides, face painting and live entertainment, Maryport’s event promises a festive day out for families and a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Cockermouth
Cockermouth’s festive calendar begins early with its annual Fireworks Display on Sunday 1 November, with fireworks scheduled for 6pm.
The town will then come together for Remembrance Sunday on Sunday 8 November.
Christmas celebrations continue with Cockermouth’s Christmas Lights Switch-On on Sunday 22 November, from 1pm to 6pm. The event will offer an opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy the town’s festive atmosphere as Christmas approaches.
Later in the season, the community will gather for Carols Around the Tree on Thursday 24 December, with the time still to be confirmed. It is a chance to come together on Christmas Eve and enjoy some traditional festive singing.
Brampton
Brampton’s Christmas celebrations will take place on Sunday 22 November, with an afternoon of festivities planned throughout the town.
Visitors can look forward to the Santa parade, walkabout entertainment and the return of the camels, alongside dance troops, choirs and a funfair. Food vans will also be on hand, while many local shops are expected to open, making it an ideal opportunity to enjoy the festivities and support independent businesses.
With entertainment for all ages and plenty happening around the town, Brampton’s celebrations promise to be a lively occasion for families and the wider community.
Wigton
Wigton will be switching on its Christmas lights on Sunday 29 November, with festivities getting underway from midday.
Christmas market stalls will open from 12pm, giving visitors the chance to browse seasonal goods and enjoy the town’s festive atmosphere before the entertainment begins at 3pm. The official lights switch-on is scheduled for 4.45pm.
The celebrations are set to include a Christmas road train, street entertainment, stage performances and music, although some entertainment details are still to be confirmed.
Santa will also be making an appearance at the Santa’s Grotto organised by NADT in Market Hall. The grotto will be open throughout the weekend, with visitors advised to contact NADT directly for opening times.
With market stalls, entertainment and activities for families, Wigton’s event promises a full afternoon of festive fun.
Get into the Christmas spirit…
From November’s first fireworks display in Cockermouth to Christmas Eve carols around the tree, there is plenty happening across Cumbria as the festive season gets underway.
Whether you are heading out to watch the lights switch on, browsing a Christmas market, enjoying live entertainment or taking the children to meet Santa, these community celebrations offer a wonderful way to enjoy the run-up to Christmas while supporting local towns and businesses.
Some programme details and timings are still to be confirmed, so visitors are advised to check local event announcements before travelling.
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