Windermere Christmas
It is indeed beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The start of advent brings many things; mulled wine, gingerbread, baubles, Santa & of course, many a Christmas market.
Christmas markets
Christmas markets originated in Germany to celebrate the start of advent. Since then the western world has adapted this tradition and in fact, adopted it in their own right. The larger city’s can put on a regal show of French crepe’s, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts & German handcrafted but it’s the lake District that really keep it local, authentic and romantic.
The Dickensian era in Ulverston
Taking you back in time to the Dickensian era is Ulverston. Over the weekend of November 26th & 27th the clocks are turned back and local towns-people dress up in Dickensian style attire, pull out the horse drawn carriages and bring back the Almond cake for David Copperfield and Steerforth (definitely a book to be on the Christmas list). Ulverston’s Dickensian Christmas Festival (https://www.dickensianfestival.co.uk/) is completely free and in addition to the above, there will be singers, magicians, fire eaters, jugglers, stilt walkers among many more. You might even get to meet good old Father Christmas before he moves on to Windermere over the weekend of 10th & 11th December.
Windermere Christmas celebration
Windermere Christmas celebration (http://windermerechristmas.co.uk) brings you live music, on-street entertainment, local food & produce, festive crafts & gifts and Taylor’s Fun Fair. Remember to bring a bag even if you don’t plan on buying anything…..I promise there is something for every member of the family, even that uncle twice removed. What’s on offer here will leave you feeling all jolly and warm inside.
Cartmel
If you’re a lover of your desserts then head south to Cartmel where the famous Cartmel sticky toffee pudding is jazzed up with a little Christmas. Almost as famous as the pudding, is the Christmas market. Food galore!!! What better time to sample Cumberland sausage from the ’Olde-Worlde’ streets of Cartmel than during the festive period. Washed down by a steaming glass of spiced mulled wine and not forgetting the pudding bought earlier to finish this trip off.
The largest city in England… By area of population
If you still fancy the city feel on a Christmas market then head as north as England allows, to the largest city in England…….by area of population. The Christmas market in Carlisle runs from December 2nd to December 11th. With over 40 Alpine style chalets and features both local and visiting traders – giving you a real mix of culture. Traditional bratwursts, Swiss cheeses and hot gluhwein are teasing the senses as you wander through the endless stalls.
Don’t forget your umbrella, wherever you choose, as it’s almost guaranteed to rain in Cumbria.