Christmas is a time for indulging in delicious food and a treat or two, and Darwen Christmas Lights Switch On is no exception!
They’ll be a huge variety of artisan stalls, cafes, and bars to visit here in Darwen Town Centre on Saturday 16th November. The whole family will literally be spoilt for choice! Whether you’re after a decadent sweet treat, a hearty meal, authentic street food or a refreshing drink, there’s something to satisfy all tastes.
Here’s an idea of food and drink you can enjoy at this fantastically festive event…
Festive Market Food Stalls
This year’s lights switch on event sees the return of Crafty Vintage Festive Market stalls outside in Darwen Market Square, including plenty of food vendors.
If you’re coming down bright and early for 10am, why not grab a tasty coffee from The Coffee Carriage, then later on fuel up with a delicious wood fired pizza by Marley’s Pizza, or authentic greek street food by Just Gyros, or even some flavourful Pakistani samosas and bhajis by The Kashmiri Guys? Then finish off by a sweet treat from the likes of Baker’s Bake, Doughfinity and Sugar Tart Cupcakery? That sounds like a pretty epic day of eats to us.
And that’s just a taster (don’t mind the pun!) of what food stalls will be on the market square for the lights switch on.
Onsite Bars
What about an alcoholic beverage you ask? They’ll be three onsite bars especially for Darwen Christmas Lights Switch On & Festive Markets, supplying refreshing beers, warming mulled wine, soft drinks and much more, including The Thirsty Steed. Please drink responsibly and keep in mind that this is a family friendly event.
We’d also like to remind you that bringing your own alcohol onto the market square is not allowed, check our our Top Tips for Darwen Christmas Lights Switch On for more FAQs.
Darwen Town Centre Cafes
Both Sweet Vintage and Deli Carlo will be open for the event – their prime locations right on Darwen Market Square means they’re always bustling with customers. They’re the perfect place to take a break after a busy couple of hours browsing the stalls, shops and enjoying the Christmas entertainment.
Deli Carlo and Sweet Vintage are both #shopdarwen retailers, so be sure to ask for prize draw entry form if you spend £5 or over!
A stone’s throw from the market square are two more wonderful Shop Darwen cafes, Number 1 Coffee Shop and 1617 Coffee House. Alongside their luxurious coffee creations, 1617 will be serving their famous Baileys infused hot chocolates & winter fruit punch until 8pm.
Darwen Market traders
The heart of the town centre, Darwen Market Hall, will be open as normal from 8am till 4pm. Inside you’ll find a variety of passionate traders, including Turners Butchers and Leemings Butchers, Woods Fruit & Veg, delis including Tease Your Tastebuds and Cluck & Moo, cafes, Gilly’s Sandwich Bar, and many more.
Darwen Christmas Lights Switch On is a great opportunity to support small businesses and give your local market traders a try. Why not stock up on quality meat and produce for a classic roast dinner on Sunday? Or get your food orders in for Christmas – there’s no time like the present as our traders get booked up and sell out quick over the festive season!
Bars and restaurants to keep the party going
Darwen Town Centre boasts numerous welcoming bars, pubs and restaurants, each with a unique atmosphere and offering. We recommend downloading our handy Insider’s Guide for inspiration, plus a list of Gary Aspden’s Top Picks for where to socialise in Darwen.
If you’re planning on meeting friends after the lights switch on comes to a close at 8pm, you’re sure to find a friendly watering hole or eatery.
And if you plan on well and truly kicking off the party season with a night on the town, you’ll be pleased to know that Darwen Town Centre has several late night venues, including Spitfire & Vault, The Bridgewater and Level One Nightclub.
Darwen Christmas Lights Switch On & Festive Markets 2024 is going to be a foodie’s paradise! It’s an epic event that’s not to be missed, with quality entertainment for the whole family. We can’t wait to see you there!
Check out our Christmas 2024 in Darwen page for lots more info, including our Shopper’s Guide and Top Tips.
