CHRISTMAS LIGHTS – Cumbrian Style! Everything you need to know…
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS – Cumbrian Style!
It’s the time of year that our streets are illuminated with the festive lights and markets.
by Danni Murphy
There is no other time of the year that our streets look as pretty as they do when they become illuminated with beautiful twinkly Christmas Lights.
The Christmas Light switch on is, for many of us, the beginning of Christmas. Often celebrated with an event, many towns and villages go to great efforts to make it special, often holding market stalls, fair rides, live music and of course Santa usually makes an appearance!
This year Cumbria’s towns have pulled out all the stops, here is the round-up of what’s to come;
Maryport
16th November
The Maryport Christmas Lights Switch-On will take place on Saturday, November 16th, 2024, from 2:00PM to 6:00PM. The festivities will be centred on Senhouse Street, where a stage will showcase performances by local bands and school children, adding a lively atmosphere to the event. Families can enjoy fairground rides, and there will be a special Santa’s Grotto for children to visit.
This promises to be a joyful afternoon filled with festive fun for the whole community as Maryport officially kicks off the holiday season.
Penrith
16th November
On Saturday 16th November, Penrith’s Town centre will be filled with music and elves and LIGHTS!
Plans are being crafted which include a collection of street performers, local live music, Santa, tractor parade, food stalls and small fun fair.
The very popular Tractor Parade, which sets off at 5pm, has grown from 18 vehicles to 50 which will lap the town centre twice before parking up on display. The ‘Christmas-ified’ tractors travel through town, keen to get votes to help win the top prize! Monies raised will go to Penrith Mountain Rescue.
The centre will be a hive of activity for those enjoying an afternoon shopping. From 10am a host of food and drink stalls and small rides will fill Devonshire, later joined by Santa and his elves from 2pm. Then the day rolls into a variation of choirs and local musicians before two winners from the Penrith Chamber of Trade’s Stars of Business Awards alight the stage to turn on the lights at 6pm.
Whitehaven
16th November
Whitehavens Christmas event this year spans over two separate events with lots going on! November 16th will see the switching on of the lights event take place with live music from 11am, stage competitions and a simulator. As well as these events the TEG markets will be returning to King Street on the same day and Eat Street Cumbria will be set up on Tangier Street!
Following this event, December 6th will see the Christmas Market return to St Nicholas Gardens where you can expect a range of locally produced festive treats.
The harbourside annual fireworks show will begin at 5:15pm. This year the organisers are asking that five minutes before the event onlookers hold up their phones with the torch light on in the hopes of capturing some beautiful photos of the harbourside all lit up.
Egremont
24th November
Egremont Winter Wonderland is returning this year on Sunday, November 24th, 2024, from 1:00pm to 5:15pm on Egremont Main Street. The event promises a festive and fun-filled day for locals and visitors alike. Hosted by Vicky D, the stage will feature performances from local school choirs, the Whitehaven Theatre Group, and a surprise closing act sure to get everyone dancing.
Throughout the day, street entertainers like stilt fairies, cartoon characters, and the Grinch will be mingling with the crowd, along with a special visit from the enchanting “Snow Lion”—perfect for photo opportunities.
With over 50 stalls offering a wide array of gifts, crafts, and food, the event offers something for everyone. At 4:30pm, the much-anticipated Christmas lights switch-on will illuminate the wishes made by primary school children, adding a heartwarming touch to the celebration. As always, Father Christmas himself will make an appearance to meet the children.
Elaine Woodburn, Chair of the Amenity Committee, highlighted the growth of the event (over 11,000 attendees in 2022!) and she is optimistic about even larger crowds this year. The community is eagerly preparing for what promises to be a magical start to the Christmas season.
Workington
30th November
Workington Town Council will be bringing Christmas to Workington on the 30th of November this year and it’s set to light-up all those festive vibes.
The festivities will begin at 11am in the town centre and the whole event will conclude with the switching on of the lights at 5pm. There is set to be a fantastic lineup of local performances, live music and loads to do.
It wouldn’t be a festive event without a Christmas Market. There will be an array of market stalls offering a variety of gifts, food and drink as well as arts and craft stalls to get involved with. This year children will have the opportunity to meet some awesome critters and creatures at the Pet Encounters stall.
There will be puppets, magic shows, a giant snow globe, and lots more to get involved with including Science Booth Workshops, where little science-buffs are encouraged to unleash the mad scientist within them!
It’s going to be a day filled with festive fun for the whole family and Workington Town Council invites one and all to enjoy the festivities where a warm welcome awaits..!
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