The big day is nearly here – and there is still plenty for families to enjoy in Southport in the final weekend before Christmas!
From ice skating, to magical illuminations, to pantos, to festive films and more, there is lots happening that you won’t want to miss. Here are some:
1 – Ice Skating Southport
An ice skating rink, run by Ice Skating Southport, has opened at Victoria Park in Southport.
Photo by Andrew Brown Media
Ice skating is back in Southport this Christmas.
The exciting family attraction is at Victoria Park in Southport until 31st December 2023 with tickets available here.
Ice Skating Southport has been brought back after proving to be extremely popular with families last year.
It’s a great way for families to enjoy the Christmas season in Southport, with skating for all the family, a heated Bavarian themed bar, music nights and more.
Event organiser Mark Pickup said: “Get your skates on and join us for a frosty adventure like no other!”
2 – Santa’s Grotto at Wayfarers Arcade
Christmas at Wayfarers Arcade in Southport
Call into Santa’s Grotto at Wayfarers Arcade on Lord Street in Southport on Saturday, 23rd December 2023 or Sunday, 24th December 2023, 11am-4pm.
Santa, Elvira, Bluebell and Pickles the elf will be handing out presents to all of the good boys and girls
Come and bring your little ones along for an experience like no other!
£10 per child, each child gets a gift. Meet and greet with Santa and his elves
No booking required, just show up.
3 – Santa Visit and Festive Films at Southport Market
Christmas at Southport Market
Santa will visit Southport Market 1pm-3pm this Saturday (23rd December 2023) accompanied by one of his helpful Elves to bring some festive cheer!
Please bring along your letters to Santa to post them in the magical postbox!
Have a look at our Festive Films schedule to plan your whole day at Southport Market..
You can also enjoy free festive films in the Extravaganza space at Southport Market this weekend.
There is something for everyone accompanied by 10 fabulous food traders, desserts and drink offerings to get your taste buds tingling for a magical movie day.
No booking needed – free entry. First come, first served.
The following films will be showed on:
Saturday 23rd December – 3pm – Home Alone; 6pm – The Grinch
Sunday 24th December – 3pm– Polar Express
4 – Jack and the Beanstalk at the Atkinson
The Jack and the Beanstalk panto at The Atkinson in Southport
The Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime has three performances at The Atkinson in Southport this weekend! Oh yes it does!
The panto runs throughout December.
Join our hero Jack Trott as he embarks on an extraordinary journey up the beanstalk to an enchanted land above the clouds. With hilarious antics, loveable characters, and a handful of magic beans, this traditional family panto will captivate audiences of all ages.
Packed with toe-tapping songs, dazzling costumes and stunning sets, this larger-than-life pantomime promises to be an unmissable treat for everyone this festive season.
Sat 23 Dec: 2:30pm & 7pm
Sun 24 Dec, Christmas Eve: 2:30pm
Visit: theatkinson.co.uk
5 – The Pied Piper panto
The SDC Pier Piper Panto at Southport Little Theatre
Friday, 22 December, 2023 – Sunday, 7 January, 2024
The SDC’s traditional family pantomime directed by John Coates opened on Friday (22nd December 2023).
There are two shows this Saturday (23rd December 2023), at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
Come join the Bavarian party this Christmas at Southport Little Theatre as we travel to old Germania. “The Pied Piper” is a heartwarming and entertaining tale filled with catchy songs, dazzling dances, and plenty of laughter, making it a perfect treat for audiences of all ages during the festive season.
Set in the whimsical town of Hamelin, the story follows the adventures of Pippin, who arrives in the town just when it’s facing a rat infestation. The townspeople, desperate to rid themselves of the pesky rodents, eagerly promise to reward the piper handsomely if he can solve their problem. However, the town’s Burgomeister, goes back on his promise and things can take an unexpected twist.
Visit: littletheatresouthport.co.uk
6 – The Bear and The Reindeer Trail
The Southport BID’s illuminated Bear in the Town Hall Gardens. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Take part in a special Christmas Trail this December.
To celebrate the arrival of the brand new character illuminations in the Town Hall Gardens, people are invited to take part in The Bear and The Reindeer Christmas Trail, which has been created by Southport BID.
Artworks featuring the characters are displayed in the windows of businesses across Southport town centre.
Use the clues in each picture to answer the questions listed on the trail maps.
There’s also a bonus question to be answered by visiting the new illuminations in the Town Hall Gardens.
When you have all your answers, fill in your details and hand in your maps at Southport Library in The Atkinson or Crave Pizza.
Alternatively, send your answers in to info@southportbid.com along with your details.
One entry will be picked at random, and the winner will receive a Nintendo Switch with games from GAME Southport.
The Christmas Trail is inspired by a story written by Constance Haywood (aged 9), which was judged as the winner of the The Bear and The Reindeer Story Competition.
7 – Festive Afternoon Tea at The Grand
Festive Afternoon Tea at The Grand in Southport
People are invited to celebrate the Christmas season in style as they enjoy festive afternoon tea at The Grand in Southport.
The stylish venue on Lord Street is now serving a mouth-watering combination of seasonal treats in The Grand Brasserie.
Sandwiches, scones and sweets are specially hand-crafted to order by Director of Food Colin Gannon, Group Head Chef Callum King and their team of top chefs. It is a stunning menu.
Diners can enjoy:
- Scones: Cranberry and orange homemade scones, accompanied by Cornish clotted cream with strawberry and pepper preserve
- Sandwiches: Roast turkey with cranberry sauce; Maple glazed ham with tomato chutney; Smoked salmon, cucumber and crème fraiche; Free range egg and cress; Pork and apricot sausage roll
- Sweets: Raspberry Bakewell tart; Apple cinnamon crumble tart; Chocolate and hazelnut delice; Lemon and poppy seed cake.
The Festive Afternoon Teas are available seven days a week from now until 31st December 2023 (excluding Christmas Day).
The Grand is at 180 Lord Street, Southport, PR9 0QG. Call 01704 334533 or email: enquiries@thegrand.co.uk or visit: www.thegrand.co.uk
8 – Christmas movies at Southport Bijou Cinema
It’s the weekend before Christmas – and there’s some fantastic festive movies to enjoy at the independent Bijou Cinema in Southport town centre.
There are limited tickets available and some screenings sell out quickly so don’t delay if there’s a film you want to catch with you and your family.
Southport Bijou Cinema won the Hidden Gem accolade at the 2023 Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards thanks to a public vote.
For more information about the Southport Bijou Cinema, and to book tickets, visit: https://southportbijoucinema.co.uk/.
Here are some of the festive films and events you can enjoy at Bijou Cinema Southport this December:
Sat 23 Dec 2023, 11:00AM
Sat 23 Dec 2023, 2:30PM
Sat 23 Dec 2023, 4:30PM
HOME ALONE 2: LOST IN NEW YORK (PG, 1992)
Sat 23 Dec 2023, 7:30PM
Sun 24 Dec 2023, 12:00PM
ARTHUR CHRISTMAS (U, 2011) – Sold Out
Sun 24 Dec 2023, 2:30PM
THE MUPPETS CHRISTMAS CAROL (U, 1992) – Sold Out
Sun 24 Dec 2023, 7:30PM
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (U, 1946) – Sold Out
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