Your ultimate guide to the holidays in St Helens is here! Explore all the best festive events and activities. For those who know St Helens's every corner and those just beginning to explore, our guide reveals seasonal secrets.
Get into the festive spirit with the St Helens Christmas Lights Switch On, an illuminating event that brightens up the entire town. Wander through the charming St Helens Christmas Market, where you can find unique gifts and delicious holiday treats. And the St Helens Santa Dash is something you definitely don’t want to miss—it’s a fun-filled race for all ages, featuring participants dressed as Santa Claus! See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in St Helens
- St Helens Christmas Lights Switch On
- St Helens Christmas Market
- St Helens Santa Dash
- Christmas Panto at Theatre Royal
- Christmas Craft Fair
- Santa's Grotto at Hardshaw Centre
- Christmas Carol Concert at St Helens Parish Church
- Family Christmas Fun Day at Bold Miners' Centre
- Festive Afternoon Tea at Eccleston Arms
- Christmas Film Screenings at Cineworld
St Helens Holiday Light Displays
St Helens Christmas Lights Switch On
What to Expect:
Community-wide countdown and switch-on ceremony
Description:
St Helens transforms into a twinkling spectacle as thousands gather for the annual Christmas Lights Switch On. The event kicks off the holiday season with a bang, featuring local performers and a special guest to flip the switch. You can join in the community-wide countdown, adding your voice to the excited chorus. Dating back to the 1950s, this tradition has evolved from simple string lights to an elaborate display illuminating the town center. The air buzzes with anticipation as the lights burst to life, casting a warm glow over the cheering crowd.
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St Helens Christmas Lights Switch On
Christmas Tree Festival
What to Expect:
Community-decorated trees showcasing local organizations
Description:
The St Helens Christmas Tree Festival brings together diverse community groups to create a forest of uniquely decorated trees. Each tree represents a local organization, business, or school, showcasing their creativity and community spirit. Visitors can vote for their favorite tree, adding an element of friendly competition. This event highlights the town's strong sense of community, with roots tracing back to its cooperative movements in the 19th century. Wander through the dazzling display, discovering the stories behind each ornament and garland.
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St Helens Holiday Markets and Shopping
St Helens Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Showcase of local artisans and producers
Description:
The St Helens Christmas Market bustles with activity, showcasing the best of local artisans and producers. Stroll through rows of stalls offering unique handcrafted gifts, from intricate glasswork to aromatic homemade preserves. The market celebrates the town's rich industrial heritage, with many vendors drawing inspiration from St Helens' glassmaking past. Sample regional delicacies and warm yourself with a mug of spiced cider as you browse. This event not only provides a platform for local businesses but also fosters a sense of community pride during the holiday season.
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Christmas Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Interactive craft workshops alongside traditional fair
Description:
The St Helens Christmas Craft Fair elevates the typical shopping experience by offering hands-on workshops alongside a wide array of handmade goods. Artisans demonstrate their skills, inviting you to try your hand at everything from pottery to wreath-making. The fair celebrates the town's creative spirit, which has flourished since the decline of its industrial past. Browse stalls filled with unique gifts while the scent of mulled wine wafts through the air. This event not only provides a shopping opportunity but also a chance to connect with local makers and learn new skills.
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St Helens Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Panto at Theatre Royal
What to Expect:
Modern twist on traditional British pantomime
Description:
The Theatre Royal stages a riotous pantomime that blends classic storytelling with contemporary humor. This beloved British tradition gets a fresh makeover, incorporating local references and topical jokes that will have you in stitches. The show features dazzling costumes and elaborate set designs that transport you into a fairy tale world. Audience participation is encouraged, so prepare to boo the villain and cheer the hero. The Theatre Royal, a cornerstone of St Helens' cultural scene since 1901, continues to delight generations with its annual pantomime spectacle.
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Christmas Panto at Theatre Royal
Christmas Carol Concert at St Helens Parish Church
What to Expect:
Blend of traditional and contemporary carols in historic setting
Description:
St Helens Parish Church resonates with the harmonious sounds of Christmas carols, both old and new. This concert uniquely blends traditional hymns with contemporary compositions, reflecting the evolving musical landscape. The church's stunning architecture, dating back to the 19th century, provides an awe-inspiring backdrop for the performances. Local choirs and musicians come together to create a rich tapestry of sound that fills the sacred space. You can join in singing familiar tunes, feeling connected to generations past who have celebrated in this very spot.
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Christmas Carol Concert at St Helens Parish Church
Christmas Film Screenings at Cineworld
What to Expect:
Mix of classic and modern Christmas films with themed experiences
Description:
Cineworld St Helens presents a curated selection of Christmas films, ranging from beloved classics to modern favorites. Each screening is enhanced with themed experiences, such as falling "snow" during winter scenes or the aroma of gingerbread wafting through the theater. This immersive approach brings the films to life in new ways. The cinema, built on the site of a former glassworks, nods to St Helens' industrial past while providing cutting-edge entertainment. Settle into your seat and lose yourself in the world of your favorite holiday stories.
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Christmas Film Screenings at Cineworld
St Helens Other Holiday Activities
St Helens Santa Dash
What to Expect:
Charity run with participants dressed as Santa
Description:
The streets of St Helens come alive with a sea of red and white as hundreds of Santas dash through the town. This unique charity run combines fitness, fun, and philanthropy, raising funds for local causes. Participants don full Santa suits, creating a surreal sight as they jog past historic landmarks. The event harks back to the town's sporting heritage, with St Helens being a renowned rugby league stronghold. Challenge yourself to complete the course while spreading holiday cheer. The jingling of bells accompanies the pounding of feet, creating a festive symphony.
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Santa's Grotto at Hardshaw Centre
What to Expect:
Immersive North Pole experience
Description:
The Hardshaw Centre transforms a section of its space into an immersive North Pole experience for Santa's Grotto. Children embark on a journey through snowy landscapes and elf workshops before meeting Santa himself. The grotto incorporates elements of St Helens' history, with subtle nods to its industrial past woven into the decor. Families can capture memories with a professional photo and children receive a specially selected gift. This elaborate setup goes beyond the typical mall Santa, creating a truly memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
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Santa's Grotto at Hardshaw Centre
Family Christmas Fun Day at Bold Miners' Centre
What to Expect:
Celebration of local mining heritage with holiday twist
Description:
The Bold Miners' Centre hosts a Family Christmas Fun Day that uniquely intertwines holiday cheer with St Helens' mining heritage. Activities include "coal" hunts (using chocolate instead of actual coal) and miniature train rides reminiscent of those once used in the mines. Children can decorate mining-themed ornaments while learning about the town's industrial past. The event honors the community's roots while creating new traditions for future generations. Laughter echoes through the centre as families engage in games and crafts, bridging the gap between past and present.
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Family Christmas Fun Day at Bold Miners' Centre
Festive Afternoon Tea at Eccleston Arms
What to Expect:
Locally-sourced, seasonal twist on traditional afternoon tea
Description:
Eccleston Arms elevates the classic afternoon tea with a festive, locally-sourced menu. Savor sandwiches filled with St Helens' own award-winning cheeses and cured meats, alongside sweet treats inspired by traditional holiday flavors. The tea selection includes special winter blends, perfect for warming up on a cold day. This event pays homage to the British tea tradition while celebrating local producers. You can indulge in this refined experience in the historic Eccleston Arms, a coaching inn that has served travelers since the 18th century.
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Festive Afternoon Tea at Eccleston Arms
Christmas Eve Party at The Imperial
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed celebration in historic pub
Description:
The Imperial pub hosts a Christmas Eve Party that transports guests to the Victorian era, paying homage to St Helens' 19th-century heyday. Revelers don period-inspired attire, sip on traditional punch, and feast on dishes popular during Queen Victoria's reign. Live music features carols and folk tunes that would have been heard in the town's pubs over a century ago. The Imperial, with its original features preserved, provides an authentic backdrop for this step back in time. Engage in Victorian party games and create new memories in a setting steeped in history.
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Christmas Eve Party at The Imperial