Come and visit Darwen Town Centre on 16th November 2024 for Darwen Christmas Lights Switch On & Festive Markets.
Darwen Town Centre will be a hive of festive activities and events, suitable for the whole family. It’s the perfect opportunity to do some Christmas shopping for loved ones, and to treat yourself to something truly special.
Crafty Vintage Festive Markets
Get ready to immerse yourself in the festive shopping experience as the Crafty Vintage Festive Markets return to the Darwen Christmas Lights Switch On! This bustling outdoor market is a dream destination for those seeking unique, meaningful gifts.
With an array of bespoke and beautifully crafted items, from intricate jewellery and cosy home decor to seasonal crafts bursting with charm, you’re sure to find treasures for everyone on your list.
Here are highlights from this year’s selection of stalls:
Wonderfully Willow
This Yorkshire based small business handcrafts beautiful woven baskets, accessories and Christmas decorations, plus beeswax soap and tasty preserves. The willow is grown and dried on site, so products are truly bespoke from start to finish. If you or your loved ones are fans of classy rustic style, then be sure to check out Wonderfully Willow for excellent gift ideas.
Betty and Buttons
Buying for little ones? Betty and Buttons is the ideal place to buy an extra special present for the extra special children in your life. This Preston based business handmakes adorable dolls and soft toys, including animals, traditional soft dolls, mythical creatures, plus the odd superhero!
Tilly’s Little Treasures
Looking to treat a loved one (or yourself) to a piece of unique jewellery this festive season? Tilly’s Little Treasures takes sea glass and transforms it into beautiful jewellery. The stunning shades of green, blue and yellow make enchanting stones for necklaces and rings that will catch eyes and start conversations. The ideal gift for any beach lover.
Flowercrown Magic
It wouldn’t be a festive market without handmade Christmas wreaths! Flowercrown Magic is a Blackburn based independent business who crafts Christmas wreaths that will be the envy of your neighbours! Whether you prefer a traditional red and gold design, or want something totally different like a pink and red candy or festive gnome theme, they have a wreath for every taste.
Kim & Jim’s Artwork Store
If you’re looking for cute feminine and unique Christmas gifts, be sure to pursue Kim & Jim’s Artwork Store at Darwen Festive Markets. This Preston based artisan business makes Japanese style jewellery and accessories that any lover of kawaii style would be over the moon to receive this Christmas.
There’s even more to browse inside at Darwen Market Hall…
Our very own Darwen Market is at the heart of your weekly shop, with butchers, fruit and vegetables, delicatessens, sweets and treats. You will find clothing, jewellery, cobblers, alterations and repairs, florist, hairdressers, nails and beauty, electrical goods, vapes, pet supplies and more.
Businesses are now taking orders for Christmas, so don’t delay in ordering your turkey, floral arrangement, Christmas Eve sharing platter, cheese board or a new air fryer for the extra crispy roasties! And don’t forget to book your hair and nail appointments early to avoid disappointment.
Darwen Market is open for you to visit as usual from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM on Saturday 16th November. Follow them on Facebook for more info.
#shopdarwen and support local retailers in Darwen Town Centre
Darwen punches well above its weight for fabulous independent retailers, and the strength of our Shop Darwen scheme, with over 30 businesses, is testament to this.
Each one has a strong unique offer. Have a browse whilst you are in town; head to Bridge Street, Market Street, Duckworth Street and Railway Road for more retail therapy, or take a peek on our website at the businesses in advance and plan your own shopping route!
There will be a Christmas pottery painting event for children running during the day at By Erin Gift Shop on Bridge Street, more details coming soon!
Don’t forget, when you spend £5 or over at a Shop Darwen retailer, you are eligible for an entry form to the monthly prize draw. The prize is £50 worth of vouchers to spend at any Shop Darwen business – the more you shop small, the more entry forms you can get, and the bigger your chance of winning the prize draw!
A full day of festive family fun in Darwen Town Centre
Make a whole day of it: spend the morning shopping and enjoying festive entertainment from 10am in and around Darwen Market Square, and then pop home or back to the car with your shopping, before rushing back to enjoy the acts on the main stage from 2pm.
We look forward to seeing you there! Keep you eye on the event calendar and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date.
