CHRISTMAS markets will be coming to East Lancashire and beyond this year.

From festive gifts to mulled wine, the Christmas markets always prove to be popular with gift ideas and tasty treats.

So for a great day out check the list below for markets in East Lancashire and further afield.

East Lancashire

Barrowford

What: Food and craft market
Where: Pendle Heritage Centre, Colne Road
When: Sunday, December 12
Time: 10am-2pm

Fill your Christmas stocking with home-made jewellery and soaps, plus festive fare including home-made pickles, chutneys and jams. The free event will be the last of its kind at the centre until March.

Blackburn

What: Christmas Arts and Crafts Christmas markets
Where: Town Hall Square, King William Street
When: Saturday, December 18 and Sunday, December 19
Time: 9am

Local artists and crafty types come together to create a wonderful Christmas arts and crafts market. The perfect place to do a bit of Christmas shopping and to buy a few unique bits and pieces for friends, family and event a treat for yourself. There will also be free children's craft activities to keep the little ones amused.

What: Christmas Winter Express train
Where: King William Street
When: December 18 - December 24
Time: From 9am

Ride the Winter Express train on a circular expedition around the town centre. Children and adults can join in the fun and take this magical train journey throughout Blackburn town centre. The ride is free and a journey that is not to be missed.

What: Festive farmers' market
Where: Fleming Square
When: Sunday, December 19
Time: 9am to 3pm

Blackburn has been hosting a new farmers' market once a month since July. In December the market gets all festive and will be the perfect place to stock up on all your Christmas goodies.

Darwen

What: Darwen's Christmas Market
Where: Darwen Market Square
When: Tuesday, December 21 to Thursday, December 23
Time: 6pm - 10pm

Several shops and businesses - including The Bridgewater Pub and 3 in a Bar - have devised a plan that will see the festive wonderland taking over the town's market square. A variety of stalls will be selling festive food and drink from home and from the continent. Other entertainment will include an ice rink, Children's Christmas crafts giving youngsters the opportunity to make small gifts for their parents and family as well as live music.

Hoghton

What: Farmers' market
Where: Hoghton Tower
When: Sunday, December 19
Time: 10am-2pm

When James I visited the Tower in 1617 he feasted on lamb, pork, poultry and sirloin steak. The choicest cuts of meat and fresh vegetables are all available at the market in time for Christmas.

Whalley

What: Farmers' market
Where: Oakhill College, Wiswell Lane
When: Saturday, December 11 and Sunday, December 12
Time: 10am-4pm

Stalls, crafts and winter treats including a visit by Santa.

Further afield

Blackpool

What: Continental market
Where: St John’s Square
When Monday, December 20 to Wednesday, December 22
Time: Till 5pm

An authentic continental market selling food, wine and gifts from the continent is a welcome addition to add to the Christmas ambience of the resort.

Manchester

What: Manchester Christmas markets
Where: Across the city centre
When November 18 to December 21
Time: 10am - 9pm

Get into the Christmas spirit, while browsing the twinkling stalls with their Christmas gifts and winter food, while soaking up the bustling atmosphere.

Preston

What: Lancashire Christmas market
Where: Friargate Brow
When Saturday, December 11
Time: 10am - 5pm

Fine food producers are set to showcase their wares in an atmospheric market, which will offer traditional wares coupled with unusual Lancashire produce from real ale to ostrich and chicken to cheese.

What: Christmas Beer Market and Bazaar
Where: Flag Market
When Thursday, December 16 to Sunday, December 19
Time: 10am - 5pm

A huge decorated marquee filled with more than 140 cask ales and real ciders, mulled wines, a hog-roast and speciality foods, with a host of musical treats and a market crammed full of wares from art and fashion makers.

Skipton

What: Yuletide Festival
Where: High Street
When Sunday, December 12
Time: 10am - 4pm

Thousands of people are expected to head to the famous market town where there will be entertainment from Bjorn the polar bear, tap-dancing turkeys, break-dancing Santas, Barnoldswick Brass Band and Accrington Pipe Band. The festival culminates in a light procession up High Street to Holy Trinity Church, starting at 4pm, for a carol service in the grounds.

Southport

What: Christmas Festival
Where: Tulketh Street and Wesley Street
When Saturday, December 11, Sunday, December 12, Saturday, December 18, Sunday, December 19
Time: 10am - 4pm Saturdays, 11am - 4pm Sundays

Entertainment, fairground rides, continental and farmers’ Christmas markets, hog roast and Father Christmas. Bring the family along and enjoy

Todmorden

What: Goose Fair
Where: Town centre
When Thursday, December 16
Time: 4pm - 8pm

One of the highlights of the season - look out for Santa in his grotto, brass and samba bands, school choirs and street entertainment. Shops and the market will all be open late.

Late night shopping

East Lancashire

Accrington Arndale Centre: Will be open late in the Christmas week.

Blackburn Mall: December 15 and 16 till 9pm; December 20 to 23 till 9pm.

Burnley: late night shopping until 8pm every Thursday.

Colne Boundary Mill: Weekdays until December 22 till 10pm, Saturdays till 8pm, Sundays till 5pm. Open Boxing Day till 5pm.

Clitheroe: Late-night Christmas shopping on Thursday, December 16.

Oswaldtwistle Mill: Late night Thursday, till 8pm Open Boxing Day till 5pm.

Further afield

Bury, The Rock: Monday to Friday until 9pm, Saturday until 7pm.

Manchester: Open till at least 8pm Monday to Saturday. Main Christmas markets in Albert Square until 9pm.

Preston: shops will be open until 8pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays and Thursdays as well as Monday and Tuesday in Christmas week.

Todmorden: Shops and markets open late on Thursday, December 16.

Trafford Centre: Until 11pm weekdays, 9pm on Saturdays and 6pm on Sundays.

York: Late night shopping every Thursday until December 23.

Let us know about any Christmas markets we've missed. Add the details below, call 01254 298 209 or email us here.