THERE´S snow place like Southport this Christmas as there is a whole array of festive events for all the family to enjoy.

Children can spend the season with Santa – from joining him and his elves for breakfast, sail a boat to his island, to visiting an immersive light trail at Santa’s Secret Forest.

There are also classic Christmas movies, parties, quizzes, and much more to keep the adults busy.

Here Visit Southport gives you a rundown of just some of the many events coming your way this festive season... 

1. Explore Santa’s Secret Forest (24 November - 24 December 2025)

If you go down to the woods this Christmas, you’re sure for a festive surprise! Santa’s Secret Forest will be taking place in Orrel Hill Woods, Hightown, bringing a cutting edge, high-tech Christmas wonderland with 40 acres of woodland containing a stunning light trail and Santa’s Christmas Hub.

This is a 1st-of-its-kind interactive walkthrough experience through 10 immersive rooms like the Toy Workshop, the Magic Elevator and Santa’s Sleigh Garage, with a miniature train and 4D VR sleigh ride also available as well as a meet and greet with the big man himself. 

Read more here. 


2. Have a festive party with friends and family at The Grand (5 December - 31 December 2025) 

Christmas is always party season and there’s lots of chances for a great evening out in Southport. At The Grand there are a series of fun celebrations for all ages, including lively evenings like Diva Fiesta, the Christmas Caribbean Party Night and the Royal Ball.

Read more here.  

 
3. Sail to Santa’s Island (6 December - 23 December 2025)

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre are offering the chance to Sail to Santa, where you can hop on board a boat and travel to Santa’s island to meet him as well as doing festive crafts in the Elves’ workshop.

Read more here.

 
4. Have breakfast, brunch and lunch with Santa (6 December -23 December 2025)
 
Meeting Santa is the highlight of the festive season for most kids and there’s several opportunities for you to make that dream come true in Southport.

Join Santa and his Elves for breakfast at Silcocks where you’ll have the chance to take a selfie with Santa on his carousel horse (P.S. Don’t forget to ask him for a Christmas gift!)

Read more here.

If breakfast isn’t your thing, you could have brunch with jolly old St Nick at Hickory’s Southport on:- Saturday, 13 December 2025 between 10 and 2. There will be jingle juice and Santa's slush for all children with a Santa pass, festive movies in the movie room, tabletop games and activities, and a Santa pancake special.

Read more here.

Don’t miss the Magical Frozen Lunch at The Vincent Hotel on:- Sunday, 14 December 2025. Join Elsa, JJ the elf and of course Santa for lots of fun, games and laughter. Prizes are on offer for the best-dressed Frozen character and a gift for every child.

Read more here.

 
5. It’s not Panto Season, surely? Oh yes it is!

A family Christmas just would not be the same without a trip to the panto and there’s 2 great shows running in Southport this year for fans of shouting “It’s behind you!”.

There’s a tale as old as time at The Atkinson, where Beauty and the Beast will be showing until New Year’s Eve, starring Safia Bartley as Bella with panto veteran Terry Burns as Dame Bon Bon.

Read more here.
 

The Grand welcomes Dick Whittington and his cat for a magical pantomime packed with catchy songs, dazzling costumes and lots of audience participation.

Read more here.

 
6. Sing Along to Christmas carols at Vintage Tea Room (12 December 2025)
 
Step inside the Vintage Tea Room, where the scent of mulled wine and freshly baked treats fills the air. The glow of fairy lights, the clink of teacups, and the gentle buzz of friendly chatter create the perfect backdrop for an evening of warmth and nostalgia.

The Christmas tree is up, the mistletoe is hung, and the lights are twinkling — but it wouldn’t be Christmas without a few carols to sing along to!

So come along, get yourself a drink at the bar, enjoy some delicious food, and enjoy a twinkling festive atmosphere with an evening of acapella Christmas tunes with the Wayfarers Chorus.

Read more here.


7. Join a Festive Fizz Workshop at Southport Market (12 December 2025)

Step into the holiday spirit with a creative sparkling workshop where you’ll paint your very own Prosecco bottle and flute with all materials provided.

Enjoy a cozy, cheerful atmosphere filled with festive tunes, twinkling lights, and plenty of creative magic!

Read more here.

 
8. Celebrate Christmas and New Year at The Waterfront Southport Hotel
 
Between 6 December - 20 December 2025, step into a sparkling evening under the stars, set against the twinkling backdrop of Marine Lake at the Waterfront’s ‘A Night Under the Stars’ Christmas Party.

Expect a mouth-watering 3-course festive feast, live entertainment and a DJ spinning your favourite party songs to keep the dancefloor alive all night long.

Read more here.

You can also ring in the New Year at The Waterfront Southport Hotel’s Gala Dinner which promises an unforgettable evening of sumptuous cuisine, elegant ambiance, and live music by the talented Mark Kenny.

Read more here.

 
9. Watch Home Alone and more Christmas classics at Southport Bijou Cinema
 
There’s more vintage festive fun at the Bijou Cinema from mid-December, where you can enjoy classic Christmas movies like Meet Me in St Louis, Christmas in Connecticut, The Bishop’s Wife, It’s a Wonderful Life and The Shop Around the Corner as well as more modern favourites like Elf, Home Alone, Gremlins and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

Read more here.

Details on accommodation, days out and events in Southport can be found here.