What's on in Preston: November and December 2026

November 2026

Ongoing until 31 January: Horrockses Fashions

19 September 2026 to 31 January 2027, during opening hours | Fashion and textile exhibition | Gallery One, The Harris, Market Square, Preston PR1 2PP | Free; no ticket needed.

Explore the Lancashire fashion company's printed cotton dresses and the artists behind their designs. Marking 80 years since the brand's launch, the display draws on the Harris's collection of post-war ready-to-wear fashion.

6 November: Laughter at the Lounge

Friday 6 November, 8pm | Stand-up comedy | Guild Lounge, Preston Guild Hall, Lancaster Road, Preston PR1 1HT | £14.

Gbemi Oladipo, Tom Taylor and Nina Gilligan are the advertised line-up for the Guild Lounge's monthly comedy night. The venue notes that performers may change at short notice.

7 November: Egyptian Balcony tour

Saturday 7 November, 1.30pm to 2.30pm | Adult heritage tour | The Harris, Market Square | £2; ticket required.

Visit the museum's Egyptian Balcony and see John Somerscales's murals, commissioned in 1908. Access is by steep, narrow stairs with no lift, so contact the Harris before booking if that affects your visit.

14 November: Paper dress making

Saturday 14 November, 1pm to 4pm | Adult craft workshop | The Harris, Market Square | £5; book through the event page.

Artist Sian Peters leads a workshop inspired by the Horrockses Fashions exhibition. Use vintage paper and simple craft techniques to make a miniature 1950s-style dress on a hanger. All materials are provided.

20 November: Bye Bye Baby

Friday 20 November, 7.30pm | Live tribute show | Guild Lounge, Preston Guild Hall, Lancaster Road | £32.

Four-part vocal harmonies and a live four-piece band celebrate Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. The programme features more than 30 songs, including Sherry and December 63.

21 November: Preston Christmas lights switch-on

Saturday 21 November | Festive entertainment and lights | Flag Market, Preston | Check the official programme for the final timetable.

Preston BID and Smooth Radio North West launch the city's Christmas season with live performers and special guests. The council's current announcement confirms the date and location; follow its linked Christmas programme for the running order.

30 November: Community art group

Monday 30 November, 10.30am to 1.30pm | Drop-in creative session | The Harris, Market Square | Free.

Join the Harris's community art group for a daytime creative session. The museum's current calendar lists this as a free drop-in event; contact the team for any access or participation questions.

December 2026

From 4 December: Preston On Ice

Friday 4 December 2026 to 3 January 2027 | Seasonal ice skating and attractions | Flag Market, Preston | Check the organiser for session times and attraction prices.

The city's real ice rink returns alongside fairground rides, seasonal food and drink and Father Christmas activities. The 2026 programme is in association with SpudBros. Use the council's linked Christmas programme for booking details.

From 5 December: Santa's Steam Train Adventure

Selected dates 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21 and 22 December | Family heritage railway experience | Ribble Steam Railway, Chain Caul Road, Preston PR2 2PD | Advertised £27.50; online booking essential.

Begin with activities in the museum before boarding a festive train with Mother Christmas and the elves. Children receive a storybook, gift, drink, treat and activity book, while adults have a mince pie. This year's Fox & Edwards format differs from the railway's earlier Santa Specials.

From 16 December: Cinderella

Selected performances Wednesday 16 to Thursday 31 December | Family pantomime | Guild Lounge, Preston Guild Hall, Lancaster Road | Standard £20 to £22; children £14 to £16, with concessions and family rates.

Preston-based Initiate Theatre gives the fairytale a local twist, with the Guild Lounge Ball and a race to catch the last bus. Expect songs, comedy and audience participation. Choose your performance in the booking system; prices depend on date and ticket type.