Get pumped for festive fun in Blackburn! Our guide has everything you need for the holidays.
Experience the enchanting melodies at the Blackburn Cathedral Christmas Concert, a beloved event that fills the air with holiday spirit. Immerse yourself in the festive cheer and unique offerings of the Blackburn Christmas Market, where local artisans showcase their crafts and treats. And the King George's Hall Pantomime is something you definitely don't want to miss, promising laughter and entertainment for all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Blackburn
- Blackburn Cathedral Christmas Concert
- Blackburn Christmas Market
- King George's Hall Pantomime
- Festive Ice Skating Rink
- Ewood Park Christmas Party
- Santa's Grotto at The Mall
- Christmas Fun Run
- Advent Calendar Workshop
- Christmas Floristry Workshop
Blackburn Holiday Markets and Shopping
Blackburn Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Local artisans and producers showcase unique Lancashire goods
Description:
Blackburn Christmas Market transforms the town center into a bustling hub of local creativity. Stalls brim with handcrafted goods and regional delicacies, celebrating Lancashire's rich cultural heritage. Artisans demonstrate traditional crafts, offering a glimpse into the area's industrial past. The air carries the aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Visitors can sample Lancashire hotpot, a hearty dish with roots in the county's farming communities. This market stands out for its focus on supporting local businesses and preserving regional traditions.
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Blackburn Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Blackburn Cathedral Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Acoustically stunning performance in a historic cathedral
Description:
Blackburn Cathedral's soaring Gothic arches amplify the angelic voices of the choir during this annual Christmas concert. The cathedral, dating back to 1826, provides a breathtaking backdrop for the performance. Visitors can immerse themselves in a repertoire of both classic carols and contemporary compositions. As the music fills the sacred space, you'll be transported through centuries of holiday traditions. The concert showcases the cathedral's renowned organ, adding rich, resonant tones to the choral arrangements.
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Blackburn Cathedral Christmas Concert
King George's Hall Pantomime
What to Expect:
Interactive pantomime with local cultural references
Description:
King George's Hall hosts a pantomime that blends classic storytelling with distinctly Blackburn humor. The show incorporates local landmarks and personalities, creating a unique experience for residents and visitors alike. Audience participation reaches new heights as you join in with well-known catchphrases and songs. The pantomime continues a theatrical tradition dating back to the 16th century, adapted for modern audiences. Elaborate costumes and set designs transport spectators into a world of whimsy and laughter.
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Blackburn Other Holiday Activities
Festive Ice Skating Rink
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly synthetic ice rink with themed skating sessions
Description:
Blackburn's festive ice skating rink utilizes innovative synthetic ice, allowing for a sustainable winter experience regardless of temperature. The rink hosts themed skating sessions, including disco nights and costume parties. Skaters glide across the surface, accompanied by a curated playlist of holiday tunes. This eco-conscious approach aligns with Blackburn's commitment to environmental initiatives. Visitors can participate in ice skating lessons, perfect for beginners looking to find their footing on the rink.
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Ewood Park Christmas Party
What to Expect:
Football-themed holiday celebration at historic stadium
Description:
Ewood Park, home to Blackburn Rovers since 1890, hosts a Christmas party that merges holiday cheer with football fever. The stadium transforms into a winter playground, with activities spread across normally off-limits areas. Guests can take penalty shots on the pitch or enjoy a festive meal in the players' lounge. The event pays homage to Blackburn's rich footballing history, with displays of memorabilia and appearances by club legends. You'll experience Ewood Park like never before, gaining insider access to this storied venue.
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Santa's Grotto at The Mall
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling experience with Santa
Description:
The Mall's Santa's Grotto elevates the traditional meet-and-greet with an immersive storytelling journey. Children embark on a narrative adventure, solving puzzles and completing tasks before their audience with Father Christmas. The grotto's design draws inspiration from Blackburn's textile heritage, incorporating local patterns and materials. Elves guide visitors through themed rooms, each revealing a part of the North Pole story. This interactive approach creates lasting memories, going beyond the typical photo opportunity.
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Christmas Fun Run
What to Expect:
Charity run through historic town landmarks
Description:
Blackburn's Christmas Fun Run combines holiday spirit with fitness, guiding participants through the town's most iconic locations. Runners don festive attire as they sprint past Victorian mills and modern developments, showcasing Blackburn's evolution. The route highlights the town's industrial heritage and recent urban regeneration projects. Spectators line the streets, cheering on participants and creating a lively atmosphere. You can join in the run or volunteer at one of the many cheering stations along the course.
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Advent Calendar Workshop
What to Expect:
Personalized advent calendars using local art techniques
Description:
This workshop teaches participants to create unique advent calendars using traditional Lancashire art techniques. Led by local artists, the session incorporates elements of textile design, a nod to Blackburn's industrial past. Attendees learn about the history of advent calendars while crafting their own personalized versions. The workshop emphasizes sustainability, using recycled materials where possible. You'll leave with a one-of-a-kind calendar that reflects both personal style and local artistic traditions.
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Christmas Floristry Workshop
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly floristry using locally sourced materials
Description:
Blackburn's Christmas floristry workshop focuses on sustainable practices, utilizing locally sourced and foraged materials. Participants learn to create stunning arrangements that celebrate the natural beauty of Lancashire's winter landscape. The workshop incorporates traditional techniques passed down through generations of local florists. Attendees discover how to identify and ethically collect wild plants for their creations. This hands-on experience connects you with nature while developing new skills in eco-conscious floral design.
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Nearby Events
Darwen Christmas Lights Switch-On (Darwen)
What to Expect:
Community-driven event showcasing local talent
Description:
Darwen's Christmas lights switch-on event spotlights homegrown talent, featuring performances by local choirs, dance troupes, and musicians. The town's Victorian heritage shines through in the decorations adorning historic buildings. As darkness falls, the streets illuminate with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a captivating display. Visitors can enjoy hot chocolate from local cafes while exploring the charming town center. This event embodies Darwen's strong community spirit, bringing residents together to celebrate the season.
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Darwen Christmas Lights Switch-On
Christmas at Samlesbury Hall (Samlesbury)
What to Expect:
Tudor-themed Christmas celebrations in a haunted hall
Description:
Samlesbury Hall, a 14th-century manor house, hosts Christmas celebrations steeped in Tudor traditions. Costumed interpreters bring history to life, demonstrating yuletide customs from the 1500s. The allegedly haunted hall adds an element of intrigue to the festivities. Visitors can try their hand at traditional crafts or sample dishes prepared using historic recipes. The great hall, adorned with period-appropriate decorations, transports guests back in time. This event offers a unique glimpse into how Christmas was celebrated centuries ago.