There’s something undeniably magical about spending Christmas by the sea, and Blackpool knows how to put on a festive show like nowhere else. Whilst other towns might have traditional Christmas markets tucked away in their town centres, Blackpool spreads its festive cheer along six miles of glittering promenade, combining the best of British seaside tradition with proper Christmas magic. If you’re planning a winter getaway, here’s everything you need to know about celebrating Christmas in Britain’s favourite coastal resort.
Christmas By The Sea: Blackpool’s Festive Centrepiece
The star attraction of Blackpool’s Christmas offering is Christmas By The Sea, which takes pride of place on the iconic Tower Festival Headland promenade. Running daily from mid-November through to early January (closing only on Christmas Day), this outdoor festive experience operates from noon until 9pm, giving you plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere whether you’re an early bird or prefer an evening visit when the lights truly come alive.
Free Ice Skating with a Sea View
One of the biggest draws is the completely free outdoor ice skating rink, and that includes free boot hire and skating aids – something that’s virtually unheard of at Christmas events these days. There’s nothing quite like gliding across the ice with Blackpool Tower as your backdrop and the Irish Sea stretching out before you. Whether you’re a confident skater or wobbling about on the ice for the first time, it’s an experience that captures the essence of a Blackpool Christmas.
Do arrive early during peak times, though, as skating aids are available in limited numbers and can run out when it’s busy. The rink tends to be quieter during weekday afternoons if you want to avoid the weekend crowds.
The Christmas Village Experience
Beyond the ice rink, Christmas By The Sea features a charming village of themed log cabins offering festive food, drinks, and gifts, alongside light installations, projection shows, artificial snowfalls, and festive tram rides. It’s the kind of place where you can warm up with a mulled wine or hot chocolate, browse for unique Christmas decorations, and watch the children’s faces light up (quite literally) as the Tower projections dance across the famous landmark.
The village also includes various children’s attractions and rides, with the Star Flyer being one of the highlights. Rides typically cost between £3 and £6, which is reasonable for the experience you’re getting.
The Illuminations: Now Shining Through Christmas
Here’s something that makes Blackpool’s Christmas extra special: the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations now remain lit throughout the entire festive season, whereas in previous years they were switched off at the end of October half term. This means you get to experience six miles of traditionally illuminated festoons, interactive displays, laser projections, and millions of lights – and it’s completely free.
Taking a stroll (or a drive) along the illuminated promenade on a crisp winter’s evening, perhaps after visiting Christmas By The Sea, is the perfect way to work up an appetite for dinner or simply marvel at one of the UK’s most beloved light displays in its festive glory.
Traditional Blackpool Attractions with Festive Flair
Christmas in Blackpool isn’t just about the new seasonal events – the town’s classic attractions take on an extra special atmosphere during the festive period.
The Blackpool Tower
The Tower itself becomes part of the Christmas spectacle, with projections and lighting that transform this Victorian landmark into a festive beacon. Whether you venture up to the Tower Eye for panoramic coastal views, visit the famous Ballroom with its ornate décor, or catch a show at the Blackpool Tower Circus, which has been providing spectacular family entertainment for 130 years, there’s something wonderfully nostalgic about experiencing these attractions during the Christmas season.
Festive Entertainment
The Winter Gardens and various venues across Blackpool host pantomimes, Christmas shows, and seasonal entertainment throughout December and into the New Year. There’s often something traditional and comforting about catching a panto in a classic seaside theatre – it’s proper old-school Christmas fun that never gets old.
Planning Your Christmas Break in Blackpool
One of the best things about choosing Blackpool for a Christmas break is that so much of the festive fun is free. The Illuminations, the ice skating, and simply wandering through the Christmas village won’t cost you a penny, meaning you can splash out on accommodation, meals, and perhaps a few rides for the kids without breaking the bank.
When to Visit
Christmas By The Sea runs until early January, so you’re not limited to visiting during the traditional Christmas period. New Year in Blackpool is particularly atmospheric, with the seafront buzzing with celebration and the Illuminations providing a spectacular backdrop to see in the new year.
The weeks leading up to Christmas offer that perfect festive anticipation, whilst the period between Christmas and New Year is ideal if you fancy escaping the confines of home and enjoying some fresh sea air (just wrap up warm!).
Why Choose Apartment Accommodation
Staying in an apartment rather than a traditional hotel room makes excellent sense for a Christmas break in Blackpool, particularly if you’re visiting with family. You’ll have the flexibility to prepare breakfast before heading out to the Christmas events, rustle up a light lunch if needed, and perhaps even cook a special Christmas dinner with all the trimmings if you’re staying over the festive period itself.
Having your own space means the children can get excited about presents without disturbing other guests, and you can come and go as you please – essential when you’re trying to coordinate visits to various attractions with different age groups in tow.
Beyond the Main Attractions
Don’t forget that Blackpool’s indoor attractions – including the Sea Life Centre, Madame Tussauds, and The Dungeons – all remain open throughout the festive period, providing perfect backup plans if the weather turns particularly blustery (this is the British seaside in winter, after all!).
The town centre also has its own Christmas lights and decorations, and there are plenty of traditional pubs and restaurants where you can enjoy seasonal menus and escape the cold for a warming meal.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Christmas in Blackpool offers something genuinely different from the usual city-based Christmas markets. Where else can you combine festive log cabins with seaside air, ice skating with Illuminations, and traditional attractions with modern entertainment? The combination of classic British seaside charm and full-throttle festive sparkle creates an atmosphere that’s uniquely Blackpool.
Whether you’re looking for a day trip to see the Illuminations and visit Christmas By The Sea, or planning a longer stay to really immerse yourselves in everything the town has to offer, Blackpool delivers Christmas magic by the bucketload – with a bracing sea breeze and a stick of rock thrown in for good measure.
Book your Blackpool apartment early, particularly if you’re planning to visit during the peak festive weeks, and prepare for a Christmas celebration that’s just that little bit different from the norm. After all, there’s nowhere quite like Blackpool when it comes to putting on a show, and Christmas is when this famous resort truly sparkles.