The weather outside may or may not be frightful, but this Christmas will still be delightful right here in Southport.
Whatever your idea of festive fun might be, you’ll be able to find it this weekend and over the next few weeks, whether you want to sail a boat to Santa’s island, fly in his sleigh or party with Peppa and Bluey.
There are also classic Christmas movies, parties, quizzes, pantomimes and much more to keep you busy in between munching on mince pies and buying all your presents.
Here Visit Southport and Stand Up For Southport give you a rundown of just some of the many events coming your way this festive season…
1 – Southport Christmas Spectacular
Families are invited to the ‘Southport Christmas Spectacular’ with a huge kids party and non-stop entertainment throughout the day.
This free festive event, organised by Southport BID, will take place on Saturday 15th November 2025.
A packed programme of festive activities in the town centre will open the Christmas calendar in Southport in style!
Visitors can enjoy a huge kids Christmas party in the Town Hall Gardens on Lord Street between 11am and 4pm including a stage show with appearances from famous children’s TV characters, dance schools, and local performers.
People can expect to see:
Peppa Pig Dance Party
· Bluey and Bingo Activation
· Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures Show
· K-Pop Demons Show from Starkidz
· Popstars Show from Regally Royal
· Spiderman appearance
· Local dance schools performing throughout the day
Following the conclusion of the live acts, don’t miss the launch of a brand-new interactive music show on the LED Christmas tree in the Town Hall Gardens which will animate in colour to music.
At intervals throughout the day, there will be opportunities for people to get pictures in a brand new ‘Character Zone’ with Bluey & Bingo, and Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig and baby sister, Evie.
Facepainting, craft stalls, and further activities will provide even more fun at the event.
2 – The Grand Christmas Lights Switch On
The festive season is about to shine even brighter as The Grand, Southport hosts its Annual Christmas Light Switch-On Celebration on Saturday 15th November 2025, with an unforgettable afternoon and evening of entertainment, music and festive fun for all ages.
Everyone is invited to head to The Grand following the celebrations of the Southport Christmas Spectacular, to continue the merriment and festive fun.
Kicking off from 4pm, this free-entry event invites families, friends and festive revellers to gather outside The Grand for the Big Christmas Light Switch-On.
There will be children’s entertainment hosted by the fabulous Regally Royal Parties where guests can expect laughter, singalongs and plenty of Christmas cheer as thousands of twinkling lights bring The Grand to life in true holiday style.
The fun begins outdoors, where the celebration will be in full swing with:
Santa and his cheeky Elf, bringing festive magic and mischief to the crowd
· Live DJ sets, keeping the party atmosphere alive from afternoon into evening
· Choir performances and live music, filling Lord Street with the sounds of Christmas
· Festive food and drink stalls, serving seasonal treats and winter warmers
· Games and entertainment, creating memories the whole family will cherish
As the lights go on, the party moves inside The Grand and the atmosphere turns electric.
From 7pm until late, guests can dance, mingle and toast to the start of Christmas with:
· DJ Jeff Wood and Nick the Lunatic spinning festive floor-fillers
· A live saxophonist delivering smooth, upbeat energy
· Sunset Ali on percussion, adding rhythm and flair to the evening’s soundtrack
With dazzling décor, live entertainment and festive cocktails flowing, The Grand promises a night to remember whether guests are out with family or celebrating with friends.
3 – It’s not Panto Season, surely? Oh yes it is!
A family Christmas just would not be the same without a trip to the panto and there’s four superb shows running in Southport this year for fans fond of shouting “It’s behind you!”
There’s a tale as old as time at The Atkinson, where Beauty and the Beast 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/
The Grand welcomes Dick Whittington and his cat for a magical pantomime packed with catchy songs, dazzling costumes and lots of audience participation. https://www.thegrand.co.uk/events/
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
And 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
4 – Explore Santa’s Secret Forest
If you go down to the woods this Christmas, you’re sure for a festive surprise! Santa’s Secret Forest will be taking place in Orrell Hill Woods, Hightown, bringing a cutting edge, high-tech Christmas wonderland with 40 acres of woodland containing a stunning light trail and Santa’s Christmas Hub.
This is a first-of-its-kind interactive walkthrough experience through 10 immersive rooms like the Toy Workshop, the Magic Elevator and Santa’s Sleigh Garage, with a miniature train and 4D VR sleigh ride also available as well as a meet and greet with the big man himself. https://santassecretforest.co.uk/index.html
5 – Have breakfast, brunch and lunch with Santa (or sail to his island)
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 Frozen lunch with him at The Vincent Hotel on Sunday 14th December, with prizes for the best-dressed Frozen character and a gift for every child. https://thevincenthotel.com/weddings-and-events/christmas/
6 – Christmas Party with Santa
Santa will be hosting a Christmas Party at The Atkinson this Saturday (15th November 2025), which will be full of fun, festive songs and party games as well as the chance to meet him at his home in the North Pole. https://theatkinson.co.uk/events/santas-christmas-party/
7 – Sail to Santa
And, for something completely different, WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre are offering the chance to Sail To Santa, where you can hop on board a boat and travel to Santa’s island to meet him as well as doing festive crafts in the Elves’ workshop. https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere/whats-on/events/sail-to-santa-4
8 – 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/
9 – Ray Quinn at The Atkinson
The Atkinson meanwhile has big name guests like Ray Quinn performing special Christmas shows, as well as a ballet version of A Christmas Carol and a Christmas Murder Mystery for wannabe detectives to try and solve. Dress to impress and bring your feather boa! https://theatkinson.co.uk/whats-on/
10 – Smoked Turkey Burgers and loaded Gingerbread Fro-Co
There’s also Christmas Party Nights on offer at The Vincent Hotel, offering a three course meal with dancing and a DJ. https://thevincenthotel.com/weddings-and-events/christmas/ Meanwhile, Hickory’s offers a Southern style of festive frolics, with Smoked Turkey Burgers and a loaded Gingerbread Fro-Co! https://hickorys.co.uk/offers-and-events/have-a-hickorys-christmas-in-southport/
11 – Even more Christmas classics!
We did tell you there was a lot on in Southport this Christmas! At the Vintage Tea Rooms on Lord Street you can enjoy a twinkling festive atmosphere with a Bauble Decorating Night, a Christmas Film and Music Quiz or an evening of acapella Christmas tunes with the Wayfarers Chorus. https://www.facebook.com/VintageTeaRoom1/
12 – 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/
13 – Festive Fairytale of Churchtown Christmas
On Sunday 30th November, you can visit the Festive Fairytale of Churchtown Christmas, a free afternoon on Botanic Road with artisan stalls, a fairground, live entertainment, and lots of tasty food to enjoy. https://www.instagram.com/p/DQZHLltiNmO/
14 – Christmas is A Cut Above
You can also enjoy a cutting-edge Christmas with unique tours around the British Lawnmower Museum, where you can see lawnmowers belonging to the likes of King Charles, Princess Diana and Brian May. Truly a cut above. https://www.lawnmowerworld.co.uk/index.php
15 – Play Haus at Southport Market
If you’re feeling competitive, the Play Haus at Southport Market has curling, beer pong, darts, air hockey and more, so why not see if you can be the Market Champion this Christmas? https://southportmarket.com/
16 – Ainsdale Christmas Fun Day
Enjoy the Ainsdale Christmas Fun Day on Sunday 30th November, 12pm – 4pm.
Look out for live entertainment throughout the village.
The Ukulele Buddies will be performing outside The Chocolate Box.
There is no Christmas fayre in Birkdale this year, with families in Birkdale able to head to festive events at either Ainsdale or Churchtown on this day – or both!
17 – Christmas competition
And you can make it a Christmas to remember with the help of Ocean Plaza’s Twelve Days of Giftmas, a free-to-enter competition running online where you can win gifts from their amazing restaurants and leisure spots. Follow Ocean Plaza on Facebook or Instagram for your chances to win! https://www.oceanplazaleisure.com/twelve-days-of-giftmas/
Details on accommodation, days out and events in Southport can be found here visitsouthport.com
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