Looking ahead to Christmas in Preston

An Exciting Festive Season for Events and Free Late-Night Parking

Preston is set to sparkle this festive season, with a variety of Christmas events and free late-night parking, encouraging visitors to enjoy the city's attractions and seasonal activities.

Councillor Hindle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts at PCC (Preston City Council), commented:

"We're thrilled to see Preston come alive with festive spirit. Our events celebrate community and provide something special for all ages. With the added benefit of free parking, we're aiming to make the city's festive attractions even more accessible."

Mark Whittle, Manager of Preston BID (Business Improvement District), said:

"Christmas is not only a key time for city residents, but also for our brilliant business community."

Highlights of this year's events include; the annual Christmas Lights Switch On, the Fire Garden, and Santa's Christmas Cracker at The Guild Lounge.

Christmas Lights Switch On

• Saturday 23 November
• 5:30pm - 8pm
• The Flag Market

Set to light up the city, Preston's Christmas Lights Switch On will be an evening of music, entertainment, and community spirit. Special guests and performers will lead the celebration, building excitement as the city's lights are switched on, officially kicking off the holiday season.

This year's line-up includes legendary band, 'The Drifters', 'Clubland Reborn', America's Got Talent's 'Ryland Petty', 'Do It Like Dua', 'Heatwave's - Roy Carter', Preston's 'Kimberley Fox'', 'Halfmark', and Corrie favourite 'Mikey North' (AKA Gary Windass).

See Christmas Lights Switch On for more information.

Fire Garden

• Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December
• 5pm - 9pm
• Avenham and Miller Parks

This illuminating outdoor spectacle will transform Avenham and Miller Parks into a place of wonder and excitement. Visitors can join for free and wander through installations of flaming structures and creative fire displays. Exploring flame-lined paths among copper flowers that breathe fire, flaming lotus flowers, bushes and shrubs.

New for 2024, The Flaming Daisy Chain will ensure audiences are mesmerised as its flower-like cogs turn, pulling a chain through a watering can of paraffin which ignites it as it rises, creating a continuous cycle of flaming flowers.

See Fire Garden 2024 for more information.

Santa's Christmas Cracker

• Saturday 14 - Tuesday 24 December
• Various times
• The Guild Lounge

Perfect for families, this festive event offers interactive fun, including a present for every child and a chance to meet Santa himself. Join Father Christmas and friends for a fun, festive, musical adventure to discover the wonder of Christmas - particularly suitable for 2-8 year olds.

Beyond these major events, Preston's festive calendar also includes special performances, seasonal Makers Markets, events at Preston Markets and family-friendly activities scattered throughout the city, inviting residents and visitors to explore the full range of holiday events on offer. From community gatherings to unique holiday installations, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Visit Guild Lounge - Santa's Christmas Cracker for more information.

Free late-night parking will be available throughout the season, encouraging residents and tourists to explore Preston and enjoy the festivities.

For further details, see Christmas in Preston 2024.