Race meetings at Aintree you shouldn't miss this Autumn & Winter

Aintree Racecourse is known around the world for its racing spectacles and, even though the Grand National is the big one, the excitement happens all year round.

Racegoers planning ahead have already sorted their tickets for next April, but before that Aintree Racecourse has a busy calendar of fabulous race days in autumn and winter.

Here’s what to look forward to at Aintree Racecourse for the rest of 2025 and if you haven’t already got yours, start looking ahead to the National next year …

Halloween Family Day – Sunday October 26

This is one of the most popular dates at Aintree every year because the whole family can join in the fun – and kids with an adult go free in the grandstand and paddock. The course will be taken over by all things spooky in the run-up to Halloween with entertainment, face painting, and lots of surprises for kids. There’s a full race card, starting with Shetland Ponies at 11.10am, the first race at 12.35pm and last race at 4.05pm. Keen punters get an extra treat (and no tricks) because Aintree legend Vieux Lion Rouge, who ran in five Grand Nationals, will parade before the race named in his honour – The Vieux Lion Rouge Veterans Handicap Steeple Chase. And those betting on the first past the post won’t be the only winners – the day is being held in partnership with Liverpool-based not-for-profit organisation Nugent which supports local communities and families.

Book tickets here.

Grand Sefton Day – Saturday November 8

November often feels like a quiet month for things to do, with everyone getting ready for Christmas, so if you love watching world-class racing or you fancy experiencing the famous buzz of Aintree for the first time with family or friends then this meeting is timed perfectly. Fingers crossed for crisp autumn weather because racing starts at 12.20pm (gates open at 10.20am, so you can get there early to soak up the atmosphere) and the last race gets underway at 3.50pm.

Book tickets here.

Becher Chase Day – Saturday December 6

If you’re looking for a pre-Christmas date in the diary, for a great day out or a festive do with workmates or friends, this is the one. You’ll get a full afternoon of top-class racing including the highlight of the card, the Becher Handicap Steeple Chase, which takes in the iconic Grand National fences Becher’s Brook, Canal Turn, and Valentine’s. That’s traditionally been one to watch for National contenders (and a couple of winners), so you never know, you might spot a potential top tip.

Book tickets here.

Boxing Day Racing – Friday December 26

Boxing Day isn’t all about footy in Liverpool, it’s one to look forward to for racing fans too. If you want to make sure your post-Christmas plans are more than just turkey leftovers and TV bingeing, Aintree’s Boxing Day fixture is a belated gift. It’s a nice one for families, stretching out the celebrations too because not only is there a great line-up of racing starting at 11.55am, grandstand and paddock tickets are free for under-18s.

Book tickets here.

Don’t forget, it’ll be Grand National weekend before you know it …

The 2026 festival runs from Friday April 9 to Saturday April 11, and tickets are already on sale for all three days. Don’t hang about because some areas are already sold out for Grand National Saturday.

Book tickets here.