Discover Halifax at Christmas

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Discover Halifax at Christmas
Bruce Fitzgerald

23 November — 24 December 2019 Entrance is free — Visit now

Visit the historic minster town of Halifax this Christmas for what promises to be a fun-packed selection box of yuletide delights. With special events, family-friendly activities and more decorations than you can shake a candy cane at, we think Halifax is well worth a visit this Christmas.

Home to Quality Street chocolate, Halifax’s Christmas lights will take on a chocolate theme this year. Kindly supported by Quality Street (who will be producing in excess of 10 million sweets every day in the run up to Christmas), there will be dazzling displays of Christmas lights across the town, especially on Market Street, Northgate and George Street.

With special events, family-friendly activities and more decorations than you can shake a candy cane at.

In addition to the Christmas Lights Switch On, there will be fabulous window displays, boutique shopping, festive stalls and galleries. With plenty of gift ideas and plenty of food outlets, Halifax’s Borough Market will be lively and fun.

Head to the Old Market and visit the Magical Gift-Wrapping Workshop which is completely free and open every weekend from 30 November right up until Christmas. With free gift-wrapping, competitions, entertainment, giveaways and a super animatronics elf workshop, there’s more than enough to keep those kiddies entertained.

Halifax really has got Christmas all wrapped up this year.

Christmas is the perfect time for charity and this year the market will host a special ‘Gifting Tree’ where you can leave a present for a child to open on Christmas Day. Just select a tag, buy a suitable present, wrap it up and leave it under the ‘Gifting Tree’ at Albany Arcade. And fear not, if wrapping presents isn’t your forte, the handy gang of elves based in the Old Market will gift-wrap all your presents for free. Hurrah.

With plenty for all ages in Halifax this Christmas, be sure to check out the Christmas Tree Festival; Halifax Minster will be filled with the wonderful scent of over 30 Christmas trees for this popular event. And little ones will be able to post their letters to Father Christmas into the special interactive animatronic postbox at Albany Square in Borough Market. Be sure to post your letter before 10 December for a magical reply from the big guy.

We can’t think of a better time of year to discover this Northern town. With plenty of fabulous gift ideas and a flurry of festive activity, Halifax really has got Christmas all wrapped up this year.

23 November — 24 December 2019 Entrance is free Visit now

Where to go near Discover Halifax at Christmas

La Fontana
Blackpool
Restaurant
La Fontana

La Fontana, Blackpool can be relied upon to deliver all the date night classics: killer wines, flickering candlelight, and lovingly-prepared, flavourful plates.

Giant Crab SEA LIFE Manchester
Manchester
Tourist Attraction
SEA LIFE Manchester

Perfect for families and animal enthusiasts alike, dive into the stories of the oceans’ most fascinating residents, including clownfish, stingrays, sharks and sea turtles.

Mandarin
Blackpool
Restaurant
Michael Wan’s Mandarin

Think of Blackpool and what springs to mind? Whatever it is, it’s probably not top tier Cantonese dining. But a visit to Michael Wan’s Mandarin might just change that.

Dirty Blonde's
Blackpool
Restaurant
Dirty Blonde’s

Dirty Blonde’s is a dive bar and pizza joint that feels more downtown New York than British seaside town.

gallery 2
Liverpool
Gallery
Bridewell Studios

Bridewell Studios is a gallery space and artist studios located in an old police station, hosting regular contemporary art exhibitions.

Blackpool South Pier courtesy of Visit Blackpool.
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Blackpool South Pier

Offering something of a mini theme park to visitors, Blackpool South Pier has a ton of white-knuckle rides to get stuck into.

Interplay works across all definitions of exclusion to create a special theatre that places the audience at the centre of the experience.
Leeds
Theatre
Interplay Theatre

Interplay works across all definitions of exclusion to create a special theatre that places the audience at the centre of the experience.

SEA Life Blackpool Seahorse
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
SEA LIFE Blackpool

Deep dive into the wonders of the ocean – without getting wet. Meet stunning sea creatures including tropical sharks, colourful reef fish, majestic rays, and Phoenix, the green sea turtle.

Bailey's
Blackpool
Restaurant
Bailey’s Cheese & Charcuterie

Serving exceptional meats, cheeses and wines from all over the world, Bailey’s Cheese & Charcuterie offers a laid-back, sophisticated experience you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in Blackpool.

The Buccaneer
Blackpool
Restaurant
The Buccaneer

Set in Coral Island, The Buccaneer isn’t just family-friendly, it’s above above-and-beyond family-friendly, thanks to the very generous kids eat free offer.

Coral Island
Blackpool
Coral Island

When you think of Blackpool, Coral Island is the type of place that takes front and centre: big, bold and flat-out fun.

Bar and pub 2
Liverpool
Restaurant
Hobo Kiosk

Hobo Kiosk is an independent pub in the heart of the Baltic Triangle, celebrating all things bohemian with its décor, drinks and events.

What's on: Families

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