There are plenty of great events taking place in the Lake District this November, including Guy Fawkes night, plenty of great Christmas light switch-on events and Christmas markets, as well as an autumn craft fair at Blackwell. Check out everything that's on in the Lake District this November 2023.
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Ghost Vigil at Muncaster Castle
Muncaster Castle are doing another Ghost Vigil after the success of last year’s event on the 4th of November from 6pm. A scientific research team who has been researching the hauntings of Muncaster since 1992 will lead the event and train participants on how to use various technical equipment and research methods overnight in the castle. The cost is £200 and includes an overnight stay at the castle, as well as dinner and breakfast the following morning.
Lakeland Paws: The Grizedale Growl
Lakeland Paws is a canicross running group that meets on the first Sunday of every month. In November, they are meeting at Grizedale on Sunday the 5th of November at 9am. You have the option to either run a 5k or a 10k with or without a dog, though must have the appropriate equipment if you are running with your dog. Please get in touch with the organisers should you have any queries and be sure to sign up in advance. It is £17 for an individual race with savings if you sign up to 6 races.
Bonfire Night in the Lake District
“Remember, remember the 5th of November, gunpowder, treason and plot; for there is a reason why gunpowder and treason should ne'er be forgot.” Bonfire Night lands on a Sunday this year so it’s likely that many events will take place over that weekend on the Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
It proves nearly impossible to know who is hosting what as many smaller bonfires are largely advertised locally, though we have listed some of the bigger celebrations that tend to take place annually and will try to confirm the dates if/when the information becomes available. Please let us know if you would like to list your bonfire event here or if you are able to confirm any of the below details:
- Coniston Sports & Social Centre: Confirmed for Friday, 3rd November, 6pm – More Information
- Carlisle Fireshow: Bitts Park: Confirmed for Saturday, 4th November, 6.30pm – More Information
- Parkfoot Holiday Park: Bonfire Night: Confirmed for Saturday, 4th November, 6pm – More Information
- Derwent Park Stadium: Light Up the Night Fireworks: Confirmed for Sunday, 5th November, 6pm – More Information
- Cockermouth Fireworks: Confirmed for Sunday, 5th November – More Information
- Keswick Bonfire Night: Awaiting official confirmation
- Kendal’s Guy Fawkes Night: Awaiting official confirmation
November Christmas Events: Christmas Light Switch Ons, Visits from Santa & Christmas Markets
Christmas light switch on events, visits from Santa Claus and his reindeer, Christmas markets with mince pies and mulled wine – mid to late November in the Lake District starts to look very much like Christmas. For further events, check out our dedicated pages on Santa’s Grottos and Christmas Markets.
Keswick Christmas Lights
Keswick Christmas Lights is taking place on Friday the 17th of November, beginning with a food and gift market around 10am with live entertainment starting later in the day and the town’s light being ceremoniously switched on at 7pm.
Ambleside Christmas Lights
Ambleside Christmas Lights is taking place on the 18th of November with community stalls for a bit of early Christmas shopping, live music, a family fun zone, and a magical procession with Santa, along with lantern bearers.
Cockermouth Christmas Lights
Cockermouth Christmas Lights is scheduled for the 19th of November and will see the town’s Christmas lights switched on at 5pm, along with entertainment throughout the day, starting at 1pm, including kiddie rides, dancers, market stalls and more.
Christmas in Cartmel
Christmas in Cartmel is taking place on the 24th of November from 11am to 7.30pm and will involve a Christmas market with homemade crafts, live music, and will even have a visit from Santa and his reindeer!
Ulverston Dickensian Festival
The Ulverston Dickensian Festival is taking place on the 25th and 26th of November and will involve live music, street performers, mulled wine, market stalls and a costume parade throughout the historic streets of Ulverston.
Kendal Mountain Festival
Running since 1980, the Kendal Mountain Festival is taking place between 16th and 19th November. It is the ultimate festival for anyone who loves the outdoors. The festival features speakers, films, outdoor activities, competitions, and more.
What Is It That Will Last? Julie Brook in Conversation with Robert Macfarlane
What Is It That Will Last? Julie Brook in Conversation with Robert Macfarlane is taking place at the same time as the Kendal Mountain Festival and will feature a conversation between artist, Julie Brook, and writer, Robert Macfarlane who will be discussing all things art and landscapes. The event is taking place on the 17th of November between 5.30pm and 7.30pm at the Abbot Hall in Kendal. Be sure to purchase your tickets well in advance!
Thanksgiving in the Lake District
Largely for our American visitors coming to the Lake District in November, take a look at our suggestions for a Thanksgiving dinner alternatives in the Lake District. Whilst these pubs and restaurants may not offer a Thanksgiving specific menu, some of the options come pretty darn close, especially if they offer a Cumbrian roast.
If a roast dinner is not on the menu mid-week, most pubs across the United Kingdom offer a roast on a Sunday so you could always plan your Thanksgiving the Sunday before or after Thanksgiving. Check out our article on the The Best Sunday Roasts in the Lake District. As you’re away in the Lake District, you should embrace the Cumbrian way of life!
Woolpack Inn: Wine & Cheese Weekend
The Woolpack Inn in Eskdale is hosting a wine and cheese weekend from the 16th to the 19th of November. There will be over 30 different wines available by the glass, a cheese bar, talks about the wine, as well as live music.
Blackwell Arts Festival
Blackwell Arts Festival is taking place between the 17th and 19th of November from 10am to 4pm each day. This will be at the Blackwell Arts & Crafts House in Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3JT. The craft fair will be the perfect opportunity to buy homemade gifts for your friends and family this Christmas.