Bootle is set to shine this festive season, with a packed programme of Christmas events bringing magic, music and community spirit to the town. From live performances and creative workshops to enchanting grotto experiences, there’s plenty for families and residents to enjoy.
The celebrations begin on Saturday 15 November, when Bootle Strand hosts a Christmas extravaganza from 12pm to 5pm in the Lower Mall. Visitors can expect mini pantomimes, a performance from Attitude Dance, and even a K-Pop artist on stage. Younger guests can enjoy inflatables, a pop-up grotto, a snow globe, and meet festive characters throughout the day.
There’ll also be plenty of hands-on fun, with Christmas crafts for children including decoration-making, creating reindeer dust, and writing letters to Santa with Mrs Claus. A small selection of stalls, free hot chocolate, and festive games will help get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
Adding a touch of theatre to the season, In Another Place presents a brand-new immersive experience, The Secret at Christmas, running on Saturday 22 and 29 November. Families will join a quirky scientist on a 45-minute interactive adventure to uncover the true meaning of Christmas. Taking place in The Castle next to TJ Hughes in the Strand Shopping Centre, the experience is suitable for all ages and includes quiet performances and accessibility features.
Throughout December, visitors can return to The Castle, above the post office, for In Another Place’s Bootle Strand Grotto, where Tin Soldiers and Elves are busy preparing for Santa’s arrival in a full festive experience.
On Saturday 13 December, The Gateway Collective, in partnership with St Matthew’s Church, will host a heartwarming event themed around ‘Campfire Carols’. Families can gather for festive singing, enjoy s’mores, hot chocolate and sparklers, and relax in the cosy community atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Kingsley & Co, now based on Stanley Road, invites families to step into a world of festive imagination. Throughout the season, the creative space will host a series of Christmas-themed design and craft workshops, alongside a magical ‘Breakfast with the Snow Queen’ every Saturday morning from 22 November to 20 December.
Rounding off the festivities, Community By Nature will bring Christmas magic to Queens Road Community Centrewith two special events on Wednesday 10 December (6pm–8pm) and Thursday 18 December (5.30pm–7.30pm). Families can visit Santa in his woodland grotto and enjoy an enchanting evening of seasonal fun.
With so many festive activities to explore, Bootle is set to be brimming with Christmas cheer for all to enjoy.
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Skills and Employment said:
“Although the major works going on at The Strand mean we won’t be able to put up a traditional tree this year, we are more than making up for that with this bumper programme of fantastic Christmas events.
“These exciting activities will help fill the town with festive spirit and provide wonderful opportunities for everyone to come together and celebrate.”
Please visit organisations websites for more information, some events may need to be prebooked.
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