Hi folks, this week I have a mix of high drama for kids, a festival of period costumes and nostalga; Santa Express train which takes you on a wintery scenic journey, popular classics from the very talented Westmorland Youth Orchestra; Kendal’s hugely anticipated Christmas Lights Switch-on and the usual gaggle of Christmas Craft Fairs. Enjoy!

DELIGHTFUL puppets and beautiful animation are a winning combination in this gentle family-friendly production - Pitschi, the Kitten with Dreams, brought to the stage by Theatre Fideri Fideri. The little Swiss kitten lives on a farm high in the Alps, but she doesn't like the rough and tumble of kitten play and dreams of being something else - a chicken, a goat or a rabbit. Follow her as she ventures off to find other animals, but with winter approaching, will she find her way home before the first snow falls? Playing on Saturday (November 26) at 11am & 2pm, at The Brewery. (2-7yrs). Box office 01539-725133.

Tickets (Family of 3) £21; (Family of 4) £28.

ONE of the most popular events of its kind in the country is the Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival, held this year on Saturday & Sunday (November 26 & 27). The festival attracts thousands of people to enjoy the atmospheric sights and sounds of a traditional market town; the shops and streets adorned and draped in bunting of the Victorian era. The event boasts a huge variety of free entertainment, which include events for children, plus Christmas market stalls offering lots of unique gifts and festive food, costume competitions, horse-drawn carriages, music, dancing and much more. Oh, and for the light hearted there's a Victorian Helter Skelter which towers over the proceedings, roast chestnuts and hog roasts to whet your appetite and brass bands bringing festive music and Christmas cheer to set the mood. Later, a lantern cavalcade of costumed residents and visitors alike take part in the grand parade around the town. For further information www.dickensianfestival.co.uk/.

THERE are twelve days during November and December to enjoy a magical 14-mile steam journey to meet Santa and explore his Dalegarth Gingerbread Grotto, on board the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway's Santa Express. There's a gift wrapped present for every child from Santa and a return gift voucher for adults courtesy of the railway. Also, there's seasonal refreshments for all and lunch for those who have booked in advance. The Santa Express initially puffs out of the station on Saturday & Sunday (November 26 & 27). Please check the website for times and dates in December. Note pre-booking is required. Book on line www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk or call 01229-717171.

Ticket prices: Adult £19.50; child (1-11yrs) £19.50; (12-15) £12.00. Adult lunch: £13.00; child lunch £7.00

THE talents ranks of the Westmorland Youth Orchestra return to the stage on Saturday (November 26, 7.30pm) with a Rotary charities fundraiser at Ambleside Parish Church.

The Rotary Club of Ambleside Kirkstone organised concert sees inspirational musical director Roland Fudge and his highly regarded charges perform a selection of popular classics, including Stravinsky’s Firebird, Saint-Saens’ Elephant and Shostakovich’s famous Jazz Waltz, works by Bizet and Chabrier, Samuel Barber's masterly Violin Concerto (solo part played by WYO leader, Matthew Farren) and more.

Welcome music from 7pm is performed courtesy of Hawkshead Wind Band.

Tickets from Ambleside TIC.

THE hugely anticipated Kendal Christmas Lights Switch-On is held on Sunday (November 27) and offers a wonderful afternoon of entertainment for children and adults alike. There’s a Christmas market including Made in Cumbria stalls; reindeers to see at Kirkland’s Abbot Hall; parade led by Santa on his sleigh, drawn by the reindeers (4.10pm); carols, music plus hot food stalls. The Lakeland Radio stage will be back and it’s here that the Christmas lights will be illuminated at about 4.45pm. Ho, Ho, Ho!

The SLDC has agreed a flat rate of £1.20 at its pay and display car parks on the day.

Friday to Sunday (November 25-27) Kendal Christmas Craft Market, held at Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal, featuring ceramics, textiles, glass, wooden boxes, jewellery, oil paintings and so much more. Opening times Friday (5.30pm-8.30pm), Sat (10am-5pm) and Sun (noon-5pm).

Admission £1.

Friday to Monday (November 25-28) Dacre Hall Christmas Craft Fair, at Lanercost Priory, Nr Brampton. There’s more than 40 quality sellers showcasing a variety of homemade crafts, from seasonal gifts and food to paintings and jewellery. This fundraising event is in aid of the 13th century Dacre Hall. Open 10am-5.30pm.

Admission 60p.

Sunday (November 27) Christmas Coffee & Crafts, at Rampside Village Hall, Roa Island, Barrow-in-Furness. You can enjoy coffee with homemade cake while you browse the variety of craft stalls, which include cards, gemstone jewellery, bunting, and tree ornaments, knitwear, crafted wooden buttons, personalised door hangers and more. This event is in aid of our Soldiers and the village hall. Open noon-4pm.

Admission free.