Christmas in Preston

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

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Christmas in Preston

Preston Flag Market, Lancashire
14 November-23 December 2023

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Christmas in Preston
Michael Porter Photography
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Visit the vibrant city of Preston this Christmas for what promises to be a fun-packed selection box of Yuletide delights. Alongside traditional Christmas Markets and Santa’s Grotto, you’ll find choir performances, creative craft activities, night-time fire installations and lots more. We think Preston is well worth a visit this Christmas. Read on for our top picks, best of all, they’re all completely free.

You’ll find choir performances, creative craft activities, night-time fire installations and lots more.

Jump headfirst into the Christmas spirit with the Christmas Choir Showcase at the Flag Market on Saturday 2 December. Over 100 singers from several different choirs will come together to perform all of your favourite carols and Christmas songs. Expect to hear from Lancashire-based choirs Women Rockin’ Harmony, Red Rosettes, Ribble Rousers, Intact Singers and Soundskills Songsters, boosted by the a capella community choir Bolton Belters. There’s nothing like a good Christmas repertoire to get you in the festive mood.

Following the Christmas Choir Showcase, why not discover the dazzling display of fire and light at Preston’s first-ever Fire Garden? Watch the city transform by night into a wondrous spectacle of fire. Feel the heat as Walk the Plank’s roaring fire sculptures turn Avenham and Miller Parks into a unique family-friendly spectacle of flames and heat. Audiences are encouraged to wander through or stand and watch – close enough to enjoy the warmth. With crackling embers, shimmering shapes and plumes of fire, this is a magical experience for all ages. Get wrapped up, head outdoors and experience something new with family and friends.

Get wrapped up, head outdoors and experience something new with family and friends.

On Saturday 9 December, a Christmas Makers Market will take over Friargate. Offering the perfect chance to pick up a unique Christmas gift or just treat yourself, you can expect to see a range of one-off handcrafted products from local artisans and makers. Sample a range of delicious local goodies, ranging from decadent cakes and handmade breads to the finest cheese and locally distilled gin. There’s also live music and plenty of places to put your feet up and grab a mulled wine when you’re done.

Winckley Square will be transformed into a winter wonderland on Sunday 10 December when the Winckley Christmas Concert resounds in the city once more. Join the St Stephen’s Choir as they lead in singing traditional Christmas carols around the Christmas tree. Plus, you can expect spectacular entertainment from an array of talented performers and musicians, including circus company Flame Oz and Kenny on bagpipes. Fill up on Christmas cheer as you warm up with a selection of food and drink from some wonderful local vendors.

Preston has got Christmas all wrapped up this year.

We can’t think of a better time of year to discover this Lancashire town. With plenty of fabulous gift ideas and a flurry of festive activity, Preston has got Christmas all wrapped up this year.

Where to go near Christmas in Preston

Image of The Harris Museum and Horace the Elk in front of it
Preston
Museum
The Harris

The Harris is a museum, a library and a community hub – after a major transformation it’s reopening its doors with a brand new programme.

Friargate
Lancashire
Shop
Friargate

With an array of independent shops and places to eat and drink, including a number of contemporary pubs and bars, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Winckley Square
Lancashire
Park
Winckley Square

Hosting a variety of year-round events, from guided walks to jazz evenings, Winckley Square is a Georgian square packed with history in Preston city centre.

Avenham and Miller Parks
Lancashire
Park
Avenham and Miller Parks

Located in the heart of Preston, Avenham and Miller Parks are among the finest examples of traditional Victorian parkland in the North West.

Alpaca Fold
Blackburn
Bed & Breakfast
Alpaca Fold

Located in the rural village of Samlesbury on a 35-acre smallholding, Alpaca Fold provides quality accommodation suitable for short and longer stays surrounded by the peace and calm of a rural setting.

Lancashire
Bed & Breakfast
Everything Retreat

A haven of luxury and serenity in the heart of the Ribble Valley, Everything Retreat is an idyllic spot for an indulgent getaway.

Lancashire
Restaurant
Scholars Restaurant

This quality bistro offers fine dining at fabulous prices. One of the leading training restaurants, Scholars Restaurant is run by both industry professionals and fantastic Blackburn College students.

Blackburn
King George’s Hall, Blackburn

One of the North West of England’s best known and loved entertainment venues the historic King George’s Hall in Blackburn was built in the classical style from stone quarried at Butler’s Delph in Pleasington.

Blackburn
Music venue
The Exchange, Blackburn

Dating back to 1865 when it opened as one of four exchange halls in the country, The Exchange is an iconic Blackburn venue

What's on: Families

Until
FamiliesCity Centre
Manchester Christmas Markets

The Manchester Christmas Markets are back for 2025, with many dozens of stalls in front of the town hall, and hundreds of traders spread across city-centre squares.

Free entry
Two young visitors looking up at a banner in a case, holding pencils and an activity sheet.
Until
ActivityManchester
2025 Banner Bingo at PHM

Explore the People’s History Museum with your banner bingo card in hand as you navigate their galleries through the lens of craftivism.

Free entry
A performer in a bright red costume sits on a snowy stage set, holding a large snowball between their legs with a surprised expression. The colourful winter backdrop features snowflakes, hills, a snowman, and a traffic light with glowing lights.
FamiliesManchester
The Snowy Day at Z-arts

This winter, families with little ones are invited into a shimmering world of snow and discovery with the new production of The Snowy Day.

From £10.00

Culture Guides

Sepia image of a courtroom with the words 'Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird’
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A white mattress is burning in a black rocky landscape.
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In galleries around the North this autumn, you'll find tactile sculptures, Treasures with a capital 'T' and plant magic.

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