Christmas in Lancaster

Sarah Gaffney-Lang, Families Editor
Ice rink - part of Christmas in Lancaster
The Borough Lancaster

23 November 2019 — 5 January 2020 Entrance is free

Visit the historic and beautiful City of Lancaster this December for a true winter wonderland that would warm the cockles of even Scrooge himself.  There’s a wealth of wintry activities taking place, guaranteed to get the whole family in the festive spirit this Christmas in Lancaster.

After the success of last Christmas, Lancaster on Ice will be returning for a second year, but this time with an even bigger ice rink – skates at the ready! Taking ten days to construct, Dalton Square will be transformed into a magical frozen world. The tipi will be back and families will be able to enjoy six weeks of entertainment, skating, food and drink, all under the gaze of Queen Victoria herself, sitting proudly in the centre of the Square.

Christmas in Lancaster

If all the talk of ice and winter is too much then warm up with a visit to the fabulous Dukes Theatre for the perfect festive family treat – Cinderella: A Fairytale. This new production presents the classic story with a thoroughly modern twist (thank goodness!), including glass slippers being replaced with Doc Martens. The Dukes are also presenting a special sing-along-with screening of Jim Henson’s much loved Christmas classic, The Muppet Christmas Carol, set in the beautiful surroundings of Lancaster Priory, on 6th December.

During the weekend of 14th and 15th December Lancaster will throw open its Castle doors for Christmas at the Castle. The Christmas at the Castle market and courtyard will be free to enter and will play host to a range of festive family activities, as well as music from bell-ringers, Victorian carol-singers, brass bands, jazz pianists and a carnival street band. With 50 stalls from local and regional artisans and makers, this is your perfect opportunity to find some unique gifts for Christmas.

Festive spirit is overflowing in Lancaster this Christmas so get the kids wrapped up warm, order yourself a mulled wine and enjoy.

23 November 2019 — 5 January 2020 Entrance is free

Where to go near Christmas in Lancaster

Ripley's Believe It Or Not
Blackpool
Museum
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not

Located at Blackpool Pleasure Beach resort, this museum of oddities is the perfect place for families to discover the strange, the unusual and the extraordinary.

Image courtesy of Saoko Cocktail Bar.
Blackpool
Restaurant
Saoko Cocktail Club

This cocktail bar may be the new kid on the Blackpool block, but it’s already renowned for its excellent service and imaginative drinks that offer an ‘experience and a story’.

Little Black Pug by Ian Jones.
Blackpool
Restaurant
Little Black Pug

Head to Balckpool’s Little Black Pug for an historic, laid-back, family-friendly pub with a huge malt whiskey collection.

Ian Jones.
Blackpool
Shop
Aunty Social

Both a lifestyle store and a community arts hub, Aunty Social showcases the very best of Blackpool’s creative community. A great spot to pick up lovingly-made gifts.

Exterior of fish and chip shop
Blackpool
Restaurant
Harrowside Fish & Chips

Winner of the Good Food Award’s coveted Chippy of the Year award on multiple occasions, Harrowside is a great choice for fish and chips in Blackpool.

Ladies eating Fish and Chips
Blackpool
Restaurant
C Fresh

C Fresh is an old school, decidedly affordable chippy near Blackpool prom, consistently busy with locals – a sure-fire sign it’s doing something right.

Twisted
Blackpool
Restaurant
Twisted Indian Street Food

Blackpool’s number one Indian restaurant, Twisted Indian packs a flavour punch and isn’t afraid to mix the traditional with the modern. Their motto? ‘Being normal is boring.’

What's on: Families

Until
FestivalsManchester
Winter Island

Freight Island has transformed into Winter Island for the Christmas season, focusing on all things fun and festive.

free entry
Until
FamiliesManchester
The Twilight Trail

The Twilight Trail is an enchanting winter light show, launching at Freight Island over the festive season.

from £9.00

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Alongside experimental performance, new writing and free arts festivals, we take a look at some of the Christmas shows happening in the North.