assorted plush toys at a Lancashire Christmas market
Image credit: Photo by Humphrey Muleba on Pexels.com (Lancashire Christmas Markets 2023)

During the festive season, people love to stroll around artisan market stalls looking for the perfect Christmas gifts, fresh produce to serve to guests, and pretty decorations made by talented crafters. There are plenty of Lancashire Christmas markets where you can spend your hard-earned money, each offering a unique experience. In many cases, the artisan Christmas markets in Lancashire are a fantastic day out for all the family and much more than a mundane shopping experience that you fulfil out of duty and necessity. To help you find somewhere to enjoy a pleasant Christmas shopping experience, here is our list of some of the best Lancashire Christmas markets in 2023.

Christmas By the Sea, Blackpool: One of the Best Christmas Markets 2023 for Family Activities

Christmas by the Sea is about so much more than Christmas shopping, as there are multiple activities for everyone to enjoy. It is one of the longest Lancashire Christmas markets, as it runs from mid-November to early January. Just some of the things to enjoy at the market include stalls, food stands, a skating rink, the Star Flyer, light and projection shows, themed log cabins, and a magical forest.

Brockholes Nature Reserve Artisan Christmas Market, Salmesbury: One of the Prettiest Lancashire Christmas Markets 2023

The Brockholes Nature Reserve Artisan Christmas Market showcases the products of artisan businesses from across Lancashire and elsewhere in the North West. While visiting the Lancashire Christmas market, you can also explore the beauty of the nature reserve.

Christmas Artisan Markets at Meer Sands Wood, Rufford 

The market showcases the products of artisan businesses from across Lancashire and elsewhere in the North West. While visiting the Lancashire Christmas market, you can also explore the nature reserve’s trails.

Christmas markets at Greenlands Farm Village, Carnforth

The Christmas market at Greelands Farm Village in Carnforth is a fantastic day out for all the family. Not only are there stalls to pick up your Christmas gifts, but the children can explore the farm, have fun in the play barn, and visit Santa’s Grotto. Open Farm tickets are £9 for children aged 2+, £8 for adults, and free for children aged 0-23 months.

  • When is it on? 10 am to 5 pm from the 18th of November to the 24th of December
  • Where is it? Greenlands Farm Village, Tewitfield, Carnforth, Lancashire, LA6 1JH
  • What is on? Artisan stalls, a working farm, play barn, café, laser tag (additional cost and booking required), and Santa’s Grotto (tickets required)
  • Find out more: https://www.greenlandsfarmvillage.co.uk/christmas-2023/

Lancaster On Ice

Lancaster On Ice is one of Lancaster’s biggest events, and it lasts from November 2023 to January 2024. In addition to the market stalls and food stands, there is a huge ice rink and a Ferris wheel.

  • When is it on? 25th of November to 7th of January 2024
  • Where is it? Lancaster city centre

Chorley Christmas Market

There is plenty going on at Chorley Christmas Market, including a Winter Wonderland, Santa’s Grotto, a bar serving mulled wine, and stalls selling local produce and handcrafted items.

Crow Wood Christmas Market, Burnley

Crow Wood Christmas Market is hosted at Crow Wood Hall, one of the best hotels in Burnley. Although the one-day event is free to enter, you need to book tickets online in advance.

  • When is it on? 10th of December
  • Where is it? Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Holme Road, Burnley, BB12 0RT
  • What is on? Stalls selling handmade crafts, quirky gifts, and vintage wares.
  • Find out more: Crafty Vintage | Crow Wood

Festival de Noel, Clitheroe: One of the Best Lancashire Christmas Markets 2023 for Live Entertainment

For a full day of entertainment, one of the best Lancashire Christmas markets is the Festival de Noel in Clitheroe. The stalls sell crafts, handmade gifts, vintage wares, and other quirky items. However, there is plenty more to keep you entertained other than shopping. There is live music, magic shows, the chance to try your hand at new crafts, and food and drink vendors.  The market is held within the grounds of Waddow Hall, and tickets are £5 per person.

  • When is it on? 3rd and 4th of December
  • Where is it? Waddow Hall, Waddington Road, Clitheroe, Ribble Valley, Lancashire, BB7 3LD
  • What is on? Crafts to make and buy, magic shows, Christmas characters, gift and vintage stalls, food stands, a cocktail stall, and live music.
  • Find out more: Festival de Noel | Crafty Vintage

Garstang Victorian Christmas Festival: One of the Best Traditional Lancashire Christmas Markets 2023

Step back in time at Garstang Victorian Christmas Festival. It is a community event hosted on the market town’s high street that is free to attend. The stalls sell a range of handmade goods, perfect Christmas gifts, and local produce.

Hoghton Tower Christmas Farmers Market

The focus is on food at the Hoghton Tower Christmas Farmers Market, which brings together local farmers and producers. Typical examples of the stalls at the event include meat, cheese, and pie sellers.

Hoghton Tower Christmas Gift Market

Local artists and craftspeople come together at Hoghton Tower Christmas Gift Market to sell their unique gifts. It is a fantastic event to pick up items you will not find anywhere else.

Lancaster Leisure Park Christmas Market

Visitors can enjoy Lancaster Leisure Park Christmas Market for free and also have access to the park’s permanent businesses. Some businesses include a children’s play area, a brewery, a restaurant, an antiques centre, and a farm shop. There is also a horticultural garden to explore.