December - it’s the most wonderful time of the year and Blackpool has pulled out all the stops to deliver a cracking Christmas offer. With so many things to see and do in the UK’s favourite seaside resort, where do you start?
To help give you some inspiration for your day trip or short winter getaway, we have rounded up 35 things to do in Blackpool this December that are guaranteed to get you into the holly jolly spirit. Tick them all off just like Santa’s Christmas list or cherry pick your festive favourites.
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1. Explore Christmas By The Sea
Blackpool’s Tower Festival Headland has been transformed into a magical festive village complete with a free skating rink; simulated snowfalls firing out of our giant cannons; cosy Christmas cabins fronted by stallholders selling unique gifts and delicious food and drink; a giant snow slide; festive installations; children’s rides; and one of Europe's tallest aerial swing rides if you're brave enough to ride. The event has now been extended until 7 January by popular demand!
Find out more
2. See the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations
With six miles of magic to explore, Blackpool Illuminations are often touted as the best free light show on Earth. The spectacular show has been extended to January 1, 2024, which means that the dazzling display will shine over the full festive season for another year.
Find out more
3. Get your skates on and head to the free rink
Get into the Christmas spirit, wrap up warm and glide - or slide, depending on your skating ability - around the free skating rink on the Promenade.
Located at the Tower Festival Headland in the shadow of the iconic Blackpool Tower, the 20m synthetic rink is the picture-perfect backdrop amidst the dazzling Illuminations and the Christmassy village. It’s festively fabulous and, best of all, completely free!
Find out opening times and skating FAQs
4. Dare to ride the Star Flyer
As part of the Christmas By The Sea offering, you can once again experience Europe’s tallest travelling aerial ride. Located on the Tower Festival Headland next to the popular free skating rink, brave the whopping 196ft tall ride to the sky for the ultimate dizzy thrill.
Tickets are £7.00 each | 12-9pm daily (excluding Christmas Day)
5. Race down the Snow Slide
Prepare for a delightful dive into winter wonderland festivities at the Christmas By The Sea event on the Tower Festival Headland. Ascend to the peak of the snow slide, equipped with your trusty rubber donut, and cling on as you swoop down the 100ft long slide.
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6. Book an Illuminations Tram Tour
You’ll have the best seats in the house for the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations as you take a full trip, from one end of the lights to the other and back!
Take your pick from the fleet, including the illuminated Western Train, Trawler, and HMS Blackpool, as well as the iconic double deck Heritage Trams. Make sure your camera is at the ready for some fantastic resort snaps. Don't miss the festive tours as part of Christmas By The Sea, too!
Sunday - Friday: Adults £10 | Children (3-15yrs) £5
Saturday: Adults £12 | Children (3-15yrs) £6
Book your tickets
6. Check out the all-new Walterz Entertainment Centre
Let the games begin! The brand new Walterz Entertainment Centre has recently opened on the outskirts of Blackpool. The £1.5m amusement centre offers ten-pin bowling alleys; the first augmented reality darts boards on the Fylde Coast; shuffleboards; pool to pinball; and karaoke booths.
While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to push the big red button in the toilets for a disco surprise! Located at Newton Hall Holiday Park, the exciting entertainment hub is open to the general public as well as the site’s holiday visitors. It’s free entry with all games individually priced. Booking is advised for private karaoke booths and bowling.
Book your tickets
7. Take part in the Santa Dash
Have fun whilst raising money for Trinity Hospice and get involved in the annual Santa Dash on Sunday 3 December. Kick-start the festive season and sign up to take part in the two mile run along Blackpool Promenade. Registration includes a Santa suit, a medal and a warm hot chocolate at the end of the race.
Participants will set off from the Sandcastle Waterpark and head north along the promenade. You will then make a U-turn at the Manchester pub and head back towards the waterpark.
If dashing around isn't your cup of tea, take a seat along the promenade to watch the festive spectacle.
Find out more
8. See snow at the seaside
Once in a blue moon, Blackpool turns into a magical winter wonderland with a light dusting of real snow but, here at VisitBlackpool, we’re taking it into our own hands for a guaranteed White Christmas.
Head to the Comedy Carpet for the full alpine experience where you will see flurries of snow firing out of our two giant cannons on the hour during the opening times (12-9pm). Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
Find out more
9. Wrap up for your winter walk
Exhausted from Christmas shopping? Need a break from sightseeing? Blackpool is blessed with many open spaces, so grab your cosiest Christmas jumper and take to the great outdoors for some fresh seaside air.
Enjoy the Great Promenade Show, go for a sandy stroll or walk around the idyllic Italian Gardens and the beautiful boating lake at Stanley Park.
Find out more
10. Check out the children's rides on the Tower Festival Headland
If the young ones aren’t feeling daring enough to ride the 196ft Star Flyer, why not try out the tamer rides on the Tower Festival Headland instead? As part of the Christmas By The Sea event, which runs from 17 November to 7 January, take your pick from Candy Cane Bungee Trampolines, Santa Claus’ Tea Cups, Santa’s Sleigh, and a magical carousel.
Find out more
11. Hop into a Christmas adventure with Peter Rabbit
Perfect for the little ones, hop into a rabbit-sized Christmas adventure with your favourite characters from the hit Peter Rabbit™ CBeebies TV show.
Get creative at the Christmas crafting station and decorate your very own bauble to take home, or you can write a wish to Peter Rabbit and hang it in the Secret Treehouse!
Follow the letters in the snowflake trail to spell out a wintery word and see if you’ve got what it takes to join the Secret Treehouse. Here you’ll get to experience a festive finale show and meet your favourite bunny, Peter Rabbit.
Book tickets
12. Book tickets to see Aladdin at Blackpool Grand
Prepare to be swept away on a magical carpet ride this Christmas as the Blackpool Grand Theatre presents the Aladdin pantomime!
Step into a world of wonder, where the streets of Agrabah come alive with captivating tales of love, adventure, and, of course, a magical Genie. Seeing the return of West End star and TV soap sensation Tom Lister (as Abanazar) joining comic and Britain's Got Talent finalist Steve Royle (as Wishee Washee), join Aladdin as he embarks on a whimsical journey full of belly laughs. With stunning costumes, enchanting sets, and a dash of festive cheer, this pantomime promises to be a Christmas delight for the entire family.
The show runs from 1 December to 1 January, 2024
Find out more and book tickets
13. Marvel at the magical light projections on The Blackpool Tower
Take your place on the Comedy Carpet to watch Frost Fairies, a newly-created 3D light projection show on the front of the Blackpool Tower building. Specially produced by video projection artists Illuminos, Frost Fairies tells the enchanting children’s story of fairies, fireflies, precious jewels and ice palaces.
If you’re lucky, you might even catch a friendly snowball fight between Sooty and Sweep on the big projector screen. The festive-filled projections are shown nightly along with several other projection shows until January 1.
Find out more
14. Laugh out loud at Shrek The Musical
Get ready to experience the magic of the festive season with "Shrek the Musical" at the Winter Gardens. Join Shrek, Donkey, Princess Fiona, and a host of characters on their journey through the enchanting land of Far Far Away. With spectacular sets, unforgettable music, and heart-warming moments, this show promises to be a magical treat for the whole family and will leave you smiling from ear to ear.
The show runs from Tuesday 12 December to Saturday 30 December.
Book tickets
15. Grab a bite to eat at Abingdon Street Market
Check out Blackpool’s biggest food hall and choose from six independent food vendors, two bars and a coffee shop. Abingdon Street Market, a vibrant addition to the town’s offerings, recently opened its doors in May with a 250 seating area for socialising and enjoying food and beverages purchased in the market.
Make sure to stop by at the variety of retail stalls, from fresh produce to artisanal goods and say hello to the friendly local vendors.
Find out more
16. Make some waves at Sandcastle Waterpark
It might be a while until we feel the hot sun on our skin again, but you can soak up the warmth with Sandcastle Waterpark’s 84-degree tropical climate, ideal for those blustery, rainy days.
Get set for a water-filled adventure in the largest indoor waterpark in the UK with more than 18 slides and attractions. Whizz down the Aztec-themed slides or make a splash on the Masterblaster, the longest indoor rollercoaster waterslide in the world.
Find out more
17. Go for a hole in one
It's all about magical experiences during the festive season and Hole in Wand is no exception.
Get ready for a wizard adventure, along the way there will be a forest full of venomous snakes, an ancient castle with a magical fountain, a trip to a train station and a chance to visit magic of York’s mysterious Shambles. At the end of your adventure you will find out if you have the magical powers of a Serpent, Basilisk, Unicorn or Wizard and every player will receive a magic potion gift to take home worth £2.99.
Book here
18. Tackle your Christmas shopping at Houndshill Shopping Centre
From thoughtful stocking fillers to last-minute presents, shop to your heart’s content at Houndshill Shopping Centre, handily located a five minute walk away from the Christmas By The Sea village.
Don’t forget, Houndshill Shopping Centre will be open until 9pm for their Late Shopping Nights every Thursday in December.
19. Dance under the Mirror Ball
Not so long ago, the majestic Mirror Ball returned to the Promenade after undergoing a full refurbishment. See it shine in the day or watch it twinkle at night as its projectors turn it into a light show extravaganza. The artwork was created by artist Michael Trainor and is reputed to be the world’s biggest Mirror Ball being 6m in diameter.
Address: New S Promenade, Blackpool FY4 1NJ
20. Book to see a Viva's Santa's Adventure
The Santa Adventure follows on from Viva’s hit Santa’s Magical Workshop Christmas production last year. Head over to Viva for an afternoon of festive fun as Santa’s crazy elf helps him on a whirlwind adventure! Full of fun, mischief and festive mayhem, it's not to be missed. Before the show starts, your little one will have the chance to write a letter to the man himself and post in the magical golden post box.
Book tickets
21. Explore the underwater world at SEA LIFE
Calling all underwater explorers, SEA LIFE Blackpool is one of the most magical places for all families to enjoy. Discover over 2,500 species from the curious to the rescued and learn all about the creatures that live beneath the surface.
Find out more
22. Try rock pooling
At South Shore, the coastal defence wall is arranged into tiny honeycomb-shaped cells. The tide leaves a wealth of marine wildlife in each cell, from starfish to tiny jellyfish. Rock pooling is a fantastic educational activity for all ages to enjoy and, with a microhabitat waiting for you, it’s worth exploring! All you need is a small bucket, gentle hands and a love for wildlife. Make sure you leave everything as you found it and take any litter away with you.
23. See Sleeping Beauty The Beast Pantomime at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
This December, get ready to be swept away on a fantastical journey as Blackpool Pleasure Beach presents "Beauty & The Beast". The magical production unfolds amidst a winter wonderland of sparkling lights with spellbinding storytelling, breath-taking sets, and a soundtrack that will stay with you.
Cheer and clap your way through the show and enjoy this real winter warmer this Christmas.
Find out more
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24. Meet Father Christmas
It’s time to find out if your little one has been naughty or nice. Santa will be visiting numerous Blackpool venues this Christmas, including Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Coral Island and Houndshill Shopping Centre. Treat your younglings to a visit to meet the main man and let it be a Christmas to remember.
See a full list of Santa’s Grottoes
25. Enjoy a meal out
Feeling a bit peckish after all the festive fun? There is a wide selection of independent cafes, bars and restaurants in Blackpool - from the Budapest-meets-Singapore hawker restaurant, Michael Wan’s Wok Inn, cosy Stefani’s which serves up delicious homemade pizzas to the newly-opened Abingdon Street.
There is also a range of national branded restaurants, including Pizza Hut, Nando’s and Slug and Lettuce to mention a few.
Find out more
26. Pose with the stars at Madame Tussauds
Why not get your Strictly fix at Madame Tussauds Blackpool? Feel star-struck as you meet glam presenters, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, and take a sneak peek backstage at their glittering, dazzling dressing rooms. Meet the recent new stars, including KSI, Dan TDM and Jack P. Shepperd who plays David Platt in Coronation Street.
There’s plenty of famous fun at the seaside too, including the Coronation Street and Marvel zones. There’s also the I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here zone too.
Find out more
27. Spot your favourite quotes on the Comedy Carpet
There’s nothing like the British sense of humour, and a visit to Blackpool's Comedy Carpet is a bit like a trip to the Hollywood Walk of Fame; but immortalising and celebrating the jokes, songs and comedy catchphrases of Britain’s comedy scene.
Sitting in the shadow of the world-famous Blackpool Tower, the largest commissioned artwork in the UK features the quotes of 850 talented writers and comedians and contains over 160,000 granite letters. It’s extraordinary; it’s comical; it’s not to be missed.
Find out more
28. Dance in the wonderful Blackpool Tower Ballroom
Words can’t describe how exquisite The Blackpool Tower Ballroom looks following a £1 million makeover thanks to funding from Historic England and Blackpool Council. Come and see it for yourself on select days until the end of the year.
It’s the go-to destination for dance fans across the world with its jaw-dropping architecture, stunning sprung dancefloor and magical backdrop. Put on your dancing shoes, waltz away to the enchanting sounds of the Wurlitzer and prepare to be lost in a world of elegant charm and ornate beauty. If you prefer to watch from the side, enjoy a delightful afternoon tea and soak up the scenery from your seat.
Find out more
29. Grab some fish 'n chips
Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that are the most memorable. Why not head down to the promenade and treat yourself to a portion of fish ‘n chips? There’s more chippies in Blackpool than you can shake a stick (of rock) at, including Yorkshire Fisheries which is the oldest chippy in town and the latest addition, Papas Fish and Chips. We recommend strolling along the seafront, basking in the magical Blackpool Illuminations with a chippy tea in hand – you won’t regret it!
30. Meet the Stick Man at Gruffalo Clubhouse
Immerse in festive cheer at The Gruffalo and Friends Clubhouse this Christmas! Join the Clubhouse Christmas dance party for a jolly time, dancing to family-favourites with Stick Man. Plus, don't miss the chance to meet this beloved character for the ultimate Christmas experience.
31. See the animals at Blackpool Zoo
If you love animals, you will love a day out at Blackpool Zoo. Home to more than 1,000 animals, including the biggest elephant herd in Europe, the zoo is one of the must-see attractions in Britain’s favourite seaside resort. Explore the 37 acres of traditional, spacious parkland and see what you discover!
Blackpool Zoo is open every day from 10am (except Christmas Day
Find out more
32. Stay over a night or two
Make a long weekend out of your Blackpool trip or visit mid-week for a quieter experience. A seaside staycation before Christmas has everything you need for your perfect winter getaway.
With an extensive list of family attractions, free events, new restaurants, and top-class shows, there’s too much on offer in Blackpool for you to experience in only one day. A short break also gives you the opportunity to see the sights and stay for the Lights without rushing back home in the evening.
After all, the evening is when Blackpool really comes alive in winter. From a budget bolthole to boutique chic, the resort offers a wide range of accommodation choices whatever your budget.
Browse all our accommodation options
33. Pop into our Tourist Information Centre
Your go-to place for all your Blackpool memorabilia, the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) located next to the Beach House Bistro & Bar on the Promenade houses a plethora of Blackpool souvenirs – from keyrings, jigsaws, model tram cars, and a wonderful range of stocking fillers, including handmade glass baubles and our Christmas-inspired official BPL merchandise.
Find out more
34. Try your luck at the arcade in Coral Island
Coral Island is the UK’s largest indoor family amusement complex and entry is completely free. Perfect for those drizzly days, it's home to plenty of arcade games, slot machines, amusement rides and, let’s not forget, the ultimate Camel Derby.
With a pot full of 1ps and 2ps, you will be endlessly entertained.
Find out more
35. Wave goodbye to 2023
Get ready to say “hello” to 2024.
More details coming soon.