Southport gets ready for a packed Christmas of shows, parties and festive magic

The weather outside may or may not be frightful, but this Christmas will still be delightful right here in Southport.

Whatever your idea of festive fun might be, you’ll be able to find it over the next few weeks, whether you want to sail a boat to Santa’s island, fly in his sleigh or party with Peppa and Bluey.

There are also classic Christmas movies, parties, quizzes, pantomimes and much more to keep you busy in between munching on mince pies and buying all your presents.

Here Visit Southport gives you a rundown of just some of the many events coming your way this festive season…

Kick off Christmas with the K-Pop Demons

Christmas starts with a bang in Southport this year thanks to the Southport Christmas Spectacular, which takes place on 15^th November and is free to enjoy. There will be a huge Christmas party in the Town Hall Gardens, featuring appearances from Peppa Pig, Bluey, Spider-Man and the K-Pop Demons.

The day will build up to the Big Christmas Lights Switch-On at The Grand at 7pm, complete with live DJ sets, choir performances and much more, as well as more music and dancing afterwards.

Get all the info here.

It’s not Panto Season, surely? Oh yes it is!

A family Christmas just would not be the same without a trip to the panto and there’s two great shows running in Southport this year for fans of shouting “It’s behind you!”.

There’s a tale as old as time at The Atkinson, where Beauty and the Beast will be showing until New Year’s Eve, starring Safia Bartley as Bella with panto veteran Terry Burns as Dame Bon Bon.

The Grand welcomes Dick Whittington and his cat for a magical pantomime packed with catchy songs, dazzling costumes and lots of audience participation.

Find out more here.

Explore Santa’s Secret Forest

If you go down to the woods this Christmas, you’re sure for a festive surprise! Santa’s Secret Forest will be taking place in Orrel Hill Woods, Hightown, bringing a cutting edge, high-tech Christmas wonderland with 40 acres of woodland containing a stunning light trail and Santa’s Christmas Hub.

This is a first-of-its-kind interactive walkthrough experience through 10 immersive rooms like the Toy Workshop, the Magic Elevator and Santa’s Sleigh Garage, with a miniature train and 4D VR sleigh ride also available as well as a meet and greet with the big man himself.

Check it out.

Have breakfast, brunch and lunch with Santa (or sail to his island)

Meeting Santa is the highlight of the festive season for most kids and there’s several opportunities for you to make that dream come true in Southport. Mr Claus will be taking time out from his busy schedule to have breakfast at Silcock’s Funland and Pier Restaurant on the Pier and ride the carousel.

If breakfast isn’t your thing, you could have brunch with jolly old St Nick at Hickory’s Southport on Saturday 13^th December between 10 and 2.

Or you could wait a bit longer and enjoy a Frozen lunch with him at The Vincent Hotel on Sunday 14^th December, with prizes for the best-dressed Frozen character and a gift for every child.

Santa will be hosting a Christmas Party at The Atkinson on 15^th November, which will be full of fun, festive songs and party games as well as the chance to meet him at his home in the North Pole.

And, for something completely different, WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre are offering the chance to Sail To Santa, where you can hop on board a boat and travel to Santa’s island to meet him as well as doing festive crafts in the Elves’ workshop.

Have a festive party with friends and family

Christmas is always party season and there’s lots of chances for a great evening out in Southport. At The Grand and The Bold there are a series of fun celebrations for all ages, including Santa’s Afternoon Adventure and the Royal Ball, as well as lively evenings like Diva Fiesta, the Christmas Caribbean Party Night and the Ultimate Christmas Party Night.

The Atkinson meanwhile has big name guests like The Overtones and Ray Quinn performing special Christmas shows, as well as a ballet version of A Christmas Carol and a Christmas Murder Mystery for wannabe detectives to try and solve. Dress to impress and bring your feather boa!

There’s also Christmas Party Nights on at The Vincent Hotel, offering a three course meal with dancing and a DJ. Meanwhile, Hickory’s offers a Southern style of festive frolics, with Smoked Turkey Burgers and a loaded Gingerbread Fro-Co!

Even more Christmas classics

We did tell you there was a lot on in Southport this Christmas! At the Vintage Tea Rooms you can enjoy a twinkling festive atmosphere with a Bauble Decorating Night, a Christmas Film and Music Quiz or an evening of acapella Christmas tunes with the Wayfarers Chorus. Get more info here.

There’s more vintage festive fun at the Bijou Cinema from mid-December, where you can enjoy classic Christmas movies like Meet Me In St Louis, Christmas In Connecticut, The Bishop’s Wife, It’s a Wonderful Life and The Shop Around The Corner as well as more modern favourites like Elf, Home Alone, Gremlins and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Book your tickets.

On Sunday 30^th November, you can visit the Festive Fairytale of Churchtown Christmas, a free afternoon on Botanic Road with artisan stalls, a fairground, live entertainment, and lots of tasty food to enjoy. Check it out.

You can also enjoy a cutting-edge Christmas with unique tours around the British Lawnmower Museum, where you can see lawnmowers belonging to the likes of King Charles, Princess Diana and Brian May. Truly a cut above. Find out more.

If you’re feeling competitive, the Play Haus at Southport Market has curling, beer pong, darts, air hockey and more, so why not see if you can be the Market Champion this Christmas? Take a look.

And you can make it a Christmas to remember with the help of Ocean Plaza’s Twelve Days of Giftmas, a free-to-enter competition running online where you can win gifts from their amazing restaurants and leisure spots. Follow Ocean Plaza on Facebook or Instagram for your chances to win! Don’t miss it.

Details on accommodation, days out and events in Southport can be found here visitsouthport.com