Christmas in Preston is a magical time filled with festive events, shopping, and dining experiences that cater to all tastes. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip with family, or a festive couples weekend, Preston has a lot to offer.
What to expect when you visit Preston this Christmas
When you choose Preston this Christmas, there are host of activities and events that you can enjoy, including:
- Christmas themed events and activities
- Christmas shopping
- Food and drink
- Festive Events and Activities
If you’re looking for festive events in particular, Preston won’t let you down. Some of the most popular options include:
Festive attractions– The Fire Garden in Avenham and Miller Parks is a must-see. Running December 7-8th, the parks are transformed into a fiery wonderland with dazzling sculptures, show stopping performances, and glowing displays that will keep off the winter chill.
Christmas markets– Discover unique gifts and artisan treats at the Makers Market on December 14th at the Flag Market, showcasing handmade crafts, seasonal foods, and more.
Santa experiences– For little ones wanting to see Santa, Brockholes Nature Reserve hosts Santa’s Grotto every weekend through December, where children can meet Santa, enjoy cookie decorating, and explore a beautifully decorated festive setting. Alternatively, Ribble Steam Railway offers magical Santa Special train rides on weekends, where Santa visits families in their cosy carriages with gifts for children.
Christmas Shopping in Preston
Preston is a fantastic city for shopping, particularly during the festive season. The Fishergate Shopping Centre and St George’s Shopping Centre offer a wide range of high-street brands and boutique stores, perfect for ticking off your Christmas list.
For something more unique, explore Cannon Street for a lively mix of independent shops and cafes. This is a must visit street for anyone looking to enjoy Preston’s independent shopping scene, but at Christmas, it is truly something special. Here you can purchase handmade and local items, as well as vintage items and antiques, boutique and vintage clothing, and you can also stop for a bite to eat.
For local, artisan goods, Preston Markets is the ideal destination. Here, you can find everything you need for thoughtful, unique gifts.
Food and drink in Preston this Christmas
Preston’s food scene is vibrant and diverse, and it has long been popular with foodies. There are a wide range of options for all budgets and preferences, including:
Festive meals- Many local pubs and restaurants, like The Black Horse and The New Continental, offer special Christmas menus, including hearty roast dinners and festive trimmings. For a unique dining experience, you can enjoy a Christmas-themed supper with Santa at Brockholes.
International flavours- Preston boasts a fantastic range of international cuisines. Why not try Kimji for Korean and Japanese dishes, or Tipsy Chef Street Food for Chinese, Japanese, American, Asian, and Korean street food? Mowgli is renowned for fantastic Indian meals, and Itsy’s Thai Street Food offers authentic Thai street food that is sure to impress.
Fine dining- For fine dining, Preston has a host of options including Twist, which delivers high quality ingredients and delicious fan favourites with a fine dining twist.
Tips for Your Visit
If you’re visiting Preston for a weekend of festivities, you should be sure to plan ahead for the best results, including:
- Booking ahead for ticketed events like Santa’s Grotto or the Santa Steam Train.
- Making the most out of free entertainment, including choir performances and light displays.
- Parking is readily available at city centre car parks, but arriving early ensures a hassle free experience during peak holiday shopping times.
Choose luxury accommodation
The No 10 Preston Hotel is the number one choice for luxury accommodation in Preston city centre. Our aparthotel boasts a variety of high end, self contained apartments for you to make the most of your festive trip to Preston.
Preston at Christmas is a blend of tradition and modern festivity, making it a perfect destination for a seasonal weekend break. Whether you’re looking to make magical family memories, shopping for the perfect gifts, or looking for a festive couples weekend, Preston is sure to make your Christmas season unforgettable.