About Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Market
Wintertime is a magical season to visit Cumbria. The mountains are decorated with snow and ice, the light moody and atmospheric. That satisfying joy a warm space brings after a cold adventure is pure bliss. Cumbria and the Lake District are the perfect place to explore Christmas markets, soak up the festive cheer and cosy up in a warm pub after chilly rambles.
With fewer visitors at this time of year, Lake District Christmas breaks are an excellent opportunity to stock up on unique gifts, enjoy the peaceful countryside in solitude, and sample hearty food that warms the soul.
And there’s no better place to enjoy winter than Kirkby Lonsdale, especially if you visit during the first weekend of December. Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Market is an enchanting festival of food, sparkle, crafts, shopping and entertainment.
We bring you the lowdown – what’s happening, when, why this event is unmissable and other Christmas fairs in Cumbria that should be on your calendar this year.
Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair 2025
Friday 5th, Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December
Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
During the first weekend of December, each year Kirkby Lonsdale transforms into a magical winter wonderland. Within the town centre a village of chalets pops up that house vendors boasting wares of all shapes and sizes. These wooden stalls transform Kirkby into an alpine paradise bursting with goodies. Find festive food and drink stalls, gift shops, craft shops and trinket troves all nestled within the cobbled streets of this gem of a town.
In addition to outdoor stalls, there’s an indoor market, two pop-up cafés, a schedule of family-friendly activities, and plenty of festive entertainment.
Local shops and eateries welcome visitors to the town with delicious food and drink, unique independent shopping opportunities and lots of festive cheer too.
Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas market offers a memorable weekend experience, and is a perfect way to start December.
Where to Find Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair
The Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair takes place across the whole market town. The outdoor market is set up in Market Square, just off Market Street and Main Street. The event opens with the Christmas light switch-on celebration and lantern parade on Friday 5th December from 5.30pm.
There’s an indoor market in Lunesdale Hall on the corner of Bective Road and New Road, approximately 150m away from the outdoor Christmas market. Open across both Saturday and Sunday, the indoor market will offer warmth and shelter as well as stalls, food and drink.
At the top of Radical Steps from the River Lune, overlooking Ruskin’s View, is St. Mary’s Church. Here you’ll find Christmas crafts, Santa’s Grotto, puppet shows, story trails and Christmas carols at intervals across the weekend.
The hall at Kirkby Lonsdale Methodist Church will host a pop-up festive café offering tempting treats and hot drinks for revellers, and there’ll be another at Lunesdale Hall, less than 200m around the corner.
Events at Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Market
Kicking off on Friday evening with a lantern parade through the town and a ceremonial switching on of the Christmas lights, this festive extravaganza will continue through the weekend.
Below we’ve listed the full schedule of events to help plan your Christmas market Kirkby Lonsdale visit.
| Friday 5th December | |||
| Time | Event / Location | Details | Time |
| 4 pm – 7 pm | Christmas Chalet Village – Market Square | Opening of chalet stalls | 4 pm – 7 pm |
| 5:30 pm | Lantern Parade – sets off from St Mary’s Church | Family lantern walk through the town | 5:30 pm |
| 6 pm | Christmas Lights Switch On – Market Square | With Father Christmas | 6 pm |
| Saturday 6th December | |||
| Time | Event / Location | Details | Time |
| 10 am – 7 pm | Christmas Chalet Village – Market Square | Main outdoor market | 10 am – 7 pm |
| 10 am – 5 pm | Indoor Market – Lunesdale Hall | Local crafts & gifts | 10 am – 5 pm |
| 10 am – 5 pm | Santa’s Market – St Mary’s Church | Stalls & activities | 10 am – 5 pm |
| 10 am – 4 pm | Christmas Cafés – Methodist Hall & Lunesdale Hall | Hot drinks & treats | 10 am – 4 pm |
| 10 am – 5 pm | Christmas Café – St Mary’s Church | Refreshments | 10 am – 5 pm |
| 10 am & 3 pm | Penguins Puppet Show – inflatable igloo, St Mary’s Church | Family-friendly performance | 10 am & 3 pm |
| 10 am – 4 pm | Unwrapping Advent – St Mary’s Church | Activities for all ages | 10 am – 4 pm |
| Sunday 7th December | |||
| Time | Event / Location | Details | Time |
| 10 am – 4 pm | Christmas Chalet Village – Market Square | Final day of stalls | 10 am – 4 pm |
| 10 am – 4 pm | Indoor Market – Lunesdale Hall | Local producers & crafts | 10 am – 4 pm |
| 10 am – 4 pm | Santa’s Market – St Mary’s Church | Family shopping & fun | 10 am – 4 pm |
| 10 am – 4 pm | Christmas Cafés – Methodist Hall & Lunesdale Hall | Coffee & cake stalls | 10 am – 4 pm |
| 1 pm – 4 pm | Christmas Café – Methodist Hall | Extra afternoon session | 1 pm – 4 pm |
| 10 am – 4 pm | Santa’s Grotto – St Mary’s Church | Open all day | 10 am – 4 pm |
| 1 pm | Children’s Christmas Story Trail – St Mary’s Church | Story walk for families | 1 pm |
| 6 pm | Choir: Christmas Carols for All – St Mary’s Church | Festive sing-along to close the weekend | 6 pm |
Parking for Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair
During the Christmas event weekend, free parking is available at Queen Elizabeth School and QE Studio, situated opposite each other on Biggins Road, Kirkby Lonsdale. From here it is a short walk into town.
Additional parking can be found at Booths Supermarket on the edge of town and at Wellington Court. These will both be free to use from 8am on Friday 5th December until 12am on Sunday 7th December.
There are other car parks in Kirkby Lonsdale that will operate during the event at normal rates.
Make a Weekend of It
The best way to enjoy all Kirkby Lonsdale has to offer is to enjoy a Lake District Christmas break here. With a wide choice of hotels, bed and breakfasts and holiday cottages, staying in Kirkby Lonsdale means you have priority access to all the festive entertainment of this fantastic weekend extravaganza.
Staying longer in this beautiful market town allows you to explore outside of Kirkby Lonsdale. With the Yorkshire Dales, the Forest of Bowland National Landscape AND the Lake District right on your doorstep, there are plenty of places close by to walk, cycle, swim and relax.
[Read our blog about the best walks near Kirkby Lonsdale for inspiration,or alternatively, book a holiday cottage with a hot tub and hibernate in your home away from home instead!]
Where to Eat in Kirkby Lonsdale
No visit to KL is complete without sampling the sumptuous dishes Number Nine Kirkby Lonsdale has to offer. Our intimate restaurant is perfectly proportioned to provide an unrivalled dining experience. Think excellent service, a cosy atmosphere and personal recommendations – the little touches make Number Nine stand out.
Our seasonal menu makes the most of local ingredients and fresh produce, which when paired with complimentary wines, showcase the best Cumbria has to offer. Read more about how to pair wine with food in our handy guide.
Finish a day of shopping, crafting and exploring this December with a hot homemade feast at Number Nine – an ideal end to a magical visit to Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas market.
Other Christmas Markets in Cumbria
With so many Christmas fairs in Cumbria this December, if Kirkby Lonsdale whets your appetite for more festive cheer, check out what else is on locally this season.
Hawkshead Christmas Fair 2025
Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December
Hawkshead, Cumbria
See the village of Hawkshead transformed in winter for their annual Christmas fair. You’ll find live music, festival stalls, seasonal entertainment, and lots of food and drink at this Cumbrian Christmas market.
Holker’s Christmas Grotto 2025
Saturday 13th, Sunday 14th, Saturday 20th, Sunday 21st and Monday 22nd December 2025
Holker Hall and Gardens, Cark, near Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria
Holker Hall invites you to meet Father Christmas and the elves at their Christmas Grotto this December. Alongside festive food and drink, children will get to meet Santa, receive a gift, and take part in craft workshops and a treasure hunt. Tickets must be booked in advance.
Beetham Nurseries Christmas Market Weekend 2025
Thursday 4th, Friday 5th, Saturday 6th, Sunday 7th December 2025
Beetham, near Milnthorpe, Cumbria
Visit an alpine-inspired pop up village at Beetham Nurseries. There will be live music, shopping, naughty elves and festive workshops to enjoy. Stock up on decorations, gifts and homeware here, for yourself or others!
Winter at Sizergh Castle 2025
From 21st November to 24th December
Sizergh, near Kendal, Cumbria
Discover the grounds of Sizergh Castle lit up this winter with an impressive festive sound and light display. See the house festooned with Christmas decorations and take part in festive activities too.
Muncaster Christmas Festival 2025
Saturday 6th, Sunday 7th, Saturday 13th, Sunday 14th, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st
Ravenglass, Cumbria
Something is always afoot at Muncaster Castle! This Christmas visit Santa’s Grotto, buy festive gifts and enjoy the many activities Muncaster has to offer.
Keswick Victorian Fayre 2025
Sunday 7th December
Keswick, Cumbria
Step back in time to the Victorian-inspired Keswick Christmas Market. Lining the streets of Market Place and Packhorse Court, there’ll be a funfair, entertainment, music, dancers and over 30 stalls offering gorgeous treats, gifts and games.
Taste Cumbria Christmas Food Festival 2025
Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December
Cockermouth, Cumbria
The final in a series of annual food festivals, the Taste Cumbria Christmas edition will be jam-packed with delicious food and drink to try and buy. You’ll also be able to listen to live music, watch cookery demonstrations and enjoy fairground rides.
Carlisle Christmas Market 2025
Saturday 29th November, Saturday 6th December and Saturday 13th December
Carlisle Town Centre, Cumbria
In addition to a regular Friday market in Carlisle, Cumberland Council has announced there will be three festive markets on the line-up this year. Carlisle town centre will be packed with live entertainment, a festive bar and fairground rides, as well as craft, gift, food and drink stalls.
This list is not exhaustive and there will be all sorts of other local events, parades, Christmas lights and Lake District Christmas markets taking place this year. Check online for the most up-to-date information, times and access information.
Christmas in Kirkby Lonsdale
For Christmas markets, Cumbria is THE place to visit this festive season.
We may be biased, but we believe the annual Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas market is the absolute best way to spread festive cheer this Christmas.
Stay awhile to make the most of this sensational seasonal fair and don’t forget to book a table for dinner! We can’t wait to welcome you at Number Nine soon.
