Celebrate Christmas in Kirkby Lonsdale

Located where the Yorkshire Dales, Lancashire and Cumbria meet, Kirkby Lonsdale is the perfect place to celebrate the Christmas season. This charming market town is home to independent shops, great places to eat and drink, and a festive atmosphere. Read on to get inspired and see what’s on across the festive period.

Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair (5 – 7 December)

Get into the festive spirit this December with a visit to the Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair. Enjoy a whole weekend of Christmas cheer from the 5 - 7 December, filled with twinkling lights, local shopping, delicious treats, and plenty of festive fun. There’s a Christmas Chalet Village, indoor and outdoor markets, Christmas Lights Switch On, Lantern Parade, Santa’s Grotto, and lots more.

With free parking and a warm welcome for everyone, it’s the perfect way to begin your festive season.

Christmas Shopping

Kirkby Lonsdale is known for its independent shops, making it the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping. From hand-crafted gifts to stylish homeware and unique decorations, you’ll find something special for everyone on your list - alongside a relaxed, personal shopping experience and a festive atmosphere.

Visit on a Thursday and you’ll find the town’s weekly Charter Market. Wander the fantastic variety of stalls, mulled wine in hand, and pick up locally made gifts and Christmas treats.

Festive Food & Drink

From cosy pubs and inns to AA Rosette dining, friendly cafes to its very own beer hall, Kirkby Lonsdale is the perfect place to eat & drink this Christmas. Catch up with friends and family or take a break from Christmas shopping. Look out for festive specials and events, too.

Why not pick something up to take home? From an award-winning butcher to one of the country’s oldest traditional sweet shops, there’s plenty of choice.

Enjoy a festive staycation

Want to stay a while? With plenty of accommodation options, ranging from self-catering cottages and apartments to cosy inns, hotels and B&Bs, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Make a trip of it and enjoy a festive staycation this Christmas.

Festive Walks

Wrap up warm and see the countryside around Kirkby Lonsdale sparkle on a cosy winter walk. Grab a hot chocolate in town and take a stroll along the River Lune to Devil’s Bridge, which looks stunning on frosty days. Or head further afield for a walk along the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, wander along trails in the nearby Bowland Valley, or enjoy a stroll through the beautiful landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks - all within easy reach.

Whether you’re visiting across the festive season or planning ahead for 2026, Kirkby Lonsdale offers plenty to discover. Get inspired here.