Christmas gingerbread biscuits in a red mug, fairy lights in the background. Text reads free Christmas events Lancashire

Free Christmas events Lancashire 2025

ByClaire Bones Updated on

Christmas days out can get expensive but there are also lots of free Christmas events Lancashire 2025. These include lots of Christmas lights switch on events, Brass bands and even a snowman trail. So read on to find some festive and free events near you. This post is part of a series of posts on free Christmas events North West.

If you have an event you want to be added, drop me an email at – info@northwestforkids.co.uk and send me the details.

I’ve done my best to add the details of all these events accurately and keep it up to date but I strongly advise you to click through and check on the organiser’s website to ensure the dates and times have not changed and that the event is going ahead before travelling.

If you love finding new family days out and events in the North West then you need to follow me on Facebook or Instagram. If you use Facebook you might like to join my Family Days out North West group.

Christmas lights switch on at Haigh Woodland Park – 2025 details

When: 23rd November 2025

A FREE afternoon of family festive fun and merriment.

Car Park Charges apply.

Golborne Brass Band and Milltown Chorus will be performing throughout the afternoon, as well as Christmas stilt walkers and interactive family fun. Special guest Father Christmas will be switching the Christmas lights on around 5pm.

Full details here – Christmas light Switch On at Haigh Woodland Park

Free Santa arrival at Dobbies Garden centre – 2025 details

Where: Dobbies Preston, Blackpool Road, Clifton, Preston , PR4 0XL (also Southport)

When: 23rd November 2025.

Cost: free

Summary: Santa’s grand arrival, live entertainment, exclusive discounts and book a grotto visit for the same day.

Full details here – Events | Dobbies Garden Centres

Christmas by the sea Blackpool – 2025

When: 21st November 2025 to 4th January 2026

Where: Tower Festival Headland opposite The Blackpool Tower

Blackpool’s Tower Festival Headland will be transformed into a breath-taking festive village complete with an outdoor skating rink (free), simulated snowfalls, log cabins, larger-than-life light installations and festive-themed rides.

Full details here – Christmas By The Sea | VisitBlackpool

Blackpool illuminations 2025

Blackpool illuminations have been extended again. This year they will be running from 2nd September until January 4th 2025. 

Find out more here – Blackpool Illuminations 2025 | Visit Blackpool

Frost festival Wigan & Light up Leigh 2025

Frost festival Wigan

23rd November 2025

The day kicks off with Christmas markets and funfair on Standishgate, then Santa himself will be part of the parade from Mesnes Park, into the town centre. The main stage will be live and entertaining the crowds all afternoon before we officially switch on the town centre Christmas lights.

Light up Leigh

15th November 2025

The day starts with Christmas artisan markets, a funfair and entertainment stage. As the sun sets, it’s time to ‘Light Up Leigh’ with the dazzling lantern parade that switches on the towns Christmas lights as it passes. This culminates with a fantastic finale performance!

Full details of these well as other dates for Christmas markets can be found here – Frost Fest 2025

Free Santa’s Grotto at Preston Market 2025

When: 13th December 2025

No need book and this is free.

Full details – Santa’s Grotto at Preston Markets

Winter Xplorer at Brockholes – 2025 details

Where: Brockholes Nature Reserve, Just off Junction 31 of the M6, Preston, Lancashire, PR5 OAG

When: 8th December 2025 – 5th January 2026

Explore Brockholes, find the markers, complete the challenge and have fun together! Brought to you in partnership with British Orienteering, Xplorer is the perfect outdoor activity to get the whole family outside in the fresh air together! There are certificates for those completing the challenge along with a sweet treat!

There are 2 courses available. One is pram-friendly and suitable for young children and the other is more challenging and not suitable for prams.

Each map pack contains – One map, one answer sheet, a Brockholes pencil and full instructions. On completion you will receive the answers, a certificate and a sweet treat!

£5.50 online, £6.50 on the day

Book here – Winter Xplorer at Brockholes

Winter Xplorer at Mere Sands Wood – 2025 details

Where: Mere Sands Nature Reserve, Holmeswood Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 1TG

When: 8th December 2025 – 5th January 2026

Explore Mere Sands Wood, find the markers, complete the challenge and have fun together! Brought to you in partnership with British Orienteering, Xplorer is the perfect outdoor activity to get the whole family outside in the fresh air together! There are certificates for those completing the challenge along with a sweet treat!

There are 2 courses available. One is pram-friendly and suitable for young children and the other is more challenging and not suitable for prams.

Each map pack contains – One map, one answer sheet, a pencil and full instructions. On completion you will receive the answers, a certificate and a sweet treat!

£5.50 online, £6.50 on the day

Book here – Winter Xplorer at Mere Sands Wood

Mistletoe & Magic Light Switch On, Accrington Town Hall 2025

When: 27th November 2025,

Each 45-minute session includes:

Christmas Crafts with Create Yourself – make your own festive bauble and write your letter to Santa.

Biscuit Decorating with Cook Stars Rossendale and Blackburn – decorate your very own Christmas biscuit or gingerbread man!

Meet Santa & His Elf from Wish Upon a Star Events – every child will meet Santa, hand over their letter, and have a photo opportunity!

Child Ticket – £15, Family Ticket – £35 (admits 3 children), Adults go FREE!

Book here – Mistletoe and magic

Free Winter Wonderland at Burnley College – 2025 details

When: 6th December 2025

Here are just some of the amazing activities for all ages that will be taking place on the day to get you in the festive spirit:

  • Captivating Christmas Market – local traders and independent retailers with unique gifts and crafts
  • Spectacular Performances of Sister Act Jr The Musical
  • Festive fairground rides
  • Live entertainment all day
  • A chance to meet Santa and his elves in their grotto
  • And much more!

Festive food will also be available.

Full details here – Winter Wonderland – Burnley College

Lancaster Winter Wonderland – 2025 details

When: 7th December 2025

Where: Lancaster City Centre

With animatronic Polar bear, and Olaf and Elsa and more roaming the streets…

You can even visit Santa on the Stagecoach Grotto Bus before he heads off to get ready to deliver all the presents on Christmas morning.

Full details – Lancaster’s Winter Wonderland

Christmas Characters In The City, Lancaster – 2025 details

When: 14th December 2025

Christmas is nearly here so what better way to celebrate before Christmas meeting some festive characters? Can you find the real elf on the shelf in the city? Can you persuade the Grinch to love Christmas? And what about the fabulous Festive Gonks roaming the streets? Make sure to get lots of photos with our Christmas Characters in the city!

It will also be the final time to visit Santa on the Stagecoach Grotto Bus before he heads off to get ready to deliver all the presents on Christmas morning.

Full details here – Christmas Characters In The City

Gingerbread trail, Lancaster – details for 2025

When – 23rd November 2025 – 1st January 2025

Can you find all 12 Christmas gingerbread men hidden in windows around the city?

Full details here – Lancaster BID

Free Christmas light switch on events Lancashire

Have a look at the full details for these Christmas light switch on events. Many include Santa parades, live music, Christmas markets and even rides.

More things to do this Christmas in Lancashire

Find the best places to enjoy Breakfast with Santa Lancashire here.

Find all the Santa’s Grotto Lancashire here.

Find all the Christmas events Lancashire here.

Find the best Lancashire Christmas shows here.

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Claire lives with her husband an 2 daughters in Cheshire. They love family days out and short breaks. As well as exploring Cheshire, you'll find them exploring the wider North West on days out and holidays.

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