The holidays have arrived in Burnley! Check out our guide for all the best events and activities. Whether Burnley is your backyard or a new adventure, our guide ensures you enjoy all the festive fun.
Kick off the season with a delightful evening at the Burnley Christmas Lights Switch-on, where the town center transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland. Experience the magic of the East Lancashire Railway's Santa Specials, featuring festive train rides perfect for the whole family. And don't forget the Colne Christmas Lights Switch-on, an event full of lights and community spirit. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Burnley
See these and even more events listed below!Burnley Holiday Light Displays
Burnley Christmas Lights Switch-on
What to Expect:
Community-led illumination ceremony
Description:
Burnley's town center transforms as thousands gather for the annual Christmas lights switch-on. This community-led event illuminates the historic market town with a dazzling display of lights. Visitors can join local choirs in singing carols, a tradition dating back to the Victorian era when Burnley was a thriving textile hub. The event culminates in a dramatic countdown, where you'll witness the entire town center burst into a colorful glow, marking the start of the holiday season in this charming Lancashire town.
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Burnley Christmas Lights Switch-on
Burnley Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at Towneley Hall
What to Expect:
Tudor-inspired Christmas celebrations
Description:
Towneley Hall, Burnley's historic manor house, transports visitors to a Tudor Christmas. The grand rooms are adorned with period-appropriate decorations, showcasing how the wealthy Towneley family might have celebrated the season centuries ago. Guests can try their hand at traditional Tudor games in the Great Hall. This event offers a glimpse into Christmas past, with costumed interpreters bringing history to life. The hall's connection to the Catholic Towneley family, who secretly practiced their faith during the Reformation, adds a layer of intrigue to the celebrations.
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Nearby Events
Santa Specials on the East Lancashire Railway (Bury)
What to Expect:
Vintage steam train ride with Santa
Description:
The East Lancashire Railway roars to life with its Santa Specials, offering a journey through time and festivity. Passengers board a meticulously restored vintage steam train, embarking on a nostalgic ride through the picturesque Irwell Valley. Children receive a special gift from Santa himself as the train chugs along. This beloved tradition harks back to the golden age of rail travel, when the line was a vital link for Lancashire's textile industry. The rhythmic clatter of wheels on tracks provides a soothing backdrop to this unique holiday experience.
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Santa Specials on the East Lancashire Railway
Colne Christmas Lights Switch-on (Colne)
What to Expect:
Lantern parade led by local schoolchildren
Description:
Colne's Christmas lights switch-on begins with a captivating lantern parade led by local schoolchildren. The handcrafted lanterns, each telling a story of Colne's rich heritage, illuminate the town's main street. Visitors can create their own lanterns at workshops held throughout the day. This event pays homage to Colne's industrial past, when mill workers would carry lanterns to light their way home. The switch-on ceremony itself is accompanied by a brass band, filling the air with traditional carols and adding a touch of Lancashire charm to the proceedings.
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Colne Christmas Lights Switch-on
Padiham Christmas Market (Padiham)
What to Expect:
Artisanal Lancashire food and craft stalls
Description:
Padiham's Christmas market showcases the best of Lancashire's artisanal traditions. Local craftspeople and food producers line the historic streets, offering unique gifts and delectable treats. Visitors can sample Lancashire hotpot, a hearty dish that sustained mill workers during the Industrial Revolution. The market takes place in the shadow of Padiham's Grade II listed town hall, a testament to the town's prosperous past. Stroll through the stalls and discover handmade textiles, a nod to Padiham's weaving heritage, while the aroma of mulled wine wafts through the crisp winter air.
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Whalley Pickwick Night (Whalley)
What to Expect:
Dickensian-themed street festival
Description:
Whalley's Pickwick Night transforms the village into a scene from a Dickens novel. Locals don Victorian attire, and the streets come alive with street performers, musicians, and food vendors. Visitors can participate in traditional parlor games or watch a Punch and Judy show. This event pays homage to Dickens' "The Pickwick Papers" and celebrates Whalley's Victorian heritage. The 13th-century Whalley Abbey provides a stunning backdrop to the festivities, its ancient stones contrasting with the lively Victorian atmosphere that envelops the village for one special night.
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Clitheroe Christmas Festival (Clitheroe)
What to Expect:
Medieval castle as festival centerpiece
Description:
Clitheroe's Christmas Festival unfolds in the shadow of its 12th-century castle, creating a unique blend of medieval and modern festivities. The castle grounds host an array of food stalls, craft demonstrations, and live performances. Visitors can climb the castle keep for panoramic views of the decorated town below. This event celebrates Clitheroe's role as a historic market town, with local producers showcasing their wares just as they have for centuries. The sound of carol singers echoes through the narrow streets, adding to the timeless atmosphere of this charming Ribble Valley town.
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Barnoldswick Christmas Market (Barnoldswick)
What to Expect:
Canal-side market with narrowboat Santa
Description:
Barnoldswick's Christmas market unfolds along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, offering a unique waterside shopping experience. The highlight is Santa arriving by narrowboat, a nod to the town's industrial heritage when the canal was vital for transporting goods. Visitors can browse stalls set up along the towpath, offering locally-made gifts and seasonal treats. This event celebrates Barnoldswick's connection to the canal, which played a crucial role in the town's development during the Industrial Revolution. The gentle lapping of water against the canal banks provides a soothing backdrop to the bustling market.
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Nelson Christmas Extravaganza (Nelson)
What to Expect:
Multi-cultural holiday celebrations
Description:
Nelson's Christmas Extravaganza embraces the town's diverse community, showcasing holiday traditions from around the world. The event features performances of international music and dance, alongside stalls offering global cuisine. Visitors can participate in workshops to learn about different cultural celebrations. This unique approach reflects Nelson's history as a town shaped by immigration, particularly during its textile manufacturing heyday. The extravaganza takes place in the recently renovated town center, symbolizing Nelson's ongoing regeneration and commitment to celebrating its multicultural identity.
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Sabden Christmas Craft Fair (Sabden)
What to Expect:
Handmade crafts inspired by local landscape
Description:
Sabden's Christmas Craft Fair showcases artisanal creations inspired by the surrounding Pendle countryside. Local artists and craftspeople display their work, from landscape paintings to handwoven textiles reflecting the area's weaving heritage. Visitors can try their hand at traditional crafts in interactive workshops. The fair takes place in the shadow of Pendle Hill, famous for its association with the 17th-century witch trials. This event not only celebrates local creativity but also serves as a reminder of Sabden's transition from a mill town to a hub for artisans and small businesses.