Alvin M. Keeling 
It’s Christmas break and kids across the region will be buzzing with excitement as they wait for Santa to bring their toys.
With more than a week before their school holidays, parents will be eager to enhance their days with many festive activities in the hope of entertaining their little ones.
This is especially important for the lull between Christmas and New Years, when time doesn’t make sense and boredom sets in.
Here is a list of the festive events taking place in Lancashire by the start of the January quarter:
1. Head for a pantomime
A pantomime trip is a great way to get into the festive spirit – or just kill time while on vacation.
Fortunately, there are a lot of pantos going on in Lancashire this semester.
Strictly Come Dancing star Katya Jones currently stars as the Evil Queen at King George’s Hall in Blackburn.
If you want to see her on stage, ticket prices range from £ 11 to £ 19 and some are still available via bwdvenues.com.
2. Visit the cave of Santa Claus
As we are still in the midst of a pandemic, some organizations have decided to have ‘Christmas cave’ events this year, where you can enjoy hours of festive fun but may need to see Santa Claus while staying at a social distance.
There is still time to visit a cave before the big day, including one at Darwen Market which takes place on December 24.
You can find out more on Darwen Market’s Facebook page.
This winter, Blackpool’s Tower Festival Headland has been transformed into a breathtaking party village with an outdoor ice rink, mock snowfall, log cabins, a magical forest, larger-than-life light installations, projection shows festive light and Santa Claus tram rides on the Golden Mile.
Wrap yourself up in the warmth, grab a tasty treat or gift from the charming cabins and spend an evening discovering what is on offer.
Most events run until January 3. To find out more, browse the Visit the Blackpool website.
4. Christmas markets
This year, even small towns host Christmas markets, many of which will run until the New Years.
Rawtenstall’s Firepit Restaurant is behind a Christmas market event that the owners describe as a ‘month-long Christmas tent party’.
It will run until the New Year, culminating with a big end-of-year party.
Three giant tipi tents are currently being erected outside their building on Station House Road.
Eager to support local commerce, independent vendors will also be invited to the market so that customers can browse their selection of products and accompany them in their Christmas shopping.
If that wasn’t enough, the Firepit Christmas Markets have a grand finale scheduled for New Years Eve.
5. Christmas activities at the Brockholes nature reserve
Many festive events take place in the Brockholes Nature Reserve in Preston.
These events are ideal for the young wildlife lovers in your life because they are educational.
Join the team for winter trails where you try to spot animals that can only be spotted in winter.
Ice Quest
Price: £ 4 a pack
Dates: different dates between December 23 and January 7.
The description of the event reads: “Come join us on a winter trail around Brockholes.
“You will need your thinking skills to know where the clues take you.
“Collect the secret code as you complete the quest – do it correctly to unlock the safe at the end and win a prize as well as a hot chocolate from our fantastic cafe.
“Pre-booking recommended. Suitable for the whole family to enjoy together.
Christmas Xplorer Challenge
Price: £ 3.50 / pack of online cards, £ 4.00 per day
Dates: December 23 – January 3
The description of the event reads: “Explore Brockholes, find the markers, take the challenge and have fun together!”
“Presented in partnership with British Orienteering, Xplorer is the perfect outdoor activity to bring the whole family together in the great outdoors.
“There are certificates for those who complete the challenge with a warming hot chocolate! ”
6. The Blackpool Illuminations
The Blackpool illuminations have been extended until January 2022.
There are six miles of traditional festoons and paintings along the Promenade – no wonder it’s commonly known as the largest free light show on Earth.
Blackpool spreads a bit of seasonal spirit across the city as hundreds of icicles light up the streets. Winter blue lights are displayed on Bank Hey Street, Victoria Street, Church Street, Clifton Street and Abingdon Street.
The new festive display, designed by the Blackpool Illuminations team, was launched to coincide with the reopening of non-essential retail businesses on December 2 as part of a joint program funded by Blackpool Council and the Town Center BID .
Stop to see the gigantic 40-foot Christmas tree towering high in Place Saint-Jean, beaming with sparkling white and blue lights. There’s also a second tree set up in the heart of Bickerstaffe Square, so if you’re shopping for Christmas food at Sainsbury’s or heading to Blackpool North Station be sure to take a look.
This year, Blackpool Illuminations will shine from September 3 to January 3, 2022.
