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Whatever time of year you want to visit the Lake District, Cumbria, we have something planned to keep you entertained, engaged, and energised. From country fairs and garden parties to beer festivals and agricultural shows, this is very much #ThePlaceToBe – at all times of the year. Whether you are looking for what's on in the Lake District, or what's on in Cumbria, we have you covered with the best list of events taking place.
We Cumbrians love to celebrate things – food, music, literature, culture, the great outdoors – and nothing delights us more than sharing the wealth of our heritage and landscape with visitors from all over the world.
The county comes alive to the sound of music – and we mean all kinds of music, from classical to alt rock. We’ve got festivals aplenty, from folk weekends centred on a brewery to a music festival that also includes outdoor activities – hardly surprising given that the Lake District, Cumbria is known for its natural beauty. Walking festivals, fell runs, competitive bike races, orienteering and challenge events… whatever way you like to tackle or enjoy nature, we’ve got something for you.
When you’re done exerting yourself, you’ll be looking for something to eat - and in Cumbria, we know how to celebrate our remarkable food heritage! There are markets and foodie events all over the county spread throughout the year, from a celebration of marmalade to a chili eating competition. Taste Cumbria hosts a series of great festivals between April and October with lots of food stalls and cooking demos.
And don’t forget beer. We’re big fans of it in Cumbria – we like to brew it, drink it and celebrate its very existence with over a dozen brilliant festivals throughout the year. Discover big events spread over a couple of days that draw in crowds from all over England, and smaller events in cosy pubs deep in the heart of rural Cumbria.
Christmas markets, Easter fairs and seasonal celebrations are huge in the county, too. From agricultural shows to festive fun, we’ve got you covered. How about stepping back in time at the Ulverston Dickensian Festival? Check out our Lake District, Cumbria blog for bags of inspiring articles on places to visit and things to see.
We’re having a party. Come and join us.
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Longtail Hill, Bowness-on-Windermere
Served Daily Between 1pm & 5pm
Book now for our afternoon tea with a festive twist.
Our festive deluxe afternoon tea is available from 1st December 2025 - 1st January 2026. Excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Eve and New…
Barrow-in-Furness
A multimedia exhibition at the Dock Museum from 5th December to 23rd February exploring local stories of fragility & survival - of nature, of people - in South Cumbria. Through sound, film, images and words, an unseen, unheard world emerges. A world…
The Dock Museum, Barrow-in-Furness
Kendal
Join us for our Christmas Opening here at Levens Hall this December. We will be opening the House and Topiary area of the Gardens over the first three weekends in December.
5th, 6th, 7th December
12th, 13th, 14th December
19th, 20th, 21st…
Levens Hall, Gardens & Kitchen, Kendal
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Celebrate the Christmas season in style with a Festive Afternoon Tea in Blackwell's charming Tea room. Featuring glorious Windermere views, Blackwell is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a delightful festive treat.
Savour a carefully curated…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere
Kirkby Lonsdale
Kirkby Lonsdale is set to sparkle once again as its much-loved Christmas Fair returns for a weekend of festive fun from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th December 2025.
Expect plenty of festive activities, shopping, and celebration – plus delicious seasonal…
Grange-over-Sands
The Snow Queen - Grange Youth Pantomime 2025
Join Grange Musical Theatre Society for their magical 35th youth panto! A festive family adventure filled with snow, sparkle, songs and silliness, perfect for all ages.
Victoria Hall,…
Cartmel
Join us for three days of the much anticipated and fabulous YTB Christmas Festival Market! Visit our handpicked range of artisan makers & creatives, live music throughout each day, food & drink both inside and outside the barn from Harry's Cafe…
Penrith
This holiday season, the magic begins on the big screen. Join André Rieu for his 2025 Christmas Concert – "Merry Christmas" and experience joyful carols, beautiful waltzes, and plenty of surprises – it's the ultimate Christmas cinema event! With his…
The Rheged Centre, Penrith
The Abbey, Carlisle
Carlisle Cathedral will once again host their Christmas Tree Festival throughout December, building on the success of the first event held in 2024.
Last year's festival involved 30 local charities, organisations, schools and groups, all of whom…
Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle
Carlisle
Christmas comes alive in Carlisle: festive markets, music, and magic in the city centre.
Carlisle is set to glisten this festive season with the launch of two Saturday Christmas themed markets, adding to the city's regular Friday open-air markets…
Barrow-in-Furness
Step into Barrow Park Glass Showhouse this Christmas. Enjoy the festive decorations, storytelling and poetry and meet the Friends of Barrow Park. Free event but booking is essential. Children 16 & under to be accompanied by an adult. Barrow Park…
Inspiration
Enjoy a magical evening of Christmas storytelling in Dove Cottage. We'll first meet in our…
A multimedia exhibition at the Dock Museum from 5th December to 23rd February exploring local…
Kendal Community Theatre presents The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame and adapted for…
A Musical Almanac: Winter Notes in Cumbria including a post performance meet the musicians. Jack…
This holiday season, the magic begins on the big screen. Join André Rieu for his 2025 Christmas…
13/9/25 Local author Deborah Lyon talks about her children's book set in second century Ambleside.…
Get ready to jingle all the way at our Santa's Spa-rty! Celebrate the season in style at our…
November 16th: 1pm-5pm December 7th: 1pm-5pm December 17th: 12pm-4pm Cumbria Tourism's Experience…
We invite you to our Festive Tea Dance in the magnificent Great Hall at Blackwell – the Arts &…
The show where every child receives a present from Santa! Following last year's sell-out…
Michael Keaton is a rock 'n roll dad who gets one last chance to fine-tune his life - and prove…
Big Fish Comedy Club brings new voices in comedy to venues across Cumbria.Our last show of 2025…
An eight-year-old troublemaker, mistakenly left home alone, must defend his home against a pair of…
Join Nicola Hunter-Dale for this festive workshop. You will create textures and patterns in your…
Following last year's sell out performance, FMC presents another concert filled with festive fun.
On 29 October 2025 10:00-17:00 It's that time of year again! Fungi Fest returns! We're…
Celebrate the Christmas season in style with a Festive Afternoon Tea in Blackwell's charming Tea…
Get your friends, family, or workmates together and join us in the beautiful Drawing Room at Barrow…
Join us for three days of the much anticipated and fabulous YTB Christmas Festival Market! Visit…
Team Walby is thrilled to announce that Father Christmas and his Festive Friends will be visiting…
On 25 November 2025 14:00-15:30 £6 Author Alan Cleaver re-discovers the routes walked by the…
Get your skates on as our ice rink returns to the shores of Ullswater. A 16ft Christmas tree,…
On 13 November 2025 16:30-18:00 £15 Although Derry had illustrated other countryside books, he…
SIGNAL proudly presents its first major group exhibition in their newly refurbished gallery spaces.…


We’re having a party - come and join us.
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