This is where you can park for free in Preston and Chorley for your Christmas shopping
Christmas shopping parking fears? Fear not, as we have compiled a list of places across Preston and Chorley you can park for FREE.
Preston
Preston City Council will be offering free city centre parking at Penny Street car park and Trinity Square car park for the following dates and times across November and December 2025.
Saturday, November 22 - (Christmas lights switch-on) after 1pm.
Sunday, November 23 - All day.
Sunday, November 30 - All day.
Monday, December 1 - after 3pm.
Tuesday, December 2 - After 3pm.
Wednesday, December 3 - After 3pm.
Thursday, December 4 - After 3pm.
Friday, December 5 - After 3pm.
Sunday, December 7 - All day.
Monday, December 8 - After 3pm.
Tuesday, December 9 - After 3pm.
Wednesday, December 10 - After 3pm.
Thursday, December 11 - After 3pm.
Friday, December 12 - After 3pm.
Sunday, December 14 - All day.
Monday, December 15 - After 3pm.
Tuesday, December 16 - After 3pm.
Wednesday, December 17 - After 3pm.
Thursday, December 18 - After 3pm.
Friday, December 19 - After 3pm.
Sunday, December 21 - All day.
Monday, December 22 - After 1pm.
Tuesday, December 23 - After 1pm.
Wednesday, December 24 - All day.
Please note: the free parking periods are from the date and time shown until midnight the same day.
There is no maximum time of waiting during the free parking periods.
A valid pay and display ticket or virtual stay must be purchased for any parking before the free periods commence.
For prices and more information click here.
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Chorley
Chorley Council has also announced a festive parking offer to support local shopping and seasonal events in the town centre.
From December 8 to December 24, 2025 (inclusive), visitors will benefit from free short-stay parking in council-run town centre car parks.
The offer includes:
- Flat Iron Car Park – 2 hours FREE (maximum stay applies).
- All other council-run town centre car parks – 3 hours FREE.
Visitors are reminded that a time-of-arrival ticket must still be obtained from the machine, even during the free period.
The initiative is designed to encourage more people to visit Chorley town centre, helping local shops and businesses thrive during the festive season. It also makes parking more affordable and accessible.
The offer builds on previous successful Christmas parking initiatives.
Leader of Chorley Council, Councillor Alistair Bradley, said: “We know Christmas is a vital time for our local businesses, and we want to make it as easy as possible for people to come into town, shop local, and enjoy everything Chorley has to offer.
“This parking offer is a simple way to support our traders and help residents make the most of the festive season.”
For more information click here.