Bootle set to sparkle this Christmas with series of community events

Bootle is set to sparkle this Christmas and New year, with a host of festive events for families and residents to enjoy.

On Saturday 15th November, Bootle Strand will host a Christmas celebration from 12pm to 5pm in the Lower Mall. Visitors can look forward to mini pantomimes on stage, a performance from Attitude Dance and a K-Pop artist and there will be inflatables, a pop-up grotto, a snow globe, and festive characters.

Children will have the chance to get creative with Christmas crafts, including making decorations, creating reindeer dust, and writing letters to Santa with Mrs Claus. There will also be a small selection of stalls, free hot chocolate, and festive games to enjoy.

In Another Place presents a brand-new immersive experience, The Secret at Christmas, running on Saturday 22nd and 29th November. Families will join a quirky scientist on a 45-minute journey to uncover the true meaning of Christmas. Held in The Castle next to TJ Hughes, in the Strand Shopping Centre, this interactive walk-through is suitable for all ages and includes quiet performances and accessibility features.

Throughout December, families can visit the Bootle Strand Grotto, presented by In Another Place, which is also located in The Castle above the post office. This full Christmas experience features Tin Soldiers and Elves preparing for Santa’s arrival.

On Saturday 13th December, The Gateway Collective, in partnership with St Matthew’s Church, will host a cosy event themed around ‘Campfire Carols’. Families can gather around for festive singing, enjoy s’mores, hot chocolate, sparklers, and soak up the relaxed festive atmosphere.

Kingsley & Co, now located on Stanley Road, is inviting families to step into a world of festive imagination. Throughout the Christmas season, Kingsley & Co will host a programme of seasonal design and craft workshops, including a magical ‘Breakfast with the Snow Queen’ every Saturday morning from the Saturday 22^ndNovember until Saturday 20^{th of}December.

Community By Nature will bring even more magic to Bootle with a Christmas event at Queens Road Community Centre on Wednesday 10^thDecember 6pm to 8pm and on Thursday 18th December from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. This special evening will feature Santa in his woodland grotto, offering a truly enchanting experience for local families.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Skills and Employment said:

“Although the major works going on at The Strand mean we won’t be able to put up a traditional tree this year, we are more than making up for that with this bumper programme of fantastic Christmas events.

“These exciting activities will help fill the town with festive spirit and provide wonderful opportunities for everyone to come together and celebrate.”