Keswick Victorian Fayre

Every December the centre of Keswick turns Victorian for a day. The Keswick Victorian Fayre fills the Market Square and Packhorse Court with live entertainment, Christmas stalls and a funfair for children, and it is free to come along.

When is the Victorian Fayre?

The 2026 Fayre is on Sunday 6 December, in the Market Square and Packhorse Court in the middle of town. The organisers post the line-up and any changes on the Keswick Victorian Fayre website.

What's on

Entertainment runs all day on two stages: the main stage in the Market Square and a second in Packhorse Court. In past years that has meant bands, choirs and dancers; the 2026 performers are still to be announced.

Last year more than 30 stalls run by local and national charities sold Christmas crafts, local produce and festive food and drink, alongside games, tombolas and raffles. Stalls are for charities and non-profit groups only, so the Fayre is as much a fundraiser for good causes as a Christmas market.

Children have the funfair, and at the last Fayre there was a free costume competition for children every hour.

Dressing up

Plenty of people come in Victorian dress, and it needn't be elaborate: a top hat, a bonnet or a shawl over warm layers does the job. It is December in the Lake District, so dress for the cold first and the 1800s second.

Making a day of it

The Fayre is in the heart of town, a few minutes' walk from Keswick's shops, cafés and pubs. Our Christmas shopping guide has independent shops worth a visit, and you can read about Keswick's Christmas lights.

The town centre is busy on Fayre day, so allow time to park or come by bus: see getting around and parking in Keswick. To make a weekend of it, browse places to stay in Keswick or see what else is on.

Running a charity or non-profit and would like a stall? Get in touch with the organisers through the Keswick Victorian Fayre website.