Southport is rolling out a real Christmas cracker of an events programme this festive season. There are headline spectaculars like the UK’s first Digital Wonderland and a new Winter Light Trail at Victoria Park. There are bundles of family fun with a Gingerbread Family Trail and Christmas grottos. And there are traditional classics like Christmas markets, Christmas flics on the big screen, pantos and musicals.
This year you don’t have to go to Lapland to enjoy frolics in a snow filled landscape, but you can still experience pure escapism when you are transported into a Winter Wonderland (4 to 23 December). Using digital wizardry you’ll be able to decorate a snowman, catch a snowflake and even have a snowball fight. Your group can include up to 10 people, so there is the opportunity to share the magic with your family and friends.
Winter Wonderland tickets are priced based on group numbers, 1-5 is £6 per group and 6-10 is £10 per group and can be booked here.
Illuminating your way to Winter Wonderland is the Trail of Trees (27 November to 3 January 2022), with five illuminated trees to be found at key spots around town. For lovers of lights, this free activity combines perfectly with the new Winter Light Trail at Victoria Park (25 November to 23 December). As dusk falls, the beauty and wonder of Victoria Park will be awakened by an illuminated trail with trees and landmarks picked out in hues of colour and ambient music filling the atmosphere.
A lovely new Family Friendly activity to go alongside shopping or exploring Southport is the new Gingerbread Family Trail (27 November to 3 January 2022), with maps and clues for children to follow as they discover the names of the 10 gingerbread characters. Plan in a Christmas grotto visit and a hot chocolate along the way and you’ve got the perfect day out!
On the stage and screen there is a wealth of entertainment to choose from. Little Theatre Southport will have the audience booing and cheering with its production of Robin Hood (17 December to 2 January 2022). The Atkinson will be putting on a chilling performance of The Snow Queen (13 January to 23 January 2022) and giving a spellbinding retelling of the story of Cinderella (10 December to 2 January 2022). For that warm fuzzy feeling that Christmas creates then look no further than Bijou Cinema where the line up includes Elf, The Snowman, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, and many more!
Southport will also be showcasing a number of Christmas markets and grottos. From 10 to 23 December the aptly named Market Street will be full of stalls selling gift ideas and foodie favourites. Those enjoying newly launched Southport Market for shopping and socialising will be joined by Santa (11, 12, 18 to 23 December). And beautiful Grade II listed Wayfarers Shopping Arcade will be putting on not one but two Christmas Grottos; one themed to Frozen (20 to 24 December) and one very traditionally themed (4, 5, 11, 12, 18, and 19 December).
Tickets are priced at £5 for both Christmas grottos
Please check VisitSouthport.com to plan your trip to Southport and for all the latest Covid-19 guidance.