Blackpool is set for a festive season with a touch of Strictly stardust, as professional dancers from the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing will officially open Christmas By The Sea on Friday, 21st November at 5:30pm at Tower Festival Headland, Promenade. The launch coincides with the return of Strictly to the iconic Tower Ballroom.
The opening event will feature performances from Scream Theatre School, showcasing talented youngsters from across the Fylde Coast with a lively mix of musical theatre and festive medleys. Family favourites Mooky and Mr Boo from the Blackpool Tower Circus will also take to the stage before the Strictly dancers officially open the event, ensuring a magical start to the festive season.
Christmas By The Sea has become a firm favourite in Blackpool’s calendar, offering a wealth of attractions for visitors of all ages. Guests can enjoy a free-to-use ice skating rink, themed log cabins serving food, drink, and gifts, magical snowfalls, and dazzling light installations along the seafront.
The village also features a range of children’s attractions and thrilling rides, including a 100ft-long snow slide, the Star Flyer aerial swing ride, and returning favourites such as the German Swing Grill, Snow Dome Waltzers, Helter-Skelter slide, and Ice Breaker thrill ride.
This year, a new three-floor Christmas-themed Fun House will invite visitors to navigate spinning barrels, discs, shuffle boards, and special lighting effects.
Cllr Lynn Williams MBE, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Christmas By The Sea is definitely the most magical event of the year. It is lovely to see so many families on the Promenade enjoying a unique Christmas experience in Blackpool. Like the Switch-On concert earlier this year, we always like to give local youngsters the opportunity to showcase their talents at our events. Christmas By The Sea has something for everyone – from the free skating rink and snowfall to thrill rides. Here’s to a magical and memorable Christmas in Blackpool.”
The festivities will run daily from noon until 9pm until Sunday, January 4th 2026, excluding Christmas Day, and will be complemented by Blackpool’s full Illuminations display along the seafront until the same date.
Kate Shane MBE, Managing Director of Blackpool Tourism Limited, added: “Christmas By the Sea is a truly magical moment for our resort – a chance for the whole community to come together and kick off the festive season in style. From talented local students and the iconic performers of the Blackpool Tower Circus to the dazzling professionals from Strictly Come Dancing, this celebration will showcase the best of Blackpool’s spirit and entertainment. We’re grateful to the BBC for once again bringing the sparkle of Strictly to our launch event and helping us make this a Christmas to remember.”
Throughout the Christmas By The Sea season, visitors can park for four hours at many Blackpool Council car parks for just £2. For more information, including opening times of the rink and other attractions, visit www.visitblackpool.com/christmas.
Image (VisitBlackpool)