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 | Cumbria Times A Voice of the Free Press |
9:30 AM 15th November 2024
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Countdown To Christmas With Festive Lights Switch On Events Across Cumbria – All Accessible By Bus
Nothing gets you in the mood for the festive season better than a lights switch on with a glass of mulled wine or mug of hot chocolate, and with towns across Cumbria hosting their own special events no one needs to miss out.
We’ve pulled together a list of Christmas lights events and celebrations across the county and, better yet, they’re all accessible by bus. Why not take advantage of the Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire group bus tickets allowing friends or family to travel together at a reduced rate. And don’t forget, until December 31, passengers can travel on almost any bus in England for only £2.
Chistmas lights switch on Keswick
image: © visitlakedistrict
Bus route: 78, 554, 555, X4 & X5
Bus stop: Keswick Bus Station
Peter Rabbit is guest of honour this Friday night [15th November], as Keswick celebrates its start to Christmas. St Herbert’s Choir and the North Lakes Band will also be entertaining the crowd at Packhorse Court from 4.45pm, before the merriment moves to Market Square where there will be stalls and a funfair. The lights switch will take place at the Main Stage from 7pm.
The town’s popular Victorian Fayre also makes a return on December 1, offering some traditional and nostalgic festive fun for the family.
Bus route: 104, 508, 563, X4 & X5
Bus stop: Penrith Bus Station
From a tractor parade to roaming street performers, Penrith’s festive lights event – called Penrith Sparkle – takes place this Saturday [16th November] from 2pm to 7pm. With food and drink stalls, live entertainment and small rides for the little ones and even a visit from Father Christmas himself, it is an afternoon for all the family.
Chistmas lights switch on Carlisle
image: © visitlakedistrict
Bus route: 61, 62, 63, 64, 67, 79, 104, 179, 300, 554, & 685
Bus stop: Carlisle Bus Station, West Tower Street, Lowther Street
The city centre work means the traditional festive markets and lights switch on will not take place this year in Carlisle, but there is plenty of other Christmas fun taking place. The lights in the centre will be lit from this Sunday [17th November], getting the town ready for the Devonshire Street party taking place the following weekend, from 2pm to 4pm on Sunday November 24. The stage will play host to a host of performances from local community groups, before it is taken over by a series of bands.
Other city events include; the Quirky Eclectica Christmas Artisan Fair in the Fratry Hall on Friday, November 29 to Saturday, November 30; and The Carlisle Christmas Farmers’ Market at Carlisle Cathedral on Saturday, December 7.
Bus route: 300, 400, 554 & 600
Bus stop: Christies Newsagents & Throstles Nest
Meet Santa’s reindeer or go for a skate on the festive ice rink, as Wigton once again marks the countdown to Christmas with a bang. Market stalls, live music and even a fun fair will also all be on High Street on Saturday, November 30. The festivities take place from 12pm to 6pm, with the lights themselves being switched on at 4.45pm.
Bus route: 685
Bus stop: Brampton Cranstons & Brampton Shoulder of Mutton
Once again the unique opportunity to watch camels in the festive procession will be on offer to anyone attending Brampton’s festive events. The annual lights switch on celebrations take place on Sunday, November 24 from 3pm to 6pm. The parade will leave the Showfield at 4.45pm, before the switch is flicked on the lights at 5pm – after which Santa himself will be in his grotto to meet the children. Sparks Drummers, traditional carol singing and free face painting are also part of the entertainment on offer.
WEST CUMBRIA
Bus route: 29, 29A, 30, 50, 51, 52, 60, 300, X4 & X5
Bus stop: Workington Bus Station
Bring the children to the Elf Workshop, as part of the Workington Christmas Festival. A giant snow globe, live music, science booth workshop, crafts and much much more will all be on offer in the town centre, from 11am to 5pm on Saturday, November 30. The main stage will be in Uldale Street, where the lights will be officially turned on at 5pm by the Mayor of Workington and his Christmas card winners.
Bus route: 2, 2A, 3, 3A, 29, 29A, 30
Bus stop: Whitehaven Lother Street, Duke Street, Strand Street & Tangier Street
A full day of entertainment takes place in Whitehaven this Saturday [16th November] in the build up to the lights switch on. Performances by local theatre groups and artists, a simulator and the brand new event Eat Street Cumbria will all help the crowds get into the festive mood before the lights are turned on.
On December 6 there is a second festive celebration in the town, with the return of the Christmas Market to St Nicholas Gardens, before the annual harbourside fireworks show takes place at the marina.
Bus route: X5
Bus stop: Cockermouth Main Street
An afternoon of fun will take place in Cockermouth this Sunday [17th November] for the town’s lights switch on. It takes place in Main Street from 1pm to 6pm, with the lights being turned on at 5pm.
Bus route: 30
Bus stop: Egremont Market Place & Red Lion Hotel
Fireworks and real reindeer will help spread festive magic at Egremont’s annual Winter Wonderland event. From 1pm to 5.15pm on Sunday, November 24, families can soak up the atmosphere and help get in the mood for the Christmas countdown. From a Mama Mania tribute and live entertainment, to more than 50 stalls, it promises to be an exciting afternoon.
SOUTH CUMBRIA
Bus route: 505, 516, 555 & 599
Bus stop: Kelswick Road & Salutation Hotel
Two Father Christmas Cruises will ensure no one misses out at Ambleside’s annual lights switch on. Taking place this Saturday [16th November], there will also be community stalls and live music in the Market Cross shopping area, a family fun zone with stalls and food outlets in the area near the school, and of course the main procession with Father Christmas and lantern bearers. The day ends with a firework display in Rothay Park at about 5.30pm.
Bus route: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, X6
Bus stop: Barrow Town Hall
An afternoon of free local entertainment will ring in the Christmas countdown in Barrow. From 3pm on Saturday, November 23 families and visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere, ahead of the big switch on later that afternoon. The lights themselves will be switched on by a star chosen by the general public.
Bus route: 6 & X6
Bus stop: Dalton Tudor Square
A Christmas procession, creative skills workshop and extreme mountain bike stunt show will help wow the crowds at Dalton’s annual lights switch on. There will also be the chance to meet alpacas, watch a walking procession through the town from Market Place to Tudor Square, enjoy street entertainment and enjoy some local food and drink. It takes place from 1pm to 6.30pm on Sunday, December 1.
Bus route: 6, 41, 41A, 42, 42A, 43, 43A, 44, 45, 46, 555, 567, 755 & X6
Bus stop: Kendal Bus Station, Kendal Highgate, Kendal Stricklandgate
Members of the public can pick up a cowbell and join in the Christmas parade, as part of Kendal’s festive lights switch on. People gather at Abbot Hall Park from 5.45pm on Thursday, November 21, before marching behind Drum Nation and alongside stilt walkers all the way into town. There you can meet Santa, take a teacup ride, enjoy Kendal Mountain Films, sing Christmas carols and marvel at the lights themselves.