Christmas is coming to Preston with a season of Ice Skating-Festive lights and family pantomime.

Preston’s city centre will be celebrating Christmas in style this year, with a packed programme of festive experiences that will bring Christmas magic to the city’s cultural Harris Quarter.

From the much-anticipated Christmas Lights Switch-On, on Saturday, 21 November, a new Preston On Ice in association with SpudBros, to a fairytale production of Cinderella at The Guild Lounge, visitors will have plenty of reasons to visit Preston to celebrate Christmas and make memories.

Preston On Ice in Association with SpudBros

One of the highlights of this year's winter programme will be Preston On Ice in Association with SpudBros, bringing a winter wonderland experience to the heart of Preston. Opening from Friday, 4 December until Thursday, 3 January.

Located at the Flag Market, visitors can take to the ice at the city’s real ice rink, enjoy traditional fairground rides and tuck into a delicious range of seasonal food, from warming savoury dishes to indulgent festive treats, including family favourites from SpudBros.

Father Christmas will be there to create magical memories for the whole family. Visitors can play games, win prizes, unwind with a festive drink at the bar, and enjoy the rides and attractions. With fun activities and entertainment for all ages, Preston On Ice in association with SpudBros is the perfect opportunity to make a day of it in Preston.

Preston Christmas Lights Switch On

Taking place on Saturday, 21 November on The Flag Market, Preston BID and Smooth Radio North West are promising yet another huge event, with special guests and top performers, to officially launch the city’s festive season.

The event, which regularly attracts thousands of guests, is the perfect chance to get the family together and enjoy a brilliant night of festive entertainment.

Cinderella at The Guild Lounge

For those looking for some traditional entertainment, Cinderella at The Guild Lounge will bring a classic pantomime tale to Preston. With a full run of shows between Wednesday, 16 December - Thursday, 31 December, the talented cast of Initiate Theatre are ready to bring local Prestonian charm and classic panto mayhem.

Prepare for dazzling costumes, catchy songs, and all the pantomime fun you could wish for with a Preston twist.

Tickets can be bought online at: https://www.guildhallpreston.co.uk/guildlounge/Cinderella

Councillor Hindle, Cabinet Member of Culture and Arts at Preston City Council, said: “We’re really looking forward to bringing Christmas to Preston this year. There’s a fantastic mix of experiences on offer, and we want to give people plenty of reasons to visit Preston.

“Whether you’re looking for entertainment, skating, eating, exploring or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, there's something for everyone this Christmas in Preston.”

Mark Whittle at Preston BID said: “Christmas is one of the most important times of the year for our city centre businesses, but it’s about much more than trading. It’s also a time when communities come together, people spend time with family and friends, and the city centre really comes alive.

“We’re incredibly grateful, as always, to the businesses and organisations across the city who help us put on an event that so many people look forward to each year. Their support plays a huge part in making the switch-on such a success.

“And while online shopping has its place, this Christmas we’d encourage people to ‘ditch their devices’, head into the city centre and support the local businesses that make Preston what it is. Come in, enjoy the lights, do your Christmas shopping, grab a bite to eat and make a day of it.”

Jacob and Harley, founders of SpudBros, said: “Preston is home for us, so we’re absolutely buzzing to be part of something this special right in the heart of the city. Christmas in Preston always has such a brilliant atmosphere, and bringing SpudBros to Preston On Ice alongside the skating, rides and all the festive fun feels like the perfect way to celebrate it.

“We’ve always been incredibly proud of where we come from and of the support Preston has given us, so being able to play a part in bringing something like this to the city means a lot. We can’t wait to see the Flag Market transformed into a proper winter wonderland, serve up plenty of hot spuds and hopefully make this Christmas one to remember for families across Preston and beyond.”

Keep an eye out for further announcements, dates, booking information and more details about what's happening across the city on the Visit Preston website: www.visitpreston.com.