Christmas is fast approaching, and there are plenty of festive activities taking place across Cumbria to help everyone get into the Christmas spirit!
Whether you enjoy browsing Christmas markets, watching live entertainment, getting creative or admiring beautiful light displays, there’s something for everyone.
We’ve put together a selection of local events taking place throughout November and December 2026, perfect for a festive day out with family, friends or simply enjoying some time for yourself.
Keswick
Dates: Friday 13 November 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027
Times: Evening performances at 7.15pm, with matinees on selected dates
Location: Theatre by the Lake, Lakeside, Keswick, CA12 5DJ
Tickets: From £12, depending on seating and performance. Booking fees may apply.
Get into the Christmas spirit with a magical performance of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol at Theatre by the Lake.
Whitehaven
Dates: Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November 2026
Times: 11am–1pm
Location: The Beacon Museum, West Strand, Whitehaven, CA28 7LY
Booking: Advance booking required. Contact The Beacon Museum on 01946 592302 for prices and availability.
Enjoy a little festive creativity with a Christmas wreath-making workshop at The Beacon Museum.
All materials are provided, along with refreshments, and the workshop is suitable for beginners and experienced crafters alike.
Places are limited, so early booking is recommended. Suitable for ages 16 and over.
Millom
Let It Swing! The Christmas Collection
Date: Saturday 28 November 2026
Time: 8pm–10.30pm
Location: The Beggar’s Theatre, Market Square, Millom, LA18 4HZ
Tickets: £26.50, plus booking fee
Enjoy an evening of festive music with Let It Swing! The Christmas Collection.
Featuring Gareth John and the SOS Big Band, this lively performance celebrates Christmas classics made famous by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Michael Bublé.
Workington
Dates: Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November 2026
Times: 5pm–7pm each evening
Location: Hall Park, Ladies’ Walk, Workington, CA14 4YB
Admission: Free
Workington Lightworks returns with a celebration of light, music and creativity in the beautiful surroundings of Hall Park.
Visitors can enjoy illuminated artwork, projections, dance and musical performances, creating a colourful winter spectacle.
A lantern parade is also planned for Sunday 29 November, beginning at 5pm from the car park off Stainburn Road.
On Saturday 28 November, visitors can also enjoy Workington’s Christmas Light Switch-On and Christmas Market, taking place from 11am–5pm, before heading over to Hall
Seascale
Dates: Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026
Times: 5pm–7pm each evening
Location: Various locations across Seascale, CA20 1NS
Admission: Free
Seascale will be lighting up this December with a special community celebration featuring creative light displays, performances and festive activities.
The event will take place across several village locations, including St Cuthbert’s Church, Seascale Sports Hall, the Cricket Club, the Fort, the playpark and the Methodist Church.
The celebrations will also be combined with the annual Christmas Tree Festival at St Cuthbert’s Church.
Visitors can explore the different displays and enjoy a festive evening in the coastal village.
Cockermouth
Dates: Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026
Times:
- Saturday: 10am–5pm
- Sunday: 10am–4pm
Location: Main Street and Market Place, Cockermouth, CA13 9LE
Admission: Free
Taste Cumbria Christmas returns to Cockermouth for a weekend filled with festive food, shopping and entertainment.
Visitors can browse stalls featuring local produce, handmade gifts, homewares and delicious seasonal treats.
The event will also feature a hot food court, live music, cookery demonstrations, fairground rides, children’s activities and Santa’s Grotto.
Carlisle
Christmas Markets at Carlisle Cathedral
Location: Carlisle Cathedral, The Abbey, Carlisle, CA3 8TZ
2026 dates and times: Awaiting confirmation
Carlisle Cathedral provides a beautiful setting for festive shopping and seasonal celebrations.
Previous Christmas markets have featured independent traders selling handmade gifts, decorations, jewellery and locally produced items.
Visitors can enjoy browsing for thoughtful Christmas presents while taking in the historic surroundings of the cathedral.
Further details about the 2026 Christmas markets, including dates and opening times, are yet to be confirmed.
City Centre Christmas Markets
Location: Carlisle city centre
2026 dates and times: To be confirmed
Carlisle’s city centre Christmas markets are another festive activity to keep an eye out for this winter.
Previous events have featured local traders, seasonal food and drink, live entertainment and opportunities to shop for Christmas gifts.
Further announcements are expected regarding the arrangements for 2026.
Enjoy a Little Festive Magic!
From creative workshops and Christmas shopping to live performances and spectacular light displays, there’s plenty happening across Cumbria this festive season.
Whether you’re planning a special day out or simply looking for something enjoyable to do locally, we hope these events provide a little inspiration.
Please note: Event details, prices and availability may be subject to change. We recommend checking with organisers before attending, particularly for events requiring advance booking.