Preston’s Christmas events have been confirmed – as well as when the late night shopping and free parking takes place.

Ahead of the christmas lights being switched on during Saturday 25 November there’s details of when tea with Santa is, winter wonderland in Winckley Square and more.

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This year will see no ice rink or winter wonderland on the Flag Market itself.

The main square in Preston will host the lights switch on from 5.30pm with performances from Union J, The Drifters’ Ray Lewis, CBeebies Katy Ashworth, Preston’s Panto cast and BBC1’s Let It Shine star Kyle Passmore. As well as EastEnders’ Steve McFadden turning on the lights.

Here’s a run through of everything festive happening in the city:

When does late night shopping start?

The week beginning Monday 4 December is when you can start doing late night shopping.

St George’s Shopping Centre is open until 8pm on 6 December, 7 December, 13 December, 14 December, 20 December, 21 December , 22 December and 23 December. It is open until 7pm on 19 December.

Fishergate Shopping Centre is open until 8pm on 6 December, 13 December, 18 December, 19 December, 20 December, 21 December, 22 December. And it’s open until 7pm on 11 December, 12 December, 14 December, 16 December and 23 December.

Where can I park for free?

Preston City Council has put forward its Market Hall car park for free parking, details available in our previous story.

Fishergate Shopping Centre will be free from 5pm on 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 December until the centre closes. Remember there’s no right-hand turn out of Butler Street.

St George’s Shopping Centre will be offering free parking for up to three hours for entries after 5pm on 6, 7, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 December.

UCLan is making its Victoria and Leighton Street car parks available for free from 6pm-9pm on Mondays to Fridays from Friday 24 November until Friday 22 December. On Saturdays it will be free until 7pm and Sundays until 6pm.

Read more: Lune Street link road is finished and Fishergate bus lane cameras back on

Between 24 December to 2 January they will be free until 7pm, apart from Christmas Day.

Lancashire County Council is making the Arthur Street car park free each weekend from 8am to 10pm.

On Boxing Day and 27 December it will be free from 8am to 10pm and on 1 and 2 January it will be free from 8am to 10pm.

What’s on over Christmas?

Away from the lights switch on there’s the panto Aladdin beginning at the Guild Hall from 7 December through until 3 January.

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An alternative Christmas market is coming to the Harris on December 2 and 3.

And the Harris Live concert takes place on Wednesday 6 December with The Well-Dressed Gentlemen performing.

Winckley Square is to be the focal point for many events, with free guided tours taking place from 6 December, a Christmas carol concert on 10 December and the Square becoming a winter wonderland on Saturday 16 December and Sunday 17 December.

Tea with Santa takes place at Avenham Park’s pavilion on 9 December, 10 December and 23 December.

BBC Radio Lancashire is hosting an ‘Intimate Christmas’ with John Gillmore at the Guild Hall on Christmas Eve from 2pm.

Read more: This map of Preston city centre could save you £60

What the city centre bosses have to say?

Preston Business Improvement District’s Mark Whittle said: ‘Christmas is always a really good time of year in Preston, and this year will be no exception, there are plenty of activities for all the family. With a strong retail offer and a vibrant bar and restaurant scene – there’s an abundance of choice’.”

Manager at the St George’s Shopping Centre Andrew Stringer said: “Christmas is a magical time for all the family and Preston offers something for everyone – fantastic shops, both national multiples and independents, excellent nightlife and host of free events and activities to keep the children entertained.”

Will you be heading into Preston this Christmas? Let us know in the comments below