Skating Rink opens daily

Blackpool’s spectacular Christmas By The Sea village is going into full festive mode – with the free skating rink opening daily between December 15 and January 2.

With school holidays getting underway (and only a handful of sleeps until the big day!), visitors can take advantage of extended opening hours every day throughout the holiday period (excluding December 25).
 
With the free-to-use skating rink as its centrepiece, the Christmas By The Sea village also includes festive light installations and projection shows, themed log cabins with a wide range of festive food and drink, artificial snowfalls, sparkling trees and festive tram rides.
 
The village, also includes themed children’s attractions and the return of the Star Flyer which, at 60m tall, is one of Europe’s tallest swing rides.
 
Visitors to the village can also take the opportunity to experience Odyssey, the largest 3D installation ever produced for the Illuminations display. Co-created by international designer Jack Irving and a team from Lancaster University, the installation stands 11metres high and comprises six towers that are combined with state-of-the-art technology to create an immersive and interactive projection show themed on undiscovered creatures lurking in the depths of the deep sea.
 
The Blackpool Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID), which represents scores of tourism operators, has joined forces with sponsors TalkTalk, along with partners Blackpool Council and VisitBlackpool, to stage the event during an extended Illuminations season which also runs until January 2.
 
Last year, Christmas By The Sea delivered the highest visitor numbers ever recorded on the seafront during the winter months and since its opening night on November 18, this year’s event has already drawn in tens of thousands of people from across the region.
 
A VisitBlackpool spokesperson said: “The extended opening hours from December 15 onwards means that more and more people will get the opportunity to use the free skating rink in what is a magical setting. There is no need to book in advance and it’s a brilliant experience for adults and children alike.”
 
The seafront village is just part of a resort-wide festive programme which includes attractions, grottos, late night shopping and a special discounted parking offer giving three hours of parking for just £1 on most Blackpool Council car parks.
 
For full details of rink opening times and other Christmas By The Sea attractions go to: visitblackpool.com/cbts
 
There is also a fantastic range of Christmas shows and entertainment on offer across the resort including:
 
Elf The Musical: The hit Broadway and West End show based on the Hollywood blockbuster movie will bring some Christmas cheer to the Winter Gardens Opera House with a sleigh full of laughs from December 15 - 26.
 
Don’t be caught napping! Sleeping Beauty is the show of the season at Blackpool Grand Theatre from December 2 – January 1, featuring Dancing On Ice Champion Hayley Tamaddon and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Royle.
 
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is staging a production of ‘Cinderella: The Pantomime’ until December 24. Get ready for a Christmas cracker full of family fun with their fantastic festive production. You shall go to the pantomime this Christmas!
 
Following on from Viva’s hit Santa’s Magical Workshop Christmas production last year, head to VIVA Blackpool for The Santa Adventure from December 17 - 24 and enjoy an afternoon of festive fun as Santa’s crazy elf helps Santa on a whirlwind adventure.
 
Alternatively, if panto isn't your thing but you love a good laugh, check out High Jinx's Illusion Show at The Blackpool Tower Circus, open on selected dates throughout the festive season.
 
Watch out too for a special late afternoon party on New Year’s Eve when the Christmas By The Sea village will kick off the celebrations early with an al fresco family disco and dazzling light show on The Blackpool Tower.

More details available here soon.