Some of Blackpool’s most popular festive events are back this year and promise to be bigger and better than ever.

With ice skating, Santa's grotto and fireworks there's something for everyone this Christmas and New Year.

The events will be free to visit and have benefitted from a £1 million investment from the council to rejuvenate the tourism industry.

After the festivities were not able to go ahead last year due to the pandemic, this year will bring all the Christmassy feels to the seaside resort.

Lancashire Telegraph: Christmas By The Sea will bring a whole host of festive events to Blackpool this year (Visit Blackpool)Christmas By The Sea will bring a whole host of festive events to Blackpool this year (Visit Blackpool)

A VisitBlackpool spokesperson said: “We are delighted to be able to announce two more events to add to what is already a fantastic programme of entertainment over the winter period.

“The run-up to Christmas last year was an extremely difficult and challenging one for so many families due to COVID restrictions and lockdowns.

“This year, we wanted to create two occasions when people can come together and celebrate.”

What’s on in Blackpool this winter?

Ride The Christmas Lights

The Ride The Lights event usually takes place at the end of August ahead of the Illuminations Switch-On, but a repeat performance is being shown on Sunday December 5 to mark to beginning of the Christmas countdown.

It gives cyclists of all ages the chance to ride along the promenade traffic-free and view the famous Illuminations.

When: Sunday December 5: 4pm – 8pm

Where: Blackpool Promenade

Price: Free

Ice Skating Rink

Blackpool’s first ever outdoor ice skating rink is coming to Blackpool in November 2021.

The rink spans 40 metres in length and is the centrepiece to the town’s winter wonderland.

Each session lasts 40 minutes with 20 minutes to change your skates on either side.

Is skating not for you? Cosy up in the log cabins with a hot chocolate or mulled wine and soak in the atmosphere.

When: November 19 – January 3, check exact times here.

Where: Blackpool seafront

Price: Free

Winter Wonderland

These Bavarian-style Christmas markets will include something from all the family, with funfair rides, log cabins and a Santa’s Grotto.

Grab a warm cookie dough or festive mulled wine and all with the amazing backdrop of the illuminations and Blackpool Tower.

When: November 26 2021 – January 2 2022, 11am – 8.30pm Mon-Fri and 11am-5pm Sun

Where: Winter Gardens Blackpool

Price: Free

New Year’s Eve fireworks display

Lancashire Telegraph: Blackpool New Year's Eve display (Gregg Wolstenholme/Visit Blackpool)Blackpool New Year's Eve display (Gregg Wolstenholme/Visit Blackpool)

The fireworks will be launched from 5pm on December 31 on Blackpool’s beach.

It is sure to create an amazing end to the year and start 2022 off with a bang.

When: December 31 from 5pm

Where: Blackpool beach, in front of the tower

Price: Free