Preston Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Preston and surrounding areas

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Christmas Parties (27 events) Christmas Lights (16 events) Christmas Shows (12 events) Christmas Markets (12 events) Other Christmas Activities (32 events)

Preston bursts into festive life for Christmas 2025 with things to do and Holiday lights around the city center and Avenham Park. Catch Ribble Steam Railway Santa Specials, enjoy Christmas Crackers musical celebrations, or see the family pantomime Peter Pan for seasonal fun. The calendar is full of holiday attractions and activities from market stalls to light displays and community gatherings, creating cozy evenings where families can shop, skate, and savor locally made treats beneath glowing lights.

Find the best Preston Christmas happenings this year!

Preston Christmas Events

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Christmas Parties

27 events
New Year's Eve Entertainment at Ribby Hall Village • Dec 31

Multiple venues with distinct New Year's Eve entertainment.

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Christmas Lights

16 events
Blackpool Illuminations 2025 • Aug 29

Six miles of free, world-famous light displays.

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Christmas Shows

12 events
Peter Pan Pantomime • Dec 12 – Dec 21

Spectacular Christmas pantomime adaptation of Peter Pan

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Christmas Markets

12 events
Christmas at the Farm

Immersive Father Christmas farm headquarters experience

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Other Christmas Activities

32 events
The Grotto at Trafford Centre

Magical Santa encounter with immersive winter scenes

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Editor's Picks (6)

  1. Blackpool Illuminations 2025 (Blackpool)
    Six miles of free, world-famous light displays.
  2. Ignite Fire Festival and Rochdale Christmas Lights Switch-on (Rochdale)
    Spectacular fire art installations and Christmas lights switch-on.
  3. East Lancashire Railway Santa Specials (Bury)
    Magical steam train journey with Santa Claus
  4. Christmas By The Sea (Blackpool)
    Festive village on Tower Festival Headland
  5. The Grotto at Trafford Centre (Manchester)
    Magical Santa encounter with immersive winter scenes
  6. Ribble Steam Railway Santa Specials 2025
    Father Christmas visits each child on a steam train.

This Week / Coming Up (6)

Burnley Believes...And So Do We! Light Switch-On Sat, Nov 15
Santa's Grotto Experience at Ribby Hall Village Sun, Nov 16
Light Night Wigan Thu, Nov 20
Bar Hütte Festive Village Warrington Fri, Nov 21
Rochdale Christmas Events Fri, Nov 21
Family Christmas Pantomime Sat, Nov 22

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Also Near Preston

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Chorley

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Accrington

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Blackpool

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Preston Christmas FAQ

What are the biggest annual Christmas events in Preston?

The Preston Christmas lights switch-on and the city centre Christmas market are two of the biggest annual events, drawing crowds for festive entertainment and shopping.

What holiday traditions are unique to Preston?

Preston celebrates with a lively Christmas lights switch-on, festive markets, and community events that bring locals together for music, food, and seasonal fun.

Which neighborhoods are best for Christmas lights in Preston?

The city centre and several residential neighborhoods are known for their festive light displays, with walking trails and seasonal decorations throughout December.

Where can I find Christmas markets and local makers in Preston?

The main Christmas market is in the city centre, and local makers often appear at neighborhood markets and special holiday events across Preston.

What are the best free or budget-friendly holiday activities in Preston?

Free activities include viewing Christmas lights, visiting the city centre market, and attending community events like the lights switch-on and carol concerts.

What are good picks for families with kids in Preston?

Families enjoy the Christmas lights switch-on, Santa visits at local centres, and festive markets with activities like crafts and photo opportunities.