Free Christmas events Cumbria 2025
There aren’t as many free Christmas events Cumbria and the Lake District as in some of the other regions of the North West but there are still some fantastic ones which I will share with you below. This post is part of a series of posts on free Christmas events North West.
If you have an event you want to be added, drop me an email at – info@northwestforkids.co.uk and send me the details.
I’ve done my best to add the details of all these events accurately and keep it up to date but I strongly advise you to click through and check on the organiser’s website to ensure the dates and times have not changed and that the event is going ahead before travelling.
If you love finding new family days out and events in the North West then you need to follow me on Facebook or Instagram. If you use Facebook you might like to join my Family Days out North West group.
Ambleside Christmas lights 2025
When: 15th November 2025
Where: Ambleside town centre
There will be a Christmas market and entertainment zone all day. There will also be Santa cruises from Waterhead pier (prebooking essential). The main lantern procession will include Father Christmas switching on the lights around the town. All wrapped up with a firework display in Rothay park.
Find out more here – Ambleside Christmas Lights
Visit the Christmas shop at Hayes Garden Centre
When: during store opening hours
Where: Hayes Garden Centre, Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0DW
The Christmas shop at Hayes garden centre in Ambleside is huge! It’s full of gorgeous festive displays and decorations to purchase. We visit every year when we are in the Lakes in late October.
Find out more here – Hayes Garden Centre
Free Santa arrival at Dobbies Garden centre – 2025 details
Where: Dobbies Carlisle
When: 23rd November 2025.
Cost: free
Summary: Santa’s grand arrival, live entertainment, exclusive discounts and book a grotto visit for the same day.
Full details here – Events | Dobbies Garden Centres
Keswick Christmas tree festival – no details yet for 2025
When – 30th November to 3rd December 2023
Where – Keswick Methodist church
Free to browse and vote for your favourite Christmas tree.
Full details – What’s On Keswick events Lake District Events
Carlisle market hall festive fun day – 2025 details
When: 6th December 2025
Santa will be joined by Jason the Juggling Jester, Gilly the Facepainter, Clowns Douglas and Tammi (Double Trouble), and a few elves.
Full details here – Carlisle market hall festive fun day
Free Christmas light switch on events Cumbria
- Ambleside – 15th November 2025 – Full details – Ambleside Chrismas
- Barrow – 15th November 2025 – full details – Barrow Christmas
- Carlisle – 16th November 2025 – full details – Carlisle Christmas lights
- Whitehaven – 15th November 2025 – Full details – Whitehaven TC
- Keswick – 21st November 2025. Full details – What’s On Keswick events Lake District Eventsken
- Cockermouth – 23rd November 2025. Full details – Cockermouth Christmas Lights Switch on Day
- Kendal – 28th November 2025. Full details – Christmas Light Switch On – Kendal Town
- Workington – 29th November 2025. Full details – Christmas Festival | visitworkington
- Wigton – 29th November 2025. Full details – Wigton’s Christmas Lights Switch On
- Kirby Stephen – 22nd November 2025. Full details- Kirby Stephen Christmas lights
- Penrith – 22nd November 2025. full details – Penrith Christmas lights
More Christmas events Cumbria
There are plenty more festive events in the Lake District and Cumbria.
- Find all the Christmas events Cumbria here.
- Find out where to enjoy Breakfast with Santa Cumbria here.
- Find out Where to visit Santa Cumbria here.
- Fancy a Christmas show or panto? Find them all here – Christmas shows Cumbria.
- Find out Where to buy a real Christmas tree Cumbria here.
