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Spooky season is over and done with, the clocks have gone back, and everyone is now thinking about Christmas. There’s only a matter of weeks until the big day, and many people will be looking forward to spending time with the family, giving and receiving presents with their closest friends and loved ones, or simply taking a break from work.

 

But it’s also a time of year to embrace the crisp, cold evenings, and find festive fun and entertainment out and about, and there’s certainly no shortage of that in Blackpool this year, from mulled wine and ice skating at the Christmas Markets, exploring the festive-themed illuminations, or a spot of late night shopping.

 

Let’s have a look at what Blackpool has in store this Christmas.

 

Christmas by the Sea (17 November - 1 January)

 

Christmas by the Sea returns to its regular spot in front of Blackpool Tower on the Festival Headland, with a stunning festive village complete with fairground rides, an outdoor skating rink, a log cabin market, festive light installations, and even simulated snowfalls. So wrap up warm, and get ready to explore this winter wonderland.

 

The centrepiece of the festive village is the outdoor skating rink, which is absolutely free to use, including skate hire, so it doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned pro on the ice, spinning and pirouetting, or tentatively taking your first steps on the ice like Bambi, the 20-metre-long-rink caters for all ages and abilities. Slip, slide and glide in the shadow of the iconic tower.

 

There’s no booking required, simply turn up, put your skates on, and have fun! Of course, if you don’t feel brave enough to take to the ice yourself, then why not watch from the sides with a hot chocolate or mulled wine from the array of illuminated log cabins nearby?

 

Christmas markets pop up in towns and cities all over the UK at this time of year, but you won’t find one anywhere else right next to the Illuminations, making it the perfect place to stop and rest when you’re exploring the lights.

 

Treat yourself to a wide selection of culinary delights, including traditional Bavarian sausages, warm churros, Yorkshire pudding wraps, cheese boards, exclusive gifts, and ‘I Love BPL’ merchandise with a festive twist.

 

It’s rare to get proper snow by the seaside, with the salty air and the closeness of the Irish Sea, so the town has taken matters into their own hands and made it snow by the seaside this winter.

 

So pop on your winter woollies, and get ready for a full alpine experience by the sea, where regular snowfalls will be blasted out of the special cannons for a snow-filled surprise on the Comedy Carpet.

 

To accompany Blackpool Illuminations, numerous Yuletide light displays and projections are close by so you can grab that perfect Instagram moment. You can’t miss the two massive illuminated baubles next to the skating rink, where you can walk underneath the seven-metre installation and strike a pose.

 

You can also find numerous smaller selfie spots, with an illuminated ice cream, the classic I Love BPL sign, and some other festive-themed photo opportunities! Blackpool Tower will be illuminated too, with a programme of themed projections throughout the winter, making it a great background for selfies.

 

There’s a selection of festive fairground rides too, with the Candy Cane Bungee Trampolines, Santa Claus’ Tea Cups, Santa’s Sleigh, and a magical carousel. But for the biggest thrills, take a trip on the Star Flyer, Europe's tallest travelling swing ride, standing at 196ft tall, or take on the 100-foot-long Snow Slide.

 

If you’re heading to the Tower Festival Headland or Coral Island, why not book a trip on a festive-themed heritage tram? Blackpool Transport is running Mini Festive Tours on their special Christmas-themed Heritage Tram, adding a little magic to an already magical winter setting along the coast.

 

Christmas Shopping

 

Looking to find that perfect present for a loved one, your friends, or a Secret Santa recipient? Houndshill Shopping Centre, right in the heart of Blackpool town centre, is home to over 50 stores, including everyone’s favourite brands such as Primark, New Look, Footasylum, River Island and more.

 

Buy fragrances and beauty products at Superdrug and Boots, pick up an unputdownable thriller or biography at Waterstones, or make a new cuddly friend at Build-a-Bear Workshop. The shopping centre will be all decked out in Yuletide glory, and there’s a huge range of independent stores too, if you’re looking for something unique.

 

There’s also Late Night Shopping at Houndshill Shopping Centre, open until 9 pm every Thursday in December, and treat yourself to a free hot chocolate and scrumptious shortbread biscuits on offer whilst you shop.

 

Christmas Party Nights

 

Christmas is also a time to get down and party, so whether it’s a work night out or festive fun with friends, Blackpool is the place to be.

 

At Viva! Blackpool, you can spend the night with the ultimate party entertainer, DJ, dance instructor, and 70’s disco legend, Mr Lionel Vinyl! He’ll be spinning tunes, with a brilliant 70’s disco set list, and Lionel and his incredible afro will get you grooving and boogieing on down all night.

 

There are also special guests and performers to keep the good times going, as well as a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings for the ultimate festive party all under one roof, and an after-show party so you can keep partying until the early hours.

 

If you’re not planning on going anywhere on Christmas Day, why not forget about the hassle of making Christmas dinner at home and join the fun at Viva for their Christmas Day Family Gala Dinner?

 

It’s a leisurely day for the whole family to enjoy with a festive 6-course gala dinner. Be greeted on arrival by your host Leye D Johns, who will oversee the proceedings and judge the annual festive quiz later on in between the guest vocalist performing festive favourites on the stage.

 

Food is served from 2 pm and includes canapes served on arrival, starter, main course, dessert and coffee & mince pies. There’s a short break to let your dinner settle before the gusts vocalists take to the stage with more music so you can have a boogie. It’s an alternative way to spend Christmas Day and allow yourselves to be looked after so you can enjoy the day with your family.

 

Looking for something a bit more extravagant? The Las Vegas Dinner Party Show at the Paradise Rooms at Blackpool Pleasure Beach is billed as the ultimate Christmas party night and might be just what you need.

 

It’s an evening of glitz and glamour, showgirls, performers, and more, as you take a seat with a glass of Prosecco or a three-course dinner and believe you’re living the high life in Las Vegas!

 

Blackpool at Christmas

 

There are also all your favourite attractions, bars, clubs, and restaurants to enjoy, and of course, Coral Island Casino is open every day, except Christmas Day, from 10 am all the way through to 4 am, with live roulette and blackjack takes open from noon.

 

So why not round off your festive night out on the town with a visit to the friendliest casino in town?

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