Christmas Markets have risen in popularity throughout the UK in recent years. Traditionally held in Germany, the Christmas market has become a firm favourite with families and signals the start of advent.
There are a growing number of Christmas markets in the Lake District that have popped up over the last few years. Many of them coincide with other events such as Christmas light switch on, or a visit from Santa. You’ll find many of them stocking locally produced food and drink, and unique festive gifts for your loved ones.
We’ve put together a list of our favourite Christmas markets that are worth a trip out from Hawthorns Caravan Park to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Ambleside Christmas Market & Lights
Far more than just a Christmas Market, this annual event on the 3rd Saturday of November in Ambleside combines a traditional shopping experience with a Christmas light switch on, cruises on the lake, a lantern parade, and a visit from Santa Claus himself. The day ends in spectacular style with a large fireworks display. There are family-friendly activities throughout the day, as well as live music and other street performances, whilst the market sells a range of culinary delights and other gifts.
- Location: Market Cross & Market Place in Ambleside
- Date: Saturday, 17th November, 2018
- Times: 10am-6pm
- More Information: www.amblesidechristmaslights.co.uk
Askham Hall & Gardens Christmas Market
Askham Hall is a luxurious hotel and spa near Penrith. The hotel hosts a Christmas market each year and for 2018 the hotel boats over 50 stalls located both in the gardens and the medieval hall, selling a range of goods, largely produced in Cumbria. On the day, Father Christmas makes a special appearance, and the cafe is open selling mince pies and mulled wine.
- Location: Askham Hall, Askham, Near Penrith, CA10 2PF
- Date: Sunday, 2nd December, 2018
- Times: 11am-5pm (stalls close at 4pm)
- Price: £3 entry per adult
- More Information: www.askhamhall.co.uk/askham-hall-christmas-market-2-december
Carlisle Christmas Market
A Christmas market is held each year in Carlisle City Centre, taking over much of the pedestrianised area. Along with a range of international goods, the market showcases gifts and edibles created here in Cumbria. The market is a five-day long event with around 25 stalls each day, and coincides with the arrival of late night shopping on Thursday evenings, giving shoppers more chance to buy gifts for their loved ones.
- Location: English Street, Carlisle
- Date: from Wednesday 30th November 2018 Date
- Times: Trading will be between 9am and 5pm, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; between 9am and 8pm, Thursday and between 10am and 4pm on Sunday 4 December.
- More Information: www.carlisle.gov.uk/news-and-events/carlisle-christmas-market
Cockermouth – Taste Cumbria Christmas
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Taste Cumbria is a popular series of food festivals throughout the year at various locations across Cumbria, and the food markets are usually brimming with the very best that local producers have to offer. The Taste Cumbria Christmas festival takes the success of these food festivals and mixes it with some festive cheer, resulting in a popular event where you can pick up some delicious goods to accompany your traditional Christmas feast. You’ll find craft stalls offering a range of gifts, fairground rides for children and a beer and fizz tent plus plenty of hot food stands.
- Location: Main Street, Cockermouth
- Date: Saturday, 8th & Sunday, 9th December, 2018
- Times: 10am-4pm
- More Information: www.tastecumbria.com/taste-events/taste-cumbria-christmas-market
Hawkshead Christmas Fair
Hawkshead brims with festival cheer each year, usually during the first weekend of December when the Christmas Fair takes over the ancient village. You will find over 50 stalls selling food, crafts, and other gifts in both the indoor and outdoor markets. There is also a lantern parade, live music, and street performance from circus acts and other artists. Children can meet Santa in his grotto, whilst grown-ups can indulge in the mini beer festival that takes place in village’s pubs.
- Location: Hawkshead Village Centre
- Date: Saturday, 1st & Sunday, 2nd December, 2018
- Times: 10am-5pm
- More Information: www.facebook.com/hawksheadchristmasfair
Kendal Christmas Market
The Kendal 2018 Christmas Light Switch On takes place on Sunday 18th November. Celebrations will start at Abbot Hall Art Gallery from 14.00 where there will be fairground rides and a balloon stand for children to enjoy, along with an opportunity to say hello to Santa’s reindeer! There is live music and entertainment and the day finishes with the grand switch on.
- Location: Kendal Town Centre
- Date: 18th November 2018 Date
- Times: from 2pm
Keswick Victorian Christmas Fayre
This is a fantastic opportunity to combine some Christmas shopping in Keswick with support for local charities. During the event, around 30 local and national charities have stalls where you can browse their goods that include a selection of homemade Christmas crafts and cakes. You’ll find a traditional nativity scene, and children will be delighted with the fun fair and the arrival of Father Christmas, complete with his live reindeer. There are also street performances throughout the day. Traders and other workers will be dressed in Victorian costume, and visitors are invited to do the same.
- Location: Market Place & Packhorse Court, Keswick
- Date: Sunday, 2nd December, 2018
- Times: 10.30am-4pm
Christmas in Penrith (Formally The Winter Festival)
The Penrith Winter Festival is a month-long extravaganza that aims to bring festive sparkle to the town and its surroundings. It begins at the end of November with a day of celebration that includes the town’s Christmas light switch on, and marks the commencement of a weeklong Christmas market. Here you can find a wonderful selection of goods. In addition, following the opening day, the town sees a range of Christmas festivities, including the arrival of Santa’s grotto, carol concerts, and Christmas plays.
- Location: Various Locations; Market at New Squares in Penrith
- Date: from 25th November – 24th December 2018
- Times: Varies
Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival
Attracting thousands of people every year this ancient market town turns back the clocks to the Dickensian era with a Christmas market like no other.. Ulverston puts on a tremendous show marking the start of the Christmas season.
There is street entertainment, residents and workers dressed in Dickensian costume, horse drawn carriages, a Victorian Helter Skelter, and a selection of street food that wouldn’t have been amiss in a real Victorian market. The highlight is the grand parade, where those dressed in costume march through the town. There are usually a range of family-friendly activities to choose from, and of course, the market with its fabulous selection of gifts.
- Location: Ulverston Town Centre
- Date: Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th November 2018
- Times: TBC
- More Information: www.dickensianfestival.co.uk
Windermere Christmas Market
Run entirely by a group of dedicated volunteers, the Windermere Christmas Market first took place in 2016, and work has since taken place following the success of this first market to ensure the growth and development of future events. Along with around 50 stalls selling a range of goods produced both locally and from Europe, you will find live music and other street performers.
There is a shuttle bus in operation from car parks in the larger Bowness-On-Windermere, and plenty of stands selling hot food.
- Location: Victoria Street, Windermere
- Date: Saturday, 8th & Sunday, 9th December, 2018
- Times: Saturday 11am-6pm, Sunday 10am-4pm
- More Information: www.windermerechristmas.co.uk
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