Great things to do this festive season

October 18, 2019 - February 1, 2020

This exhibition at Kendal’s Abbot Hall Art Gallery features masterpieces from the renowned Fleming collection of Scottish art. The Scottish Colourists were a group of four painters whose post-Impressionist work had far-reaching influence on contemporary British art and culture. This is believed to be the first ever exhibition showing the Colourists alongside those artists influenced by them in a display of 47 works. Admission charge. www.abbothall.org.uk

Brantwood Winter Craft Fair

Saturday, November 9 - Sunday, November 10

Brantwood’s historic rooms are transformed where visitors can meet crafts people selling and demonstrating the best skills from Cumbria and the North West. Over 40 stalls will be situated throughout John Ruskin’s former home including jewellery, textiles, pottery, woodwork, original artworks, prints and cards, baskets, bowls, pots, felted birds and animals as well as homemade cakes and preserves. Craft demonstrations include swill-basket making, spinning, and raku-fired pottery. The Terrace Coffee House and Restaurant will be serving seasonal fair. Doors open at 10.30am, closing at 5pm on the Saturday and at 4pm on the Sunday. The special entry price is £2.50 per adult and free admission for children. www.brantwood.org.uk

Kendal's Christmas 2019 lights switch-on

Saturday, November 16

The Market Place tree, town lights and Kendal Town Hall facade light show will be illuminated as darkness falls, at 4.45pm, with the mayor, town crier, a choir and Father Christmas in attendance.

Blackwell Autumn Craft Fair

Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17, 10.00am – 4.00pm

Discover fine contemporary crafts displayed throughout an impressive Arts & Crafts movement house situated near Bowness. This popular festive fair showcases some local and fabulous makers displaying their wider range of superior quality craft pieces and gifts. Peruse the stalls scattered around the house and in the gift shop. Entry included in house admission, Adult: £5. www.blackwell.org.uk

Idlewild

Tuesday, November 19, Doors 7.30pm

Formed in 1995 and famously described in their early days by the NME as sounding like ‘a flight of stairs falling down a flight of stairs’, Idlewild’s marriage of punk rock, poetry and Highland spirit saw them grow from a raucous cult curiosity into chart-bothering national treasures. Growing more mature and masterful with melody they dropped six acclaimed albums and two compilations before deciding to take a break in 2010. The bind of their creative relationship brought them back together for 2015’s ‘Everything Ever Written’. With it came critical praise, an album in the top 20 and successful tours of the UK, Japan and America. Kendal Brewery Arts Centre’s Malt Room standing. Tickets £20.50 OTD £22.50. www.breweryarts.co.uk

Ulverston Day Services’ Grand Christmas Fair

Monday, November 18, 11am – 4pm

Join Ulverston Day Services for their Grand Christmas Fair held in Ulverston Coronation Hall. There will be many local craft stalls with beautiful handmade unique gifts, ready for that special present and performances from The Makaton Choir. One of the aims is to promote the work of Ulverston Day Services Team and other local community groups and projects. Refreshments, cakes and raffle. Free Entry. corohall.co.uk

Breaking Tradition: The Lock in ‘Christmas Carol’

Friday, November 22, 8pm

Kendal’s Brewery Arts Centre plays host to half gig, half dance show and half panto! Join the BBC Award Winning team of musicians and dancers for a festive evening of live music, song and dance featuring ‘folk powerhouse’ The Demon Barbers; artists from Breaking Tradition Dance Company; and a new seasonal repertoire.

It’s Christmas Eve and the regulars of The Olde Fighting Cocks are excited about the night ahead, it’s going to be the Folk & Hip Hop dance party of the year! To their dismay the landlady, Jasmineezer Scrooge, has more profitable ambitions and is preparing to launch her new business, the ‘Oompah Techno Bar’! Cheap alco-pops, luminous lighting and mind-numbing bass beats are all in danger of alienating the local community and ruining Christmas! Fortunately, some insightful souls are at hand to lead her back to her senses. Tickets £15.50, U25 & Unwaged £13.50. www.breweryarts.co.uk

Craft Market Kendal

Friday, November 22, 5.30pm – 8.30pm, Saturday, November 23, 10am – 5pm, Sunday, November 24, 12 noon – 5pm

This annual showcase of everything that is outstanding about Cumbrian art and craft will run over three days providing the opportunity to buy high-quality Christmas gifts at affordable prices for those special people. Exhibitors are all hand-picked for their levels of excellence in their own particular medium or craft. Held in the Malt Room at Kendal’s Brewery Arts Centre. Admission: £2. www.breweryarts.co.uk

The Lowther Christmas Fair

Friday, November 22, Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24

More than 5,000 visitors attended the first Lowther Christmas fair last year and many were impressed by the carefully curated the balance of producers showing their wares with not too many in the same category. This year the range of gifts, food and local produce on offer continues to be high quality and beyond what’s on offer on the high street. Live music and street food vans will add to the atmosphere of the event held in the Courtyard at Lowther Castle. The Gift Shop also sells Lowther branded products, jewellery, hats, scarfs, books and presents large and small that you might not find elsewhere. www.lowthercastle.org

Ulverston Dickensian Festival

Saturday, November 23 - Sunday, November 24

Thousands of people flock to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of a traditional market town in the Dickensian era. Ulverston puts on a tremendous annual show marking the start of the Christmas season and bringing magic to both young and old.

This historic market town with its cobbled streets is full of fantastic independent shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes, and the Dickensian Festival boasts a huge variety of free entertainment, music and dancing, fabulous Christmas market stalls with lots of unique gifts, festive food and tempting treats. Ride the Victorian Helter Skelter, take in the smell of roasting chestnuts and mulled wine, and listen to the Brass Bands bringing Christmas cheer to all. If you really want to get into the spirit of the festival, come in costume and take part in the grand parade around the town.www.dickensianfestival.co.uk

Antiques Fair at the Coro

Sunday, November 24, Opens 9am

Ulverston’s Coronation Hall plays host to an antiques fair. Browse the wares of many traders, as part of the Dickensian Festival celebrations. Peruse the stalls of pottery, books and jewellery, collectibles and bric-a-brac. Enjoy a brew and cake and at just 50p entry you never know what treasures you may find. corohall.co.uk

Blazin’ Fiddles

Thursday, November 28, 8pm

Furness Tradition proudly presents the return of Blazin’ Fiddles to Ulverston’s Coronation Hall. Take a group of the hottest contemporary fiddle players from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, mix with some wonderfully sympathetic piano and guitar arrangements and you’ve got the award winning Blazin’ Fiddles on your hands! In the past decade no other band has quite captured Scottish fiddle music’s variety, energy and sensitivity like Blazin’ Fiddles have. Fiddlers Jenna Reid, Bruce MacGregor, Rua Macmillan and Kristan Harvey are joined by Anna Massie on guitar/fiddle and Angus Lyon on piano to deliver a musically intoxicating evening for all. Tickets: £18 from Box Office: 01229 587140. corohall.co.uk

Keswick Victorian Fayre 2019

Sunday, December 1, 10.30am – 4pm

Visit Keswick and enjoy free live entertainment on stage in the Market Place and Packhorse Court, including bands, choirs, Morris Dancers and more. Attractions include a Children’s Funfair and more than 30 charity stalls selling a selection of Christmas home-made crafts, produce, festive food and drink. The Fayre offers the opportunity for local charities and good causes to raise money and their profile. www.keswick.org/whats-on/festivals

Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair Weekend

Friday, December 6 - Sunday, December 8

The Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair is now a well-established festive fixture not to be missed. The three day event once again features outdoor and indoor markets, as well as festive entertainment the whole weekend. The outdoor Chalet Village market is open each day, Friday: 4pm – 8pm, Saturday: 10am – 7pm and Sunday: 10am – 5pm. The indoor market is held in Lunesdale Hall on Saturday and Sunday between 10am and 5pm. Festive entertainment and Christmas cheer will be provided throughout the weekend all over town as local retailers and hostelries all get in the spirit of the season. www.kirkbylonsdale.co.uk

Yew Tree Barn Christmas Market

Friday, December 6 - Sunday, December 8

This popular annual event attracts lovers of art, craft and fine gifts from across the county. The huge barn is transformed and a heated marquee added to accommodate more than 40 stall holders selling everything from jewellery to locally produced beers and spirits. Each of the makers are selected for the quality of their crafts with many working in the Lakes and Dales. Yew Tree Barn at Low Newton also offers two floors of antiques, architectural salvage and collectibles. The resident blacksmith, John Law, creates decorative pieces for the home, such as horse shoe hearts. With roast chestnuts, mulled drinks and food, there’s plenty to get visitors in the festive mood. yewtreebarn.co.uk

Hawkshead Christmas Fair

Saturday, December 7 - Sunday, December 8

With more than 80 craft and gift stalls and lots of delicious food and drink stalls to sample the delights, the village will be bustling all weekend long with festive music and vibrant street entertainers. The village is decorated with Christmas lights and a fabulous Christmas tree adding to the festive atmosphere. Children will delight in meeting Father Christmas or enjoy the fairground rides. https://www.facebook.com/hawksheadchristmasfair

Taste Cumbria: Cockermouth Christmas Market

Saturday, December 7 - Sunday, December 8, 10am-4pm

There’s no need to head out of the county to a Christmas market – this festive Taste Cumbria extravaganza in Cockermouth is the perfect place to shop, eat, drink and be merry. There’s a bumper producers’ market on Main Street, with dozens of traders selling the very best local fare. Enjoy everything from meat and cheese, to beer and spirits, as well as gifts and pretty things for the Christmas table. Warm up with a mug of mulled wine or freshly-brewed coffee, tuck in to some tasty hot snacks and meals from the hot food court, or head to one of Cockermouth’s many cafes, pubs and restaurants for some sustenance. This town is the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping too, with its huge variety of independent businesses.

www.tastecumbria.com

Askham Hall Christmas Market

Sunday, December 8, 11am - 5pm

Offering more than 40 hand-picked stalls selling seasonal gifts and decorations and food and drink gifts, this popular market is held against the backdrop of stunning Askham Hall near Penrith. Live festive music will be provided by Pentith Town Band and there will be a competition to find the best children’s Christmas jumper. Father Christmas will be welcoming young visitors in his magical Christmas grotto. Admission: £4 (includes free strip of raffle tickets)., under 16s free. www.askhamhall.co.uk

The Legend of the Jazz Penguin

Tuesday, December 10 – Sunday, December 29

Theatre by the Lake in Keswick welcomes Goblin Theatre’s production set in the North Pole Jazz Lounge, a magical place with a very special guest. Discover how the Penguin found the Jazz on an adventure around the world meeting a variety of different musical animals, from dancing eggs to a drumming Octopus. Expect tooting, trumpeting and bopping in this hilarious and Christmassy celebration of music. The Legend of the Jazz Penguin features original music, brilliant puppetry and lots of fun interaction that will have children jumping for joy. Suitable for ages 2+. Adult: £8, Family ticket: £28. www.theatrebythelake.com

Carols at the Coro

Saturday, December 14, 2pm

Join Ulverston Town Council and other guests to enjoy a matinee performance of Carols at the Coro. Performing this year are UVHS Big Band, Ulverston Town Band and more performances still to be announced. The retiring collection will go to the Ulverston Mayor’s Charities which included many great charities and community groups in the town. Free Event but still ticketed – please collect your Free ticket from the Coronation Hall Box Office in Ulverston.corohall.co.uk

Keswick’s Own Christmas Proms

Sunday, December 15

Regular supporters of the Christmas concert at Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake will be eagerly looking forward to this festive treat of music and carols, with a sprinkling of humour added. The popular professional singers Graeme Danby and Valerie Reid top the bill, alongside the highly talented and award winning NASUWT Riverside Band. The brilliant and entertaining St Herbert’s Primary School Choir complete the line-up. With a rousing Last Night of the Proms finale, there’s nothing better to set you off in true Christmas spirit. Ticket prices vary. www.theatrebythelake.com

Windermere Christmas Celebration

Saturday, December 14, 10am to 6pm and Sunday, December 15, 10am to 4pm

Windermere Christmas Celebration (formerly known as Windermere Christmas Market) is an exciting family friendly event on the streets of Windermere each Winter. Put together by Windermere Information Centre, Councillor Ben Berry and Mountain Goat this fun filled event includes an ice rink which will be open for skaters of all levels to enjoy on the opening night, Friday, December 13, as well as being open all day on both Saturday and Sunday. It is the first time an ice rink will be at the event which is held in early December, it will take centre stage among rows of holiday-themed stands, selling locally made craft goods, food and even mulled wine. To book a slot on the ice rink head to the Windermere Christmas Celebration website. Prices start from £8.50 for a child and are £12.95 for an adult, there is also an added option to include a Santa’s Grotto ticket for a child at a discounted price of £4.00 when purchasing an ice rink ticket. windermerechristmas.co.uk