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 showstopping 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.
1 – Festive Fun Day – Lord Street, Southport
Southport is kicking off the festive season with the return of its Festive Fun Day on Saturday 23rd November 2024 with the promise of being its biggest and best year yet.
Adding some sparkle to this year’s event will be performances from Lemar and Toploader along with media personality and television star Gemma Collins. It will be a day of jam-packed live entertainment with bitesize pantomimes, a Frozen singalong and performances from 14 of Southport’s talented dance schools.
Face-painting, workshops and activities across the town centre will be sure to get the whole family into the festive spirit in an unmissable day organised by Southport BID.
For more details visit www.southportbid.com
2 – Spectacular Christmas Tree Musical Light Show – Town Hall Gardens
Between 23rd November and 5th January, 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 thanks to funding by Southport town centre businesses through Southport BID.
Head to www.southportbid.com for more information and for updates on dates and timings.
3 – 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 6th November and 31st December 2024. Ticket prices vary. To book: https://www.theatkinson.co.uk/events/sleeping-beauty-panto/
The Snow White pantomime at Southport Dramatic Club will run between 21st December and 5th January 2024 https://littletheatresouthport.co.uk/
Enjoy Cinderella: A Modern Family Pantomime by All Souls Dramatic Club at The Atkinson in Southport, Thursday 16th January 2025 – Sunday 26th January 2024 Cinderella: A Modern Family Pantomime – The AtkinsonThe Atkinson
The Christmas Wish pantomime will be on at The Fool on West Street between 7th and 31st December 2024 https://www.thefoolsouthport.co.uk/
4 – Explore the Gingerbread Family Trail – Southport Town Centre
The Gingerbread Family are visiting Southport town centre again between 23rd November and 5th January 2024.
Explore the town centre in search of the ten characters and be in with the chance of winning great prizes through Southport BID if you find them all. Make sure to get your pictures on the Gingerbread Throne and Sleigh too!
For more information, visit www.southportbid.com
5 – Christmas events galore at The Grand Southport
The stunning 101-year-old art deco landmark The Grand on Southport has a packed schedule of festive events, with experiences for families and people of all ages.
Over 3,000 people are already booked in for Christmas meals, festive afternoon tea, and seasonal party nights out at The Grand and The Bold.
Step into the world of the Peaky Blinders with our festive party featuring Tommy and Arthur Shelby lookalikes; enjoy Jackson Soul and The Starlights; take in a James Bond-themed evening with iconic 007 soundtracks; children will love a Royal Ball Prince and Princess extravaganza for boys and girls. Visit: www.thegrand.co.uk/whats-on-at-the-grand-southport/
6 – Meet Santa at the Christmas Grotto in Wayfarers Shopping Arcade
Come and meet Santa and the Elves as the Grotto returns to Wayfarers Shopping Arcade on Lord Street from 11.30am – 2pm on Saturday 23rd November 2-024, the same day as the Southport Festive Fun Day.
The jolly old man in red, Santa Claus, and his lovely Mrs. Claus are preparing to welcome you into their enchanting grotto from selected dates from 30th November onwards!
Special guests like the ever-playful Elves, and the enchanting sisters, Queen Elsa and Anna, will be joining the festive fun.
No reservations needed—just pop in whenever your holiday spirit calls you.
For just £10 per child, your little ones will receive a premium gift and memories to treasure forever
Visit: www.wayfarersarcade.co.uk
7 – Christmas songs in pubs around Southport town centre
On Saturday 14th December 2024, Skelmersdale Prize band will be playing Christmas songs in pubs across Southport town centre between 8pm and 10pm.
Two different groups will play will pubs at either end of town.
The event is free but people are encouraged to give donations to the band.
Venues include: Conolly’s Irish Pub; Farmhouse Kitchen; The Windmill; The Southport Tavern; The Pavilion; Crave Pizza; Enelle’s Glass House; The Southport Coaster; The Lakeside Inn; Coopers Bar; Occulo Lounge; The Cheshire Lines Kokomo; Tap and Bottles; The Grand; The Bold Hotel; Punch Tarmey’s; and Royales
Visit: www.southportbid.com
8 – 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 6th December to 22nd December 2024, from 10.30am. Tickets cost £10, to book visit https://www.silcock-leisure.co.uk/breakfast-with-santa/
Santa will also be popping into Southport Market on the 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 23rd December between 1 and 3pm. Free entry. Visit https://southportmarket.com for more information.
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: www.hickorys.co.uk/book
9 – 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 29th November. 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 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st. And let out your creative side with Christmas candle painting on the 20th December.
For full information and to book tickets, visit https://southportmarket.com
10 – Craft your own festive wreath
Guided by expert florists, craft your own wreath at the Southport Waterfront Hotel’s wreath-making workshop on 24th November and 1st December 2024.
For £50 per person, adorn your door and indulge in a delectable glass of mulled wine, complete with delicious mince pies. To book: https://www.waterfrontsouthporthotel.co.uk/
Join The Bold on Lord Street for a Festive Christmas Wreath Workshop.
Get into the holiday spirit with a Christmas Wreath Workshop on 28th November 2024. Create your own fresh, beautiful Christmas wreath; learn tips and tricks from professional florist Stacey Murray; and enjoy a glass of prosecco while you craft. Visit: www.boldhotel.com
11 – Party nights and family fun at The Bold
Dance the night away with fun party nights at The Bold on Lord Street in Southport.
You can see performances by Joey linden as Freddie Mercury; Andrew Browning as George Michael; Enchanting Elsa Afternoon Tea; and more.
Visit: www.boldhotel.com
12 – 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 29th November to 21st December 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 the 1st and 23rd December 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 https://www.waterfrontsouthporthotel.co.uk/whats-on
Details on accommodation, days out and events in Southport can be found here visitsouthport.com
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