The new school year is well underway now, and everyone is already counting down to the October half-term for a bit of a break! If you’re making plans for half term or weekends over the next few months, there’s still plenty to keep the family entertained in Blackpool.

The end of the summer season doesn’t mean the end of all the fun that can be had at the seaside, even if you might need to put on your big coat as the temperatures drop! A different side of Blackpool comes to life as the evenings get darker.

Let’s have a look at what you can do in town this winter

Blackpool Illuminations

If you’re looking for what’s on this winter and were unaware of Blackpool Illuminations, then this might be your first time on Planet Earth, so welcome! The greatest free light show in the world kicked off on 1 September and continues through to the end of the year, so there’s plenty of time to visit and admire the grand spectacle.

This year there are a few notable additions to the Illuminations, including two amazing new tableaux designed by internationally renowned artists Dr Chila Kumari Singh Burman, MBE and Bruce Alfred, and built by the Illuminations’ in-house team based at the Lightworks manufacturing facility in Blackpool.

Dr Burman’s installation, Lollies In Love, is a kaleidoscopic celebration of the town, with 760 metres of LED neon lighting surrounding a technicolour ice cream van, in a tribute to her parents’ ice cream business, while Bruce Alfred’s new tableaux, Light Around The World, includes over 13,000 programmable LEDs and celebrates a variety of international cultures.

Lightpool

Running alongside the Illuminations from 20 to 28 October is the free-to-access award-winning Lightpool festival, which features a series of spectacular light installations, live performances and 3D projection shows, staged across a variety of indoor and outdoor venues.

There’ll be giant inflatable tentacles invading Blackpool Tower Ballroom, a new artwork by Axolotl Creative called Polyrhthyms which features a percussive soundtrack and mesmerising glowing patterns of light, giant flying fish and mini elephants, an interactive illuminated jellyfish installation, and so much more!

Blackpool Tower Circus

You especially can’t miss the iconic Tower in winter, lit up in all its glory to accompany the Illuminations, and a trip to the top of the tower is a must to fully witness the six miles of festoons and lights from up high.

But the world-famous, and oldest permanent circus arena in the world, Blackpool Tower Circus is also not to be missed, and there’s still time to catch the hilarious clowns Mooky and Mr Boo before the circus closes for winter on 5 November.

As well as mayhem and laughter, the resident clowns have a whole host of new acts hand-picked from around the world. Be amazed by incredible acrobatics, witness the death-defying Globe of Speed, and ready yourself for the Circus’ spectacular water feature finale!

Find more information, opening and show times, and tickets here: https://www.theblackpooltower.com/

Musicals, Drama, and Dance

Winter means it’s Panto season, and there are two fantastic pantomimes in Blackpool this season.  The Grand Theatre Blackpool will be setting the scene for the tale of Aladdin, starring Emmerdale star Tom Lister as the evil Abanazar and Britain’s Got Talent finalist and Blackpool’s favourite Steve Royale as Aladdin’s madcap brother Wishee Washee!

Join our hero Aladdin, his mother Widow Twankey and Wishee Washee as they embark on a magical adventure and try to defeat the Abanazar and his plan to become master of the world. With help from the Genie of The Lamp and the Spirit Of The Ring. Will Aladdin save the day, will he marry the beautiful Princess Jasmine? Will the Genie be freed?

There’s only one way to find out… hitch a ride on a magic carpet and come to see Aladdin, Blackpool’s No.1 Pantomime, only at The Grand Theatre Blackpool this winter (1 Dec ’23 - 1 Jan ’24)

Visit The Grand Theatre Blackpool website for more information and booking! https://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/event/aladdin-2023

Get ready for a big-budget extravaganza adaptation of JM Barrie’s much-loved Peter Pan at The Winter Gardens, starring none other than Boy George as the dastardly Captain Hook. It’s promised to be a supersized spectacle with special effects and packed full of fun, with a mix of traditional pantomime and amazing cirque performances.

Boy George said: “I’m really looking forward to playing Captain Hook and showing off my evil side! I make my first entrance on a life-size galleon that sails around the stage in front of an amazing water wall fountain, and I get a chance to fight a giant animatronic crocodile. What’s not to like?”

Visit The Winter Gardens website for more information and booking! https://www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/events/peter-pan-the-arena-spectacular/

Strictly Come Dancing will be making its way back to Blackpool this winter too, and you can also see Strictly legends Janette Manrara & Aljaž Škorjanec bring their wonderfully festive and entertaining song and dance show to the Winter Gardens on 27 November, combining choreography, costumes, and amazing sets.

How about a classic ballet for something a little different? Featuring a live 30-piece orchestra, Swan Lake, the tragic tale about a princess who is turned into a swan by an evil curse, is a ballet like no other, and returns to the Blackpool Grand on 15 October, and a must-see for fans of dance.

Halloween

For many people, autumn and winter can only mean one thing, and that’s Halloween! There are always plenty of spooky seasonal activities in Blackpool, from Blackpool Tower Dungeons to Ghost Walks, and Journey To Hell, a horror experience at Blackpool Pleasure Beach after the park has closed!

For the younger kids, why not go visit Serafina the Sea Witch at SEALIFE Blackpool, and follow the immersive trail to help her keep her fellow sea creatures safe and look after the ocean? Complete the ‘spook-splash-tastic’ challenges to join Serafina’s army of Sea Defenders.

The World Fireworks Championships

The World Fireworks Championships are back with a bang for 2023! Gathering the crème de la crème of the world’s firework elite, expect a series of explosive and impressive displays and shows for jaw-dropping entertainment set to music, and a treat for the whole family on Saturday 16 September, Saturday 30 September, and Friday 20 October.

There’s also light night riding and fireworks at Blackpool Pleasure Beach for an adventure that finishes with a bang! The theme park is open until 10 pm on selected dates, as firework displays fill the skies above you!

For dates and ticket information, visit https://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/events/late-night-riding/

Plan your trip to Blackpool this winter!

There’s still even more yet to be announced, with some festive fun and Christmas events coming to Blackpool, including a very special visit to Coral Island by none other than Santa Claus himself! So make sure you keep your eyes peeled for more information about the return of Santa’s Grotto to Blackpool’s largest free-admission attraction.

Coral Island is open every day throughout winter, except Christmas Day, and there are games and fun for the whole family, the biggest and best prize shop in town, and Kids Eat Free all day every day!

So get planning your next trip to Blackpool this winter!