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 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.

Look forward to a performance by K-Klass who will perform their 90s hits Rhythm is a Mystery and Let Me Show You.

Taking place on Saturday, November 16, the festive markets will see Father Christmas return with some storytelling plus fairground rides, pottery painting and more.

You can find out more about the festive event via the Visit Lancashire website and the Darwen Town Centre Facebook page.

Chorley Christmas Lights Switch On & Totally Locally Christmas Market

Location: Market Street, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 2SN

Visit Chorley for its Christmas Light Switch On and “a brilliant festive and party atmosphere in the town centre”, according to Visit Lancashire.

Returning for another year is The Totally Locally Christmas Market which promises a variety of independent traders and entertainment including children's rides and more.

It takes place on Sunday, November 17 from 10am until 6pm.

You can find more information on the Check Out Chorley website.

See what's on in your area via our local events page See what's on in your area via our local events page (Image: Newsquest)

Christmas by the Sea

Location: Blackpool seafront

The event is free to attend and you can find out more about it via the VisitBlackpool website.

There is plenty to do at the event including shopping in the Christmas Chalets at the Festival Headland.

You can also embrace the snow under the simulated snowfalls or glide on the free skating rink.

There will also be a snow slide and festive trams to ride on plus plenty of food and drinks to indulge in.

If you’ve still got Christmas shopping to do, you could even visit Houndshill and then check out some of Blackpool’s other attractions such as the Blackpool Tower or battle it out to see who is the best at wizarding golf at the Hole in Wand Blackpool.

Crafty Christmas market

Location: Trinity Methodist Church, Gregson Lane, Hoghton, Preston, PR5 0ED

At this Christmas market, you can expect to find unique gifts at affordable prices, vintage collectibles, toys, books and cakes, according to Visit Lancashire.

It will take place on Saturday, November 16 from 10am until 3pm.

Artisan Christmas Market: Holly at Holden Clough Nursery

Location: Holden Clough Nursery, Bolton by Bowland, Bolton by Bowland, Lancashire, BB7 4PF

If you’re looking to visit an artisan market this Christmas, why not try the one at Holden Clough Nursery?

A brief history of Christmas markets

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Visit Lancashire said: “Pop along and meet the carefully selected local makers, creators and talented producers of all things unique, handmade, hand-crafted, or hand grown.

“Think gorgeous gifts, natural skincare and fresh fragrances, local art and literature, touch-worthy textiles, ethical clothing, beautiful jewellery, tasty edible treats, and much more.

“Before or after the markets, you'll certainly want to explore our Nursery grounds or go grab something yummy from The Reading Room”.

The artisan market is open on three days:

  • Friday, November 29: 10am-5pm
  • Saturday, November 30: 10am-5pm
  • Sunday, December 1: 10am-4pm

You can find out more about the artisan markets via the Visit Lancashire website (linked above).