Christmas By The Sea to return to Blackpool with new festive attractions - everything you need to know

Blackpool’s Tower Festival Headland is preparing to transform into a winter wonderland as the popular Christmas By The Sea event returns for another festive season.

The outdoor festive village will open on Friday, November 20, offering a range of attractions for visitors of all ages, including a free skating rink open daily until Sunday, January 3, 2027, excluding Christmas Day.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy festive light installations, themed log cabins selling food, drink and gifts, and artificial snowfall throughout the village. A selection of popular family rides will return, including the 100ft snow slide, Christmas-themed fun house and helter-skelter.

Cllr Lynn Williams MBE, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Now in its sixth year, it’s hard to imagine Christmas in Blackpool without Christmas By The Sea. It has become such an important part of our festive time, giving residents and visitors even more reasons to come into town, spend time together and enjoy everything Blackpool has to offer.

“For me, that’s what Christmas is all about - bringing people together, creating memories and having fun. It’s also what Blackpool does best. As we look ahead to our City of Culture 2029 bid, it’s important to remember that culture isn’t just about the arts, it’s about shared experiences, celebrating who we are and creating opportunities for everyone to take part and enjoy themselves. Christmas By The Sea is a brilliant example of that, with something for everyone to enjoy.

“Seeing the area around the Tower Festival Headland buzzing with people, families and friends enjoying themselves throughout the six weeks is a fantastic way to end the year. It makes me incredibly proud to see Blackpool bringing that festive magic to life once again.”

Kate Shane MBE, Managing Director of Blackpool Tourism Limited, said: "Christmas By The Sea perfectly complements Blackpool’s already strong festive offer. Whether you're looking for a full family day out, a place to pick up Christmas gifts, somewhere to enjoy festive food and drink with friends, or simply somewhere to spend an hour or two while visiting Blackpool’s attractions and shows, there is something for everyone.

"It has become a much-loved part of the Christmas calendar and continues to attract visitors of all ages throughout the festive period."

New additions for this year include a traditional 40-foot carousel, which will take centre stage on the Comedy Carpet, providing a festive backdrop for Christmas photographs. Thrill ride Airforce will also make its Blackpool debut, while visitors can once again enjoy the Snow Dome Waltzers, Ice Breaker and the iconic Star Flyer.

The event will also be complemented by a full Blackpool Illuminations display along the seafront. Christmas By The Sea will be open daily from noon until 9pm, from Friday, November 20, through to Sunday, January 3, 2027, with the exception of Christmas Day. The return of the festive attraction comes after Blackpool was named in the final four for UK City of Culture 2029.

Christmas By The Sea is the latest in a major year of events for the town, which has included works by David Bowie, the Halle Orchestra, Claude Monet, Sir Ken Dodd and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

For more information and the latest updates, including skating rink opening times and attraction details, visit www.visitblackpool.com/christmasbythesea

To find out more about UK City of Culture and back Blackpool’s bid visit www.blackpool2029.co.uk