What to do this Christmas in Lancaster

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Well, almost. But we’re already buzzing with Christmas cheer and excitement for what is most definitely the best day of the year. Especially the little ones who are already singing Christmas songs at the top of their lungs and doing everything they can to ensure they stay on the nice list. 

Bearing in mind just how heavenly the holiday period is for the kids, it only makes sense to find some of the best Christmas events, so we can see their eyes light up and watch huge smiles spread across their faces! 

Wondering what to do this Christmas in Lancaster? No problem, let us help you with some amazing Christmassy things to do with the family starting from right now up until the 31st of December.

The Big Christmas Day Out 

When: Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th December 2023 

Where: Williamson Park in Lancaster

Packed with Christmas cheer and plenty of thrilling activities for all the family, the team behind The Big Family Day Out returns to gift us one of the best Christmas events in Lancaster.

Transforming Williamson Park into a Christmas wonderland, this event boasts fairground rides, Christmas crafts, festive cinema, storytelling by Magical Story Jars, and Hartbeeps, creators of multi-sensory musical experiences. Discover brass bands, carol singers, and DJs all around the park before grabbing a hot chocolate and a Christmassy snack or two. 

And, of course, your littluns can meet Santa himself, revealing to the big man what they want on the best day of the year before snapping a pic for you all to remember the day forever. 

You can book Saturday or Sunday, morning or afternoon, perfect for those with tight schedules. Tickets include everything except food, drink, and meeting Santa. Click or tap here to find all days and times for The Big Christmas Day Out, or secure your Saturday afternoon ticket below. 

Tickets for The Big Christmas Day Out - Saturday Afternoon | Saturday 16th December 2023 | Williamson Park in Lancaster

Buy tickets:

Lancaster On Ice

Photo: Lancaster On Ice / Facebook.com 

When: now to 7th January 2024 (7 days a week, except during the Christmas period, check website for details)

Where: 3-5 Dalton Square in Lancaster

The 800m ice rink returns to Lancaster in time for the holidays, open most days from 9am to 10pm. The ice rink returns with Christmas market stalls, a giant tipi bar (where you can grab a hot chocolate, perhaps with a dash of Baileys), a Ferris wheel, and a carousel. For any nervous beginners out there, you can hire skate aids, so you can still enjoy the ice independently (hopefully) without any falls.

4k Festive Fun Run

Photo: Lancaster & Morecambe Athletics Club / Facebook.com 

When: Wednesday 27th December 2023 

Where: Lancaster And Morecambe Athletic Club in Lancaster

Lancaster & Morecambe AC has organised another festive fun run from the clubhouse on the athletics track at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre. Going down on the 27th at 11am, families, fun runners, and competitors are welcome, as is fancy dress. The flat route is around 4k and has a limit of 400 runners. There’ll be a range of spot prizes on the day, all you have to do is submit an entry form on their website!

Evening Christmas Market At Ashton Memorial

Photo: Events by All Occasions / Facebook.com 

When: Thursday 7th December 2023 

Where: Ashton Memorial at Williamson Park in Lancaster 

From 3:30pm on the 7th, Williamson Parks’ Ashton Memorial will be hosting an evening Christmas market with a huge range of artisan stalls. Whether you still need to find a present for that certain someone or if you just love the holiday atmosphere, this is a cracking way to boost your Christmas in Lancaster. Oh, and it’s free entry. 

Can’t make this Christmas market? Check out the best Christmas markets in the UK for some inspiration. 

Christmas events at St Thomas’ Church 

Photo: St Thomas Church / Facebook.com 

When: multiple events in December starting from Sunday the 10th 

Where: St Thomas' Church in Lancaster

St Thomas' Church has a few festive activities coming up. Some include the nativity and Jolly Christmas on the 10th, a traditional carol service on the 14th, a nativity and quiet communion on the 17th, altogether communion, crib service, and carols by candlelight on the 24th. 

The crib service on the 24th is a simple service for families, and costumes will be provided unless children want to wear their own costumes. And the carol service on the 14th will be followed by a lunch for older people. Find details on how to book the lunch on the church's website.

Lancaster BID Reindeer Trail

When: now to Monday 1st January 2024

Where: various locations in Lancaster City Centre 

Paper mache reindeer have been hidden around Lancaster in the windows of city centre businesses, can you find them all? Locate 12 reindeer in the city centre and you'll be in with the chance to win a £100 voucher to spend at any St Nics shop! If you can find the lucky 13th reindeer, you could be in with the chance to win another £50! All you need to do is fill in the form with the correct reindeer locations, which you can find in Lancaster businesses. Find more info on the Lancaster BID website. 

Heysham Village Christmas Market

Photo: Heysham Neighbourhood Council / Facebook.com 

When: Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th December 2023 

Where: The Royal Heysham Pub car park in Lancaster 

Heysham Village Christmas Market returns on the 9th and 10th from 12-6pm. Here, you can find local artisan stalls including handmade chocolates, jewellery, art, face painting, upcycled furniture, and more in a heated marquee. At select times, there’ll be alpacas, Thwaites Shire Horses, and Father Christmas. And if the weather’s good, there’ll be live music, too! Check out their Facebook page for more information. 

A Christmas Carol

Photo: The Dukes, Lancaster / Facebook.com

When: now to Sunday 31st December 2023

Where: The Dukes in Lancaster

Kate Ferguson and Susannah Pearse have penned a musical about the iconic story of Ebenezer Scrooge. Grumpy Scrooge goes to bed on Christmas Eve with no love or compassion in his heart. That night, he’s visited by the spirit of an old business partner and is taken on a journey through Yuletide’s past, present and future. A legendary story brought to life with toe-tapping music, the show arrives in time to give you and your family a lovely Christmas in Lancaster.

The BSL-interpreted performance will be on the 1st at 7pm, and an audio-described performance will take place on the 15th at 7pm. 

Family Fiesta Christmas Bonanza!

When: Sunday 10th December 2023

Where: Kanteena in Lancaster

Lancaster’s Kanteena brings a family party to us this Christmas with all sorts going on bringing pure fun to you and your littluns from 1:00pm until 4:00pm. There’ll be a live band and performers, face painting, a Lego station, street food, bars, interactive workshops, a Nerf target station, and more. With plenty to keep those under 5 and over 6 happy (and, of course, the 18+ audience thanks to the bar), this is certainly one of the best Christmas events in Lancaster this year. 

Tickets for Family Fiesta Christmas Bonanza!

There are so many incredible Christmas events in Lancaster this year, but these are some of the very best. If you need some more inspiration, click or tap here to find more Christmas things to do in the area. 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

Header: Tim Mossholder / Unsplash.com