Christmas in Lancaster

Sarah Gaffney-Lang, Families Editor

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Christmas in Lancaster

23 November 2019-5 January 2020

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Ice rink - part of Christmas in Lancaster
The Borough Lancaster
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Visit the historic and beautiful City of Lancaster this December for a true winter wonderland that would warm the cockles of even Scrooge himself.  There’s a wealth of wintry activities taking place, guaranteed to get the whole family in the festive spirit this Christmas in Lancaster.

After the success of last Christmas, Lancaster on Ice will be returning for a second year, but this time with an even bigger ice rink – skates at the ready! Taking ten days to construct, Dalton Square will be transformed into a magical frozen world. The tipi will be back and families will be able to enjoy six weeks of entertainment, skating, food and drink, all under the gaze of Queen Victoria herself, sitting proudly in the centre of the Square.

Christmas in Lancaster

If all the talk of ice and winter is too much then warm up with a visit to the fabulous Dukes Theatre for the perfect festive family treat – Cinderella: A Fairytale. This new production presents the classic story with a thoroughly modern twist (thank goodness!), including glass slippers being replaced with Doc Martens. The Dukes are also presenting a special sing-along-with screening of Jim Henson’s much loved Christmas classic, The Muppet Christmas Carol, set in the beautiful surroundings of Lancaster Priory, on 6th December.

During the weekend of 14th and 15th December Lancaster will throw open its Castle doors for Christmas at the Castle. The Christmas at the Castle market and courtyard will be free to enter and will play host to a range of festive family activities, as well as music from bell-ringers, Victorian carol-singers, brass bands, jazz pianists and a carnival street band. With 50 stalls from local and regional artisans and makers, this is your perfect opportunity to find some unique gifts for Christmas.

Festive spirit is overflowing in Lancaster this Christmas so get the kids wrapped up warm, order yourself a mulled wine and enjoy.

Where to go near Christmas in Lancaster

Morning Glory - Coffee Cup
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Morning Glory

Morning Glory positions itself as a grab-and-go spot, with just 12 seats inside serving coffee, bagels and sweet treats.

The Warehouse In Holbeck
Leeds
Event venue
The Warehouse In Holbeck

Run by acclaimed theatre company Slung Low, The Warehouse in Holbeck is home to boundary-pushing performance and community projects.

Leeds
Event venue
The Attic

Tucked away above the bustle of Merrion Street, The Attic is one of Leeds’ most distinctive small venues – intimate, unpretentious, and steeped in DIY spirit.

The Chevin is a great place for visitors to do lots of different activities and is open all year round with 5 free car parks. To help you find out whatís best for you we have divided this section up into some of these different activities.Please be aware that The Chevin is a working estate so you may see vehicles including timber-extraction lorries using some of the tracks.Self-guided WalksThe Chevin is a big place and there is a good network of paths to make your own circular walk, but if you want to follow a themed trail there is a Geology Trail, Heritage Time Trail and a route for Tree Spotters.Bikes & HorsesThere is an extensive bridleway network on the eastern parts of The Chevin that caters for a range of abilities.Orienteering and GeocachingTwo orienteering courses and a number of geocache sites are waiting to be discovered.Climbing & BoulderingThere are many fantastic crags for climbing and boulders for bouldering.Mobility Scooters & Wheelchairs
Leeds
Restaurant
Oporto

For many years, Oporto has been a beacon of alternative energy on Leeds’ Call Lane – serving up great food and drink alongside resident DJs and live music.

Manchester
Gallery
Black Redstart Gallery

Black Redstart Gallery is located in the Northern Quarter and runs a busy programme of exhibitions from emerging and established artists.

RJC Dance Xmas Show
Leeds
RJC Dance

RJC Dance, based in Chapeltown, Leeds, champions youth and education, leading inclusive Black dance in the North through national partnerships.

Manchester
Gallery
texture mcr

Possibly one of the city’s most mysterious art galleries, texture is a small and perfectly-formed independent space in Ardwick.

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