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From The Cumbrian Almanac

What's on in Cumbria and the Lake District in December 2026

Every dated event we have checked for December 2026, across the whole of Cumbria and the Lake District, with prices and the organiser's own page. Updated weekly.

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Checked 29 September 2026. Every event links to the organiser, where you can book. Times and prices change, so check before you set off.

Tuesday 1 December 2026

  • Whispers of the Winter Hearth

    Theatre by the Lake, Keswick · £14, £12 under-26s

    An intimate candlelit storytelling evening of winter myths and legends, from Norse gods to Arthurian tales. Held in the Circle Gallery. Organiser

  • It's A Doddle

    12:00 Lake District Calvert Trust, Keswick · £10 per person

    A 24-hour Everesting challenge for the Calvert Trust: walk, run, cycle or use other mobility on Dodd's accessible forestry track to climb the height of Everest between you. Donations are doubled during the Big Give Christmas Challenge, and the £10 entry includes refreshments at the Calvert cafe. Organiser

  • The Nutcracker: The Royal Ballet

    19:00 Brewery Arts, Kendal · £19.00, £18 concessions, £17 under 26s

    Peter Wright's Nutcracker from the Royal Ballet, screened to cinema in the run-up to Christmas. Rated 12A. Organiser

Wednesday 2 December 2026

  • A Dickens of a Christmas

    Theatre by the Lake, Keswick · £16, £12 under-26s

    Peter Macqueen performs dramatised readings of Dickens' festive tales, playing every character. In the Studio. Organiser

  • John Bramwell of I Am Kloot

    19:30 Brewery Arts, Kendal · £28.50, £26 concessions

    The former I Am Kloot singer plays an intimate solo show with strings and harmonies. Doors open at 7.30pm. Organiser

Thursday 3 December 2026

  • Tiddlers: Museum Explorer Group

    13:00 The Dock Museum, Barrow-in-Furness · Free

    A hands-on group for little ones with crafts, play and gallery exploration, with a different theme each month. It is designed for children from 18 months and younger children are welcome too. Organiser

  • GIANT: The Play (second screening)

    19:15 Brewery Arts, Kendal · £19.00, £18 concessions, £17 under 26s

    A second screening of the play with John Lithgow as Roald Dahl. Organiser

  • Christmas with Voce

    19:30 The Coro, Ulverston · £16 including booking fee

    Festive favourites and Christmas classics from Voce, a vocal group from the Furness area. There is a 15 minute interval and doors open at 6.45pm. Organiser

Friday 4 December 2026

  • Gold Leaf Christmas Card Workshop

    10:00 Levens Hall, Levens · £40

    Make watercolour Christmas cards with a touch of gold leaf, led by artist Bob Sutcliffe. Organiser

  • Muncaster Open Mic Night

    18:30 Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass

    A Friday evening open mic session at Muncaster Castle for local performers and anyone who fancies an evening of live music. Organiser

  • The Beatles Complete

    19:30 Rosehill Theatre, Moresby, Whitehaven

    A live tribute to the music of The Beatles. Organiser

  • The Jive Aces: Swingin' Christmas Show

    19:30 The Victoria Wood Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere · £25

    The long-running UK jive and swing band bring a festive show of Christmas classics and their own rock and roll numbers. Runs 1 hour 50 minutes including an interval. Organiser

  • Moretallica

    20:00 The Coro, Ulverston · £16 standing, £18 balcony, including booking fee

    A Metallica tribute band on a tour marking 40 years of Master of Puppets, 30 years of Load and 10 years of Hardwired to Self-Destruct. Under 16s must be with an adult. Organiser

Saturday 5 December 2026

  • Adults Only Afternoon Disco

    The Beggar's Theatre, Millom

    An afternoon disco for adults at the Beggar's Theatre in Millom. Organiser

  • Festive Crafting at Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop

    Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop, Hawkshead · Free

    Drop-in festive crafting in the upstairs space of the bookshop during the Hawkshead Christmas Fair, making gifts or keepsakes. The building is not accessible to everyone. Organiser

  • Hawkshead Christmas Fair

    Hawkshead village, Hawkshead · Free

    A two-day Christmas fair in the streets of Hawkshead with stalls and seasonal entertainment. Entry is free. Organiser

  • Meet Santa at Ford Park

    Ford Park, Ulverston

    The garden becomes a lit-up winter wonderland with Santa's sleigh for photos, an Elves' Workshop, a visit to Santa's Grotto for a gift and a reindeer trail. Tickets are sold through TryBooking. Organiser

  • Santa's North Pole Adventure

    The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven

    Children step into the elves' workshop and visit Santa's office at the museum. Organiser

  • Seascale Lightworks

    Seascale village, Seascale

    A weekend of festive lights in Seascale. Organiser

  • Taste Cumbria Christmas

    Cockermouth town centre, Cockermouth · Free

    Taste Cumbria's Christmas food and drink festival, with Cumbrian producers, hot food and a festive atmosphere across the town centre. The final 2026 programme and daily times were still to be confirmed when checked. Organiser

  • Carlisle Farmers' and Makers' Market

    10:00 Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle

    Local producers in the Cathedral grounds and inside the Fratry, with farm meats, breads, preserves, cheeses, candles and crafts. Held on the first Saturday of each month except January, 10am to 3pm. Organiser

  • Christmas Book Fair at Swarthmoor Hall

    10:00 Swarthmoor Hall, Swarthmoor

    A Christmas book fair at Swarthmoor Hall on the first Saturday of December, from 10am to 3pm. Organiser

  • Family Christmas Card Workshop

    10:00 Levens Hall, Levens · £20 per child, accompanying adults free

    Families design and make personalised Christmas cards together with artist Bob Sutcliffe. Organiser

  • Landscape Photography Full Day Workshop

    10:00 Whinlatter Forest Visitor Centre, Braithwaite, Keswick · £60 per person

    A full day with photographer Steve Blake covering composition, exposure and the histogram, with visits to nearby woodland locations, image reviews and one-to-one time. Organiser

  • Seasonal Qigong Workshop

    10:00 Malt Kiln Village Hall, Bardsea · £25 per workshop, £80 for the series

    A morning of gentle Qigong with warm-ups, forms, breathing and a guided meditation, part of a seasonal series. No experience is needed and all ages and abilities are welcome. Organiser

  • Festive Gold Leaf Gilding Workshop

    10:30 Rheged, Penrith

    A three-hour gilding workshop with Amelia Bedson, with a festive theme. Organiser

  • Christmas Wreath Making with The Pretty Wild Flower Co

    13:30 Rheged, Penrith

    Make a Christmas wreath in a two and a half hour session with Rebecca and Scott from The Pretty Wild Flower Co. Organiser

  • Met Opera: Samson et Dalila

    17:00 Rheged, Penrith

    A Met Opera screening of Samson et Dalila, about 3 hours 54 minutes. Organiser

  • Folklore Forevermore

    19:30 The Victoria Wood Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere · £28

    Katy Ellis reimagines Taylor Swift's folklore and evermore albums in an intimate tribute concert. Some explicit language matching the original lyrics; children must be accompanied. Organiser

  • Dark Sky Astronomy

    20:00 Grizedale Observatory, Grizedale

    A three-hour evening on moonless nights at Grizedale Observatory, with hands-on use of telescopes, the planetarium, meteorites and a robotic telescope, and a complimentary hot drink. Book through the observatory. Organiser

Sunday 6 December 2026

Wednesday 9 December 2026

  • Christmas Spirits!

    16:30 Dove Cottage and Wordsworth Museum, Grasmere · Children £10, adults £5

    Hot chocolate, gingerbread, dressing up and a spooky Gothic craft, then seasonal supernatural tales by candlelight in Dove Cottage, from Dickens's A Christmas Carol to mischievous Cumbrian beings. Tickets must be booked in advance. Organiser

Thursday 10 December 2026

  • Santa's Best Christmas Ever

    16:00 Rosehill Theatre, Moresby, Whitehaven · £12.50 or £9.50

    A 50-minute festive musical with Father Christmas and friends, featuring Chris Jarvis as the voice of Dasher the Reindeer. Every child receives a wrapped present from Santa after the show. Organiser

  • Back to the Moon for Good Planetarium Show

    16:30 Grizedale Observatory, Grizedale · £13 adults, £8 children, family £35

    A presentation and planetarium film about returning to the Moon, followed by a look at the observatory's meteorite collection, including lunar samples. Lasts about 1.5 hours. Organiser

  • Supper and Stories: Alan Air on Grasmere Gingerbread and Rum Butter

    18:30 Holker Hall and Gardens, Cark-in-Cartmel · £15 per person

    A supper at 6.30pm followed by an illustrated talk at 7.30pm from Alan Air of Grasmere Gingerbread on the history of Grasmere Gingerbread and Cumberland Rum Butter. You get to taste both. Organiser

  • Jazz Club: Rory Green

    19:00 Brewery Arts, Kendal · £17.50, £16 concessions

    The Ghanaian-English guitarist and composer blends acoustic guitar with electronics, seated cabaret style in the Malt Room. Doors open at 7pm; 18 and over. Organiser

  • Beavers, Beavers, Beavers with Q&A

    19:15 Brewery Arts, Kendal · £10.50, £9.50 concessions, £7.50 under 26s

    Four documentaries on beaver reintroduction in Britain and North America, followed by a Q&A with the Beaver Trust. Organiser

  • Screen Classics: Eric and Ernie

    19:30 The Victoria Wood Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere · £10 including cheese and wine from 7pm

    The 2011 film co-written by and co-starring Victoria Wood about the early careers of Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise. Part of the theatre's Victoria Wood film season, with an introduction before the film. Organiser

  • SWEET with John Otway

    20:30 The Coro, Ulverston · £33.50 to £38.50 including booking fee

    The glam rock band Sweet play with John Otway as special guest. Doors open at 7.30pm, there is no interval and the venue lists it as 14 and over. Organiser

Friday 11 December 2026

  • Mini Retreat Break: Recharge Your Batteries

    Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, Ulverston · £15 event only

    A short weekend break of guided meditation and talks at the Buddhist centre in Conishead Priory. Accommodation and meals are booked separately. Organiser

  • Christmas Wreath Making Workshop

    10:30 Townend Barn, Troutbeck, Windermere · £55 per person

    Design and make your own natural wreath from locally sourced greenery, with all materials, mince pies and hot drinks included. Check in at the courtyard by 10.15am; book on 0344 249 1895. Organiser

  • Candle Light Christmas at the Priory

    19:30 Cartmel Priory, Cartmel · £15

    An evening of music and readings with David Pipe, the Priory's Director of Music, the Priory Choir and Bank Top Brass. Proceeds go to Cartmel Priory. Organiser

  • Jess Gillam Ensemble at Christmas

    19:30 The Coro, Ulverston · From £21 including booking fee

    Saxophonist Jess Gillam and her ensemble play seasonal favourites, with a 20 minute interval. Doors open at 6.45pm. Organiser

  • The Albion Christmas Band

    19:30 Brewery Arts, Kendal · £33.50

    A folk Christmas concert of songs, carols and storytelling led by Kellie While with Simon Nicol and Simon Care. Doors open at 7.30pm. Organiser

  • Dark Sky Astronomy

    20:00 Grizedale Observatory, Grizedale

    A three-hour evening on moonless nights at Grizedale Observatory, with hands-on use of telescopes, the planetarium, meteorites and a robotic telescope, and a complimentary hot drink. Book through the observatory. Organiser

Saturday 12 December 2026

  • Christmas Pet Encounters

    The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven · £9 per child, £5.50 per adult

    A Christmas edition of the Beacon's animal encounter sessions, with sessions at 11am, 1pm and 3pm on both days. Organiser

  • Meet Santa

    The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven

    Share your Christmas wishes with Santa and take a festive photo at the museum. Organiser

  • Orton Farmers' Market

    Orton village, Orton · Free

    The monthly farmers' market in Orton, free to visit. Organiser

  • Santa Specials

    South Tynedale Railway, Alston station, Alston

    A Santa special train on the South Tynedale Railway at Alston. Timings and prices were not listed when checked, and further dates may be added. Organiser

  • Christmas Wreath Making Workshop

    10:30 Townend Barn, Troutbeck, Windermere · £55 per person

    Design and make your own natural wreath from locally sourced greenery, with all materials, mince pies and hot drinks included. Check in at the courtyard by 10.15am; book on 0344 249 1895. Organiser

  • Breakfast with Santa

    11:00 Marina View, Bowness-on-Windermere

    A breakfast at Marina View in Bowness with festive games and entertainment and the chance to meet Santa. Each child's ticket includes breakfast, a soft drink and a festive gift. Organiser

  • Harps North West

    11:00 Allan Bank, Grasmere · Free with normal Allan Bank admission

    A harp quartet plays folk, arranged pop, classics and new pieces in the Wordsworth study, with a chance to chat and try the instruments. Pop-up performances between 11am and 1pm; the room is on the ground floor. Organiser

  • Langdale Christmas Pudding 10k

    12:00 New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, Great Langdale · £25 (under 25s £17, under 18s £12)

    A festive 10k trail run in Great Langdale, based at the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, with the start at midday. Registration opens at 10am and there are no entries on the day. Organiser

  • Langdale Christmas Pudding 10k

    12:10 New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, Great Langdale · From £25 early bird, £17 under 25s, £12 under 18s; parking £5

    A festive 10k in Langdale with fancy dress encouraged and a full-size Christmas pudding for every finisher. Registration opens at 10am and there is a two-hour time limit. Organiser

  • Sip and Sax: December

    14:00 Ford Park, Ulverston

    An afternoon of drinks with live saxophone from local musician Emma Howarth. Guests get prosecco on arrival and snacks are provided. Organiser

  • Royal Ballet and Opera: The Nutcracker

    14:30 Rosehill Theatre, Moresby, Whitehaven

    A cinema screening of the Royal Ballet's The Nutcracker, shown at Rosehill Theatre. Organiser

  • K-Klass with Danny Rampling

    19:00 Old Fire Station, Carlisle · £22.50 (as listed)

    A dance night with K-Klass and special guest Danny Rampling. Doors 7pm. Organiser

  • Committed 2 Rock: Around the Christmas Tree

    19:30 Rosehill Theatre, Moresby, Whitehaven

    A festive live music night at Rosehill Theatre. Organiser

Sunday 13 December 2026

  • Christmas Community Raceday

    Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle · £12 adults, children free

    Come in your Christmas outfit for prizes for the best adult, child and dog costumes, with the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle on the card. Gate and race times to be confirmed. Organiser

  • Santa Specials

    South Tynedale Railway, Alston station, Alston

    A Santa special train on the South Tynedale Railway at Alston. Timings and prices were not listed when checked, and further dates may be added. Organiser

  • Watercolour Christmas Card Workshop for Beginners

    10:00 Rheged, Penrith

    A three-hour beginners' class painting watercolour Christmas cards with Carla Gebhard. Organiser

  • Furness Music Centre 25th Anniversary Christmas Concert

    15:00 The Coro, Ulverston · £14 adults, £2 under 18s, including booking fee

    The Furness Music Centre orchestra and choir mark 25 years with light classical pieces, film themes and Christmas favourites. All ages are welcome and there is a 20 minute interval. Organiser

  • Dave Rowntree: No One You Know

    19:30 Rosehill Theatre, Moresby, Whitehaven

    An evening with Dave Rowntree, drummer with Blur, on his No One You Know tour. Organiser

  • Valtos

    19:30 Brewery Arts, Kendal · £23.50

    A Skye duo who mix traditional tunes with electronics, standing in the Malt Room. Doors open at 7.30pm. Organiser

  • The Churchfitters: Christmas Cracker

    20:00 Threlkeld Village Hall, Threlkeld · £17, £8.50 under-18s

    A festive show from a folk trio using glass harp, musical saw and a bass-bouzouki made from hubcaps, with carols and original songs. Organiser

Monday 14 December 2026

  • A Christmas Cornucopia

    10:00 Levens Hall, Levens · £70 including a light lunch

    A festive workshop making a table decoration and gold leaf Christmas cards, with places strictly limited. Organiser

  • The Wildhearts

    19:30 Old Fire Station, Carlisle · £33 (as listed)

    The rock band The Wildhearts play the Old Fire Station. Doors 7.30pm. Organiser

Thursday 17 December 2026

  • The Secret Table with Julian Ankers

    Underscar Manor, Applethwaite, Keswick

    A guest-chef dining evening at Underscar Manor with chef Julian Ankers. Contact Underscar for the menu, price and booking. Organiser

  • Animals and Friends

    19:30 Brewery Arts, Kendal · £31.00, £28.25 concessions

    Rhythm and blues from the 1960s, led by Animals founder member John Steel. Doors open at 7.30pm. Organiser

Friday 18 December 2026

  • ABBA Reunion

    Old Fire Station, Carlisle · From £28 (as listed)

    An ABBA tribute show; doors time is on the venue's ticket page. Organiser

  • Manford's Comedy Club

    Penrith Playhouse, Penrith

    An evening of award-winning live stand-up comedy in Penrith. Organiser

  • Santa Specials

    South Tynedale Railway, Alston station, Alston

    A Santa special train on the South Tynedale Railway at Alston. Timings and prices were not listed when checked, and further dates may be added. Organiser

  • A Christmas Carol

    19:30 Rosehill Theatre, Moresby, Whitehaven

    A theatre production of A Christmas Carol at Rosehill. Organiser

  • Planet Mirth

    19:30 The Coro, Ulverston · From £13 including booking fee

    A comedy night with four stand-ups, Ali Woods, Alun Cochrane, Rich Wilson and Radu Isac. There is a 20 minute interval and the line-up can change at short notice. Organiser

  • The Seals

    19:30 Brewery Arts, Kendal · £23.50

    A local party band play covers from northern soul to indie in the Malt Room. Doors open at 7.30pm. Organiser

Saturday 19 December 2026

Sunday 20 December 2026

  • The Gingerbread Boy Afternoon Tea Experience

    11:00 The Victoria Wood Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere · £42.50 adults, £26.50 children aged 3 and over, £20 children aged 1 to 2

    A package of The Gingerbread Boy show, a visit to the World of Beatrix Potter and a Christmas afternoon tea, with a chance to meet Father Christmas and a present for every child. Tickets must be reserved by midday the day before, and the show suits ages 3 and over. Organiser

Wednesday 23 December 2026

  • Back to the Moon for Good Planetarium Show

    16:30 Grizedale Observatory, Grizedale · £13 adults, £8 children, family £35

    A presentation and planetarium film about returning to the Moon, followed by a look at the observatory's meteorite collection, including lunar samples. Lasts about 1.5 hours. Organiser

  • Nine Lessons and Carols

    18:30 Cartmel Priory, Cartmel

    The Priory's service of Nine Lessons and Carols on the Wednesday before Christmas. Organiser

Thursday 24 December 2026

  • A Heart Full of Peace: Christmas Course

    Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, Ulverston · £120 event only, plus Christmas lunch

    A five day Christmas course of guided meditations, teachings and quiet reflection, finishing with a vegetarian Christmas dinner shared with the community. Days can be booked individually. Organiser

  • Family Candlelit Crib Service

    17:30 Cartmel Priory, Cartmel

    A candlelit crib service for families on Christmas Eve afternoon. Organiser

  • Midnight Mass

    23:30 Cartmel Priory, Cartmel

    The Priory's Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, starting at 11.30pm. Organiser

Monday 28 December 2026

  • Cinderella: Christmas Live Pantomime

    Rheged, Penrith

    A live pantomime of about an hour, with shows at 11.30am and 2.30pm on each day. Organiser

  • Pinocchio

    Theatre by the Lake, Keswick · £15, £12 under-26s

    A puppet-maker tells the classic tale with the wooden boy carved live on stage, everyday objects turned into characters and shadow puppetry. In the Studio. Organiser

  • Tomte's Yuletide Tale

    The Victoria Wood Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere · Show only: £12 adults, £10 children

    A puppetry and shadow-play adventure inspired by Scandinavian winter folklore, in which the audience helps find a lost Yuletide Goat. Runs 45 minutes; unreserved seating with booster seats. Organiser

  • Winter Warmer Trains

    Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Ravenglass

    Heritage steam and diesel trains through Eskdale with Christmas decorations at the stations and a mince pie for each full-fare passenger, subject to availability. Online booking is recommended, with a limited number of same-day tickets at the main stations. Organiser

Thursday 31 December 2026

  • New Year's Eve Celebration

    19:30 Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, Ulverston · £25 event only

    A talk with meditation from 7.30pm to 9pm, followed by a vegetarian buffet from 9pm to 11pm. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. Organiser

By area

Carlisle and the northEden and PenrithKeswick and the northern LakesSouth LakesKendal and Kirkby LonsdaleFurness and CartmelWest coast

By month

September 2026October 2026November 2026January 2027February 2027March 2027April 2027May 2027June 2027July 2027August 2027