Holiday cheer is here, Southport! Discover all the top festive happenings with our guide.
Kick off the season by visiting Santa's Grotto at Wayfarers Arcade, where children can meet Santa and maybe even receive a special treat. Enjoy an enchanting evening with the Southport Theatre Christmas Pantomime, featuring lively performances that capture the magic of the holidays. And don't forget the Formby Christmas Lights Switch On, a dazzling event that illuminates the season with sparkling displays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Southport
- Santa's Grotto at Wayfarers Arcade
- Southport Theatre Christmas Pantomime
- British Musical Fireworks Championship Christmas Special
- Southport Festive Food and Drink Festival
- Southport Winter Wonderland
- Southport Christmas Movie Nights
- Santa Dash
- Southport Christmas Treasure Hunt
Southport Holiday Markets and Shopping
Southport Festive Food and Drink Festival
What to Expect:
Fusion of traditional British and international holiday cuisines
Description:
Southport's Festive Food and Drink Festival celebrates the diversity of holiday culinary traditions. Local chefs and international food artisans come together, offering a unique fusion of flavors. Visitors can sample innovative twists on classic British Christmas dishes alongside global holiday specialties. The event showcases Southport's evolving food scene, blending its seaside resort history with contemporary gastronomy. Live cooking demonstrations allow attendees to learn new holiday recipes and techniques. The aroma of mulled wine and spices fills the air, enticing festival-goers to explore the various stalls.
Website:
Southport Festive Food and Drink Festival
Southport Holiday Giving Opportunities
Santa Dash
What to Expect:
Charity run along Southport's historic promenade
Description:
The Southport Santa Dash invigorates the town's historic promenade with a sea of red-suited runners. Participants sprint along the same stretch where Victorian holidaymakers once strolled, combining fitness with philanthropy. The event supports local charities, embodying the spirit of giving. Runners of all ages don Santa costumes, creating a vibrant spectacle against the backdrop of Southport's classic seaside architecture. The dash culminates at the iconic Southport Pier, where finishers can catch their breath while enjoying panoramic views of the Irish Sea.
Website:
Southport Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Southport Theatre Christmas Pantomime
What to Expect:
Interactive pantomime with local cultural references
Description:
Southport Theatre's Christmas Pantomime brings a fresh twist to a beloved British tradition. This year's production incorporates local Merseyside humor and references, creating a uniquely tailored experience for the audience. The show encourages audience participation, inviting you to become part of the story. Talented local actors breathe life into classic characters, while original musical numbers fill the theatre with joyous melodies. The pantomime's script cleverly weaves in elements of Southport's coastal history, adding depth to the performance.
Website:
Southport Theatre Christmas Pantomime
British Musical Fireworks Championship Christmas Special
What to Expect:
Competitive fireworks display synchronized to holiday music
Description:
The British Musical Fireworks Championship Christmas Special elevates pyrotechnics to an art form. Competing teams choreograph their displays to beloved holiday tunes, creating a symphony of light and sound in the night sky. Spectators witness cutting-edge firework technology, with shapes and colors specifically designed for winter themes. The event draws inspiration from Southport's long history of hosting spectacular outdoor shows, dating back to the Victorian era. You'll feel the reverberations of each explosion as the competitors vie for the championship title.
Website:
British Musical Fireworks Championship Christmas Special
Southport Christmas Movie Nights
What to Expect:
Immersive movie screenings with themed environments
Description:
Southport Christmas Movie Nights transport viewers into the worlds of beloved holiday films. Each screening features a carefully crafted environment that mirrors the movie's setting, complete with props and decorations. Attendees can interact with costumed characters from the films before the show begins. The event takes place in various historic venues around Southport, linking the town's architectural heritage to cinematic holiday tales. You'll find yourself surrounded by the sights and sounds of your favorite Christmas classics, bringing the on-screen magic to life.
Website:
Southport Christmas Movie Nights
Southport Other Holiday Activities
Santa's Grotto at Wayfarers Arcade
What to Expect:
Victorian-inspired grotto in a historic shopping arcade
Description:
Wayfarers Arcade transforms into a Victorian-inspired Santa's Grotto, nestled within its stunning glass-domed structure. This 19th-century shopping haven provides a unique backdrop for holiday cheer. Children can whisper their wishes to Santa while surrounded by the arcade's ornate ironwork and classic architecture. The grotto's design pays homage to Southport's rich Victorian heritage, blending traditional elements with modern holiday spirit. Visitors can admire the intricate decorations that echo the arcade's historical significance.
Website:
Santa's Grotto at Wayfarers Arcade
Southport Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Seaside-themed winter attractions
Description:
Southport Winter Wonderland reimagines traditional winter activities with a coastal twist. Ice skating takes place on a rink designed to resemble a frozen lake, complete with illuminated reeds and water features. The event pays homage to Southport's Victorian pier heritage with vintage-style carnival games and rides. Visitors can experience a unique "beach in winter" area, where sand sculptures depict snowy scenes. This blend of seaside charm and winter festivities creates a distinctive atmosphere that sets Southport's event apart from typical holiday celebrations.
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Southport Christmas Treasure Hunt
What to Expect:
Town-wide scavenger hunt incorporating local landmarks
Description:
Southport's Christmas Treasure Hunt transforms the entire town into an interactive adventure. Participants solve clues that lead them to hidden treasures at various local landmarks, blending holiday cheer with local history. The hunt incorporates elements of Southport's rich past, from its days as a Victorian resort to its modern attractions. Explorers navigate through charming shopping streets and scenic spots, discovering the town's hidden gems along the way. You'll uncover fascinating facts about Southport's heritage as you progress through the cleverly designed challenges.
Website:
Southport Christmas Treasure Hunt
Nearby Events
Formby Christmas Lights Switch On (Formby)
What to Expect:
Community-driven event with eco-friendly lighting
Description:
Formby's Christmas Lights Switch On event showcases the town's commitment to sustainability. The display features energy-efficient LED lights, reducing environmental impact while illuminating the town center. Local school choirs perform carols, their voices harmonizing with the gentle glow of the lights. This community-driven celebration highlights Formby's close-knit spirit, with residents gathering to mark the start of the holiday season. The event also honors Formby's natural heritage, incorporating pine cone decorations from the nearby National Trust pine woods.
Website:
Formby Christmas Lights Switch On