Christmas in Southport

Dick Whittington, Santa’s Secret Forest and plenty of parties – It’s all happening in Southport this Christmas!

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... 

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. 

For more information visit theatkinson.co.uk

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

For more information visit thegrand.co.uk

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.

For more information visit santassecretforest.co.uk

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.

For more information visit silcock-leisure.co.uk

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. https://hickorys.co.uk/blog/santa-brunchin-at-hickorys/ Or you could wait a bit longer and enjoy a Frozen lunch with him at The Vincent Hotel on Sunday 14th December, with prizes for the best-dressed Frozen character and a gift for every child.

For more information visit thevincenthotel.com

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.

For more information visit theatkinson.co.uk

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.

For more information visit wwt.org.uk

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.

For more information visit thegrand.co.uk

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!

For more information visit theatkinson.co.uk

There’s also Christmas Party Nights on at The Vincent Hotel, offering a three course meal with dancing and a DJ. 

For more information visit thevincenthotel.com

Meanwhile, Hickory’s offers a Southern style of festive frolics, with Smoked Turkey Burgers and a loaded Gingerbread Fro-Co!

For more information visit hickorys.co.uk

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 a capella Christmas tunes with the Wayfarers Chorus.

For more information visit Vintage Tearooms (Facebook)

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. 

For more information visit southportbijoucinema.co.uk

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. 

For more information visit Festive Fairytale of Churchtown Christmas (Instagram)

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.

For more information visit lawnmowerworld.co.uk

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?

For more information visit southportmarket.com

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!

For more information visit oceanplazaleisure.com

Details on accommodation, things to do and events in Southport can be found here Visit Southport.