What's On in Cumbria

Golden Star Hunt

Venue: Brockhole on Windermere

Address: Windermere, LA23 1FF

Website: https://www.brockhole.co.uk/whats-on/golden-star-hunt/#main

Discover the Magic Every Morning! Welcome to the Golden Star Hunt at Brockhole on Windermere! Nestled in the beautiful grounds of Brockhole and the charming White House, this morning adventure is perfect...

Halloween Pumpkin Carving

Venue: Allan Bank and Grasmere

Address: Allan Bank, Grasmere, Ambleside, LA22 9QB

Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/allan-bank-and-grasmere/events/861d5d23-745e-46d3-bcf0-03a619ad9cc9

Have a go at carving a spooky pumpkin this half-term at Allan Bank. Unleash your creative skills on one of the pumpkins for Halloween. We’ll prepare the pumpkins ready for you get creative. All tools...

Quirky Christmas at the Fratrry

Venue: Carlisle Cathedral

Address: The Abbey, Carlisle, CA3 8TZ

Website: https://carlislecathedral.org.uk/whats-on/#calendar

10am to 4pm. Organised by Quirky Eclectica, the annual Christmas Craft Fair returns to Carlisle Cathedral. A focus on local producers and creators from Cumbria, selling a range of artisanal, handmade,...

Christmas Glass Workshop

Venue: The Beacon Museum

Address: West Strand, Whitehaven, CA28 7LY

Website: https://thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk/whats-on/glass-work-for-kids-christmas/

2pm. Make two Christmas decorations in this glass fusing class with Roxanne Denny of RD Glass. Have fun trying something new and enjoy being creative, with hands on help and the freedom to create your...

Ambleside Community Christmas Lights & Fireworks

Venue: Ambleside

Website: https://www.amblesidechristmaslights.com/

Activities take place across the day and include: two Father Christmas Cruises. One in the morning and one in the afternoon, community stalls and live music in the Market Cross shopping area, our famous...

Santa's Secret Grotto at ho-ho-honister

Venue: Honister Slate Mine

Address: Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick, CA12 5XN

Website: https://honister.com/product/santas-grotto/

Where Christmas magic meets mountain adventure. Join us on a journey to discover Santa’s Secret Grotto hidden deep inside a Lake District mountain – an exclusive underground wonderland where only a...

Carlisle Christmas Lights Switch-On

Venue: Carlisle City Centre

Website: https://www.discovercarlisle.co.uk/events/carlisle-christmas-lights-switch-on/

This year Carlisle’s Christmas Lights Switch-On event will be held between 3pm and 5.30pm and the switch-on will take place at 5pm. The sparkling spectacular will be held outside the Old Town Hall, in...

Graffiti Classics

Venue: Old Laundry Theatre

Address: Crag Brow, Windermere LA23 3BX

Website: https://www.oldlaundrytheatre.co.uk/

7.30 pm. 16 strings, 8 dancing feet and 4 voices in 1 electrifying and hilarious musical show! Graffiti Classics are a comedy string quartet who never sit down, bursting the perceived elitist boundaries...

Cockermouth Christmas Lights Switch

Venue: Cockermouth Main Street

Address: Main Street, Cockermouth, CA13 9LU

Website: https://cockermouth.org/events/cockermouth-christmas-lights-switch-on-day/

Come and join between 1 and 6pm for lots of family fun and the big switch-on.

Father Christmas on the Farm

Venue: Walby Farm Park

Address: Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle, CA6 4QL

Website: https://www.walbyfarmpark.co.uk/event/father-christmas-on-the-farm-2025/

Team Walby is thrilled to announce that Father Christmas and his Festive Friends will be visiting Walby Farm Park again in 2025 for our magical Father Christmas on the Farm experience this November and...

Santa’s Secret Grotto

Venue: Honister Slate Mine

Address: Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick, CA12 5XN

Website: https://honister.com/event/lake-district-santas-grotto/

Join us on a journey to discover Santa’s Secret Grotto hidden deep inside a Lake District mountain – an exclusive underground wonderland where only a lucky few can go. This is no ordinary Santa’s...

The Wizard of Oz

Venue: Theatre by the Lake

Address: Lakeside, Keswick, CA12 5DJ

Website: https://www.theatrebythelake.com/event/the-wizard-of-oz/

7.15pm; with morning and afternoon shows on selected dates. We’re not in Keswick anymore…From Aunty Em’s Cumbrian cottage Dorothy dreams of returning to her old life in London. But as she climbs...

Winter at Sizergh

Venue: Sizergh

Address: near Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8DZ

Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/sizergh/events/a40ed4d8-b1b3-497c-b4e8-2e282a6d053d?origin=search

Wander through new nature-themed light and sound installations, designed by local artists and inspired by Sizergh’s estate, and get closer to our winter wildlife. Discover Christmas in the house, then...

Little Red Riding Hood

Venue: West Walls Theatre

Address: West Walls, Carlisle, CA3 8UB

Website: https://www.carlislegreenroom.uk/event/little-red-riding-hood/

7pm with 2pm weekend matinees Come and enjoy our traditional festive pantomime, following on from 2024’s Hansel & Gretel, our 2025 pantomime is sure to be a classic show of laughs, songs, slapstick,...

Spooky Winter Tales

Venue: Allan Bank and Grasmere

Address: Allan Bank, Grasmere, Ambleside, LA22 9QB

Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/allan-bank-and-grasmere/events/b56ca303-3d65-4a09-a249-349f0702f663?origin=search

4.30pm. On dark winters’ evenings it was a Lakeland tradition to gather round the fire to tell ghost stories. Join storyteller Jessie for some spooky tales where you can join in with actions and sound...

Festive Afternoon Tea

Venue: Tullie

Address: Castle Street, Carlisle, CA3 8TP

Website: https://tullie.org.uk/events/festive-afternoon-tea/var/ri-10.l-L1/

Join us for Festive Afternoon Teas throughout November & December! £19.95 per person, available on selected dates and served between 2 and 4pm. Advanced booking required at least 24 hours in advance....

Christmas Carols with Grasmere Glee

Venue: Allan Bank and Grasmere

Address: Allan Bank, Grasmere, Ambleside, LA22 9QB

Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/allan-bank-and-grasmere/events/f67af26f-c4e4-4f24-8c4f-29d89f336423?origin=search

1.30pm. Enjoy a traditional afternoon at Allan Bank singing carols in the hall, decorated for Christmas, with local choir Grasmere Glee. Anyone can join in - the more the merrier. Find out more at nationaltrust.org.uk....

Cumbria Children's Christmas Concert

Venue: Carlisle Cathedral

Address: The Abbey, Carlisle, CA3 8TZ

Website: https://carlislecathedral.org.uk/whats-on/#calendar

6.30 to 7.45pm. Our Outreach Programme works with 100s of schoolchildren from across the Diocese and three times a year pupils come together for a grand concert inside the Cathedral - at Christmas the...

The Three Musketeers

Venue: Workington Theatre Royal

Address: Washington Street, Workington, CA14 3AW

Website: https://www.theatre-royal-workington.co.uk/2025-december-the-three-musketeers/

Adapted from Alexandre Dumas’ timeless tale, this witty and action-packed swashbuckler inserts the author himself into the plot, writing and re-writing his way through the adventures of D’Artagnan...

Christmas at Townend

Venue: Townend

Address: Troutbeck, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LB

Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/townend/events/f6a745b8-2b7d-465d-bad9-1a55c001f305?origin=search

The fire is roaring, the house decked with traditional festive foliage and the smells of Christmas fill the air. There is festive food on display to feast your eyes on and the gentle aroma of orange and...

Soulby Village Hall Christmas Market

Venue: Soulby Village Hall

Address: Kirkby Stephen, CA17 4PL

Website: https://www.kirkby-stephen.com/whats-on/december-events/

Get yourself over to Soulby Village Hall on December 5th for their Christmas market. Doors open from 1 to 9pm with lots of wonderful market stalls and tasty festive food. Treat yourself to a scrumptious...

Carlisle Farmers' Market

Venue: Carlisle Cathedral

Address: The Abbey, Carlisle, CA3 8TZ

Website: https://carlislecathedral.org.uk/whats-on/#calendar

Supporting local artisan producers, crafters and artists Carlisle's monthly farmers' market can be found in the grounds of the Cathedral on the first Saturday every month, from 9am to 2pm. You’ll find...

Carlisle Market Hall Festive Fun Day

Venue: The Market Hall

Address: Scotch Street, Carlisle, CA3 8QX

Website: https://www.discovercarlisle.co.uk/events/carlisle-market-hall-festive-fun-day/

Santa and friends will be at The Market Hall in Carlisle to entertain the kids, he’ll be joined by Jason the Juggling Jester, Gilly the Facepainter, Clowns Douglas and Tammi (Double Trouble), and a few...

Christmas at Muncaster

Venue: Muncaster Castle

Address: Ravenglass, CA18 1RQ

Website: https://muncaster.tygit.com/shop/dates/pk/668d84c2c39cf12ea07331ad80e3c8e9?_gl=1*14xircz*_gcl_au*MTU1NzA2MzA4NC4xNzYyMDA4Nzgy*_ga*MTQ0NTYyMjM0OC4xNzYyMDA4Nzgw*_ga_DBB43WYVL3*czE3NjIwMDg3ODIkbzEkZzEkdDE3NjIwMDg3ODgkajU0JGwwJGgw

The Muncaster elves cannot wait for this year’s Christmas Spectactular at Muncaster… let the magic of the season whisk you away! Christmas Festival Tickets Include, entry to the Gardens, Castle State...

Christmas at the Museum

Venue: Tullie

Address: Castle Street, Carlisle, CA3 8TP

Website: https://tullie.org.uk/events/christmas-at-the-museum/

Mr and Mrs Claus are back! Our Festive Fun weekends were very popular last year so make sure you book early and don’t miss out. Children can expect a 15-minute interactive meeting with Mr and Mrs Claus...

Christmas Tree Festival 2025

Venue: Carlisle Cathedral

Address: The Abbey, Carlisle, CA3 8TZ

Website: https://carlislecathedral.org.uk/whats-on/#calendar

Carlisle Cathedral is delighted to host the second annual Christmas Tree Festival. A celebration of creativity, togetherness, and hope during the darker winter months, and we would love you to be part...

Festive Crafting

Venue: Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop

Address: Main Street, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0NS

Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/beatrix-potter-gallery-and-hawkshead/events/6259c4da-b24a-41ba-be89-29f8d37f3c17?origin=search

10.30am to 3.30pm. Step into Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop, climb the stairs and join our team for some festive crafting in our upstairs space. It's always nice to step away from the hustle and bustle for...

Santa's Grotto

Venue: Greystoke Castle

Address: Greystoke, Penrith, CA11 0TG

Website: https://www.greystokecastle.co.uk/whats-on/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNy7wNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF6bHEyTDA1ZTlZUWtnQktPAR43nSx3CZPmQjDKuR4Jf9lHIy-0xsnRxI7O-8Gy7Hn1GIDRRjjRwpDDo1nHaw_aem_qbxjgWD0ZzyI8jMNpl_ByQ

Step into the enchanting Drawing Room of Greystoke Castle and meet Father Christmas in a setting full of festive charm and wonder. Adults can enjoy coffee, tea, and biscuits served in the Butler’s Pantry...

The Beacon Grotto

Venue: The Beacon Museum

Address: West Strand, Whitehaven, CA28 7LY

Website: https://thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk/whats-on/the-beacon-grotto/

The elves are bustling with excitement… and you’re invited to join them in The Beacon Grotto. Join the elves in their magical workshop, where you’ll learn the magical elf code, create special decorations,...

Tiny Tales & Miniature Books Workshop

Venue: Keswick Library

Address: Heads Lane, Keswick CA12 5HD

Website: https://keswickmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/event/workshop-tiny-tales-miniature-books-at-keswick-library/

10.30am to 12pm. Join us at Keswick Library for a relaxed and creative session where you’ll craft a tiny story into a handmade miniature book. Led by Hannah Fox, Keswick Museum’s very own Story Researcher,...

Little Gift

Venue: Theatre by the Lake

Address: Lakeside, Keswick, CA12 5DJ

Website: https://www.theatrebythelake.com/event/little-gift/

Meet Ted, a cautious old soul living all alone in a busy, bustling town. He likes it that way. It’s quieter and safer. Until one extraordinary day, a surprise visitor turns his lonely life upside down....

Beauty and The Best

Venue: The Beggar's Theatre

Address: Market Square, Millom, LA18 4HZ

Website: https://beggarstheatre.com/event/beauty-and-the-bestpublic/

7 to 9pm. Be our guest this Christmas and enjoy a tale as old as time with Wonder Pantomimes as they bring the story of Beauty and the Beast to The Beggar’s Theatre this festive season as part of a six-week...

Santa's Christmas Party

Venue: Rosehill theatre

Address: Moresby, Whitehaven, CA28 6SE

Website: https://rosehilltheatre.co.uk/whats-on/santas-christmas-party

Following last year’s sell-out performances, Honalee Media are delighted to present a brand-new show this festive season. Christmas is the busiest time of year at the North Pole, when Father Christmas...

Holker’s Christmas Grotto

Venue: Holker Hall

Address: Cark-in-Cartmel, Nr Grange-over-Sands, LA11 7PL

Website: https://www.holker.co.uk/whats_on/holkers-christmas-grotto-2/

Meet Father Christmas and the Elves at Holker Hall and discover the magic of Christmas. Receive a gift from Father Christmas by the roaring fire in the magical setting of Holker’s grand library. Take...

Meet Santa at Ford Park

Venue: Ford Park

Address: Ulverston, Ford Park Cresent, Ulverston LA12 7JP

Website: https://www.ford-park.org.uk/event-details-registration/meet-santa-at-ford-park-4

Step into our beautifully lit garden, transformed into a winter wonderland, and let the adventure begin. Children can explore twinkling lights, climb aboard Santa’s sleigh for a perfect photo, and then...

Meet Santa in the Beacon Mailroom

Venue: The Beacon Museum

Address: West Strand, Whitehaven, CA28 7LY

Website: https://thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk/whats-on/meet-santa/

Spend some magical time with Santa Claus himself! Share your Christmas wishes, take a festive photo, and see if you’re on the Nice List. At your booked, allocated time slot, arrive to The Beacon’s...

Pet Encounter Experience

Venue: The Beacon Museum

Address: West Strand, Whitehaven, CA28 7LY

Website: https://thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-pet-encounters/

Embark on an unforgettable Christmas themed Pet Encounter Experience where you can meet, greet and interact with some of the most adorable and fascinating animals. This hands-on adventure is perfect for...

The Santa Express

Venue: Carnegie Theatre

Address: Finkle Street, Workington, CA14 2BD

Website: https://carnegietheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873657534

Jack Frost has kidnapped Santa, but fear not, the Christmas Fairy has jumped down from the tree and is about to take young Holly on board an adventure to the North Pole via The Santa Express where with...

Mental Elf Run 2025

Venue: Ford Park

Address: Ulverston, Ford Park Cresent, Ulverston LA12 7JP

Website: https://www.ford-park.org.uk/event-details-registration/mental-elf-run-2025

10am to 2pm. Mind in Furness are pleased to be back at Ulverston's Ford Park for this year's Mental Elf 5k family fun run! Launch your Christmas celebrations on Sunday 14th December by dressing in elf...

A Christmas Carol

Venue: Workington Theatre Royal

Address: Washington Street, Workington, CA14 3AW

Website: https://www.theatre-royal-workington.co.uk/2025-december-a-christmas-carol-htdc/

6.30pm. Presented by Happy Thoughts Drama Company. The miserable Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by Jacob Marley and three ghosts—the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future—who take him on a transformative...

Dark Skies Walk - Festive Edition

Venue: Whinlatter Forest

Address: Whinlatter Pass, Keswick, CA12 5TW

Website: https://www.forestryengland.uk/forest-event/events-whinlatter/festive-edition-dark-skies-walk-dec-20-25

5pm. Join JAG Outdoors for a very family friendly festive walk around the forest at night. The event starts in the yurt for Christmas treats and a short chat about the stars and the route Santa will take...

Regency Christmas Family Workshop

Venue: Wordsworth Grasmere

Address: Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SH

Website: https://wordsworth.org.uk/event-directory/

10.30am & 2pm. What was Christmas like when the Wordsworths lived at Dove Cottage 200 years ago? Have a go at some Regency Christmas crafts, including making pomanders and wreaths. Read Dorothy Wordsworth’s...

Santa’s New Sleigh

Venue: Old Laundry Theatre

Address: Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere, LA23 3BX

Website: https://www.oldlaundrytheatre.co.uk/event/santas-new-sleigh/2025-12-20/

Christmas is fast approaching, and Santa’s Sleigh is nowhere to be found. Will Sprocket and Dibs be able to create a new sleigh in time or will Christmas be cancelled? Can you help them save the day?...

Hurry to Bethlehem Carol Service

Venue: Carlisle Cathedral

Address: The Abbey, Carlisle, CA3 8TZ

Website: https://carlislecathedral.org.uk/whats-on/#calendar

3 to 4pm. Join us to sing Christmas favourites as we share the Christmas story. A special selection of carols, sung by the Cathedral Consort, at this relaxed Sunday afternoon service. Take a break from...

Christingle

Venue: Kirkby Stephen Parish Church

Address: Vicarage Lane, Kirkby Stephen CA17 4QX

Website: https://www.kirkby-stephen.com/whats-on/december-events/

Let’s come together to celebrate Christingle. In support of The Children’s Society. Begins at 5pm. For more information contact Judith Doig on 71689.

WADAMS: Rapunzel

Venue: Carnegie Theatre

Address: Finkle Street, Workington, CA14 2BD

Website: https://carnegietheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873657050

WADAMS returns with their traditional family pantomime – Rapunzel! Many years ago, the King and Queen of a far-off Kingdom were blessed with a baby girl with magical, golden hair. They named her Rapunzel....

Pinocchio

Venue: Rheged

Address: Redhills, Penrith, CA11 0DQ

Website: https://rheged.com/event/pinocchio-christmas-live-pantomime/

It’s puppet pandemonium in this magical pantomime! Join Pinocchio, Geppetto, and a cast of colourful characters as the little wooden boy sets out on a wild adventure to become real but watch out for...

The Snow Queen – Puppet Show

Venue: Old Laundry Theatre

Address: Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere, LA23 3BX

Website: https://www.oldlaundrytheatre.co.uk/event/the-snow-queen-puppet-show/2025-12-30/2/

11am & 2pm daily. The Toy Maker is in his workshop, making toys for the children when all of a sudden, they come to life to tell the story of The Snow Queen. Follow Gerda on her adventures as she sets...

Grange Goshawks Wildlife Watch Group

Venue: Foulshaw Moss

Address: Off the A590, Near Witherslack, Cumbria, LA11 6SN

Website: https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/events/2026-01-04-grange-goshawks-wildlife-watch-group

10am to 12pm. Grange Goshawks is a monthly meet up for 4 to 12yearr olds. In the midst of winter, we will search Foulshaw moss to see what winter wildlife we can find. We may even find something unexpected!...

Gosling Sike Wildlife Watch Group

Venue: Gosling Sike

Address: Houghton Road, Houghton, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 0LD

Website: https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/events/2026-01-17-gosling-sike-wildlife-watch-group

2 to 4pm. Our wildlife group for 6- to 14-year-olds meets monthly at Gosling Sike for a variety of wildlife-themed activities, including nature walks, art and craft and conservation activities. Booking...

Ulverston Pantomime Society presents Puss in Boots

Venue: The Coro

Address: County Square, Ulverston, LA12 7LZ

Website: https://www.thecoro.co.uk/event/ulverston-pantomime-society-presents-puss-in-boots/

An exciting and fun adventure with a Puss who takes charge of the action. This show comes to the Coro stage bristling with lots of fantastic imaginative ideas, it is a bright, upbeat pantomime with a huge...