We found footballers visiting Wigan Infirmary, Father Christmas dropping into Wigan town centre, Christmas fairs, nativity plays and more.
This selection of photographs covers 1976 to 2010 and is sure to get you into the festive spirit.
1. RETRO: How Wigan residents have celebrated Christmas over the years
Wigan Athletic players deliver Christmas presents on Rainbow Ward at Wigan Infirmary. Patient Elliott with Joanne Brown and players Antonio Amaya, Won Hee Cho and Momo Diame Photo: John Leatherbarrow
2. RETRO: How Wigan residents have celebrated Christmas over the years
Ron Jones, Helen Bolton, Nora Blackledge, Enid Hassall and Jack Hassall at a Christmas party at Wrightington Country Club Photo: Paul Greenwood
3. Ron Jones, Helen Bolton, Nora Blackledge, Enid Hassall, Jack Hassall
Mary Grady, Janet Molyneux, Christine Lomas, Jenny Ashcroft, Helen Dean and Joan Pope, friends from Trinity Church, Skelmersdale, enjoy a Christmas meal Photo: Nick Fairhurst
4. RETRO: How Wigan residents have celebrated Christmas over the years
Hindley St Peter's CE Primary School's choir was the inaugural winner of Hindley Rotary Club's Best Junior Choir award at Hindley Music Festival Photo: Nick Fairhurst