The answer's definitely in the affirmative if reports from the many traders taking part are anything to go by. Queues through shop doors, for the hog roast, to Santa's Grotto at the Youth Club, for donkey rides and horse and cart trips through the raindrops, listening to the bands and carol singers, warming up with hot dogs, sherries and mulled wine on offer throughout the town.
All the ingredients were there for what, against such wet weather odds, turned out to be a great event, opened officially in what traders thought was about its twentieth year, by Mayor of Longridge Coun David Moon.
Turning out on such a night must have been an effort, he said to punters sheltering outside the Towneley Arms - "but thank you for coming to support all our traders.
"The Christmas trees around the town look really good, as does the new big one by Station Buildings. The council will again be backing next year's event when we hope to get even more traders involved."
Organiser Diane Despard was relieved but jubilant at the night's success. She said afterwards, "I think the evening went absolutely superbly. I want to thank everyone who took part - all the shops and businesses who opened their doors but most of all the community of Longridge who came out on such a rainy evening in support of those traders.
"The community spirit was enormous and I was overwhelmed by the response - it makes me feel extremely proud to say I live and work in Longridge."
The colourful and festive opening at The Towneley saw crowds around the spectacular hog roast - 62 kilos as it started turning on the spit - listening to carols from The Valley Singers and Longridge Band, with the Brigade Band performing later.
Blackpool donkeys Wolf, Moses and Cochise with owners David Simmonds and Eileen Nichols seemed used to the weather as they gave rides around the pub, while Jim the horse and owner Phillip Halliwell from Fulwood - "it's our first time ever doing this!" said Phillip - conveyed countless youngsters in the bright blue-lit cart up and down Berry Lane.
Crowds of youngsters also visited Santa in his grotto at the Youth Club, where Longridge High School's Young Enterprise team set out their environmental 'Wild' wares - bird feeders, seeds - and hand-made Christmas cards.
Also in attendance was a fire engine from the Longridge station, open for anyone to inspect and learn about recruitment - and luckily not having to compete with the weather!