Whether you've been visiting Blackpool Illuminations for decades, or have never seen the Lights before, we've got some top tips for ensuring your visit is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Here are some top tips for visiting the Lights:
Beat the peak and come mid-week:
Saturdays are a busy night for us here at the Illuminations, so midweek visits are the best way to avoid heavy traffic. The weekends are often subject to long queues, and we'd prefer you to enjoy the display with ease. If you are set on a weekend visit, a great tip to beating the traffic during the Illuminations is to drive from north to south; this is a brilliant way of facing less traffic, yet still allowing you to see all that we have to offer!
See the display on foot if possible:
Why not avoid the long traffic queues and stroll through the lights on foot? Park up the car, grab some obligatory fish and chips, and walk along Blackpool Promenade to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Don't miss the Tableaux section:
If you're unable to walk for long periods or have limited time, we recommend walking the tableaux at the north end of the display. The tableaux area, often dubbed the 'big pictures', is a nostaglic walk-through section with some long-standing family favourites, including the Haunted Hotel, and the oldest illumination still on display, the Teddy Bears Picnic.
Book an illuminated tram tour:
Another great way to explore our Illuminations is by hopping on an illuminated tram! Regularly departing from the Pleasure Beach loop, the trams run all the way to Bispham, and you can hop off at several stops on the return journey. If you need to make more specific arrangements or need to board/alight at specific stops, the regular Blackpool Transport trams are a fantastic idea, too!
Please note, you need to pre-book your illuminated tram tour. They tend to sell out a few weeks in advance, so we recommend booking ahead as soon as possible.
Find below some commonly asked questions about the Blackpool Illuminations so you can be prepared for your upcoming visit:
How long are Blackpool Illuminations on for?
Blackpool Illuminations are usually on for 66 nights. However, the 2024 display has been extended and will run throughout the festive season from 30 August, 2024 to 5 January, 2025.
Are Blackpool Illuminations on every night?
Blackpool Illuminations will shine nightly from 30 August - 5 January, 2025. Find the daily switch on times here.
Can you drive through Blackpool Illuminations?
You can drive through Blackpool Illuminations and we recommend doing so! However, there are other ways to see the display, such as on foot or by tram.
How long does it take to drive through the Blackpool Illuminations?
It all depends on the night you visit as weekends are busier compared to throughout the week. Wherever possible, we encourage you to park up and see part of the display on foot, especially as the fantastic installations on the Tower Festival Headland are best viewed up close and personal.
Where do the Blackpool Illuminations start and end?
Depending on which way you're travelling through the Illuminations, the display starts at Starr Gate (Squires Gate) and ends at Red Bank Road in Bispham.
Are Blackpool Illuminations free?
Yes. Blackpool Illuminations is the greatest free light show on Earth! We do, however, rely on generous public and business donations to maintain our fantastic light display. When visiting the Lights, you will have chance to donate some of your spare change at our collection huts either end of the Promenade. This can either be by cash or contactless. Find out ways you can donate here.