Festive Markets And Christmas Fairs To Bring Seasonal Cheer Across Cumbria
Christmas markets and festive fairs are set to bring seasonal celebrations to communities across Cumbria, with events planned throughout November and December.
Cumberland Council is encouraging residents and visitors to support independent traders by exploring special Christmas markets and regular weekly markets. In Carlisle, five additional Sunday markets will take place on 22 and 29 November, followed by 6, 13 and 20 December. Visitors can expect live entertainment, fairground rides, a festive bar and stalls selling gifts and locally produced goods.
Carlisle Market Hall will also host a Christmas Teenage Market on Saturday, 21 November, providing an opportunity for young entrepreneurs and performers aged between eight and 25 to showcase their work. Its Festive Fun Day will follow on Saturday, 5 December, featuring Santa, entertainers Douglas and Tammi from Double Trouble, Jason the Juggling Jester and face painting by Gilly.
Other events in Carlisle include the Farmers’ Market in the grounds of Carlisle Cathedral on 7 November and 5 December. The Quirky Christmas Market will take place inside The Fratry on 28 and 29 November, while the Craft and Makers Fair returns to the Assembly Room at the Old Town Hall on 12 and 13 December. These events will bring together local makers, food producers and independent traders.
West Cumbria will also have several opportunities for festive shopping. Distington Walled Garden’s Christmas Fete returns on Saturday, 28 November, with an outdoor market featuring handmade crafts and food. Cockermouth will host the final Taste Cumbria festival of 2026 on 5 and 6 December, offering seasonal food, drink, gifts and locally produced items.
Keswick Victorian Fayre is scheduled for Sunday, 6 December, with activities in Market Place and Packhorse Court. The programme will include live entertainment, charity stalls, handmade crafts and festive food. Regular markets will also continue in Keswick on Thursdays and Saturdays, Wigton on Fridays, Workington on Wednesdays and Saturdays, Carlisle on Fridays and Whitehaven on the third Saturday of each month.
Further festive events across the county include Coniston Festive Fayre on 14 November, Ulverston’s Dickensian Christmas Festival on 28 and 29 November, and Workington’s Christmas market and lights switch-on on 28 November. Organisers are encouraging people to shop locally and enjoy the seasonal programme while supporting independent businesses, community groups and local producers. Visitors are advised to check event details before travelling, as arrangements may change.
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