The lights are on, the crib is up – Christmas is in full swing in Preston.

Throughout December the shops will open late to allow shoppers to pick up those last minute bits and bobs.

Free parking and extended opening hours start next week with shops in the Fishergate and St George’s Centres opening till 7pm on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 December. Parking is free from 5pm.

The following week, shops will open till 8pm on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 December, again with free parking from 5pm.

Read more: See all things Christmas in Preston

On Tuesday December 18, shops will be open till 7pm and from Wednesday 19 to Saturday 22, shops (at both centres) are open till 8pm.

A number of independent shops will also extending their opening hours and there is free parking at various locations around the city centre.

Mark Whittle, Preston City Centre BID manager, said: “December is a peak time for traders, with many outlets experiencing up to one-fifth of their annual turnover in this month alone.

“Preston is a the most popular place to shop in Lancashire, coupled with plenty of great places to eat and drink, we are expecting a busy month all round.

“We always advocate spending locally, and would encourage people to shop on the high street and support Preston’s businesses this December”.

Read more: Carol concerts across Preston in 2018

The Market Hall car park is free from 5pm on Thursdays and 3pm on Sundays throughout December. On Christmas Event is free from 1pm.

Arthur Street car park is free all day on Saturdays and Sundays in December. It is also free from Saturday 22 to December 26 and from Saturday 29 to Tuesday January 1 2019.

UCLan’s Whitendale and Victoria 2 carparks are free till 7pm on Saturdays and 6pm on Sundays throughout December.

During the week, the university’s Fylde 2 car park is free from 6pm to 9pm and Victoria 2 is free till 7pm during Christmas week (Monday December 24 to Wednesday January 2, excluding Christmas Day).

See here for a full list of map locations for free parking in December.