"Remember, remember!
The fifth of November,
The Gunpowder treason and plot;
I know of no reason
Why the Gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot!"
There are plenty of great events taking place in the Lake District this November with Bonfire Night taking place on and around the fifth, as well as all the Christmas light switch-ons.
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Kendal Mountain Festival
The Kendal Mountain Festival includes 200 live sessions including 300+ speakers, 150+ films, and 60+ activities. Activities include trail runs, hikes, cold water swims, forest activities, bushcraft workshops, family walks, outdoor cooking masterclasses, wild drawing workshops, and more. It's the perfect festival for the outdoor and sports enthusiast.
- Date: 19 November to Sun 22 November 2026
- Location: Various venues across Kendal
- Website: https://www.kendalmountainfestival.com
Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night is celebrated to commemorate the failure of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament and King James I. Bonfire night typically entails a big bonfire with food, drinks and entertainment, including a fireworks show at the end of the night. Dates will be released later in 2026, however, here are a few of the venues who participated in 2025:
- Hayes Garden World, Ambleside: 1 November 2025 from 6pm to 9pm
- Windermere Rugby Club: 1 November 2025 from 5.30pm to 11pm
- The Recreation Ground in Hawkshead: 1 November 2025 from 5pm to 10pm
- Low Wood Bay: 5 November 2025 at 7.30pm (fireworks display only)
Christmas Light Switch-On Events
November brings the start of Christmas celebrations with Christmas light switch-on events and other festive celebrations taking place in mid to late November to kick start the festive season.
| Christmas Event | Where | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Ambleside Christmas Lights | Ambleside, LA22 | 21 Nov |
| Barrow Christmas Lights | Carlisle, CA3 | TBC |
| Carlisle Christmas Lights Switch On | Carlisle, CA3 | TBC |
| Keswick Christmas Lights | Keswick, CA12 | TBC |
| Penrith Christmas Sparkle - Lights Switch on Event | Penrith, CA11 | TBC |
| Coniston Christmas Lights | Coniston, LA21 | TBC |
| Cockermouth Christmas Lights | Cockermouth, CA13 | TBC |
| Ulverston Dickensian Festival | Ulverston, LA12 | TBC |
Previous Events
Woolpack Wine & Cheese Weekend
Perfect for a cold autumnal day, the Woolpack Inn is throwing a Wine & Cheese weekend with over 30 wines available by the class. There will also be a cheese bar, wine chat, and live music.
- Date: 21 November to 23 November 2025
- Location: Woolpack Inn, CA19 1TH
- Website: https://woolpack.co.uk/events
Christmas Lunches at Dalemain
Enjoy a festive three-course menu at the Old Hall in Dalemain mansion, which will be decked for Christmas. Be sure to check out the shop when you're finished for last minute marmalade presents, Christmas hampers, and other gifts.
- Date: 23 November to 17 December 2025 from 12pm to 3pm
- Location: Dalemain Mansion, Penrith, CA11 0HB
- Website: https://www.dalemain.com/events/christmas-lunches