Now Halloween and Bonfire Night are out of the way, it is time to get into the festive spirit in Preston.

We have put together a list of Christmas events taking place in and around the city.

If we have missed any, you can email us at contactus@blogpreston.co.uk with the details. You can also add an event to our What’s On page for free.

Preston Christmas Lights Switch On

The event is set to light up the city from 5.30pm on Saturday 23 November, with thousands expected to gather at the Flag Market to enjoy a free evening of live performances.

This year’s line-up includes The Drifters, Clubland Reborn, America’s Got Talent’s Ryland Petty and more.

There will also be appearances from The Spud Bros, The Grinch, and, of course, Santa.

There’s free parking at Lancashire County Council’s Arthur Street car park, and all UCLan city centre car parks from 12pm on Switch On day. Preston City Council’s Trinity Street Car Park and Penny Street Car Park are free from 1pm.

Read more: New place for Greggs within St George’s Shopping Centre

Carols in the Chamber with the Mayor of Preston

Preston Town Hall is set to come alive with the sound of Christmas as the Mayor hosts the annual Carols in the Chamber.

Community members are invited to join the Mayor and civic leaders for an evening on Wednesday 4 December.

The evening will begin with a festive reception at 6.30pm, featuring complimentary mince pies and drink. Carols will commence at 7pm.

Tickets for the evening cost £10, with all proceeds going to the Mayor’s chosen charities: Let’s Grow Preston, Disability Equality Northwest, and Furniture for Education Worldwide.

For tickets, email themayor@preston.gov.uk by Friday 15 November.

Santa’s Grotto at Dobbies’ Preston store

The much-loved Santa’s Grotto is back. Santa will take residency at the new Little Seedlings train-themed Grotto this November and December.

The grotto costs £12.99 per child and there is a Quiet Grotto experience for those looking for a sensory-friendly option on Friday 6 December. 

It will be open from 28 November until 24 December.

Read more: In pictures: Preston Bonfire Night 2024 firework displays light city skies

Santa’s Christmas Cracker 

The Guild Lounge is playing host to Santa’s Christmas Cracker where every child will get to meet Father Christmas. There will also be a 45-minute interactive family show.

The show is aimed at ages two to eight and each child will receive a present from Father Christmas.

The shows take place throughout December on Saturday 14 December (2pm and 4pm), Sunday 15 December (11am and 2pm), Monday 16 December to Wednesday 18 December (10am and 1pm), Thursday 19 December (1pm and 4pm), Saturday 21 December to Monday 23 December (11am and 2pm) and Tuesday 24 December (10am).

Tickets for the show are £15 and available via the Guild Lounge website.

‘Come and sing Christmas’ concert with audience carols

On Monday 9 December, from 7:30pm, the community is invited to watch a selection of carols at All Saints Church, Station Road in New Longton.

The evening of singing is free, everyone is welcome and refreshments will be available.

Read more: Preston branch of Stand Up To Racism to launch with free family-friendly music event

Dobbies’ Santa Paws experience

Another event at Preston’s Dobbies’ Garden Centre, but this time for your furry friends.

The store is inviting customers to bring their dogs to share a moment with Santa in his grotto. They will receive a professional photograph alongside a toy.

Santa Paws is available from Thursday 5 December to Tuesday 24 December on selected dates. The experience costs £9.99 per dog and the professional photograph add on can be pre-booked for a discount. 

Santa’s Post Box at Brockholes

Santa is replying to letters posted in the box at Brockholes Nature Reserve.

Children and families can write their letter to Santa at home, before heading off on a winter walk to Santa’s post box at Brockholes following the self-led trail.

Letter packs include envelopes, a pencil, full instructions and a trail map to help you find Santa’s address and Santa’s post box, plus a voucher for one hot chocolate.

The post box will be open from 8 November to 8 December. Tickets cost £9.99.

Brockholes Winter Fayre 

From meeting Father Christmas on his sleigh, with a vintage calliope playing in the background, to enjoying new attractions like the Punch and Judy show and a kids’ magic performance, there’s something for everyone at the Brockholes Winter Fayre.

The festive evenings will be open from 4:30pm on 29 November, 6 December and 13 December.

Tickets cost £12 which includes three tickets to the fairground games and activities and parking.

Cottam Christmas light switch on and festive fair

On the 24 November from 4pm until 8pm there will be a host of festive stalls, food and drinks at the Cottam Community Centre.

Hosted by the Cottam Community Association, the centre is the new home of some of the famous Tipping’s Christmas lights.

The evening hopes to provide festive spirit with live music, face paint and local businesses.

Read more: See more of what’s on in Preston

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

This story was made possible by you, our readers, and a host of organisations in the city, through our Crowdfund Lancashire appeal, which unlocked support from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund provided by Lancashire County Council. You can see all our coverage and, if you know of an arts project or event in the city we should be covering, you can submit it for our event listings and/or send details to contactus@blogpreston.co.uk for us to cover it as a story on the Blog.