With less than three weeks to go until Christmas, there are plenty of fun festive events to enjoy in Southport!
Here, Stand Up For Southport gives you a rundown of just some of the many events coming your way this festive season…
1 – Panto Season has begun in Southport!
Southport loves to go panto mad every December and January with some superb shows to enjoy.
There’s a tale as old as time at The Atkinson, where Beauty and the Beast opens on Saturday 6th December 2025 and will be showing until New Year’s Eve, starring Safia Bartley as Bella with panto veteran Terry Burns as Dame Bon Bon. https://theatkinson.co.uk/events/beauty-beast-panto/
Southport Little Theatre will host Jack and the Beanstalk by Southport Dramatic Club from Friday, 19 December, 2025 – Sunday, 4 January, 2026.
Panto – Jack and the Beanstalk – Southport Dramatic Club – Little Theatre Southport
Coronation Street star Calum Lill is set to embark on a giant adventure this Christmas as he headlines an unmissable pantomime at a fantastic new Scarisbrick venue.
Jack and the Beanstalk comes to the Oak Theatre at Scarisbrick Hall near Southport from Saturday 13th December – Wednesday 24 December 2025.
Oak Theatre and Studios at Scarisbrick Hall – Oak Theatre and Studios
All Souls Dramatic Club are thrilled to be presenting their next adventure, a modern pantomime of ‘Peter Pan’ at The Atkinson in Southport in January 2026.
The cast, once again, will be composed of local talent including singers, dancers and a technical team who are all eagerly awaiting their next production.
2 – Have breakfast or brunch with Santa
Meeting Santa is the highlight of the festive season for most kids and there’s several opportunities for you to make that dream come true in Southport.
Mr Claus will be taking time out from his busy schedule to have breakfast at Silcock’s Funland and Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant and ride the carousel. https://www.silcock-leisure.co.uk/breakfast-with-santa/
If breakfast isn’t your thing, you could have brunch with jolly old St Nick at Hickory’s Southport on Saturday 13th December between 10 and 2. https://hickorys.co.uk/blog/santa-brunchin-at-hickorys/ Or you could wait a bit longer and enjoy a Froze
3 – Join the Southport Santa Sprint
Southport will once again become a sea of Santas this December in one of the most fun festive events of the year!
The Santa Sprint, raising funds for Queenscourt Hospice, takes place on Sunday, 7th December 2025, starting and finishing at Silcock’s Funland in Southport.
This iconic annual fundraising run (3K and 5K) that brings together families, friends, businesses, and neighbours in a cheerful and festive event. Participants don Santa suits and spread holiday cheer around the Marine Lake.
You can sign up here: Santa Sprint 3K & 5K – Queenscourt Hospice
4 – Play Haus at Southport Market
Ready to Play, Southport? Step into the Play Haus at Southport Market this December — the ultimate competitive games zone! Book Your 90 Minute Slot: https://www.seetickets.com/timeslot/play-haus-southport Challenge your friends and family to: Curling Beer Pong Darts Air Hockey Buzz Wire Hole in One Pool Think you’ve got what it takes to be the Market Champion?
5- Have a festive party with friends and family
Christmas is always party season and there’s lots of chances for a great evening out in Southport. At The Grand and The Bold on Lord Street in Southport town centre there are a series of fun celebrations for all ages, including Santa’s Afternoon Adventure and the Royal Ball, as well as lively evenings like Diva Fiesta, the Christmas Caribbean Party Night and the Ultimate Christmas Party Night. https://www.thegrand.co.uk/christmas-at-the-grand-2025/
6 – Southport Christmas tree and trail
After the recent Southport Christmas Spectacular by Southport bID, , don’t miss the brand-new interactive music show on the LED Christmas tree in the Town Hall Gardens which animates in colour to music.
You can also enjoy a 12 Days Of Christmas Trail throughout the town centre with festive themed crochet creations by Southport Hookers.
Visir: Southport Business Improvement District (BID) | Southport BID
7 – Southport Santa Sleigh
The brand new Southport Santa Sleigh has been officially unveiled!
The stunning new sleigh has been created by the talented team at EFT Group in Southport after an urgent appeal by Southport Hesketh Round Table.
Their previous sleigh, which has brought festive joy to hundreds of thousands of local families over many years, was sadly no longer fit for purpose.
EFT Group was happy to step in and create a new one for the Round Table and their famous ‘Dancing Santa’.
You can now see the Santa Sleigh on its routes around Southport this December.
Visit: (20+) Facebook
8 – Santa’s Grotto at Southport Market
Santa’s Grotto is now open at Southport Market!
Step inside the magic and come visit Santa, Mrs Claus, and the Elves right here in the market hall, on Market Street in Southport town centre.
The grotto is now officially open from today (Saturday 29th November 2025) and will run up to Christmas Eve, with no bookings needed, just turn up.
Gambolling Arena Director Suzy Walker said: “We are open from today and then Santa’s Grotto will be open every weekend.
“The grotto will additionally be open on the days in the school Christmas holidays leading up to Christmas, on 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd December, and Christmas Eve.
“We are open from 10.30am, until 4pm.
“There is no booking required – just wander in and soak up the festive fun, for £12 per child.
“Every child will receive a present from Santa, along with the opportunity to take some photos with Santa.
Visit: Events from October 20th 2021 – April 4th 2023 – Southport Market
9 – Santa’s Grotto at Wayfarers Arcade
Santa’s Grotto at Wayfarers Arcade on Lord Street in Southport town centre is back open again this weekend.
The Grotto opened last weekend and will be open again this Saturday and Sunday (6th and 7th December 2025).
It will then open on 13th & 14th December; and again on the weekend of 20th and 21st December.
The Grotto costs £10 per child and includes the chance to follow the elf trail, visit the magic wishing well, and meet Santa, who will give each child a present.
The grotto is at 34 Wayfarers Arcade, on the right hand side of the ground floor.
It is run by Play On Productions.
The historic Wayfarers Arcade, which celebrated its 125th anniversary two years ago, is home to several superb local businesses including shops, art galleries, cafes, health and beauty venues, a barber, a hairdresser, the Little Museum of Buffoonery, and The Engine Room co-working space.For more details on what you discover at Wayfarers Arcade please visit: Home | Wayfarers Arcade | Wayfarers Arcade
10 – Christmas Movie Magic at Bijou Cinema
There’s more vintage festive fun at the Bijou Cinema from mid-December, where you can enjoy classic Christmas movies like Meet Me In St Louis, Christmas In Connecticut, The Bishop’s Wife, It’s a Wonderful Life and The Shop Around The Corner as well as more modern favourites like Elf, Home Alone, Gremlins and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. https://southportbijoucinema.co.uk/
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
