Festive Blackpool Proves That It Is A Winter Resort As Well

With the decorations coming out of hibernation, Blackpool leaps to the fore to prove that it is more than a sunshine, candy floss and sun cream resort.

There are great shows on offer, and whether you fancy a family day out, an evening with friends or even a bit of retail therapy, Blackpool most certainly has it covered. For families everywhere Christmas means that it is panto’ season with Britain’s favourite holiday resort offering not one, but two spectacular pantomimes to choose from. Surely not ? Oh yes it is!

The Blackpool Tower Circus presents Alice's Adventures in Mooky's Circus Wonderland from November 24th to January 20th, while at The Grand Theatre it is Cinderella starring Emmerdale's Danny Miller and Milkshake's Amy Thompson.

The Grand will also feature a variety of events over the holidays including Beyond the Barricade on December 11th and a Christmas Concert with carols and Poulton-le-Fylde Brass Band on Tuesday 18th.

If it is thrills you are after then Nickelodeon Land at Blackpool Pleasure Beach will be transformed into a winter wonderland for twelve very special days of Christmas. Enjoy 12 amazing rides, a visit to Father Christmas in his Grotto and much more on selected dates throughout December.

For ice lovers there is also the opportunity to see Peter Pan’s Adventures on Ice at The Arena, Blackpool Pleasure Beach between December 23rd and January 1st.

At Blackpool Zoo, Santa's Christmas Workshop will take place on the 15th and 16th December where you can leave your children for two hours of fun making presents for the animals, eating a HUGE breakfast and meeting Santa and his reindeer.

Four free live shows will entertain visitors at North Pier over the festive season until December 22nd. Every Wednesday there’s Roberts ‘n’ Ashcrofts’ Christmas Cabaret, Thursday’s it is songstress Sara Cheston and That Swing Thing Band, Friday nights sees The Kasuals return to the Merrie England Showbar and joining the Christmas line-up every Saturday afternoon will be comedian Joey Blower with his Christmas House Party.

Meanwhile if you fancy an evening of glitz and glamour why not head down to Funny Girls where you are promised a spectacular evening? The Christmas show features brand new routines, new sets and costumes, and an unforgettable new finale.

But before all that fun and entertainment there is shopping to be done. You can take advantage of late night shopping every Thursday until 8pm at Houndshill Shopping Centre which will be extended to every evening between December 17th and 23rd. There will also be free parking at Houndshill from 5pm until closing on Thursdays until December 27th, and at the West Street and East Topping Street car parks between 5pm and 9pm each Thursday until Christmas.

Great festive stuff, and a chance to check the place out. Maybe a test run for next year's summer holiday ?