Yahoo News Nine Christmas treats to look forward to as festive season arrives early in Southport
They say it’s the season to be jolly and thanks to a packed festive programme of events for 2024 Christmas, it’s set to be just that in Southport.
With Christmas right round the corner, there is a whole host of festive fun to get excited about. These range from a show-stopping Festive Fun Day to dazzling light displays, and live entertainment – ensuring there’s plenty to do for visitors of all ages to enjoy and make Christmas unforgettable.
Here, Visit Southport give you a run-down of just some of the events and activities that will make sure it’s a yo-ho whole lot of fun in Southport.
READ MORE: We visited the Lancashire garden centres with the best Christmas displays
Festive Fun Day - Lord Street, Southport
Southport is kicking off the festive season with the return of its Festive Fun Day on November 23 with the promise of being its biggest and best year yet. Adding some sparkle to this year’s event will be media personality and television star Gemma Collins, as well as performances from Lemar and Toploader.
It will be a day of jam-packed live entertainment with bitesize pantomimes, a Frozen singalong and performances from Southport’s talented dance schools. Facepainting, workshops and activities across the town centre will be sure to get the whole family into the festive spirit.
For more details visit www.southportbid.com
Spectacular Christmas Tree Musical Light Show – Town Hall Gardens
Between November 23 andJanuary 5, Southport’s Town Hall Gardens will be illuminated with Southport’s signature Christmas tree and the Boulevard of Light on Lord Street. The 60ft LED Christmas Tree will display brand new interactive musical light shows and will animate in sync with a medley of classic Christmas songs every hour.
The friendly faces of the Bear and the Reindeer characters will also be lit up to greet visitors of Southport. Visit here for more information and for updates on dates and timings.
Explore the Gingerbread Family Trail – Southport Town Centre
The Gingerbread Family are visiting Southport town centre again between November 23 and January 5. Explore the town centre in search of the ten characters and be in with the chance of winning great prizes if you find them all.
Make sure to get your pictures on the Gingerbread Throne and Sleigh too! For more information, visit here.
Oh yes it is! Enjoy a panto extravaganza
This year’s Christmas pantomime at The Atkinson is a spellbinding performance of Sleeping Beauty, starring Blue Peter presenter, magician and TikTok sensation, Joel M. Families can enjoy the Christmas adventure between November 6 and December 31. Ticket prices vary. Book here.
And that’s not the only pantomime in town this Christmas. Panto lovers are spoilt for choice with Jack and the Beanstalk at Formby Hall on November 30.
The Snow White pantomime at Southport Dramatic Club will run between December 21 and January 5 and The Christmas Wish pantomime will be on at The Fool between December 7 and 31.
Breakfast, lunch or brunch with Santa
Santa is making his rounds in Southport this Christmas. Children can enjoy a festive morning at Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant meeting Santa for breakfast, plus receiving a festive gift and a ride on the iconic Silcock’s Carousel. Breakfast with Santa is on from December 6 to 22, from 10.30am. Tickets cost £10, to book visit here.
Santa will also be popping into Southport Market on December 8, 15, 22 and 23 between 1 and 3pm. Free entry. Visit here for more information.
Take the children to a magical lunch with Santa at Formby Hall. Festive lunch with fun and games is on: December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22. Tickets cost £37 for adults, £17.50 for children (3-12yrs), and complimentary for infants (0-2yrs). To book visit here.
Santa will also be making an appearance at Hickory’s for a magical brunch on Saturday 7th December from 10am to 5pm. Book your table here.
Indulge in Southport Waterfront Hotel’s Christmas cuisine
The festive season means festive eats, and Southport Waterfront Hotel will be delivering on this with a feast of lunches and dinners throughout the Christmas period. The Hotel is offering up Christmas Party Nights every Friday and Saturday from November 29 to December 21 with dinner, live entertainment and a DJ and disco all included.
What better way to spread the joy than at Christmas Day Lunch with a hearty, classic three-course meal dinner for £85.00 per adult, £40.00 per child under 12, and free for children under 3.
Or opt for the hotel’s Festive Afternoon Tea between December 1 and 23 which promises a seasonal spread of celebratory Christmas cakes, delightful holiday treats and scrumptious finger sandwiches served with unlimited tea or coffee and a glass of mulled wine. To book, visit here.
Holly jolly family fun at Southport Market
Southport Market is transforming itself into a truly magical Christmas destination. Its jam-packed festive programme includes a magical evening featuring a live gospel choir performing your favourite Christmas classics on November 29. Grab a mulled wine, sit back and enjoy an unforgettable show for £3 (under ones go free).
There’s also lots to keep the children entertained with free Magical Movies to see you through the holiday season, ranging from Elf to Mary Poppins. Get groovy at Party Nights with performances of popular Christmas songs from live singers and bands on December 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21.
And let out your creative side with Christmas candle painting on December 20. For full information and to book tickets, visit here.
A Merry Little Christmas at Formby Hall
From party nights to brand-new events, Formby Hall is spreading the Christmas cheer. For a cheeky night out with friends, colleagues and family, attend Christmas Bingo with Baz Todd on December 12.
The night includes a festive buffet with music, dancing and prizes to be won for £30 per person. Jingle all the way at Formby Hall’s Christmas party nights on December 7, 14, 20 and 21.
With great tunes, great food, plenty to get in the party mood! For more information, visit here.
Craft your own festive wreath
Guided by expert florists, craft your own wreath at the Southport Waterfront Hotel’s wreath-making workshop on November 24 and December 1. For £50 per person, adorn your door and indulge in a delectable glass of mulled wine, complete with delicious mince pies. To book, visit here.
Or visit Formby Hall where a professional florist will show you how to create the perfect wreath. Workshops are £45, taking place on three dates - December 1, 5 and 8 Times vary. Visit here to book.
