Christmas markets are booming in popularity, and this year there’s a long list of places where Prestonians can get their fix of gifts, mince pies and mulled wine.

But forget the craziness of big city markets, in Preston the emphasis is on community events and local, independent producers.

Here we round up 22 Christmas markets and fairs taking place over the next month.

One thing is certain – Santa Claus is going to be a very busy man.

Santa’s Coming Market
Saturday 24 November, 10am – 7pm

This Winckley Square pop-up market will celebrate one month until Christmas with stalls, a festive DJ, Santa’s Magical Yurt and children’s rides. Entertainment will include fire shows and stilt walking.

L.V’s Green Weekend
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 November, 11am – 4pm

Little Vegan’s answer to Black Friday, there will be hot dogs and mulled wine, plus hampers and gift wrapping at their city centre unit. All completely Vegan.

Christmas Fayre at St Teresa’s Parish Centre
Sunday 25 November, from 12.30pm

Held at the Parish Centre on Queensway in Penwortham, this event will feature a bottle tombola, turkey barms, a hog roast, cakes and stalls, plus the chance to visit Santa in his grotto.

Longridge Does Christmas
Thursday 29 November, 6pm – 9pm

Loads going on at Station Building, Berry Lane and Towneley Gardens including a market, food stalls, live music, donkey rides, the tree lights switch-on and an appearance from Santa Claus.

Garstang St Thomas PTFA Christmas Fair
Saturday 1 December, 12pm – 5pm

Family fun, featuring Santa’s grotto, a festive raffle, craft fun, cake and candy, gift stalls, carol singing, mulled wine, mince pies, and the chance to make your own Christmas mocktails.

Inspiral Tap – Preston Authors and Artists Day
Saturday 1 December at 12pm

A day showcasing Preston’s creatives at Vinyl Tap, with food, drinks and music. There will be a host of local artists exhibiting, plus readings throughout the day from authors and poets.

Etsy Made Local Christmas Market
Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 December, from 4pm

Etsy Made Local is taking over the Harris to showcase products from makers across Lancashire and beyond. Last year chocolatiers, florists, card and textile makers featured.

Bamber Bridge Football Club Christmas Market
Sunday 2 December, 11am – 5pm

There will be plenty of local stallholders selling their wares at Brig’s first-ever Christmas Market.

Grimsargh Does Christmas
Sunday 2 December, 12pm – 4pm

An afternoon at the village hall featuring craft activities, stalls with locally hand-crafted gifts, and mulled wine. Kids can bring their letters to give to Santa, or write one on the day.

UCLan Students’ Union Christmas Craft and Food Fair
Thursday 6 December, 11am – 4pm

Open to everyone, this event at the Atrium will feature handmade treats, crafts and gifts. Outside on the Piazza there will be hot food from more local stallholders.

UCLan’s Winter Wonderland
Thursday 6 December, 2pm – 6pm

Whitendale Halls courtyard is the location for this free event, where you can take part in all the fun of the fair with snacks, games, a reindeer rodeo and giant snowglobe. Open to all.

Tiny Teacups Christmas Markets
Thursday 6 December, 6pm – 8pm

Lots of businesses are lined up at this Bamber Bridge play cafe’s event, many of which are local and offering bespoke gifts. Parents can shop at their leisure while the little ones play.

Read more: Gifts needed to help Preston youngsters have a great Christmas

Christmas at the Belvedere
Saturday 8, Saturday 15, Saturday 22 December from 10.30am

Festive tractor rides, Christmas crafts, plus the chance to meet Santa Claus and receive a gift all await at this event. The Friends of Avenham & Miller Parks will be selling hot drinks.

Town House Christmas Fair
Saturday 8 December, 5pm – 8pm

This is the first time Town House is hosting a Christmas Fair, and it’s suitable for all ages. A selection of local artists and craft makers will be selling Christmas gifts and decorations.

Etsy Lancashire Christmas Market
Saturday 8 December, 10.30am – 4.30pm

The first of five markets scheduled for the coming months, this event will feature local independent makers offering handcrafted printed gifts, photography, homewares and more, plus entertainment.

Cheeki Monkeys Christmas Craft and Gift Fair
Saturday 8 December, 12pm – 3pm

Noah’s Ark Christmas Fair at St Ambrose’s Church Hall Leyland
Sunday 9 December, 2pm – 5pm

This fair will offer hot food, a raffle, face painting, and the chance to meet Santa Claus. Well-behaved pets and donations of cat food are welcome. A pet blessing will take place in the Church at 2.30pm.

Penwortham Christmas Gift Fair
Wednesday 12 December, 6pm-9pm

This annual fair returns for its sixth year. Featuring a selection of local arts, crafts, jewellery, cards, gifts, plants, clothing, decorations and more. It’s free entry, with tea and coffee available.

Lea Club Christmas Family Day
Sunday 16 December, 1pm – 4.30pm

This family-friendly event will feature craft and gift stalls, Santa’s grotto, a children’s entertainer and face painting.

Christmas Farmers’ Market at Hoghton Tower
Sunday 16 December, 10am – 2pm

Held in The Great Barn, this market will see farmers and growers joined by bakers, confectioners and craftspeople. It’s one of the original Lancashire markets, and costs £1 per car or 50p for pedestrians.

Will you be going to any of these Christmas events? Let us know in the comments below.