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Christmas in Blackpool

Creative Tourist

The Christmas period is undoubtedly one of the best times of year to visit Blackpool. The famed Blackpool Illuminations are lit up to full effect, pop up festivities line the promenade, and each restaurant battles it out for the most indulgent, belt-loosening Christmas dinner.

If you’re planning a trip to Blackpool this December, you’ll not want to miss out on the special events and activities at the town’s best family attractions. From the festive rounds of the High Jinx Magic and Illusion Show at The Blackpool Tower Circus to a Christmas dance party with Stick Man at The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse, kids will have a ball.

Grown-ups will too at the likes of Christmas By The Sea, which features everything from independent street food to light installations and even an ice rink. Or if you’re in the mood for a Christmas tipple, we’ve got a whole guide dedicated to Blackpool’s best bars.

Below we round up the cream of the festive crop, including our tips on where to eat, drink and be merry — plus our verdict on the best places to rest your head if you want an extra day or two to soak in all of that festive joy!

Our top picks

Blackpool Illuminations

Blackpool Illuminations, Blackpool, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 5AA - Visit now

Known as the greatest free light show on the planet, the famous Blackpool Illuminations have been around for some 140 years now, and the festive period is the very best time to view them.

Visit Blackpool.
Image courtesy of Blackpool Illuminations / Visit Blackpool.

Christmas By The Sea at Blackpool Promenade

Christmas By The Sea at Blackpool Promenade, Until 5 January 2025, free entry - Visit now

Blackpool’s festive village is back with a bang. With a huge range of family-friendly attractions, Christmas By The Sea brings charming log cabins, larger-than-life light installations and an ice rink.

Visit Blackpool.
Visit Blackpool.

High Jinx at The Blackpool Tower Circus

High Jinx at The Blackpool Tower Circus, The Blackpool Tower, Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 4BJ - Visit now

As this year’s action-packed calendar gets underway, Blackpool Tower Circus is gearing up for some extra-special Christmas events, including December’s rounds of the High Jinx Magic and Illusion Show.

© Merlin Entertainments 2024

The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse

The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse, The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse, The Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 5AA - Visit now

Bringing the worlds of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler to life, The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse combines six treasured stories to create a spectacular indoor play adventure, plus a Christmas dance party with Stick Man.

© Merlin Entertainments 2024

Grundy Art Gallery

Grundy Art Gallery, Queen Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1PU - Visit now

One of the essential stops on any trip to Blackpool (Christmas or not), the town’s leading art gallery programmes a fantastic array of work by established and emerging artists from the UK and around the world.

JJ.

Afternoon Tea at Blackpool Tower Ballroom

Afternoon Tea at Blackpool Tower Ballroom, Blackpool, Until 1 December 2026, from £60.00 - Book now

This iconic 19th-century ballroom is known for its ornate architecture, sprung dance floor and rich history, making it the perfect place to indulge in one of Britain’s favourite pastimes: Afternoon Tea.

Afternoon Tea at Blackpool Tower Ballroom
© Merlin Entertainments 2024

SEA LIFE Blackpool

SEA LIFE Blackpool, Promenade, Blackpool FY1 5AA, Blackpool, FY1 5AA - Visit now

SEA LIFE Blackpool is a hit with families throughout the year, but particularly over the festive period, when kids can join Snowy’s Conservation Crew and learn all about incredible arctic animals.

SEA Life Blackpool Seahorse
© Merlin Entertainments 2024

Hotels in Blackpool

Doric Hotel Blackpool
Blackpool
Hotel
Doric Hotel

Previously ranked TripAdvisor’s number 1 family hotel in the UK, Blackpool’s bright and airy Doric Hotel offers breathtaking views of the Irish Sea.

Cliffs Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
Cliffs Hotel

A hit with families seeking the all-inclusive treatment, this Baroque-style hotel on the north shore is one of Blackpool’s oldest and most popular.

King's Boutique Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
King’s Boutique Hotel

Set in a Victorian townhouse looking out to the sea, King’s Boutique Hotel is just a minute’s walk from Blackpool’s famous Pleasure Beach.

Boulevard Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
The Boulevard Hotel

With its own signature restaurant, two bars and a sleek lounge, this award-winning hotel on New South Promenade offers visitors to Blackpool luxury in spades.

The Big Blue Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
Big Blue Hotel

At The Big Blue Hotel, guests have some of the UK’s most exciting rides right on their doorstep – and can even get free Blackpool Pleasure Beach day tickets.

Hampton By Hilton Blackpool
Blackpool
Hotel
Hampton By Hilton Blackpool

This contemporary hotel on Blackpool’s South Shore offers a functional base for tourists wanting to be close to central attractions such as The Pleasure Beach.

The Lawton Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
The Lawton

Thanks to its lime green-painted brick frontage, this family-friendly guest house certainly stands out from the crowd in the centre of Blackpool.

The Ruskin Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
The Ruskin

Sitting in the shadow of the town’s famous Blackpool Tower, this established three star hotel is popular for its handy location and family-friendly pricing.

Bailey's
Spotlight on

Bars in Blackpool

Check out Blackpool's best bars for a Christmas tipple, whether you're looking for modern craft beer, outlandish cocktails, or globe-trotting wines.

Take me there

The best restaurants for a Christmas meal out

Spotlight on

Museums and Galleries in Blackpool

Covering arty escapades, family head scratchers and everything in between, here's our round-up of Blackpool's best museums and galleries.

Take me there

Attractions in Blackpool

SEA Life Blackpool Seahorse
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
SEA LIFE Blackpool

What started as a showcase of marine creatures from the Irish Sea has now snowballed into a full-scale ocean adventure that includes exotic species from all over the world.

Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Sandcastle Waterpark

Bring the whole family together for a day of fun, thrills and exciting aquatic adventures at what is officially the UK’s largest indoor waterpark.

© Merlin Entertainments 2024
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Blackpool Tower Eye

Experience one of the country’s most well-known landmarks anew. Brave the glass SkyWalk, head to the 4D cinema, or soak up the views at Bar 380.

Fish and Chips
Spotlight on

Fish and chips in Blackpool

No trip to Blackpool is complete without visiting a chippy, but how on earth do you choose which one, when there are so many fish in the sea?

Take me there

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    Get ready for animated classics, Muppet mayhem and a whole host of New York movies -- it's Christmas time in the cinema.

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    Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.