The Grand Southport paid partnership
Families are invited to celebrate the start of the festive season in Southport in spectacular style with The Grand Christmas Lights Switch On!
This glittering annual event takes place on Saturday 7th November 2026 with entertainment available for people of all ages throughout the day and into the evening.
This is an event that gets bigger and bigger each year, with bookings filling up.
There will be lots of free festive entertainment outside with characters from Regally Royal Parties performing and singing on a specially-built stage between 3pm and 7pm.
Look out for Santa and his elves; live shows; a DJ; face painting; and a glitter face painting stand.
Enjoy an outdoor festive village, with staff in wooden chalets serving warming hot chocolate with marshmallows; hot Vimto; mulled wine; and more.
Lots of families have already reserved their places for Festive Afternoon Tea indoors in The Grand Brasserie, with at least 24 hours’ notice required, as everything is hand-made.
You can also book in for Christmas Lunch, until 4pm, when the temperature raises with lots of exciting entertainment planned.
Look out for Father Christmas, who will be arriving to officially switch on the Christmas Lights at The Grand along with some very special guests!
There will be plenty of festive songs and carols, with live singers, and music from Southport Wellbeing Choir.
You can take a first look at the spectacular The Grand Christmas Tree and festive decorations – the perfect backdrop for your pictures.
This year The Grand is unveiling a brand new range of products which will be available to buy for the first time, via a stall at the event.
They celebrate The Grand’s remarkable heritage, with the stunning art deco landmark building first opening its doors in 1923 as one of the early car showrooms, before later becoming a cinema, a bingo hall and a casino.
The products include a 1923 Candle with its own unique scent and other gifts.
Following the switch-on, adults will be able to party on into the night in true festive style.
From 7pm, in The Princess Grace Suite, be wowed by a live performance from the sensational Wack Pack, brought to life by a multi-talented all-star cast, with tickets available here.
Asa Murphy, Steve Charles, and Joe Speare pay tribute to the legendary Rat Pack in their own unique way, delivering incredible vocals, charisma, and timeless classics that will have you singing along all night, along with a one-course gala dinner.
After the show, a DJ will keep the festive vibes going with a mix of classics and party favourites to keep you on the dancefloor.
The party continues downstairs in The Grand too, with festive party tunes, and special festive cocktails.
Singer Chloe Jade will be performing in Harry’s Bar, while there will be live music in Punch Tarmey’s Irish Bar too.
Mikhail Hotel And Leisure Group Cluster Manager James Bretnall-Bennett said:
“Last year’s Christmas Lights Switch On at The Grand was fantastic!
“It was brilliant to see so many families looking so excited as they enjoyed all the festive entertainment that was happening throughout the day.
“Everyone in Southport and beyond knows that this is the place where the Christmas season officially starts, and starts in style!
“Our brasserie is open during the day for Festive Afternoon Tea and lunch, but places are getting booked up very fast so if you’d like to join us, please get in touch.
“We are proud to unveil our new range of The Grand merchandise, including our new range of scents, which will be on sale for the first time at the Christmas Lights Switch On.
“Adults can stay and enjoy the festive celebrations into the night at The Grand, at Punch Tarmey’s, the Lord Street Hotel and more.
“Bookings are also available for people who’d like to stay over at the Lord Street Hotel or The Bold Hotel and make a night of it.”
● For more details about what’s on at The Grand Southport please visit: www.thegrand.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: [email protected]
