5 Christmas markets to visit in Lancashire this winter

Lancashire has plenty of Christmas markets for you to enjoy, here are five of them <i>(Image: Getty)</i>
Lancashire has plenty of Christmas markets for you to enjoy, here are five of them (Image: Getty)
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It’s that time of year again when Christmas markets pop up across the UK, and there are plenty in Lancashire to enjoy.

As the temperatures get cooler, wandering through Christmas markets can really get you into the festive spirit.

If you’re looking for gifts for loved ones or you simply fancy seeing what your local Christmas markets have to offer, look no further.

Here are some of the Christmas markets you can visit in the county.

5 Christmas markets you can visit in Lancashire

Darwen Christmas Lights Switch On and Festive Markets

Location: Darwen Market Square, Croft Street, Darwen, Lancashire, BB3 1BH.

See the lights switch on in Darwen’s Market Square and take a stroll through the festive markets.

Taking place on Saturday, November 15, the festive markets will see Father Christmas return with some storytelling plus fairground rides, stage performances and more.

You can find out more about the festive event via the Darwen Town Centre website.

Totally Locally Chorley Christmas Market

Location: Chorley Town Centre

Visit Chorley for its Christmas Market this year and expect a “fun filled day”, according to the Facebook page.

More than 50 stalls will be at the event, including gifts, food and drink.

Children can look forward to the free craft workshops, meeting Santa, fairground rides and more.

It takes place on Sunday, November 16 from 10am.

Christmas by the Sea

Location: Blackpool seafront

Visitors can look forward to wandering around the markets, free ice skating and more.

Whether you're looking for gifts or fancy some food and drink, there is plenty going on.

You can also embrace the snow under the artificial snowfalls or go on the thrilling rides.

The event will open from Friday, November 21.

Blackpool's Illuminations will be on until January 4, 2026.

The Blackpool Council website added: "Throughout the Christmas By The Sea season, people will be able to park for four hours at many Blackpool Council car parks for just £2, this year the offer includes both Talbot and Central Multi-Storey Car Parks."

Victorian Christmas at Gawthorpe Hall

Location: Gawthorpe Hall, Habergham Drive, Padiham, Burnley, Lancashire, BB12 8UA

Gawthorpe Hall is hosting a Victorian Christmas event where you can "visit the Victorian kitchen, full of seasonal scents of cinnamon and nutmeg, where the housekeeper might reveal the secrets of a real plum pudding and help you make your own place name card."

Festive music will be played and little ones can enjoy the craft activities in the Nursery and even meet Father Christmas.

This event runs from Saturday, November 29 until Sunday, November 30 from 11am until 3.30pm.

Visitors are advised to book the event in advance.

Christmas Market & Santa's Grotto

Location: Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa, Blackburn Road, Clayton-le-Moors, Blackburn, BB5 5JP

Enjoy some indoor shopping and show your little ones the magic of Christmas with a visit to see Santa and an elf (gift and photo available at an additional cost).


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You can expect artisan gins, gifts, cakes and more at this Christmas market.

This event takes place on Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16 from 10am until 3pm.

Parking and entry are both free for this event.

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