Enjoy the festive spirit of Bolton with our detailed guide. For those born and raised in Bolton and those just arrived, our guide is your key to unlocking seasonal wonders.
This holiday season, the Blackpool Illuminations cast a magical glow along the seafront, drawing visitors to experience its vibrant light displays. The Christmas Grotto Wonderland offers enchanting festive scenes where families can meet Santa Claus and explore whimsical attractions. And the Christmas by the Sea is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring seasonal markets and entertainment along the coast. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Bolton
- Blackpool illuminations (Blackpool)
- Christmas by the sea, Blackpool (Blackpool)
- Christmas Grotto Wonderland, Blackpool Pleasure Beach (Blackpool)
- East Lancashire Railway Santa specials (Bury)
- East Lancashire Railway Santa specials Relaxed Visits (Bury)
- Christmas at Mrs Dowson’s (Mrs Dowson’s Farm)
- Father Christmas at Bolton Abbey
- Christmas at Bolton Abbey Relaxed Visits
- Farmer Christmas walking adventure, Farmer Ted’s Adventure Farm (Ormskirk)
- Santa by the lake at Brockholes (Brockholes)
See these and even more events listed below!
Bolton Holiday Light Displays
Christmas by the sea, Blackpool
What to Expect:
Extensive festive attractions and thrill rides.
Description:
Christmas by the Sea in Blackpool features festive light installations, themed log cabins, artificial snowfalls, and thrilling rides like a 100ft-long snow slide and the Star Flyer, one of Europe’s tallest swing rides.
Where: Blackpool | More Info: Christmas by the sea, Blackpool
Blackpool illuminations
What to Expect:
Iconic light show with local and international talent.
Description:
Blackpool Illuminations is a spectacular display of light and sound along the six-mile Promenade, featuring traditional festoons, tableaux, and interactive displays.
Where: Blackpool | More Info: Blackpool illuminations
Bolton Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Baroque by Candlelight
What to Expect:
Classical music performance by candlelight in historic Manchester Cathedral.
Description:
Join London Concertante at Manchester Cathedral for a classical music performance featuring Haydn's Messiah Overture, Corelli's Christmas Concerto, and Vivaldi's Four Seasons, set against the beautiful backdrop of candlelight.
Where: Manchester | More Info: Christmas Baroque by Candlelight
Viennese Christmas Spectacular
What to Expect:
Classical music concert featuring iconic Christmas pieces.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas with a selection of beloved pieces, including Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite and Johann Strauss II's Blue Danube Waltz, performed by London Concertante.
Where: Manchester | More Info: Viennese Christmas Spectacular
Handel's Messiah Highlights at Christmas
What to Expect:
Candlelit performance of Handel's Messiah highlights.
Description:
Handel's Messiah Highlights at Christmas features a candlelit concert with selections from Handel's masterpiece, accompanied by the Piccadilly Sinfonietta and talented operatic soloists, in the beautiful setting of St Ann's Church, Manchester.
Where: Manchester | More Info: Handel's Messiah Highlights at Christmas
Vivaldi at Christmas
What to Expect:
Candlelit performance of Vivaldi's Four Seasons and Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with a spectacular performance of Vivaldi's Four Seasons and Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2 in a breathtaking candlelit setting at Manchester Cathedral. The Piccadilly Sinfonietta, led by renowned concert pianist Warren Mailley-Smith, will present a night of exceptional music featuring some of the most prodigious musical talent.
Where: Manchester | More Info: Vivaldi at Christmas
East Lancashire Railway Santa specials Relaxed Visits
What to Expect:
Tailored experience for families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
Description:
The East Lancashire Railway's Santa Specials offer a tailored experience for families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. The event begins at Bury Bolton Street Station, where you can enjoy the festive atmosphere and decorations before boarding a steam train for a round trip to Rawtenstall. The journey includes live brass band performances and visits from Santa, with quieter experiences and accessible carriages available for comfort.
Where: Bury | More Info: East Lancashire Railway Santa specials Relaxed Visits
Bolton Other Holiday Activities
Father Christmas at Bolton Abbey
What to Expect:
Interactive bushcraft activities and personalized visits with Father Christmas.
Description:
At Bolton Abbey, Father Christmas awaits in a twinkling Christmas village nestled in Strid Wood. Children join cheeky elves on a special journey to meet the Great Man himself, participating in hot chocolate making, festive craft activities, and axe throwing. The experience concludes with a communal story and a special gift.
Where: Bolton | More Info: Father Christmas at Bolton Abbey
Christmas Grotto Wonderland, Blackpool Pleasure Beach
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas experience with Santa and festive activities.
Description:
At Blackpool Pleasure Beach's Christmas Grotto, children are guided by festive elves through an interactive walkway where they write Christmas wish lists, collect reindeer food and magic keys, and meet Santa Claus. The experience includes a ride on Alice in Wonderland and a hot chocolate with marshmallows.
Where: Blackpool | More Info: Christmas Grotto Wonderland, Blackpool Pleasure Beach
East Lancashire Railway Santa specials
What to Expect:
Steam train ride with festive characters and gift-giving.
Description:
Embark on a memorable journey through the Irwell Valley with East Lancashire Railway's Santa Specials. Meet festive characters, enjoy a brass band performance, and receive a gift from Santa Claus. The event includes a beautifully decorated winter wonderland walkthrough at Bury Bolton Street Station, a traditional brass band on board, and high-quality children's activity books.
Where: Bury | More Info: East Lancashire Railway Santa specials
Farmer Christmas walking adventure, Farmer Ted’s Adventure Farm
What to Expect:
Interactive farm experience with Shaun the Sheep.
Description:
Farmer Ted’s Adventure Farm offers a fun-filled day for families with various activities, including indoor and outdoor play areas, animal encounters, and themed attractions like Shaun the Sheep.
Where: Ormskirk | More Info: Farmer Christmas walking adventure, Farmer Ted’s Adventure Farm
Christmas at Mrs Dowson’s
What to Expect:
Immersive farm-based Christmas activities with creative workshops.
Description:
At Mrs Dowson’s Farm, immerse yourself in a festive adventure featuring an Elf Academy, Mrs Christmas Kitchen, singing reindeer, and a Father Christmas Grotto. Explore the farm, enjoy indoor play areas, and participate in creative activities like making a bear.
Where: Mrs Dowson’s Farm | More Info: Christmas at Mrs Dowson’s
Popcorns preparation party
What to Expect:
Hands-on popcorn-making experience in a festive setting.
Description:
Join in the fun of making popcorn for the holiday season at Greenlands Farm Village. Learn the art of traditional popcorn preparation and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Where: Greenlands Farm Village | More Info: Popcorns preparation party
Build your own bear at Greenlands farm village
What to Expect:
Personalized bear-making experience with a birth certificate.
Description:
At Greenlands farm village, create your own cuddly bear with a delightful range of teddies. Choose your fluffy companion, stuff it with love, and personalize it with a birth certificate. Enjoy the experience and take home magical memories.
Where: Greenlands Farm Village | More Info: Build your own bear at Greenlands farm village
Santa by the lake at Brockholes
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa visit with a cookie decorating station.
Description:
Meet Santa in his workshop set against the backdrop of Brockholes' beautiful Meadow Lake. Each child has five minutes to chat with Santa and pick out a special gift. The event includes a cookie decorating station for added holiday cheer.
Where: Brockholes | More Info: Santa by the lake at Brockholes
Christmas Calligraphy Workshop with Mellor & Rose
What to Expect:
Hands-on calligraphy workshop with expert tutors.
Description:
Learn the art of Christmas calligraphy with Mellor & Rose, mastering dip pens and creating beautiful stationery for your loved ones.
Where: Manchester | More Info: Christmas Calligraphy Workshop with Mellor & Rose
Christmas at Bolton Abbey Relaxed Visits
What to Expect:
Interactive bushcraft activities with Father Christmas.
Description:
At Bolton Abbey, children join traditional woods-people for a bushcraft adventure, including hot chocolate making, clay candle crafting, and axe throwing. Families meet Father Christmas in his log cabin, enjoy a communal story, and receive a special gift.
Where: Bolton | More Info: Christmas at Bolton Abbey Relaxed Visits
Greenlands Farm Village Christmas Events
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas activities with Santa and festive games.
Description:
Greenlands Farm Village offers a variety of Christmas events, including Santa's Grotto, where children can help Lucky tidy his messy bedroom, decorate the Christmas tree, and visit Santa. The event also includes festive games and treats, along with entry to the Open Farm.
Where: Greenlands Farm Village | More Info: Greenlands Farm Village Christmas Events
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Farnworth (3 miles)
- Westhoughton (4 miles)
- Radcliffe (5 miles)
- Atherton (5 miles)
- Walkden (5 miles)
- Tyldesley (5 miles)
- Bury (6 miles)
- Whitefield (6 miles)
- Leigh (7 miles)
- Hindley (7 miles)
- Prestwich (7 miles)
- Darwen (8 miles)
- Eccles (8 miles)
- Heywood (9 miles)
- Wigan (9 miles)
- Chorley (9 miles)
- Salford (9 miles)
- Rossendale (9 miles)
- Middleton (10 miles)
- Urmston (10 miles)
- Golborne (10 miles)
- Rawtenstall (10 miles)
- Stretford (10 miles)
- Manchester (11 miles)
- Ashton in Makerfield (11 miles)
- Newton-le-Willows (11 miles)
- Rochdale (12 miles)
- Blackburn (12 miles)
- Sale (12 miles)
- Accrington (12 miles)
- Failsworth (12 miles)
- Royton (13 miles)
- Leyland (13 miles)
- Oldham (13 miles)
- Droylsden (14 miles)
- Altrincham (14 miles)
- Skelmersdale (14 miles)
- Warrington (15 miles)
- Ashton-under-Lyne (15 miles)
- St Helens (15 miles)
- Denton (16 miles)
- Great Sankey (16 miles)
- Stockport (16 miles)
- Preston (17 miles)
- Stalybridge (17 miles)
- Burnley (17 miles)
- Hyde (17 miles)
- Cheadle Hulme (17 miles)
- Ormskirk (18 miles)
- Prescot (18 miles)
- Bramhall (19 miles)
- Wilmslow (19 miles)
- Widnes (20 miles)
- Nelson (20 miles)
- Kirkby (20 miles)
- Huyton (20 miles)
- Runcorn (21 miles)
- Maghull (21 miles)
- Colne (22 miles)
- Glossop (22 miles)
- Northwich (23 miles)
- Southport (24 miles)
- Litherland (24 miles)
- Bootle (25 miles)
- Liverpool (25 miles)
- Lytham St Annes (26 miles)
- Halifax (26 miles)
- Macclesfield (26 miles)
- Crosby (26 miles)
- Formby (26 miles)
- Fylde (26 miles)
- Huddersfield (27 miles)
- Birkenhead (27 miles)
- Winsford (27 miles)
- Brighouse (28 miles)
- Wallasey (28 miles)
- High Peak (28 miles)
- Ellesmere Port Town (29 miles)
- Keighley (29 miles)
- Blackpool (30 miles)
- Congleton (30 miles)
- Bingley (30 miles)
- Cleckheaton (31 miles)
- Buxton (31 miles)
- Thornton-Cleveleys (31 miles)
- Bradford (31 miles)
- Shipley (32 miles)
- Heswall (33 miles)
- Chester (33 miles)
- Fleetwood (33 miles)
- Crewe (34 miles)
- Dewsbury (34 miles)
- Batley (34 miles)
- Pudsey (35 miles)
- Kidsgrove (35 miles)
- Lancaster (35 miles)
- Ossett (36 miles)
- Guiseley (36 miles)
- Morley (36 miles)
- Yeadon (36 miles)
- Deeside (36 miles)
- Hawarden (37 miles)
- Flint (37 miles)
- Morecambe (38 miles)
- Wakefield (39 miles)
- Barnsley (39 miles)
- Leeds (39 miles)
- Buckley (39 miles)
- Lofthouse (40 miles)
- Chapeltown (40 miles)
- Newcastle under Lyme (41 miles)
- Stoke-on-Trent (41 miles)
- Sheffield (42 miles)
- Burngreave (42 miles)
- Wrexham (44 miles)
- Dronfield (44 miles)
- Castleford (45 miles)