Things to do in Preston in December

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Overview

December is a less popular time to visit Preston. The weather is usually cold and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 37—44°F (3—7°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Preston during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a day trip to the nearby countryside for a festive walk or hike, visit the Christmas Markets in Preston, take a Christmas-themed walking tour of Preston, and more!

Preston has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to Preston. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Preston in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Preston in December

Top experiences in December
Take a day trip to the nearby countryside for a festive walk or hike
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take a day trip to the nearby countryside for a festive walk or hike. With picturesque landscapes and scenic trails, it's the perfect way to enjoy the natural beauty of the season and get some fresh air. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, there are plenty of options to explore the great outdoors in December.
Visit the Christmas Markets in Preston
Preston's Christmas Markets are a must-visit in December. With a variety of stalls selling festive treats, handmade gifts, and delicious food and drink, the markets are the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit. You can also enjoy live music, entertainment, and even meet Santa himself. The atmosphere is magical, and it's a great opportunity to support local businesses and artisans.
Take a Christmas-themed walking tour of Preston
Discover the festive side of Preston with a Christmas-themed walking tour. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you'll explore the city's landmarks and attractions while learning about its holiday traditions and history. From beautifully decorated streets to iconic Christmas displays, the tour is a great way to see the city in a new light and learn something new about Preston's holiday spirit.
Visit the Harris Museum and Art Gallery for their Christmas exhibitions
The Harris Museum and Art Gallery in Preston often hosts special Christmas exhibitions and events in December. From festive art installations to holiday-themed workshops and activities, there's always something new and exciting to see and do at the museum during the holiday season. It's a great way to experience the city's cultural offerings while getting into the Christmas spirit.
Go ice skating at the Christmas Ice Rink
For a unique December experience in Preston, head to the Christmas Ice Rink. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a complete beginner, gliding around the rink is a fun and festive activity for all ages. The rink is beautifully decorated, and there's often music playing to add to the atmosphere. It's a great way to get active and enjoy the holiday season.
Attend a Christmas-themed workshop or class in Preston
Get creative and festive by attending a Christmas-themed workshop or class in Preston. From wreath-making to gingerbread decorating, there are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills and create something special for the holiday season. It's a fun and hands-on way to get into the Christmas spirit and make some unique decorations or gifts.
Take a festive stroll along the River Ribble
In December, the River Ribble in Preston takes on a magical quality, with twinkling lights and festive decorations adorning the riverside. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks, enjoying the beautiful scenery and soaking up the holiday atmosphere. It's a peaceful and picturesque way to experience the city during the festive season.
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Holidays in Preston in December
December
  • Christmas Eve (December 24)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
  • Boxing Day (December 26)
  • New Year's Eve (December 31)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Preston in December

Temperatures on an average day in Preston in December

The average temperature in Preston in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 44°F (7°C) to a low of 37°F (3°C). Some would describe it as cold and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Preston, July, has days with highs of 66°F (19°C) and lows of 53°F (12°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 43°F (6°C) and lows of 35°F (2°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Preston in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
44°F
highs
37°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold and breezy
Feels like
51%
Chance of rain
0.163 in
Amount
20.6 mph
Wind speed
95%
Humidity
7.5 hrs
Daylight length
8:19 AM
Sunrise
3:51 PM
Sunset
25%
Cloud cover
Jacket, rain coat and rain boots
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 44°F (7°C) and a low of 37°F (3°C), it generally feels cold and breezy. There might also be a moderate chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket and top it off with a rain coat and rain boots
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Best attractions for Preston in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Preston has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Preston that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Preston for December.
Owl & Bird of Prey Sanctuary
1. Owl & Bird of Prey Sanctuary
4.8
(765)
Animal park
Nature & Parks
Avian center for protected raptor species, with flying demonstrations & treasure hunts for kids.
Brockholes
2. Brockholes
4.5
(3130)
Nature preserve
Nature & Parks
Wetland and woodland nature reserve, home to rare bird species, with a floating visitor village.
Avenham and Miller Park
3. Avenham and Miller Park
4.7
(2127)
Park
Nature & Parks
Riverside park in a natural amphitheatre with a Japanese water garden, Sebastopol cannon and a cafe.
Bowland Wild Boar Park
4. Bowland Wild Boar Park
4.6
(837)
Nature & Parks
Animal park
Rural wildlife park offering animal feeding, tractor rides, plays areas, riverside walks & a cafe.
Guild Merchant
5. Guild Merchant
4.3
(675)
Pub
Outdoor Activities
Beacon Fell Country Park
6. Beacon Fell Country Park
4.7
(727)
Country park
Nature & Parks
Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library
7. Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library
4.6
(1595)
Art museum
Museums
Building with Greek-themed murals and sculptures, displaying textiles/history/photography/fine art.
Ribble Steam Railway & Museum
8. Ribble Steam Railway & Museum
4.6
(796)
Museum
Conference center
Faithfully maintained locomotives dating back more than 100 years, plus steam train rides.
Cuerden Valley Park
9. Cuerden Valley Park
4.5
(506)
Park
Nature & Parks
Preston Railway Station
10. Preston Railway Station
3.9
(54)
Transport interchange
Sights & Landmarks
The British Commercial Vehicle Museum
11. The British Commercial Vehicle Museum
4.7
(957)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Interactive displays of old horse-drawn carriages, fire engines & delivery trucks, plus a gift shop.
Preston Guild Hall
12. Preston Guild Hall
4.2
(1362)
Event venue
Bar
Versatile space with major concert arena and 780-seat theatre, for music, comedy and family shows.
Preston Docks MX
13. Preston Docks MX
4.5
(112)
Off-road race track
Sights & Landmarks
Ribchester Roman Museum
14. Ribchester Roman Museum
4.3
(277)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Fishergate Shopping Centre
15. Fishergate Shopping Centre
4.1
(4320)
Shopping mall
Shopping
Deepdale Stadium
16. Deepdale Stadium
4.3
(2632)
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Fully seated home stadium of 'The Lilywhites' with a club superstore and National Football Museum.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Preston?

Get inspired for your trip to Preston with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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