What's on in Blackpool: November and December 2026

November 2026

Ongoing until 3 January 2027: Blackpool Illuminations

4 September 2026 to 3 January 2027 | Seafront light displays | Promenade, from Starr Gate to Red Bank Road | Free to view; nightly switch-on times vary.

Explore the traditional six-mile route of festoons, tableaux and interactive features along the seafront. Check the official switch-on timetable before setting out, and allow for a winter evening outdoors. Tram tours and other booked experiences have their own arrangements.

14 November: Happy Hat Workshop

Saturday 14 November, 11.30am to 2.30pm | Family crafts | Showtown, Bank Hey Street | Included with museum admission; drop-in; suggested donation £2 per hat.

Make a colourful hat inspired by Ken Dodd's Diddymen, using feathers, pompoms and stickers. Families can pair the activity with Happiness! The Ken Dodd Exhibition, which the museum includes at no extra charge with their visit.

14 November: Entertainment Heritage Tour

Saturday 14 November, 2pm to 3pm | Guided town-centre walk | Meet at Showtown, Bank Hey Street | Adult £5; booking available.

Discover the stories behind Blackpool's entertainment venues and showbusiness figures with a Showtown guide. The route explores the town's performance history, including places such as the Queens, the Palace and the Grand Theatre, and how they helped draw visitors to the resort.

From 20 November: Christmas By The Sea

Friday 20 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 | Seasonal seafront village | Tower Festival Headland, Blackpool Promenade | Check the organiser for the confirmed activity programme, opening hours and charges.

Blackpool's festive village returns beneath the Tower for the winter season. The organiser has confirmed the dates and location, with further details still to be announced when checked. Use its current page to plan specific activities before arranging your visit.

21 November onwards: Viva's Big Christmas Spectacular

21 and 28 November; 10, 11 and 17 December, shows 8pm | Music, comedy and cabaret | Viva, 3 Church Street | Show-only tickets from £20.95; dining packages extra; recommended for ages 14+.

Choose a festive cabaret evening with singers, dancers, Christmas songs and comedy. Doors open at 6.30pm except 28 November, when they open at 6pm. The venue also lists separate Festive Anthems party nights, so check the show title when booking.

December 2026

3 December: Snowtots Christmas Special

Thursday 3 December, 10am to 11am or 11am to noon | Sensory play for ages 0 to 4 | Showtown, Bank Hey Street | Free; booking essential; tickets advertised for release on 12 November.

Celebrate with artificial snow, Christmas sensory activities for babies and toddlers, and a festive dance party. Choose one of the two bookable one-hour sessions for your morning visit.

From 4 December: Jack and the Beanstalk

Friday 4 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 | Family pantomime, recommended ages 3+ | Blackpool Grand Theatre, Church Street | Tickets from £18, excluding collection or delivery fees; times vary.

Lisa George, Steve Royle, Ben Harlow, Shaun Dalton, Ruth Betteridge and Louis Hearsey lead the Grand's giant adventure. The theatre advertises audio-described and signed performances, plus a relaxed show on 27 December at 5pm. Check its detailed access guidance when choosing a performance.

5 December: My Life with Jimmy Cricket

Saturday 5 December, 2pm to 3pm | Book launch and conversation | Showtown, Bank Hey Street | Adult £12, including a copy of the book; booking available.

May Mulgrew looks back on her husband Jimmy Cricket's comedy career, introducing a collection of his jokes before a question-and-answer session with the Showtown team. Hear May's memories of life alongside one of Britain's familiar comedy performers.

6 December: Blackpool Santa Dash

Sunday 6 December, start 11am | Charity run, jog or walk, around 3km | Blackpool Tower Festival Headland and Promenade | Registration required; check current entry fees.

Put on a Santa suit and follow the new traffic-free promenade route in support of Brian House Children's Hospice. Entry includes a suit and finishers' medal. The organiser encourages each participant to raise £30, with no minimum fundraising requirement.