Carlisle Christmas Markets 2025: Dates, Festive Schedule, and Trader Information Announced

Cumberland Council has officially confirmed that Carlisle city centre will host three Christmas-themed markets this festive season, marking a key highlight in the city’s post-regeneration celebrations. The events will run on Saturday, November 29, Saturday, December 6, and Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 10 AM to 5 PM, across the newly upgraded Greenmarket and Market Square.

The announcement aims to celebrate Carlisle’s revitalised city centre and boost local trade during the busy holiday period. Details were confirmed by Cumberland Council and first reported through Yahoo News UK and local partner Love Carlisle on October 23, 2025.

According to the council, each market will combine festive shopping, food, and entertainment, creating a vibrant winter atmosphere for residents and visitors.

Festive Saturdays to Transform Carlisle City Centre

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The three Christmas markets will be held across consecutive Saturdays, forming the centrepiece of Cumberland Council’s wider Christmas in Carlisle programme. Each event will run alongside the city’s Friday weekly market, turning the historic Greenmarket and Market Square into a bustling hub of seasonal celebration.

A Cumberland Council spokesperson said the events will be “packed with Christmas cheer,” featuring live entertainment, a festive bar, and unique local gifts from independent traders.

“Each market is designed to bring people together while supporting local businesses and creatives,” the spokesperson added. “We want visitors to experience the best of Carlisle’s community spirit and craftsmanship in a festive setting.”

What Visitors Can Expect

Visitors attending the Carlisle Christmas Markets 2025 can look forward to a rich mix of festive experiences and family activities. Highlights include:

• Seasonal food and produce from Cumbrian traders and street vendors.

• Handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and homeware from local artisans.

• Live music, carol performances, and street entertainment.

• Children’s rides and family-friendly attractions.

• A dedicated festive bar offering mulled wine, hot chocolate, and winter ales.

Each market will also feature themed decor and light displays, ensuring Carlisle’s historic city centre is illuminated in holiday style.

Linked Events in Carlisle’s Festive Calendar

The Christmas markets are part of a wider programme of Cumberland Council festive events aimed at attracting visitors throughout the winter season.

Among the highlights:

• Carlisle Christmas Lights Switch-On on Sunday, November 16, 2025, featuring Amelle from the Sugababes and celebrity host Lewis Fuller.

• Taste Cumbria Market on November 1–2, 2025, showcasing the best local food and drink producers.

• Teenage Market on October 11, 2025, giving young entrepreneurs the opportunity to trade and share their creativity.

This extended calendar is designed to maintain momentum in the city centre from October through December, supporting businesses and increasing footfall in the lead-up to Christmas.

Supporting Local Businesses and the City’s Regeneration

The three Christmas markets are part of Cumberland Council’s broader initiative to revive Carlisle’s city centre economy following recent redevelopment works in Greenmarket, Market Square, and surrounding areas.

The council hopes the events will build on the success of previous years. In 2024, Carlisle’s festive season attracted thousands of visitors and generated significant local spending. With upgraded pedestrian zones and public spaces, 2025’s edition is expected to draw even larger crowds.

A council official said the markets play “a key role in showcasing Carlisle’s new look and ensuring local shops, cafés, and businesses benefit from the city’s regeneration efforts.”

Call for Traders and Local Participation

Cumberland Council is inviting stallholders and small traders to apply for spaces at the 2025 markets. Applications are open but limited due to high demand.

Interested businesses can contact Phil.Byers@cumberland.gov.uk to register their interest. Priority will be given to local makers, food producers, and artisan traders, ensuring Carlisle’s markets maintain their regional authenticity.

Officials encourage early applications to secure spaces for what is expected to be one of Cumbria’s busiest seasonal events.

Plan Your Visit

The markets will take place in Carlisle city centre, a short five-minute walk from Carlisle Railway Station. Parking is available at nearby car parks, and park-and-ride services are expected to operate from The Sands Centre during peak weekends.

The event areas are wheelchair accessible and include family facilities for visitors with young children. Entry to all markets is free of charge.

Visitors are advised to arrive early to enjoy live performances and to explore the surrounding cafés, restaurants, and shops in the city centre.

Looking Ahead: A Festive Boost for Carlisle

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The combination of Carlisle Christmas Markets 2025, the Christmas Lights Switch-On, and other Cumberland Council festive events represents a major step in the city’s efforts to strengthen its local economy and tourism appeal.

These initiatives highlight Carlisle’s growing status as one of Cumbria’s most festive destinations, blending community tradition with modern celebration.

Visitors can find full event line-ups, accessibility updates, and performance schedules on Discover Carlisle and the Cumberland Council official websites.

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Disclaimer

All Carlisle Christmas Market 2025 and Cumberland Council festive event information is provided by Cumberland Council, Discover Carlisle, and associated event organisers. Details, timings, and participants are subject to change.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. When are the Carlisle Christmas Markets 2025 taking place?

The Carlisle Christmas Markets 2025 will be held on three Saturdays — November 29, December 6, and December 13, 2025. Each event runs from 10 AM to 5 PM in Carlisle city centre’s Greenmarket and Market Square.

2. Where will the Carlisle Christmas Markets be located?

The markets will take place across Carlisle city centre, mainly around the Greenmarket and Market Square areas. These recently refurbished spaces will host stalls, food vendors, and entertainment throughout the festive season.

3. Who is organising the Carlisle Christmas Markets 2025?

The markets are organised by Cumberland Council, in partnership with Discover Carlisle and local business representatives. The initiative is part of the council’s plan to support local markets in Cumbria and boost Carlisle’s post-regeneration economy.

4. What can visitors expect at the Carlisle Christmas Markets 2025?

Visitors can enjoy festive food and drink, handmade gifts, craft stalls, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. There will also be a festive bar serving mulled wine and local seasonal treats, along with performances from community choirs and local artists.

5. How can local traders apply for a stall at the Carlisle Christmas Markets?

Local traders and small businesses can apply for a stall by contacting Phil.Byers@cumberland.gov.uk at Cumberland Council. Spaces are limited, so early registration is recommended due to high demand from regional artisans and food producers.

6. Is there an entry fee for the Carlisle Christmas Markets?

No. Entry to all Carlisle Christmas Markets 2025 events is free. Visitors can explore stalls, enjoy live entertainment, and participate in family activities without any admission cost.

7. Are the Carlisle Christmas Markets 2025 family-friendly?

Yes. Each market will include children’s rides, family entertainment, and safe pedestrian zones. The event is fully wheelchair-accessible and includes facilities suitable for families visiting with young children.

8. What other Christmas events are happening in Carlisle in 2025?

In addition to the markets, the city will host several Cumberland Council festive events, including the Carlisle Christmas Lights Switch-On on November 16, 2025, featuring Amelle from the Sugababes and host Lewis Fuller. Other events include the Taste Cumbria Market (November 1–2) and the Teenage Market (October 11).

9. Where can visitors find more information or updates about the event?

For the latest updates, performance schedules, and accessibility information, visitors can check Discover Carlisle and the Cumberland Council official websites. Updates are typically published in the weeks leading up to each event.

10. How will the Carlisle Christmas Markets benefit local businesses?

The markets aim to increase city centre footfall, support small traders, and boost local spending during the festive season. Cumberland Council’s regeneration efforts have revitalised Greenmarket and Market Square, making Carlisle one of Cumbria’s top Christmas destinations in 2025.