8 Ways to celebrate Christmas in St Helens this year

From running the Santa Dash to family fun at the Panto, seeing the lights get switched on and tucking into a festive feast, there is so much to do this December in St Helens.

Here are eight ways to enjoy Christmas in St Helens.

See the lights switch on in Earlestown

Christmas in Earlestown. Credit: St Helens Borough Council

The big switch on is this Saturday after a day filled with festive fun.

The event will include a pop-up market, light parade, brass band and choir.

There will also be fair rides, an arts and crafts workshop and a Christmas grotto.

The light parade stars at the Town Hall on Market Street at 4.30pm and finishes at the Christmas tree, outside the Newmarket pub.

The big switch on will happen at 5pm on 7 December.

Get your trainers on for the Santa Dash

Santa Dash. Credit: St Helens Borough Council

This festive family-friendly 4k fun run around Victoria Park is suitable for all abilities and hundreds of Santas are expected to take part.

This year, all proceeds will go to the St Helens Young Carers Centre, supported by the Mayor of St Helens Borough Council, Jeanette Banks.

Entry to take part in this event is £5 for adults and £2 for children and young people aged five-18 which, includes a Santa hat and medal. Children under five can take part free of charge.

St Helens Santa Dash will take place in Victoria Park on Saturday 7 December at 11am.

Find out more and register here.

Enjoy Panto fun with Snow White

Maureen Nolan and Coronation Street’s Emrhys Cooper are heading up the cast of St Helens Theatre Royal’s festive family show this Christmas.

Pop legend and West End star Maureen will play the Wicked Queen while Emrhys, Corrie villain Rowan Cunliffe, will take on the role of Prince Fredrick in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which comes to St Helens from Saturday 30 November to Sunday 12 January.

Tickets, priced from £21, are on sale now.

Find out more and book tickets here.

Shop local for Christmas at the farmers market

The Rainhill Farmers’ Market is a great way to support local business and stock up for the festivities.

You will find it at St Ann’s Millennium Centre in View Road, Rainhill, from 9am-1pm on the first Saturday of every month, so 7 December is your last chance to before Christmas.

Remember a loved one in a special service of remembrance

Tree of Remembrance service. Credit: Friends of St Helens Cemetery

The annual Tree of Remembrance service is organised by the Friends of St Helens Cemetery.

The service is in the Crematorium Chapel and will include music, readings and reflections.

There will also be an opportunity to write a dedication in memory of a loved one and place it on the tree.

It takes place on 7 December at 11am at St Helens Cemetery and Crematorium in Rainford Road.

Take the kids to meet Santa

Santa’s Grotto. Credit: Saints Community Development Foundation

There are still a few tickets left to take the kids to see Father Christmas in his grotto at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Each child will receive a selection box from Santa and a professional digital photo, there are fun and games in the waiting area.

Costs £6 per child with limited spaces left for 7-8pm on 17 December.

The Totally Wicked Stadium, WA9 3AL.

Find out more and book here.

Enjoy a festive bottomless brunch

Still looking for a festive celebration with your friends? Then a festive bottomless brunch at The Eccleston Arms could be just the thing for you.

Head to the Cocktail Lounge for a selection of tasty festive bites and nibbles and 90 minutes of bottomless Prosecco, selected Cocktails or House Vodka/Gin, selected beers, mocktails or soft drinks.

Priced at £40 per person and pre-booking is essential. It’s available from 24 November – 30 December from 12 noon – 7pm.

Eccleston Arms, 156 Prescot Rd, WA10 3TU.

Find out more and book here.

Tuck into a festive feast

The Festive Feast menu at the Carr Mill is packed with seasonal meals for all the family.

Enjoy choices like Beaded Brie Bites followed by the XXXMas Burger for mains or go traditional with turkey or nut roast for the vegetarians. You can also add cheesy pigs in blankets.

There are a range of desserts, including Christmas pudding and there are seasonal choices for the kids.

The Festive Set Menu starts at £16.99 for two courses.

Available until 1 January.

Carr Mill, 18 East Lancashire Road, WA11 9AD.

Find out more and book here.