Hi folks, we’ve definitely hit Christmastide running since panto season has begun big time. Oh, yes, it has!  Expect loads of seasonal theatrical info until the end of January – yes, it is traditional for some theatre companies to host their shows in the New Year. I’ll be bringing you a gaggle of Winter Markets, a conflux of Carol and Christmas Concerts, as well as other festive events that might just whet your appetite. So … whether you’re feeling Grumpy, Sleepy or just plain bashful, there’s always Happy to keep us entertained!! Enjoy.

EACH year Morecambe's Winter Lantern Festival grows more in popularity with not only local folk but with visitors who have created paper and willow lanterns to join in the procession that gathers as dusk falls. On Wednesday (December 7), the town will be aglow with the light of hundreds of unique lanterns and the music of Baybeat Carnival Band as they wend their luminous way from the West End (6pm) to the square just outside The Hothouse. Next, the lanterns are distributed to create a dazzling display and provide a backdrop for the musicians and street performers who continue to entertain and amuse the audience until 9pm. Details: moremusic.org.uk/

TURIN Brakes is allegedly one of the finest indie bands of the last decade, having sold more than one million records to date. They continue to produce powerful new music as their last album 'Lost Property' stormed into the UK Top 40 album charts on its release earlier this year, and the first single from the album 'Keep Me Around' was A-listed on BBCs Radio 2.

Turin Brakes perform tomorrow (Friday, 8pm) at Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal. Box office 01539-725133.

Tickets: £18 Early Bird; £20 Standard; £22 On The Door.

A FABULOUS opportunity to visit Ravenglass's Muncaster Castle on Saturday (December 3) to witness the owls flying display after dark. Christmas Owls by Moonlight will begin (6pm) in the Stable Yard with a hot drink and supper, and a talk on the work of the Muncaster Hawk & Owl Centre. Next, guests are able to view the owls first hand from the Old Rose Garden flying arena as they glide silently in low light, followed by a move through the illuminated gardens to the Wild Flower Meadow flying arena for the second half of Owls by Moonlight display. If you can't make this Saturday, then two further dates are on offer Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 18. Booking is required - www.muncaster.co.uk/owls-moonlight/

Tickets: Adults £29; children £15 (3-15yrs), places are limited.

SLIP back in time and head for a faraway land of mystery and wonder with Kendal College's Christmas show offering of Arabian Nights. Magical tales of a beautiful princess, a cruel king and a doomed young servant girl is sure to surprise and delight audiences. This madcap retelling of the mysterious Arabian Nights story includes original music and comedy, and takes place tonight and tomorrow (December 1 & 2, 7pm), at the Box Theatre (next to Kendal Museum). Box office 01539-814634.

A FABULOUS Christmas Market awaits you at Yew Tree Bar, Low Newton, near Cartmel, from tomorrow to Sunday (December 2-4, 10am-5pm). More than 40 quality stalls situated in the barn and large, heated marquee, selling crafts, art, jewellery, furniture, ceramics, tweed bags and much more. Also there are artists and craftspeople on hand to personally talk to you about their artwork and products. As well as a real festive feel to the event; roasted chestnuts and mulled wine are a must-consume, as well as delicious food from Harry’s Café Bar and the outside barbecue. Yum!

GRANGE-over-Sands Christmas Lights Switch-On by the town’s Mayor at Yewbarrow Terrace, takes place on Saturday (December 3, 6.30pm). Santa will arrive to meet the children followed by carol singing to the music of Flookburgh Band. Grange’s Christmas tree is a 100ft high Wellingtonia and is one of the tallest living Christmas trees in England.

Also, Grange’s Christmas Extravaganza, taking place earlier in the day, features Santa’s grotto with reindeer, face-painting, balloon sculpture, fairground rides, hog roast, as well as a Charity Christmas Fair (10am-2pm) and a school carol singing competition.

Here’s a few Christmas Fairs:

Friday to Sunday (December 2-4)

Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Market & Fair (10am-6pm), at Market Place.

Saturday (December 3)

Silverdale Christmas Fair (11am-1pm) at Bleasdale School.

Troutbeck Christmas Fair (2pm-4pm) at the Institute.

Windermere Christmas Lights Switch-on with Santa parade and firework finale.

Sunday (December 4)

Askham Hall Christmas Market (11am-4pm)

Keswick Traditional Christmas Fair (10.25am-4pm)

Wednesday (December 7)

Sedbergh Christmas Lights Switch-On and late night shopping (5.30pm-8.30pm)