Free Christmas city centre parking
This year, Preston City Centre will provide free parking across a number of city centre car parks, helping make your Christmas shopping and festive outings that little bit easier.
Penny Street and Trinity Square car parks
| Day | Date | Free from time |
|---|---|---|
Saturday | 23 November (Christmas lights switch-on) | 1pm |
| Sunday | 24 November | All day |
| Monday | 2 December | 3pm |
| Tuesday | 3 December | 3pm |
| Wednesday | 4 December | 3pm |
| Thursday | 5 December | 3pm |
| Friday | 6 December | 3pm |
| Sunday | 8 December | All day |
| Monday | 9 December | 3pm |
| Tuesday | 10 December | 3pm |
| Wednesday | 11 December | 3pm |
| Thursday | 12 December | 3pm |
| Friday | 13 December | 3pm |
| Sunday | 15 December | All day |
| Monday | 16 December | 3pm |
| Tuesday | 17 December | 3pm |
| Wednesday | 18 December | 3pm |
| Thursday | 19 December | 3pm |
| Friday | 20 December | 3pm |
| Sunday | 22 December | All day |
| Monday | 23 December | 1pm |
| Tuesday | 24 December | All day |
There is no maximum time of waiting during the free parking periods.
A valid pay and display ticket or virtual stay must be purchased for any parking before the free periods commence.
For prices and more information visit city centre car parks.
Arthur Street Car Park - Lancashire County Council
Arthur Street car park, which is located at the back of County Hall will also be free after 3pm on weekdays from Monday 2 December to Monday 23 December.
| Day | Date | Free from time |
|---|---|---|
Saturday | 23 November (Christmas lights switch-on) | 12pm |
| Sunday | 24 November | All day |
| Monday | 2 December | 3pm |
| Tuesday | 3 December | 3pm |
| Wednesday | 4 December | 3pm |
| Thursday | 5 December | 3pm |
| Friday | 6 December | 3pm |
| Sunday | 8 December | All day |
| Monday | 9 December | 3pm |
| Tuesday | 10 December | 3pm |
| Wednesday | 11 December | 3pm |
| Thursday | 12 December | 3pm |
| Friday | 13 December | 3pm |
| Sunday | 15 December | All day |
| Monday | 16 December | 3pm |
| Tuesday | 17 December | 3pm |
| Wednesday | 18 December | 3pm |
| Thursday | 19 December | 3pm |
| Friday | 20 December | 3pm |
| Sunday | 22 December | All day |
| Monday | 23 December | 3pm |
| Tuesday | 24 December | Free until 5pm |
UCLan City Centre Car Parks
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) car parks will also be free from 3pm between Monday 16 December and Friday 20 December.
Free parking will also be available on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November and Sunday 8 and Sunday 15 December. As well as Monday 23 December and until 5pm on Christmas Eve.
| Day | Date | Free from time |
|---|---|---|
Saturday | 23 November (Christmas lights switch-on) | 12pm |
| Sunday | 24 November | All day |
| Sunday | 8 December | All day |
| Sunday | 15 December | All day |
| Sunday | 15 December | All day |
| Monday | 16 December | 3pm |
| Tuesday | 17 December | 3pm |
| Wednesday | 18 December | 3pm |
| Thursday | 19 December | 3pm |
| Friday | 20 December | 3pm |
| Monday | 23 December | All day |
| Tuesday | 24 December | Free until 5pm |
Car parking charges will apply as normal in all other car parks, including on-street pay and display parking.
Christmas shopping and eating out
When visiting Preston for this years yuletide purchases, make sure to check out our shopping section for plenty of retail inspiration. And, if you're looking to head into town for a meal out this festive season, then take a look at our food and drink directory for potential venues to try out.
Festive events
To find out what Christmas events are taking place this year take a look at our what's on section. The Guild Lounge, located in Preston Guild Hall, is also offering a brilliant line up of events this season. Expect family-friendly Christmas shows, brilliant toe tapping musicals, feel good Irish music, Radio DJ acts and more. For details visit Guild Hall Preston - Guild Lounge events.
For more ideas and inspiration on things to do and see over the festive period see our visit blog.
Map address for city centre car parks
- Penny Street car park, Penny Street, Preston, PR1 1YP
- Trinity Square, Market Street West, Lancashire, PR1 2EU
- Arthur Street car park, 53 Pitt Street, Preston PR1 8RB
- UCLan car park, Preston PR1 8RU