Blackpool is worth visiting in December for a festive, budget-friendly winter getaway, highlighted by the "Christmas By The Sea" village, free ice skating, and the continuation of the world-famous Illuminations until early January. While cold and windy (averaging 4 ∘ C 4 ∘ C to 8 ∘ C 8 ∘ C ), the town offers indoor attractions like Sea Life and Madame Tussauds, along with Christmas markets and pantomimes.
blackpool in mid december A lot of people hate Blackpool but it is what it is. A busy tacky seaside resort. It will still be busy around the town centre and tower area. There will be Sea Life Centre, Madam Tussauds, numerous large amusement arcades still open so plenty of indoor places to visit.
Christmas Market at the Grand Hotel. Visit the Grand Hotel at Blackpool North Promenade, FY1 2JQ and choose from all kinds of local, hand-made gift ideas. Including wax melts, wreaths, personalised gifts, hair braiding. Children's toys, Christmas gifts and so much more.
Blackpool's "Winter Wonderland," officially called Christmas by the Sea, has free entry to the main festive village, including the popular outdoor ice rink (with free skate hire) and light displays, but you pay for individual rides, food, and gifts from the chalets. It's a big winter event on the Tower Festival Headland with simulated snow, festive cabins, and fairground attractions, with the main area being free to wander.
During January 2022, Blackpool Tower is only open at weekends. During February, the attraction is open each weekend and weekdays from 14th to 18th. From March 2022 to December the tower is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
How much does it cost to go up The Blackpool Tower?
Blackpool Tower prices vary by attraction, with standard online adult tickets starting around £9-£15 for the Ballroom or Eye, plus options for Dungeons, Circus, and combined passes, but you can also enjoy the base for free; packages like afternoon tea or events cost more, so checking the official website for current prices and deals is best for the most accurate costs.
Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park) entry tickets range from free (off-peak) to £7.50 (peak), with standard entry at £5, but attractions, rides, and ice skating cost extra, though you can get free entry by spending £25 on attractions/food/drinks, or buy packages bundling entry with experiences. Prices vary by date (weekends/holidays are peak), and booking ahead is essential.
The most magical time of the year has arrived at Pleasure Beach Resort! From November through December, the park transforms into a twinkling wonderland with thrills, shows and magical entertainment.
What time does Christmas by the Sea close in Blackpool?
Christmas By The Sea is open daily from 12-9pm until 4 January (excluding Christmas Day)! The festive village includes: ⛸️ Free-to-use skating rink ✨ Light installations 🎡 Festice rides, including a new three-storey Fun House ☕️ Food & drink ❄️ Magical snowfalls 💡 Blackpool Illuminations shining nightly.
Blackpool will become an extraordinary winter wonderland, filled with a sackful of shows, entertainment, events and attractions to create the ultimate festive paradise beside the sea. Even better, the resort's magical Christmas By The Sea will return for the fifth year running until 4 January 2026.
Yes, you can walk into Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, but everyone, including babies, needs a pre-booked entry ticket for a specific time slot, even if you just plan to walk around; you can't just show up and walk in without one anymore, though booking in advance is highly recommended for price and to guarantee entry, with Off-Peak entry often being free (plus a booking fee) and busier times costing more.
Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park) is a polarizing attraction: it offers a great festive atmosphere, lights, and entertainment but is frequently criticized as overpriced, overcrowded, and too commercialized, with long queues and expensive food/rides, making its "worth" highly dependent on expectations, budget, and timing, with weekday mornings being the best bet for a better experience.
Yes, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland still offers free entry during off-peak hours, but you must book a free ticket in advance to guarantee entry, with standard (off-peak) entry costing £0 (plus booking fee), standard (mid-peak) costing £5, and peak times £7.50, though you can get free entry if you spend £25 on attractions or packages. All visitors need a ticket, even for free slots, and attractions inside have separate costs.
With 48 hours to enjoy Blackpool, you had better buckle up for one fun-packed ride! Whether it's white knuckle thrills, brilliant attractions and world class entertainment, you will have no problem at all filling two action-packed days in the UK's favourite beach resort.
You can enjoy Blackpool for free by strolling the iconic Promenade and piers (North, Central, South), relaxing on the sandy beach, exploring the beautiful Stanley Park with its Italian Gardens, viewing the free-entry Grundy Art Gallery, and watching the dazzling, seasonal Blackpool Illuminations. Other free options include the Comedy Carpet, free events at Blackpool libraries, and sometimes free entry to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom (check details).
