What’s on in Carlisle: November and December 2026

November 2026

4 November: Swig and Solve, The Lost Treasure

Wednesday 4 November, 7pm to 9pm | Social puzzle evening | Crown Lane Cellar, entrance on Long Lane.

Teams of three to six work through physical puzzles, locks and hidden compartments. The venue lists tickets from £13 per person. Enquiries: 01228 318013 or info@crownlanecellar.com.

6 November: The Music of Westlife by Candlelight

Friday 6 November, 7.30pm or 9.15pm | Tribute concert | Carlisle Cathedral, The Abbey.

A cast of singers and a live band perform Westlife songs in two separately booked sittings. Use the organiser’s ticket link to choose a performance. Cathedral enquiries: 01228 548151 or info@carlislecathedral.org.uk.

7 November to 10 January: Picturing Place

Opens Saturday 7 November | Art exhibition | Tullie, Castle Street.

Works by William Blacklock, Sam Bough and Thomas Bushby explore Carlisle and the surrounding landscape. Entry is included with museum admission; check daily opening arrangements, particularly over Christmas. Venue enquiries: 01228 618718 or enquiries@tullie.org.uk.

7 November: The Shanty Girls

Saturday 7 November, 2pm | Music and storytelling | Fratry Hall, Carlisle Cathedral.

Sea shanties and stories form this afternoon recital, with singing along encouraged. Entry is free, with a collection supporting the performers and cathedral. Cathedral enquiries: 01228 548151 or info@carlislecathedral.org.uk.

7 November: The Music of The Beatles by Candlelight

Saturday 7 November, 6.15pm or 8.30pm | Tribute concert | Carlisle Cathedral.

Singers and a live band perform a programme of Beatles songs. Each sitting has a separate booking, so check the chosen time and seating before purchasing. Cathedral enquiries: 01228 548151 or info@carlislecathedral.org.uk.

15 November: Carlisle Christmas Lights Switch-On

Sunday 15 November, 3pm to 5.30pm, lights at 5pm | Free family event | Outside the Old Town Hall.

Cumberland Council’s programme includes Una Healy, magician Harry Moulding and local performers. The council’s 3 November announcement confirms the Sunday date. Visitor enquiries: 01228 598596 or info@discovercarlisle.co.uk.

22 November: A Very Tullie Christmas

Sunday 22 November, 11am to 3pm | Makers, shopping and live music | Tullie, Castle Street.

Local makers and businesses bring stalls into the museum, with choir performances and seasonal food. Check admission and any separately booked activities with the venue. Venue enquiries: 01228 618718 or enquiries@tullie.org.uk.

28 November: Be a Chorister for a Day

Saturday 28 November, 10am to 4pm | Children’s singing and discovery day | Carlisle Cathedral.

Children can sing with the cathedral choristers and learn about choir life, with activities and tours for families. Booking is required; confirm the eligible school years on the booking page. Cathedral enquiries: 01228 548151 or info@carlislecathedral.org.uk.

28 November: Carlisle Zine Fest

Saturday 28 November, 11am to 4pm | Independent publishing and creative activities | Tullie.

Browse handmade publications and artwork, meet makers and try a drop-in spiral zine workshop. Stall applications close on 12 November; visitors can use the event page for the latest arrangements. Venue enquiries: 01228 618718 or enquiries@tullie.org.uk.

December 2026

5 December to 4 January: Christmas Tree Festival

From Saturday 5 December | Seasonal display | Carlisle Cathedral.

Trees decorated by local organisations, businesses, schools and groups fill the cathedral and Undercroft. Donations are welcome. Normal visiting hours vary on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Cathedral enquiries: 01228 548151 or info@carlislecathedral.org.uk.

5, 6, 12 and 13 December: Christmas Magic Weekends

Two December weekends | Family trails, crafts and storytelling | Tullie.

Family activities include face painting and a festive trail. Children’s activities are included with adult museum admission; Santa’s Grotto costs extra and requires a separate booking. Venue enquiries: 01228 618718 or enquiries@tullie.org.uk.

10 to 31 December: Sleeping Beauty

Selected performances from Thursday 10 December | Family pantomime | The Sands Centre, Carlisle CA1 1JQ.

Enchanted Entertainment brings Sleeping Beauty to Carlisle. Choose a particular performance and check the accessible-session options on the venue page. Tickets are advertised from £25. Box office: 01228 633766.

18 December: Pomander Making Workshop

Friday 18 December, 6pm to 8pm | Festive craft workshop | Tullie.

Make a traditional orange pomander with Seren Shaw, with seasonal music and refreshments. Book a place through the museum’s ticket link and check the workshop arrangements before attending. Venue enquiries: 01228 618718 or enquiries@tullie.org.uk.