As of writing this piece, it is less than 70 days before Christmas 2024, and already the seasonal events are starting to take shape across the United Kingdom, including the North West of England.
Be it the illuminations in Blackpool or the annual light show that takes place at Liverpool Cathedral, there is plenty to do this year around the region and to help you decide, we’ve selected 17 events set to take place from November 2024 for those stuck for ideas what to do with the family in the run up to Christmas.
Many of these events are free, but in the event you’ve decided that one of our selections is ticketed, we’ve tried to look at keeping costs down to below £20. That might seem a lot, but a number of those events that are ticketed do include all the “Christmas trimmings” making them value for money.
So before Santa Claus starts his courier job across the world this year, here’s a couple of opportunities where you can meet him in the North West, alongside some traditional festive concerts - some in the name of a good cause.
13. Santa By The Lake
Discover the enchantment of Father Christmas in a truly unique setting! Located at Meadow Lake's one-of-a-kind floating Visitor Village, nestled within a beautiful nature reserve, Santa’s grotto is a magical space adorned with Christmas trees and stunning decorations for one day only on December 1 2024. | AFP via Getty Images
14. Ignite - Fire Festival
Ignite returns to Rochdale Town Hall, offering fiery displays, blazing sculptures and illuminated installations created by artists and pyro technicians from multi-award winning outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank will be open to walk through from 4pm to 8pm each evening, with the Christmas lights switch-on taking place on Sunday, 24 November 2024. | Rochdale Council
15. Stockport's Spectacular Sunday
From giant roller-skating presents, a living snow globe and giant roaming Christmas dolls to mesmerising street theatre including grumpy Christmas grandads, a gigantic balloon man and a water show which turns members of the audience into human fountains – visitors can enjoy more than 50 shows and activities throughout the day in Stockport on November 17 2024. | Stockport's Spectacular Sunday
16. Christmas by the Sea
This winter, Blackpool’s Tower Festival Headland will be transformed into a breath-taking festive village complete with an outdoor skating rink, simulated snowfalls, log cabins, larger-than-life light installations, magical light projection shows and festive-themed fairground rides. Christmas By The Sea will take place from 15 November - 5 January from 12-9pm daily. Wrap up warm, grab a tasty sweet treat or gift from our charming cabins and discover all what’s on offer in this unmissable outdoor experience. | VisitBlackpool