Can't wait for the holiday joy in Accrington? Dive into our guide for the best festive events! Whether you're an Accrington regular or a once-in-a-lifetime visitor, this guide reveals hidden gems and beloved traditions.
Discover the magic of the Accrington Christmas Light Switch-On with a dazzling display that illuminates the town square. Experience the enchantment as the town transforms into a snowy paradise during Accrington Winter Wonderland, featuring ice skating and festive market stalls. And the Christmas Family Fun Day at Haworth Art Gallery is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering creative activities for all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Accrington
- Accrington Christmas Light Switch-On
- Accrington Winter Wonderland
- Christmas Family Fun Day at Haworth Art Gallery
- Accrington Stanley Christmas Party
Accrington Holiday Light Displays
Accrington Christmas Light Switch-On
What to Expect:
Community-led countdown and switch-on ceremony
Description:
Accrington's town center transforms as thousands gather for the annual Christmas light switch-on. This cherished tradition dates back to the 1950s when the first electric lights replaced gas lamps in the town square. Visitors can join the community-led countdown, adding their voices to the cheerful chorus. The air fills with the aroma of roasted chestnuts from local vendors. You'll witness the moment when the entire town square bursts into a dazzling display of twinkling lights, marking the official start of the holiday season in this historic Lancashire town.
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Accrington Christmas Light Switch-On
Accrington Other Holiday Activities
Accrington Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Ice sculpture garden with local historical figures
Description:
Accrington's Winter Wonderland brings a frosty touch to the heart of Lancashire. The event's centerpiece is an extraordinary ice sculpture garden featuring intricate carvings of local historical figures, including the famous Accrington Pals. Visitors can try their hand at ice carving workshops, guided by skilled artisans. The event pays homage to Accrington's industrial heritage, with displays showcasing the town's famous bricks and textiles. As you explore, the crisp winter air carries the melody of local choirs performing traditional carols, creating a uniquely Accringtonian winter experience.
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Christmas Family Fun Day at Haworth Art Gallery
What to Expect:
Art-inspired Christmas crafts in a historic setting
Description:
Haworth Art Gallery, a stunning Edwardian house, hosts a Christmas Family Fun Day that blends art and holiday cheer. The gallery, known for housing Europe's largest public collection of Tiffany glass, provides a refined backdrop for festive activities. Children and adults alike can create art-inspired Christmas crafts, drawing inspiration from the gallery's impressive collections. You'll have the opportunity to make your own stained-glass inspired ornaments. This event celebrates the cultural legacy of the Haworth family, who gifted the house to the people of Accrington in 1921, ensuring a day filled with creativity and local history.
Website:
Christmas Family Fun Day at Haworth Art Gallery
Accrington Stanley Christmas Party
What to Expect:
Football-themed Christmas celebrations with players
Description:
Accrington Stanley Football Club throws open its doors for a unique Christmas party that brings fans closer to their favorite team. The event takes place at the Wham Stadium, home to the club since 1968. Attendees can participate in football-themed holiday games alongside current players and club legends. The club's rich history, including its famous milk advertisement from the 1980s, is woven into the celebrations. You'll experience the camaraderie of the "Stanley" family as players serve traditional Christmas fare to guests, creating lasting memories for fans of all ages.
Website:
Accrington Stanley Christmas Party
Nearby Events
Oswaldtwistle Mills Christmas Events (Oswaldtwistle)
What to Expect:
Artisanal craft demonstrations in a historic mill setting
Description:
Oswaldtwistle Mills, a former weaving mill dating back to 1825, transforms into a holiday haven with a series of Christmas events. The industrial heritage of the site provides a unique backdrop for artisanal craft demonstrations, where visitors can watch skilled craftspeople create bespoke Christmas gifts. You can participate in workshops to learn traditional Lancashire crafts with a festive twist. The events highlight the mill's transition from a bustling textile factory to a modern shopping and heritage center. The rhythmic clatter of restored looms adds an authentic soundtrack to your shopping experience, connecting past and present.
Website:
Oswaldtwistle Mills Christmas Events
Baxenden Christmas Lights Switch-On (Baxenden)
What to Expect:
Lantern parade led by local schoolchildren
Description:
Baxenden's Christmas Lights Switch-On illuminates this charming village with community spirit. The event begins with a heartwarming lantern parade led by local schoolchildren, their handmade creations casting a warm glow through the streets. This tradition reflects Baxenden's close-knit community, which has roots stretching back to the Domesday Book of 1086. Visitors can join in carol singing at the historic St. John's Church, a focal point of village life since the 19th century. You'll witness the moment when the village green bursts into light, signaling the start of the holiday season in this picturesque corner of Lancashire.
Website:
Baxenden Christmas Lights Switch-On
Broadfield Specialist School Christmas Fayre (Oswaldtwistle)
What to Expect:
Inclusive holiday activities for children with special needs
Description:
Broadfield Specialist School's Christmas Fayre creates an inclusive holiday experience for children with special needs and their families. The event showcases adaptive Christmas activities, ensuring all children can participate fully in the joy of the season. Visitors can explore sensory-friendly Santa's grottos and participate in accessible craft workshops. The fayre highlights the school's commitment to inclusive education, a principle it has championed since its founding in 1977. You'll discover unique gifts created by the students, each item a testament to their creativity and skills. The event fosters a sense of community and understanding, bringing together people from all walks of life.
Website:
Broadfield Specialist School Christmas Fayre