Holmes had to be chauffeured to the game after attending the birth of his new son in the early hours of the morning. And it became a double celebration for the striker when he grabbed the only goal of a closely fought game in the 28th minute.
After a run of four heavy defeats, Burton put up a spirited display and had the Cumbrians hanging on in the closing stages.
Carlisle's early thrust was met by an excellent save by Daniel Crane from Adam Murray's 12th minute shot.
Burton had arguably their best chance of the game three minutes later, but the unmarked Dale Anderson headed an Andrew Ducros free-kick wide from six yards.
Holmes made the breakthrough after Peter Murphy helped the ball into the Burton area - the striker holding off Ryan Austin before drilling home a low shot.
Carlisle threatened to put the game beyond Burton's reach after the interval but a Holmes shot on the turn cleared the crossbar from 12 yards and Adam Murray was off target with a low drive.
Burton turned up the pressure in the final third of the game but were unable to finish off their moves.
Matt Glennon came to Carlisle's rescue in the 68th minute with a brilliant one handed save after Chris Hall's shot had taken a deflection off Danny Livesey.
Five minutes from time Ducros volleyed too high from 12 yards after Anderson's cross had fallen invitingly in front of the midfield player.