Christmas events in Lancashire 2020: best festive activities for kids near me - from Santa's grotto to Christmas lunch

As Christmas draws closer and streets are decorated in festive lights, our thoughts turn to Christmas markets, Santa’s Grottos and other fun festive activities we can enjoy throughout the winter months.

Fortunately, Lancashire has a host of spectacular festive events to keep kids and big kids entertained.

From arts and crafts to gifts in grottos, you can still make Christmas magical this year despite coronavirus restrictions.

Here are seven events still going ahead in and around Preston this festive season.

East and West Lancashire Railway’s Christmas experience

East: Bolton Street Station, Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire, BL9 0EY

West: West Lancashire Light Railway, Station Road, Hesketh Bank, Lancashire, PR4 6SP

Take your family on a festive ride to Toyland, including a private visit from Santa throughout December.

All children will receive a present from Santa, and adults can enjoy mulled wine and a mince pie.

Each family will have a private compartment and will meet Santa in turn.

In order to maintain Covid distancing guidelines, you must book tickets in advance which will include a full compartment of the train, which fits up to a maximum of seven people.

Each coach will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitised between trains and queueing for the station shop and while waiting to board the train will follow a one-way system.

Tickets are available on the East Lancashire and West Lancashire railway websites.

5 Dec, 6 Dec, 12 Dec, 13 Dec, 19 Dec, 20 Dec, 21 Dec, 22 Dec, 23 Dec, 24 Dec. per person £25/compartment £159-195 dependent on dates, www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Christmas FestEVIL

Scare Kingdom Scream Park, Longsight Road, Clayton-le-dale, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 7JA

This one-off scare event promises to put a frightening twist on festivities.

2020 will welcome three new attraction experiences:

- Manormortis Haunted Holiday - disturb the ghosts of old Haxenghast Mansion

- Body Snatchers Plague Pit - the awakening of a plague-ridden village which lay dead for centuries

- Psychomanteum Christmas Crib - only accessible for revellers aged 18+, this outrageously graphic nativity is an additional fee of £6 and promises to live up to its title of ‘The UK’s sickest attraction’.

This event is only advised for the ‘fearless’, ‘thrill seeking’ and ‘courageous’ - with a guarantee to scare.

12 December, tickets £13, www.scarekingdom.com/christmas-festevil

Christmas Wreath - Demonstration and Workshop

Gibbon Bridge Hotel, Chipping, Forest of Bowland, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 2TG

The wreath-making workshop will consist of either a demonstration and lunch, lasting the morning into lunchtime or a full day in which you will have the chance to make your own wreath.

All resources needed for the day are included in the price.

When booking, state which part of the event you would like to take part in.

30 November , demonstration and lunch £32.50/ with workshop £60, www.gibbon-bridge.co.uk/events/christmas-floral-workshop

Christmas Musical Afternoon Teas

Gibbon Bridge Hotel and Restaurant, Green Lane, Chipping, Preston, PR3 2TQ.

The Gibbon Bridge Hotel is welcoming customers to a wonderful session of Christmas music and festive feasting on their stunning afternoon tea.

Enjoy a quintessentially English tea and array of snacks or add prosecco or champagne for an additional fee.

You can expect turkey and cranberry sandwiches, mince pies and brandy butter, cake and tea. Make it even more special by enjoying a glass of champagne with it!

9 Dec, 16 Dec, tea lunch £18.50/ with Prosecco £26/Champagne £30, www.gibbon-bridge.co.uk/events/musical-afternoon-tea

Breakfast with Santa

Bell & Bottle, 1 Blackpool Rd, Kirkham, Newton with Scales, Preston, PR4 3RJ

Treat the kids to a special Santa breakfast experience, with this one-off chance at Bell and Bottle.

In order to ensure social distancing is adhered to, all families/groups dining together will have their own table.

Adults will receive a full English breakfast, while children can expect a full cooked breakfast or pancakes, a letter to write to Santa and present him with, a Christmas card workshop and cookies with Mrs Claus.

12 December, child £7.50/adult £6.50, https://www.bellbottlepubkirkham.co.uk/

Father Christmas Fun Day

Gibbon Bridge Hotel, Green Lane, Forest of Bowland, Chipping, Lancashire, PR3 2TQ

Enjoy an afternoon of fun with Santa and an entertainer, as well as a two course lunch at Gibbon Bridge Hotel.

On December 23 at 12pm, let the kids burn off some energy before Santa comes, with the chance to meet him, receive a present and dance and play with a professional children’s entertainer.

Prices vary from £5 to £22.50, all of which must be paid to confirm your booking.

23 Dec, Adults £22.50/Children £12.50/Children in High Chairs £5.00, www.gibbon-bridge.co.uk/events/lunch-with-father-christmas