Christmas events across Wigan borough

Get ready to dive into the festive magic of the Wigan Borough this winter, where twinkling lights, cheerful parades and bustling Christmas markets are promising joyful adventures for all ages. From the grand lights switch-on and parade in Wigan Town Centre to the artisan markets at Pennington Flash, the season is bursting with opportunities to explore, shop local, savour seasonal treats and create memories with your loved ones. Don your coat, gather some festive spirit and let the Borough lead you into a truly magical Christmas journey. 🎄

FROST FEST WIGAN
Head to Wigan Town centre on Sunday 23rd November for our annual dose of yuletide spirit.
The day kicks off with Christmas markets and funfair rides on Standishgate from 11.30am, followed by the annual Santa Parade, which leaves Mesnes park at approximately 1pm. As always, Santa himself will be part of the parade before heading into his Grotto at The Grand Arcade - book to see him now so you don't miss out!
The main stage will be live and entertaining the crowds from 12pm before we officially switch on the town centre Christmas lights with this years special guests East 17!  New for this year will be a food and drink are on Believe Square until 6.30pm.
When: Sunday 23rd November from 11:30am
Where: Wigan Town Centre
Tickets: Free, no tickets required. Some activities may have a fee on the day

BOOK FEST 2
Step into a world of words at Book Fest 2, where stories come to life and imagination knows no bounds! With over 30 vibrant stalls, this celebration of literature brings together a diverse range of adult authors specializing in fiction, crime fiction, and poetry as well as nonfiction. Whether you're a fan of gripping thrillers, heartfelt verse, or captivating novels, you'll find something to spark your literary passion. Meet the authors, discover new titles, and connect with fellow book lovers in a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere. A fully licensed bar will be available.
When: Thursday 13th November, 6pm to 8pm
Where: Leigh Library
Tickets: Free, booking is required, Book Fest 2 tickets

LIGHT UP LEIGH
As always, Leigh kick off the Christmas festivities where 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!
When: Saturday 15th November
Where: Leigh Town Centre
Tickets: Free, no tickets required. Some activities may have a fee on the day

WIGAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Celebrate the season at Wigan Town Centre’s Christmas Artisan Markets, returning for their 10th magical year. Across multiple weekends from late November to December, enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats. With dozens of local makers and crafters, it’s the perfect place to find unique presents and support small businesses.
When: 22nd, 23rd and 29th November, 6th, 13th, 20th December
Where: Standishgate, Wigan
Tickets: Free to attend

CHRISTMAS BOOK FAIR
Join Wigan Borough Libraries for their biggest event of the year, perfect for the whole family. Meet over 35 local authors and pick up signed, dedicated books—ideal Christmas gifts for loved ones or yourself. A brand-new book written by children from across Wigan borough, The Kindness Club, will be launched at the event. Enjoy crafts, science fun with Daresbury Laboratory, digital activity with Computer Xplorers, seasonal refreshments, and a magical visits from Father Christmas. With free entry and activities for all ages, it’s a joyful celebration of stories, community, and holiday spirit.
When: Saturday 22nd November, 10am to 1pm
Where: Wigan Library
Tickets: Free to attend, booking is essential, book here for the Christmas Book Fair. 

HO HO HAIGH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON
Festive fun for all the family! Performances from Golborne Brass Band and Milltown Chorus. Lights switched on by Father Christmas around 5pm.
When: Sunday 23rd November
Where: Haigh Woodland Park
Tickets: Free to attend, no tickets required

SANTA’S GROTTO AT GRAND ARCADE
Santa is back at Grand Arcade this festive season with his cheeky elves, bringing all the magic and sparkle of Christmas. We know you'll absolutely love it! We hope all the boys and girls have been super good this year, Santa can’t wait to hear what is on their Christmas lists. Tickets are £6 per child including a gift from Santa. The Grotto will operate an advance booking system and there’ll be a limited amount of walk up tickets, priced at £7.50. Once online slots are sold out for any given date, limited walk up tickets will be available and you can expect to queue.
When: 23rd, 27th November to 14th December (Thursday to Sunday only) and 18th to 24th December
Where: Grand Arcade shopping centre, Wigan
Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/yippidoo-grottos-wigan

GOLBORNE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON
Entertainment starts from 5.30pm in Peter Kane Square, with the big switch on at 6pm!  The amazing Golborne Brass Band and Dr Beats Christmas disco will get you into the festive spirit. Refreshments will be served at Heath Street Methodist Church.  The Rotary Club are also there to assist Santa’s arrival to meet and greet the children.
When: Thursday 27th November, 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Where: Peter Kane Square, Golborne
Tickets: Free to attend, no tickets required

HO HO HAIGH FATHER CHRISTMAS
Visit Father Christmas in his new lodge at Haigh’s courtyard. Each visit offers the opportunity to give Father Christmas your little one’s list, have a chat with him and take photos. Each ticket includes a voucher to paint a bauble at Haigh’s art gallery.
When: 28th November to 22nd December
Where: Haigh Woodland Park
Tickets: Book Father Christmas tickets

PENNINGTON FLASH ARTISAN MARKET
Step into the magic of Christmas at our enchanting lakeside market! Nestled within the heart of a national nature reserve, this seasonal celebration offers artisan stalls, festive food. Wander through woodland paths, sipping a hot festive drink, and discovering unique gifts surrounded by nature’s winter beauty. It’s a perfect way to welcome the yuletide season.
When: Saturday 29th (12pm-8pm) to Sunday 30th November (11am-4pm)
Where: Pennington Flash, Leigh
Tickets: Free to attend, no tickets required. Additional charges for parking and some activities on site

TYLDELSEY MARKETS AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON
With live local music acts, children's rides, street food, market stalls and Dreams 2 Reality Live Tyldesley Draw. Lights will be switch on at 5:30pm. 
When: Saturday 29th November 4.30pm to 6pm
Where: Tyldesley Market Square
Tickets: Free to attend, no entry fee

PEMBERTON CHRISTMAS MARKET
A range of festive activities across Pemberton including Christmas carols, artisan market, a meet and greet with Santa, food stalls and walk about Characters.
When: Sunday 30th November, 12pm to 5pm
Where: Pemberton Town Centre
Tickets: Free to attend

ATHERTON CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Head to Atherton Christmas markets where there will be various artisan stalls selling the perfect gifts including festive decorations and gifts along with themed crafts, tombolas and sweet treats.
When: Saturday 6th December
Where: Atherton Town Centre
Tickets: Free to attend

STANDISH CHRISTMAS MARKET
Standish's biggest annual event returns to the centre of Standish for another year of music, market madness and mulled wine. Join us from 10am on Saturday, 6th December and kick-start your Christmas season.
When: Saturday 6th December
Where: Market Place, Standish
Tickets: Free to attend

HINDLEY CHRISTMAS EVENT
Along with our trusted volunteers we will be putting on our free Christmas Event. Once again the event will be free for our children, with 4 free to ride Silcock’s Funfair Rides and a visit to Santa in his Grotto including a (free) selection box gift.
When: Saturday 6th December 11am to 4pm
Where: Market Square, Hindley
Tickets: Free to attend

ASHTON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON
Come and join us again for the 10th Annual Ashton Christmas Markets and Light Switch On! Find festive food stalls, creative crafts and gifts, fabulous stage acts from lots of local talent, exciting fairground rides and so much more! The event will be rounded off with a fireworks display to truly set off our community’s festive period with a bang!
When: Sunday 7th December, 1pm to 6pm
Where: Ashton Marketplace, Garswood Street, WN4 9AF
Tickets: Free to attend