Free events at Preston Markets this festive season

20 November 2023

While you're in the city centre doing a spot of Christmas shopping, why not pop along to Preston Markets and enjoy the yuletide cheer we have on offer.

The Orchard are also serving festive mulled wine, available to drink in or takeout, it makes the perfect seasonal tipple whilst you're out and about..

Free Festive Family Fun

Preston Markets free Santa's grotto returns on 9 December along with a host of other free events throughout the month. Children can come along and meet the real Santa Claus and let him know what they would like for Christmas. Each child who visits will receive a small gift.

There will be face painters from 11.30am until 2pm next to Santa's Grotto and you can also take part in a fabulous Treasure Hunt. Find the four images hidden somewhere in the Market to win a prize. For more details see Christmas Family Fun Day at Preston Markets.

Victorian singers

Traditional Victorian Carol singers will be performing at Preston Markets on Saturday 16 December from 11:30am - 12:15pm, 12:45pm - 13:30pm and 2pm - 2:45pm.

Keep your eye out for Santa who will be visiting Preston Markets again, especially to hear the singing. He'll be in Preston Markets between 11am and 3pm to meet and greet any children who may be visiting to do a spot of Christmas shopping.

We appreciate your ongoing support

On top of these exciting free events, shopping local is a great way of supporting your local community.

Many Preston Market traders buy their products from local Lancashire farms, growers and small industries. You can make a real difference by choosing to spend your hard-earned money to support these vital local businesses.

In the Market Hall alone there are a host of stalls providing local, fresh produce including an artisan butcher, a specialist cheese stall, a fishmonger, two fruit and veg stalls and a variety of cafes not to mention a cosy and welcoming bar where you can sit and relax.

The Orchard craft beer bar is also happy to provide a warm, dry place to eat any food purchased within the markets - whether it's a fresh curry, a delicious smash burger or a warming butter pie. Why not treat yourself to lunch, a hot coffee or even a pint while you are here?

Pre-order your festive feast

Whatever your traditional Christmas dinner involves, you can contact traders directly and pre-order a range of locally sourced produce from traders at Preston Markets. Livesey's butchers offer a range of meats, pick up a delicious cheese wheel from Pickles of Preston or a custom vegetable hamper from Fresh and Fruity.

For more details see our festive food shopping at Preston Markets blog.

What's on at Preston Market

You can keep up to date with the festive fayre on offer, deals and opening times by following our social media channels @prestonmarkets on Facebook - Preston Markets, Instagram - Preston Markets and Twitter - Preston Markets. Please tag us in your photos with your special purchase or having fun at our festive events