It's not too late to get festive in Lancashire! Check out these Christmas week events

Now the kids have broken up you may be worried that you’ve left it too late to enjoy some of the festivities taking place around the county, but have we got some great news for you!

Not only is Lancashire home to some of the best events and days out over the Christmas period, but many are still available for you to enjoy.

Take a look at a selection of these below, or check out our Christmas pages to find more to fit into your schedule.

Take a trip to Santa’s Grotto 

It’s not too late to book a visit to see the big guy this Christmas. Many people know that Santa’s Grotto events get booked up quickly when they are announced, so if you haven’t booked yet you may think that the option has passed. However, there are some grottos and experiences that still have tickets left, so it’s worth checking if you want a magical experience.

East Lancashire Railway can wow the kids this week with an immersive steam train experience as part of the Santa Specials. Journey through a winter wonderland at Bury Station and interact with a range of festive characters including Mrs Claus, and their very own Ice Princess aboard. There will be a traditional brass band on board and guests will be treated to mince pies and a festive drink. Children will be treated to chocolate and activity packs too. This magical experience is even taking place on Christmas Eve. Availability is limited, so be quick to book if this sounds like something you want to enjoy this week. 

Blackpool Pleasure Beach still have some availability for their fantastic Christmas Grotto Wonderland. Enjoy a festive experience, guided by magical elves, through a winter wonderland complete with a delicious warming hot chocolate with marshmallows. Visitors will also be treated to a ride on Alice in Wonderland (T&CS apply).

Enjoy a Thornton Hall Christmas Adventure, where you will meet Mrs Clause, the head of Christmas Toy Production, the Nutcracker and more and enjoy a magical reindeer ride, before visiting the man in red himself. Tickets are limited but slots are still available for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week, and as they include entry into the farm park and soft play too, they will provide a great way to fill the day.

At Affinity Outlet Lancashire you can also visit Santa for free in his magical grotto every day this week without the need to book, perfect activity in amongst those last minute Christmas shopping trips! Other Grotto’s are available at The Mall Blackburn and St George’s Shopping Centre in Preston.

Experiences to enjoy throughout the holidays

If you’re looking for experiences that can entertain the kids through to January, why not check out some of these great events taking place over the holidays?

For younger children SEA LIFE Blackpool has the fantastic Very Merry Octonauts Christmas which will never disappoint. Join the Octonauts in a special, Christmas scavenger hunt, answering the conundrums that you find throughout the aquarium!

You could also enjoy A Christmas Adventure with Peter Rabbit at Peter Rabbit Explore & Play.The kids can get creative at the Christmas crafting station, follow the snowflake trail to spell out a wintery word and meet Peter Rabbit himself.

This week, leading up to Christmas, Lancaster’s Williamson Park has an impressive interactive Christmas show which sees you follow Mrs Claus, the Nutcracker and a bright-white Fairy through the park and tick off the items on A Christmas Checklist.

In Rossendale you can find Candy Cane Adventure Golf at Golf Kingdom throughout the holidays too. This winter wonderland full of excitement, fun and festive lights offers you the chance to “putt” your way through Candy Cane Forest to the North Hole and enjoy a plate of Buddy the Elf’s very own Elf Spaghetti.

Whilst not a Christmas event, WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre’s Giant Lego Brick Animals are at the reserve until February, and we’re certain kids of all ages will love meeting these impressive sculptures.

Get out on the ice

If Ice skating is your thing, then you will have a range of rinks to choose from this Christmas in Lancashire. Christmas By the Sea in Blackpool features its own ice rink among the rest of  attractions and things to do or take a trip to Lancaster on Ice to enjoy a skate, a ride on the Big Wheel, and a traditional carousel before warming up in their tipi. Chorley’s Winter Wonderland  provides the perfect place to glide with friends, as well as children’s rides and food and drink for the family to enjoy or alternatively nip through to Burnley and enjoy the Burnley Ice skating rink right in the town centre. Most of these have advanced booking options but you can also pay on the “door” too, also the festivities in Blackpool, Lancaster and Chorley are open until early January so there’s no need to rush to get onto the ice before Christmas either.

Low-cost things to do this Christmas

This time of year can be expensive, so days out and other events have to consider those purse strings. If you are looking for free or low-cost things to do over the Christmas period, you have come to the right place.

Blackpool’s Christmas by the Sea event has loads of things to do without costs involved. You can enjoy the famous Blackpool Illuminations, and the beautiful light show add-ons like Odyssey that are available to view this year.

Getting out in nature is great for the mind and body, no matter the weather. Wrap up warm and enjoy some of the great walks and trails that you can find in Lancashire. Brockholes Nature Reserve has a fantastic Xplorer challenge for the kids to enjoy. There are two challenges for you to choose from, a circular route that is perfect for beginner orienteers, and a more advanced route to test yr skills!

Finally visitors to, and residents in Fleetwood can enjoy a festive AR trail curtesy of Wyre AR. Download the app and follow the map to hear the story of Nic Clause who is on a mission to save Christmas.

With so much on the doorstep we’re sure you’ll be able to find plenty to fit in during your Christmas break. If you need any ideas for days out, last minute shopping locations or even recipes you can make during the holidays, be sure to check out our Christmas in Lancashire guide.