Blackpool is preparing to launch a magnificent programme of Christmas entertainment – with a sprinkling of Strictly stardust!

Professional dancers from the BBC show will officially open this year’s Christmas By The Sea village on Friday 21 November at 5.30– the eve of the much-anticipated return of Strictly Come Dancing to the world-famous Tower Ballroom.

The opening event will feature performances from Scream Theatre School. Talented youngsters from across the Fylde Coast will entertain the crowds with a lively mix of musical theatre and festive medleys, bringing a taste of holiday magic to Blackpool’s Promenade.

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.

Now a firm favourite in Blackpool’s events programme, Christmas By The Sea will feature a free-to-use skating rink, festive light installations, themed log cabins with food, drink and gifts and magical snowfalls.

It will also see a variety of themed children’s attractions, exciting thrill rides including a 100ft-long snow slide, and an aerial swing ride, the Star Flyer. This year will also see the return of a German Swing Grill, Snow Dome Waltzers, a Helter-Skelter slide and Ice Breaker thrill ride. New to the site this year will be a Christmas themed Fun House, set over three floors this new attraction will feature spinning barrels and discs, shuffle boards and special lighting effects.

Christmas By The Sea will be complemented by a full Illuminations display along the seafront until January 4 2026.

The village will open every day between noon and 9pm until 4 January 2026 (barring Christmas Day).