The festive season is here, Grimsby! Discover all the must-see holiday happenings with our guide. From Grimsby residents to holiday guests, our guide highlights the season's top events and activities.
Start your yuletide celebrations at the lively Grimsby Christmas Market, showcasing festive stalls and local delights. Be enchanted by the sparkling display at the Cleethorpes Christmas Light Switch On, a highlight of the season. And definitely don't forget to glide on the ice at the Grimsby Ice Rink Winter Wonderland. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Grimsby
- Grimsby Christmas Market
- Grimsby Ice Rink Winter Wonderland
- Magical Reindeer Experience
- Christmas Pantomime at the Grimsby Auditorium
- Night of Christmas Music
- Breakfast with Santa
- Christmas Treasure Hunt in Grimsby Town Centre
Grimsby Holiday Markets and Shopping
Grimsby Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Local artisans showcase traditional Lincolnshire crafts
Description:
Grimsby Christmas Market transforms the town center into a bustling hub of holiday cheer. Local artisans showcase traditional Lincolnshire crafts, offering a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage. The air fills with the aroma of mulled wine as visitors explore stalls brimming with unique gifts and seasonal treats. You can try your hand at candle-making workshops, learning techniques passed down through generations. Grimsby's market tradition dates back to the 12th century, making this event a continuation of the town's long-standing commercial legacy.
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Grimsby Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Pantomime at the Grimsby Auditorium
What to Expect:
Local history and folklore woven into classic pantomime
Description:
The Christmas Pantomime at the Grimsby Auditorium injects local history and folklore into a classic holiday tale. This year's production intertwines Grimsby's maritime heritage with beloved pantomime traditions, creating a unique theatrical experience. The audience's laughter echoes through the auditorium as actors deliver witty one-liners peppered with local references. You can join in the traditional call-and-response moments, becoming part of the show. The Grimsby Auditorium, built in 1995, continues the town's long tradition of holiday entertainment dating back to Victorian times.
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Christmas Pantomime at the Grimsby Auditorium
Night of Christmas Music
What to Expect:
Fusion of traditional carols with local sea shanties
Description:
Night of Christmas Music in Grimsby presents a harmonious blend of traditional carols and local sea shanties. This unique concert celebrates the town's maritime heritage while embracing the holiday spirit. The powerful voices of a community choir resonate through the venue, performing arrangements that tell the story of Grimsby's past and present. Audience members can learn a traditional sea shanty during an interactive segment. The event honors Grimsby's musical traditions, which have been an integral part of the town's culture since its early fishing days.
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Grimsby Other Holiday Activities
Grimsby Ice Rink Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Ice sculptures depicting local maritime history
Description:
Grimsby Ice Rink Winter Wonderland transports visitors to a frosty realm of winter fun. Intricate ice sculptures depicting scenes from Grimsby's maritime history line the rink, offering a unique blend of art and local heritage. The crisp sound of skates gliding on ice fills the air as families and friends twirl and glide together. You can participate in ice-carving demonstrations, learning about this ancient art form. The event pays homage to Grimsby's fishing industry, which once made it the world's busiest fishing port in the early 20th century.
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Grimsby Ice Rink Winter Wonderland
Magical Reindeer Experience
What to Expect:
Interactive reindeer-themed obstacle course
Description:
The Magical Reindeer Experience in Grimsby brings the North Pole to Lincolnshire. An interactive reindeer-themed obstacle course challenges visitors to navigate like Santa's trusted companions. Children can feed real reindeer, learning about their diet and habits from expert handlers. The event showcases the importance of reindeer in Arctic cultures, educating visitors about these remarkable animals. Grimsby's connection to reindeer dates back to World War II when Norwegian refugees brought their herds to the area, creating a unique local legacy.
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Breakfast with Santa
What to Expect:
Santa arrives by fishing boat
Description:
Breakfast with Santa in Grimsby offers a maritime twist on a holiday classic. Santa makes his grand entrance aboard a traditional fishing boat, honoring the town's seafaring heritage. The aroma of freshly baked pastries fills the air as families enjoy a hearty breakfast together. Children can help Santa "fish" for gifts, pulling presents from a net. This event celebrates Grimsby's fishing industry, which played a crucial role in shaping the town's identity and economy throughout its history.
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Christmas Treasure Hunt in Grimsby Town Centre
What to Expect:
QR code-enabled hunt revealing town's hidden history
Description:
Christmas Treasure Hunt in Grimsby Town Centre combines modern technology with local history for an engaging holiday adventure. Participants use QR codes to uncover clues hidden throughout the town, revealing fascinating facts about Grimsby's past. The hunt leads explorers to lesser-known historical sites, bringing the town's rich heritage to life. You can solve riddles that blend Christmas themes with local legends. This innovative event sheds light on Grimsby's evolution from a small fishing village to a significant port town, encouraging both residents and visitors to see the familiar streets in a new light.
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Christmas Treasure Hunt in Grimsby Town Centre
Nearby Events
Cleethorpes Christmas Light Switch On (Cleethorpes)
What to Expect:
Synchronized light show with coastal theme
Description:
Cleethorpes Christmas Light Switch On illuminates the seaside town with a dazzling coastal-themed display. The event features a synchronized light show that mimics the ebb and flow of ocean waves, creating a unique spectacle against the backdrop of the North Sea. Visitors can join in a lantern-making workshop, adding their own creations to the glowing procession along the promenade. This annual tradition began in 1953 to boost winter tourism, evolving into a beloved community celebration that captures the essence of Cleethorpes' maritime heritage.
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Cleethorpes Christmas Light Switch On
Christmas Luminations at Cleethorpes Pier (Cleethorpes)
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations inspired by marine life
Description:
Christmas Luminations at Cleethorpes Pier illuminates the historic structure with a spectacular display of marine-inspired light installations. Visitors can interact with luminous jellyfish and glowing coral reefs, bringing the underwater world to life along the pier. The gentle lapping of waves provides a soothing backdrop to the vibrant light show. You can create your own light art using special touchpads, adding to the ever-changing display. Built in 1873, Cleethorpes Pier has been a local landmark for generations, now reimagined as a canvas for this innovative light experience.
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Christmas Luminations at Cleethorpes Pier
Santa Train Rides at Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway (Cleethorpes)
What to Expect:
Miniature train journey through holiday-themed coastal scenes
Description:
Santa Train Rides at Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway whisk passengers on a jolly journey along the seaside. The miniature train chugs through a series of holiday-themed coastal scenes, blending Christmas cheer with maritime charm. Passengers can spot hidden elves along the route, participating in a festive scavenger hunt. The narrow-gauge railway, opened in 1948, continues to delight visitors with this unique holiday experience that celebrates Cleethorpes' status as a beloved seaside resort.
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Santa Train Rides at Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway