ShowDayGuide

Christmas Markets in Cumbria 2026

Updated 28 October 2026

5 Christmas markets and fairs in Cumbria are listed for 2026, starting with Holker Winter Market at Holker Hall & Gardens in Cark-in-Cartmel, which opens on Friday 6 November. Holker's three-day market brings local makers and producers, street-food traders, outdoor bars and live music to the grounds. Ulverston's Dickensian Festival turns the town's cobbled streets into a Christmas celebration in costume, with a costume parade each afternoon that anyone can join. Taste Cumbria Christmas closes the year's Taste Cumbria food festivals in Cockermouth, with producers along Main Street, a hot food court in Market Place and a fairground.

Markets in this guide: Ambleside, Beetham, Cark-in-Cartmel, Cockermouth and Ulverston.

Map of the eleven guide regions with North West highlightedA tile map, one square per region: North East, North West, Yorkshire, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South East, South West, Wales, Scotland, London.North EastNorth WestYorkshireEast MidsWest MidsEastSouth EastSouth WestWalesScotlandLondon
Markets listed
5
First to open
Fri 6 Nov
Last to close
Sun 6 Dec
Dogs welcome at
2 of 5

All 5 at a glance

MarketDates 2026TownEntryDogsAccess
Holker Winter MarketFri 6 – Sun 8 NovCark-in-CartmelPaid entryDogs welcome on a leadAccessible parking / blue badge parking
Rydal Hall Christmas Craft FairSat 21 – Sun 22 NovAmblesideFree entryDogs welcome on a lead—
Ulverston Dickensian FestivalSat 28 – Sun 29 NovUlverston——Accessible parking / blue badge parking
Beetham Nurseries Christmas MarketThu 3 – Sun 6 DecBeetham——Accessible toilets
Taste Cumbria ChristmasSat 5 – Sun 6 DecCockermouthFree entry——

A dash means the market has not said. Ordered by opening date.

The markets

Questions about Christmas markets in Cumbria

When do Christmas markets start in Cumbria?

Cumbria's season begins with Holker Winter Market, open from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 November 2026, 10am to 4.30pm each day. The Ulverston Dickensian Festival follows on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November. Taste Cumbria Christmas fills Cockermouth on 5 and 6 December, a Saturday and Sunday. Each card shows the dates.

Are dogs allowed at Christmas markets in Cumbria?

At Holker Winter Market, yes: dogs that behave well are welcome on a lead around the market and in the gardens, though not in the Hall. The Ulverston Dickensian Festival and Taste Cumbria Christmas have not published a dog rule, so ask them before you go.

Are Christmas markets in Cumbria free?

The Ulverston and Cockermouth events are mostly free, and Holker is ticketed. Ulverston's festival says nearly all its entertainment costs nothing, and at Taste Cumbria Christmas you pay only for the fairground rides and a small number of ticketed events. Holker Winter Market sells a ticket for each day, booked online; children under 12 go free but must be booked with an adult.

Is there parking at Christmas markets in Cumbria?

Yes, though each market's arrangements differ. At Holker you park on uneven ground, often a walk of 5 to 10 minutes from the stalls, and Blue Badge spaces are limited. In Ulverston, the town centre car parks stay open except Theatre Street, which becomes the festival food court, and the Park & Ride is at Ulverston Auction Mart. In Cockermouth, roadside parking needs a timing disc, which local businesses supply.

Can I join the Dickensian costume parade in Ulverston?

Yes. Ulverston's parade leaves County Square at 3pm on both days, led by the Town Mayor and marching bands, and anyone in costume can join without registering. There are prizes for categories that include best Dickensian character, best whiskers and the most imaginative bonnet.

More Christmas markets nearby

All Christmas markets in the North WestChristmas markets in CheshireChristmas markets in Lancashire

Every market is listed from the details its organisers and venues publish.