IT'S beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and soon Cumbria will have the decorations and lights to match.

Here's our guide to the county's big switch-ons and Christmas events taking place over the next few weeks.

Ambleside

With Father Christmas Cruises, family fun zone, stalls, entertainers, lantern parade & firework display

Where : Whole town

When : Saturday November 19 from 10am

Barrow

The town that saved Christmas. Local entertainers, charity workers and organisers have come together to host a festive event in the town centre with local talent and entertainment.

Where : Town centre

When : Saturday November 19 from 3pm

Brampton

The Christmas lights extravaganza will continue for another year in Brampton. The afternoon celebrations will include entertainment from Cheeky Charlie, Brampton Silver Band, Brampton Primary Choir and much more. Brampton Primary School’s nativity group will re-create Mary riding in on her donkey along with the three kings upon their Camels, followed by the man himself, Santa and his herd of friendly reindeer.

Santa will be in his grotto eager to meet and greet all the children with an early Christmas present.

Where : Brampton Town Centre

When : Sunday November 27 from 3pm

Carlisle


CARLISLE: Ben Haenow X Factor winner Ben Haenow will headline the switch on event with help from Britain's Got Talent runner up Wayne Woodward and Bailey McConnell and X Factor's Christian Burrows. Afternoon entertainment will showcase local talent.

Where: Town Centre

When: Sunday November 20 from 2pm

Cockermouth

Featuring a Children's Fun Fair and Christmas stalls provided by many local charities and organisations selling Christmas gifts, crafts, mince pies, mulled wine etc. Father Christmas will be in his grotto and free face painting will be available in the Cockermouth Town Council tent.

Where: Main Street

When: Sunday November 20 from 2pm, with the Christmas lights switched on at 5pm

Coniston

An indoor evening Christmas market showcasing over 20 stalls with local products, cakes, farm produce candles and more. Hot food will be available in the kitchen and the Hawkshead Wind Band will play some festive tunes from 6.30pm

Where: The Coniston Institute

When: Friday November 25 from 3pm

Egremont

With donations from various local businesses, Egremont will be lighting up the town this month.

Where: Town Centre

When: Sunday November 27

Grange

Father Christmas will arrive to meet the children and the Mayor of Grange will switch on the town's Christmas lights at 6:30pm, followed by carol singing to the music of Flookburgh Band. People of all ages come together to sing carols, see Santa and join in the fun! Grange's Christmas tree is a 100 ft high Wellingtonia and is one of the tallest living Christmas trees in England and until 2005 it was the tallest.

Where: Yewbarrow Terrace (opposite Hazelmere Bakery)

When: Saturday December 3 from 6pm

Keswick

The event is always the place to be for a festive feeling. With an array of entertainment and music and of course, the switch-on of Christmas lights.

Where: Town centre

When: Friday November 18, starting at 6pm at the Market Square

Kendal

For its 15th year, Kendal will be lighting up the town. With entertainment, Reindeer, Santa's parade and food stalls, the whole family can get into the Christmas spirit. The Christmas lights will be switched on towards the end of the day.

Where: Kendal Town Centre

When: Sunday November 15 from 1.30pm

Kirkby Lonsdale

With a chalet village to be created right in the heart of the town. There will be a wide range of gift ideas from near and far and Christmas crafts for children, the Santa's grotto and the largest tree in town. The weekend will also feature the traditional Festive Parade, the switching on of the lights and a wide variety of street entertainment and music.

Where: Town Centre

When: Friday December 2 - Sunday December 4


Olympian Jonathan Edwards Lakes Distillery

Get into the festive spirit and watch the Christmas lights get switched on at the distillery by former Great Britain triple jumper Jonathan Edwards. There will be mince pies and mulled wine available.

Where: Lakes Distillery near Bassenthwaite

When: Saturday November 19 - Sunday 20 (switch-on is Saturday)

Maryport

Illuminating the Maryport Cottage hospital, local rhythm and blues band The Misfitz will headline the event with other local bands and organisations. There will be plenty to do including creative children's activities. There will also a chance to meet Santa.

Where: Senhouse Street

When: Saturday November 26 from 5pm

Penrith

There will be a light switch on in Penrith this festive season. With music from local bands, town band and school choirs.

Where: Devonshire Street

When: Saturday November 26 from 3pm

Ulverston

The annual Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival will take place again this year. A wonderful free event for all the family. Hundreds of festive stalls, free entertainment, period costume competition, Queen Victoria, Santa, Mr. Bumble and others. Christmas lights switch-on, and lots of fabulous shops, cosy pubs and cafes.

Where: Ulverston Town Centre

When: Saturday November 26 - Sunday 27

Whitehaven

Local The Voice hero Jolan will turn on this years Christmas lights. The annual event will feature a fairground, CFM Stage and various traders and vendors. Children will have the chance to meet their favourite superheroes and princesses. An ice rink will remain in the town for the following six weeks.

Where: Town Centre

When: Sunday November 20, switch on at 5pm

Wigton

With live music from Andrea Faustini and local acts, Wigton promises another year of festive fun. With market stalls selling a range of crafted goods, there will also be a mini zoo featuring: meerkats, spiders and creepy crawlies. Father Christmas will also visit and mad scientist Professor Pumpernikel is also set to show up.

Where: Town Centre

When: Sunday November 27 from 10am

Windermere

Local school choirs will lead a parade through the town centre before the lights are switched on. With a lucky dip for children, craft fair, face painting and a trip to Santa's grotto rounded off with fireworks in Queens Park.

Where: Windermere Town Centre

When: Saturday December 3 from 11am

Workington

With a fun-filled day to pick up stocking fillers, festive pics in the Selfie Booth, and puppet shows and other types of entertainment, the day is set to be packed with festive joy. The main stage will see performances from an excellent line up of artists, including: Ezili Dantor, Cindy and the Bullets and successful tribute band, Abba Forever. Town Mayor, Cllr Joan Wright will be joined by Abba Forever to switch on Workington’s Christmas Lights and mark the opening of the festive season.

Where: Workington Town Centre

When: Saturday December 3 from 10am