Get ready for a festive adventure in Carlisle with our detailed guide. For those who call Carlisle home and those just visiting, our guide is your festive companion.
Popular Events: Experience the thrill of the Kendal Mountain Festival, where adventure and outdoor films come together to celebrate the spirit of exploration during the holiday season. The Ambleside Christmas Light Switch On brightens up the town with a magical display, signaling the start of the festive cheer. And the Santa Express Train at Ravenglass is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a delightful ride through stunning scenery with the jolly man himself. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Carlisle
- Kendal Mountain Festival (Kendal)
- Ambleside Christmas Light Switch on (Ambleside)
- Santa Express Train at Ravenglass (Ravenglass)
- Santa’s Grotto, Dobbies, Carlisle
- Beetham Nurseries Christmas Markets (Beetham)
- Holker Hall Christmas Grotto (Holker)
- Santa on the farm, Walby farm park (Walby)
- Ambleside Christmas Lights Santa Cruise (Ambleside)
- Hayesville Christmas Grotto at Hayes Garden World (Ambleside)
- Hawkshead Christmas Fair (Hawkshead)
See these and even more events listed below!
Carlisle Holiday Light Displays
Ambleside Christmas Light Switch on
What to Expect:
Community-driven festive light display with Santa Cruises and live music.
Description:
Ambleside Christmas Light Switch on features festive lights, Santa Cruises, a Lantern Parade, and a firework display, creating a lively atmosphere with community stalls, live music, and food outlets.
Where: Ambleside | More Info: Ambleside Christmas Light Switch on
Winter at Sizergh
What to Expect:
Immersive light and sound installations inspired by Sizergh's estate.
Description:
Winter at Sizergh offers an immersive nature-themed light and sound experience around the Knoll, designed by local artists. Explore the estate's winter wildlife, discover the story of Christmas past in the House, and get creative with festive crafts in the Great Barn.
Where: Sizergh | More Info: Winter at Sizergh
Carlisle Holiday Markets and Shopping
Beetham Nurseries Christmas Markets
What to Expect:
Local artisan producers and live music in an Alpine-inspired setting.
Description:
Beetham Nurseries Christmas Markets feature local businesses, live music, festive decorations, and delicious food and drink in an Alpine-inspired shopping village.
Where: Beetham | More Info: Beetham Nurseries Christmas Markets
Hawkshead Christmas Fair
What to Expect:
Traditional village market with live music and local crafts.
Description:
The Hawkshead Christmas Fair is a traditional family event featuring over 50 stalls with handmade crafts, local produce, and unique gifts. Live street music and carol singers create a lively atmosphere, while festive decorations enhance the village's charm.
Where: Hawkshead | More Info: Hawkshead Christmas Fair
Christmas Market, Stramongate, Kendal
What to Expect:
Local artisans and crafts.
Description:
Explore Kendal's Christmas Market at Stramongate, featuring an array of local artisans, crafts, and seasonal delights.
Where: Kendal | More Info: Christmas Market, Stramongate, Kendal
Carlisle Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Ambleside Christmas Lights Santa Cruise
What to Expect:
Santa meets children aboard a steamer on Lake Windermere.
Description:
Embark on a delightful Santa Cruise in Ambleside, where Father Christmas meets children aboard a steamer amidst morning mists on Lake Windermere. Entertainment includes Snow Queen attendants, making the journey a joyful experience for all.
Where: Ambleside | More Info: Ambleside Christmas Lights Santa Cruise
Farrington's Scary Fairy Saves Christmas
What to Expect:
Whimsical tale with intricate orchestral arrangements.
Description:
Iain Farrington's Scary Fairy Saves Christmas is a delightful musical piece that brings to life a whimsical tale with intricate orchestral arrangements, blending humor and charm.
Where: Kendal | More Info: Farrington's Scary Fairy Saves Christmas
The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin
What to Expect:
Interactive puppet show celebrating individuality and creativity.
Description:
The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin is a heartwarming and humorous show about an enthusiastic inventor who dreams of meeting penguins in Antarctica. Featuring puppets, acting, movement, and song, it explores individuality and communication through quirky songs and sound effects.
Where: Kendal | More Info: The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin
Silent Night: a festive evening with owls at Muncaster
What to Expect:
Unique owl flight displays under the night sky.
Description:
Join Muncaster Hawk & Owl Centre for a special evening with owls, featuring a two-course meal, expert commentary, and a guided tour under candlelight.
Where: Ravenglass | More Info: Silent Night: a festive evening with owls at Muncaster
Party Night with Glen Anderson
What to Expect:
Live music and 3-course meal in the elegant Greta Suite.
Description:
Join us for a lively evening with live music by Glen Anderson, featuring party anthems and feel-good classics, accompanied by a sumptuous 3-course meal and tea/coffee.
Where: Keswick | More Info: Party Night with Glen Anderson
Carlisle Other Holiday Activities
Kendal Mountain Festival
What to Expect:
Largest-ever festival program with diverse events and activities.
Description:
Kendal Mountain Festival is a four-day celebration of adventure, culture, nature, and exploration, featuring over 200 live sessions including 300 speakers, 180 films, and 80 activities.
Where: Kendal | More Info: Kendal Mountain Festival
Santa Express Train at Ravenglass
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa meet-and-greet with festive treats.
Description:
Join the Santa Express Train at Ravenglass for a 40-minute journey to Dalegarth Grotto, where Santa Claus and his team welcome you. Children meet Santa, receive gifts, and activity packs, while grown-ups enjoy festive snacks and drinks.
Where: Ravenglass | More Info: Santa Express Train at Ravenglass
A Georgian Christmas at Wordsworth Grasmere
What to Expect:
Hands-on Georgian Christmas crafts and historical holiday insights.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas with traditional Georgian crafts, gingerbread decorating, and insights into the Wordsworth family's holiday traditions.
Where: Grasmere | More Info: A Georgian Christmas at Wordsworth Grasmere
Santa on the farm, Walby farm park
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas activities with real reindeer and festive food.
Description:
At Walby Farm Park, meet Father Christmas and his friends for a day filled with interactive activities like visiting passport control, making reindeer food, and decorating gingerbread biscuits. Enjoy real reindeer encounters, post letters to Father Christmas, and participate in various workshops and photo opportunities.
Where: Walby | More Info: Santa on the farm, Walby farm park
Santa’s Grotto, Dobbies, Carlisle
What to Expect:
Interactive train-themed journey with Santa.
Description:
At Dobbies Garden Centre in Carlisle, children can embark on a Little Seedlings train-themed journey, interacting with woodland characters and meeting Santa Claus. The experience includes snowy scenes, hidden nutcrackers, and a professional photo opportunity. Each child receives a wrapped gift from Santa.
Where: Carlisle | More Info: Santa’s Grotto, Dobbies, Carlisle
Hayesville Christmas Grotto at Hayes Garden World
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas experience with Santa and reindeer.
Description:
Hayesville Christmas Grotto at Hayes Garden World offers a colorful Christmas experience with reindeer sing-alongs, games, and a chance to see Santa. Visitors can play games, find hidden presents, and enjoy a private visit with Santa.
Where: Ambleside | More Info: Hayesville Christmas Grotto at Hayes Garden World
Holker Hall Christmas Grotto
What to Expect:
Personalized gift-giving experience with Santa.
Description:
Meet Father Christmas at Holker Hall, where children can share their wishes and receive a special gift. Activities include making reindeer food with the elves.
Where: Holker | More Info: Holker Hall Christmas Grotto
Christmas Wreath Making, Bowness-on-Windermere
What to Expect:
Craft a unique, personalized wreath with professional techniques.
Description:
Create your own stunning Christmas wreath under the guidance of Bluebell & Ivy's expert florists using fresh, seasonal materials. This workshop is an opportunity to unleash your creativity and take home a personalized masterpiece.
Where: Bowness-on-Windermere | More Info: Christmas Wreath Making, Bowness-on-Windermere
Whinlatter Welly Walk
What to Expect:
Family-friendly festive forest walk with festive songs and decorating.
Description:
Join Whinlatter Forest for a fun-filled family walk, led by jolly rangers, featuring festive songs and decorating. Dogs on leads welcome; all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Where: Braithwaite, Keswick | More Info: Whinlatter Welly Walk
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Dumfries (29 miles)
- Workington (30 miles)
- Whitehaven (35 miles)
- Kendal (40 miles)
- Consett (44 miles)