Blackpool
Posted on: Tuesday 8th October 2024
Though summer has come to an end in Blackpool, the excitement is just beginning! Autumn and winter bring an array of entertainment, events, and activities for everyone in this lively seaside town. With half-term on the horizon, followed closely by Halloween, there’s no better time to explore the best of Blackpool with your family. And before you know it, the festive Christmas season will be here, too!
Blackpool Illuminations & Lightpool
Blackpool Illuminations (Until January 5, 2025)
Blackpool's iconic Illuminations are back, lighting up the nights until January 5, 2025. Known as the "greatest free light show on Earth," this spectacle has captivated visitors for generations. Experience over a million lights, dazzling displays, illuminated trams, and more along the promenade. Make sure to visit to see this mesmerising display of light and colour!
Lightpool Festival (October 18 - 26, 2024)
The award-winning Lightpool Festival transforms Blackpool into an illuminated wonderland from October 18 to October 26. Enjoy light-based art installations, 3D projection shows, and live performances, including the popular Light Art Trail, which turns iconic buildings into stunning works of art. Don’t miss the Tower Projections, where Blackpool Tower becomes a canvas for vibrant displays and whimsical animations, making it a truly magical experience.
Tower Lates (Until November 3, 2024)
On selected dates in October, you can take in the Illuminations from The Blackpool Tower Eye during its special late openings. Enjoy the 4D cinema experience and ride up to 380 feet for breathtaking panoramic views of Blackpool’s famous promenade, illuminated in all its glory.
Halloween Events
Halloween Tails at Peter Rabbit: Explore and Play (October 5 - November 5, 2024)
Join Peter Rabbit and friends for a spooktacular adventure, complete with a pumpkin patch and a Halloween-themed disco. It’s the perfect way for young ones to celebrate Halloween with their favourite characters from the beloved TV show.
Family Halloween Party at The Blackpool Tower (October 31, 2024)
Celebrate Halloween with a family-friendly party in the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom! This event includes Russ Brown’s Monster Magic Show, a UV light show, a fancy dress competition, and Halloween-themed games with prizes. With a dance party hosted by a live DJ, this spooky celebration is sure to be a hit for all ages.
Meet the Witch from Room on the Broom at The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse (October 5 - November 3, 2024)
Enjoy a Halloween dance party and meet the Witch from Room on the Broom at The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse. Dance along to family favourites and enjoy a memorable Halloween experience with beloved storybook characters.
Ascarium: Spooky Snaps at SEA LIFE Blackpool (October 5 - November 5, 2024)
Explore SEA LIFE Blackpool’s aquatic world with a Halloween twist! Capture photos of spooky sea creatures and enter a chance to win a family pass. Get up close with over 2,500 species of marine wildlife, including sharks, rays, and a majestic green sea turtle named Phoenix.
Kidz Club Party - Halloween Special at Viva! Blackpool (October 22, 2024)
Join the Viva! Kids Club Halloween Special for an afternoon of fun with games, prizes, and a thrilling dance-off. Hosted by a lively crew, this event promises a memorable day of singing, dancing, and Halloween excitement for all ages.
Monster Hunt (October 28 - November 3, 2024)
Giant inflatable monsters will take over Blackpool’s rooftops during this interactive Monster Hunt. Follow the family-friendly trail to spot these playful creatures between the Golden Mile and the town centre. They light up after dark, creating a unique and exciting Halloween experience.
Halloween at Stanley Park (October 26 & 27, 2024)
Enjoy a weekend of Halloween activities at Stanley Park, featuring pumpkin carving, party games, and a range of food and craft stalls. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to get into the spooky spirit!
Pantomimes
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at The Opera House (December 10 - 29, 2024)
Catch the magical adventure of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as it takes to the stage at The Opera House. With stunning sets, beloved songs, and a heartwarming story, this family favourite is sure to delight audiences of all ages.
Cinderella at The Blackpool Grand Theatre (December 6, 2024 - January 5, 2025)
Don’t miss Cinderella at The Grand Theatre, a classic pantomime filled with humour, stunning costumes, and plenty of audience participation. Follow Cinderella’s journey to the ball with all the magic and merriment of a traditional Christmas panto!
Christmas in Blackpool (November 15, 2024 - January 5, 2025)
This winter, Blackpool’s Tower Festival Headland will once again become a dazzling festive village, featuring an outdoor skating rink, enchanting simulated snowfalls, cosy log cabins, towering light installations, magical projection shows, and festive fairground rides.
Bundle up and explore the charm of this open-air wonderland! Enjoy a delicious treat or find the perfect gift at the picturesque cabins, and soak up the seasonal magic of this must-see experience.
Coral Island
No trip to Blackpool is complete without a stop at Coral Island, the town’s largest free-admission attraction! This half term, bring the family to explore the exciting arcade where you can build up prizes on the penny pushers, try your hand at snagging plush toys in the crane grabbers, or race your friends on the Camel Derby.
Feel the thrill of the latest video racing games and enjoy an array of ticket games like Basketball, Down the Clown, Monopoly Roll’n’Go, and Pac-Man for a chance to win big before heading to Blackpool’s largest Prize Shop to claim your winnings!
Coral Island also boasts thrilling rides, including the spooky Ghost Train, which plunges you into Davy Jones’ Locker in search of the King’s lost rubies, the Pirate Flyer soaring high over the arcade, and the all-new Sky Rider, a pirate adventure with exhilarating twists and turns!
Feeling hungry? Coral Island offers plenty of dining options. Savour award-winning fish and chips, indulge in the three-meat carvery at The Buccaneer Family Bar & Restaurant every Sunday or check out the brand-new festive menu coming soon. You can also enjoy a variety of dishes from Coral Harbour, a pirate-themed street food market with global flavours, including hot dogs, burgers, Asian-inspired fare, Italian classics, and much more.
And from November 22 to December 22, Coral Island’s Santa’s Grotto returns, bringing festive cheer and gifts for all. Journey through Santa’s wonderland to the Grotto, where your ticket includes a meet-and-greet with Santa, a Coral Island sweet goody bag, prize tickets, a £5 play card, and a special gift from Santa’s Workshop.
Plan Your Visit to Blackpool
With so much to see and do, Blackpool is the perfect destination for family fun this half-term and Halloween. Be sure to check out these exciting events and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones!
