Festive fun, local shopping and seasonal cheer all in one place
The countdown to Christmas is well and truly underway, and Darwen Town Centre is bursting with festive spirit. With twinkling lights, community events and a fantastic mix of independent shops, there’s no better place to enjoy the run-up to the big day. From family-friendly activities to creative exhibitions and Christmas shopping, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as we head towards Christmas.
Darwen Market Christmas Opening & Santa’s Grotto
Darwen Market sits at the heart of the town’s festive celebrations this Christmas.
Santa’s Grotto, hosted by the Darwen Rotary Club, will be open in the Market Annexe on Saturday 20 December, as well as Tuesday 23 December and Christmas Eve. Santa will be welcoming children between 10:00am–12:30pm and 1:00pm–3:00pm (Christmas Eve until 1:00pm). Each visit includes meeting Santa, a small gift and a photo, making it a magical experience for little ones.
️ Darwen Market
Extra Christmas opening offers the perfect opportunity to shop local, with a wide range of stalls selling gifts, food and festive treats. Individual trader hours may vary, but the market will be open as follows:
School Choirs & Festive Music
Nothing says Christmas quite like the sound of carols in the town centre. Throughout early and mid-December, local school choirs will be performing festive favourites to bring extra cheer to your Christmas shopping trip.
This week we will be welcoming St. Joseph’s on Wednesday 10am and St Barnabas Primary on Thursday at 10am. We look forward to seeing them there, why not come along and show your support!
Shop Darwen Christmas Trail
Families can add a little adventure to their festive visit by taking part in the Shop Darwen Christmas Trail.
Children are invited to help Santa find his lost presents by visiting participating businesses across the town centre. Trail sheets can be collected from Santa’s Grotto at Darwen Market or Sweet Vintage. Once completed, children can return their sheet to Sweet Vintage to receive a sweet treat.
The trail runs daily until 24 December and is a brilliant way to explore Darwen while supporting local independent shops.
Winter Art Exhibition
Christmas in Darwen isn’t just about shopping — it’s also a celebration of local creativity. The Winter Art Exhibition, hosted by Darwen Arts Society, returns this December to Darwen Market, showcasing a range of artwork from talented local artists until 13th January.
It’s the perfect chance to enjoy something a little different during your town centre visit and to support Darwen’s vibrant arts community. The artwork is available to purchase via Percival Pictures and makes a lovely unique gift.
Complete Your Christmas Shopping Here
✨ With just over a week to go until Christmas, now is the perfect time to pick up everything you need right here in Darwen Town Centre. From thoughtful gifts and festive treats to last-minute essentials, our independent retailers have you covered.
To make things even easier, check out the Shop Darwen guide to help you find exactly what you need, discover local businesses and enjoy a stress-free Christmas shop close to home.
If you are smugly thinking, no need my friend, I am all done – congratulations! Why not arrange to meet a friend for a coffee, lunch or a festive afternoon tea? Just check you have the cranberry sauce though!
Celebrate Christmas in Darwen
Whether you’re meeting Santa, following the Christmas trail, enjoying carol singing or browsing the winter art exhibition, Darwen Town Centre offers a warm welcome and a true community Christmas. Support local, soak up the festive atmosphere and make Darwen your destination this Christmas.
Don’t forget to pick up your #ShopDarwen entry forms too!
We look forward to welcoming you into town as the countdown to Christmas continues!
