Meet at Wigan North Western with the group (Young, Gallus, Yona, Sandbar, Ocellus, Smolder, Silverstream, Thorax, Ember, Grandpa Gruff, Rutherford) and double-check tickets and luggage; grab coffee and breakfast pastries from The Station Café before boarding.
Board the train to Blackpool (direct service toward Blackpool North); pick adjacent seats so the group can sit together and stow coats and small gifts for the Christmas event.
Enjoy the scenic train ride: chat, play light travel games, and watch the countryside pass; coordinate arrival plan and walking route from Blackpool North to the guesthouse named 'Eric Hotel' opposite Blackpool Tower.
Arrive at Blackpool North; follow the group through the station, exit toward the promenade and head past the Empress Ballroom, taking photos of the Tower as you walk toward the hotel area.
Short walk to Eric Hotel (guesthouse) for early check-in request; if rooms aren’t ready, leave luggage in secure storage and head out for a warming drink nearby at Café Rouge on the Promenade.
Stroll the immediate seafront opposite Blackpool Tower to soak in the festive decorations; take a group photo on the Tower promenade and point out where the Christmas by the Sea village is located.
Head toward the Christmas by the Sea village entrance; purchase wristbands/tickets and pick up a map of stalls and rides including GTA Dodgems, Dragon Nest (mini Starflyer), and the Flying Balloon ride.
Start at the stalls: sample warm mince pies, churros, and hot chocolate from Merry Munch stall while browsing handcrafted gifts and ornaments at Holly & Pine Crafts.
Ride GTA Dodgems together — enjoy the fun of bumper cars with the group, letting the more playful members (Gallus, Smolder) lead the charge.
Walk over to Dragon Nest (mini Starflyer) for a gentle but breezy spin; capture panoramic seaside views and festive lights from the ride and keep an eye on the younger group members like Yona.
Lunch at The Promenade Café (sea-facing) — order fish and chips, seasonal casseroles or the house turkey roll; Grandpa Gruff and Ember might appreciate a quieter table near the window.
After lunch, enjoy the Flying Balloon ride for a slow, elevated tour of the village; use this time to plan afternoon activities and decide on the event seating for the evening.
Wander through the artisan market section, stopping at Seaspray Sweets for candy canes and Rutherford to pick a miniature model of the Blackpool Tower as a souvenir.
Find a cozy bench near the event back area and sit together to rest; let the kids (Young, Yona) run a short play while adults (Eric hotel contact included) confirm check-in status.
Return to Eric Hotel for check-in if rooms are now available; settle into rooms, freshen up, and leave any large purchases behind before heading back out.
Take a relaxed walk along the illuminated promenade toward the Tower; stop at Madame Tussauds Blackpool or the Blackpool Tower Circus entrance if anyone wants a quick look (advance tickets recommended).
Head back to the Christmas by the Sea village as evening lights come on; pick a spot to sit on the back of the event area (as planned) to watch rides, live street performers, and the festive parade.
Enjoy an early dinner at The Blackpool Tower Ballroom Café Bar or a nearby tavern — choose from roast beef, vegetarian pie, or festive platters; reserve seating if possible for the group.
Watch the evening entertainment in the village: carol singers, light displays, and short shows that run near the main stage; keep younger guests cozy with hot chocolate from the Cocoa Corner stall.
Take one final stroll along the lit seafront, stopping for souvenirs or a warming scoop of mulled wine or cider (for adults) from Frost & Fizz stall while sharing highlights from the day.
Return to Eric Hotel together; help children get ready for bed and set alarms for the next day's schedule. Leave coats and plans by the door for an easy morning departure to the village.
Wind down in the hotel lounge or private room: review day two's plan (Rides, Stalls and Seaside Stroll), charge devices, and check train and local event timings for tomorrow.
Lights out or quiet time in rooms — rest up for a full day at the Christmas by the Sea village tomorrow.
Breakfast together at the Eric Hotel breakfast room — choose a full English, porridge, or pastries and confirm today’s meeting point and wristband locations before heading out.
Short walk to the Promenade and gather by the Blackpool Tower entrance; take a quick family photo with the Tower behind you and decide which rides to hit first so the littlest ones (Yona, Young) are rested.
Enter Christmas by the Sea village as stalls open; pick up a printed events leaflet and map at the main information stall and mark showtimes for the Mini Starflyer (Dragon Nest) and the evening parade.
Start with a gentle ride on the Dragon Nest (mini Starflyer) so everyone gets a view of the sea and festive lights; take turns with younger riders while grandparents and Rutherford watch from the viewing platform.
Browse the artisan stalls at Holly & Pine Crafts and Seaspray Sweets — pick up handmade baubles, a candy-cane bouquet for the kids, and a souvenir Blackpool Tower model for Rutherford.
Stop for a warming mid-morning treat at Merry Munch stall — hot chocolate with marshmallows for the kids and mulled apple for adults; use this break to plan the midday bumper car session.
Queue for GTA Dodgems and enjoy an energetic round of bumper cars; let Gallus and Smolder take the lead on playful driving while everyone laughs and competes for gentle bumps.
After Dodgems, take a leisurely walk along the promenade toward the Flying Balloon ride; stop for photos of the Tower and the sea, and make sure younger guests have snacks and water.
Take the Flying Balloon ride for a calm, elevated view of the village and coastline — use the aerial perspective to spot stalls you want to return to this afternoon.
Lunch at The Promenade Café (sea-facing) — share fish and chips, the turkey roll special, and a seasonal vegetable pie while Grandpa Gruff and Ember relax by the window.
Wander back into the market area and visit Frost & Fizz for a sample of spiced cider; browse the vintage toy stall and let Rutherford choose a small keepsake.
Enjoy some free time for carousel rides, arcade games, or Madame Tussauds quick visit for anyone wanting an indoor break; coordinate a 3:00 PM meet-up at the Cocoa Corner stall.
Regroup at Cocoa Corner for hot chocolates and mince pies, then take seats on the designated back-of-event area to watch street performers and the afternoon puppet show.
Join a family-friendly craft workshop at Holly & Pine Crafts to decorate tree ornaments or make seasonal postcards — a calm activity for Yona and Young while adults chat with the stallholders.
Take a slow stroll toward the Blackpool Tower Circus entrance and the Empress Ballroom area; pause to check Eric Hotel for any messages or to drop off purchases if needed.
Return to the event to secure a good spot on the back-of-event seating for the evening light parade and carol performance; grab warming snacks from Seaspray Sweets while you wait.
Watch the evening entertainment — carol singers, children’s choir and the lights switch-on near the main stage; keep the younger children cosy with blankets and hot chocolate.
Dinner at The Blackpool Tower Ballroom Café Bar or a nearby tavern — enjoy roast beef or a festive vegetarian platter and share highlights from the day while seated near the window.
After dinner, wander the illuminated village one more time and ride the Dragon Nest or Flying Balloon again for a nighttime view; take group photos beneath the sparkling decorations.
Catch the final evening show or short parade at the main stage and then stop by the Frost & Fizz stall for a warm drink for adults and a final sweet treat for the kids.
Walk back along the lit promenade to Eric Hotel, chatting about purchases and favourite moments; help the children get ready for bed and set out clothes for a relaxed tomorrow.
Wind down in the hotel lounge — review tomorrow’s relaxed seafront plan, check train times if needed, and charge phones and cameras for any last-minute photos.
Lights out or quiet time in rooms — rest after a full festive day and prepare for a leisurely Day 3 of arcades and seaside strolling.
Breakfast together in the Eric Hotel dining room — choose from full English, porridge or pastries while you confirm the day's easy pace and designate meeting points for any split groups (arcades vs. seafront walkers).
Short, fresh morning stroll along the Promenade toward the South Pier, stopping to take photos of Blackpool Tower from a different angle and letting Young and Yona watch the early seafront activity.
Visit the South Pier arcade for classic seaside amusements — let Gallus and Smolder try the 2p pushers while Rutherford and Grandpa Gruff browse the vintage arcade cabinets and prize stalls.
Cross to the Central Pier area and pop into the indoor amusements and Penny Falls arcade for more light play; pick up a bag of chips or a sweet treat from a seaside vendor for a quick snack.
Head back toward the Promenade Café for mid-morning coffees and hot chocolates at an outdoor table, watching the waves and planning a relaxed lunch; Ember and Silverstream can rest here while kids play nearby.
Leisurely walk to the King Edward VII Memorial and the Winter Gardens area; those wanting an indoor break can pop into Madame Tussauds Blackpool or the SEA LIFE Centre (pre-booked tickets recommended).
Lunch at The Promenade Café or The Sandcastle Bistro — order fish and chips, a warming seafood chowder, or the seasonal turkey roll; choose a sea-facing table so everyone can enjoy the view.
After lunch, a relaxed seaside amble toward the Christmas by the Sea village for last-minute shopping: visit Holly & Pine Crafts for ornaments and Seaspray Sweets for candy canes and fudge for the journey home.
Free time split option: parents and grandparents can enjoy a quieter coffee at Frost & Fizz while the energetic group members (Gallus, Smolder, Young) return to the arcades or try the Dragon Nest mini Starflyer for one more spin.
Meet back at the Cocoa Corner stall for warm drinks and a short rest on benches near the event back area; use this moment to gather purchases and check everyone’s belongings ahead of the evening.
Take a coastal walk toward the West Beach, letting the younger ones chase seagulls and collect small shells while Grandpa Gruff and Rutherford enjoy the sea air and gentle conversation.
Return to the Eric Hotel to freshen up and drop off any heavy shopping; give everyone 30-45 minutes to rest or nap so the evening is comfortable for the little ones.
Head back out for an early evening treat: stop at Seaspray Sweets for hot waffles or churros and then make your way to a good vantage point opposite Blackpool Tower to watch the sunset and lights coming on.
Casual dinner at The Blackpool Tower Ballroom Café Bar or The Globe on the Promenade — enjoy seasonal plates like roast beef, vegetable wellington or seafood chowder and chat about favourite moments so far.
Return to the Christmas by the Sea village for the evening atmosphere: ride the Flying Balloon one last time for a twilight aerial view, or find a cosy spot on the back-of-event seating to watch performers and lights.
Join an evening craft or singalong if available at Holly & Pine Crafts or gather for carols near the main stage; keep Yona and Young warm with blankets and hot chocolate from Cocoa Corner.
Take a final lit-promenade walk, stopping at Frost & Fizz for mulled cider (adults) and a sweet for the kids, and pick up any last souvenirs from the artisan stalls before heading back to the hotel.
Back at the Eric Hotel: help children get ready for bed, stow packed souvenirs and set out clothes and bags for an easy departure the next morning to Blackpool North station for the return to Wigan.
Wind down in the hotel lounge or rooms — review Day 4’s checklist (check-out time, train tickets, luggage), charge devices and share a quiet cup of tea or cocoa to close the day.
Lights out or quiet time — rest up for the return journey tomorrow, with everyone packed and ready for a relaxed check-out.
Wake-up call and gentle packing in rooms at Eric Hotel; adults finish suitcases, ensure souvenirs (Rutherford’s Tower model, Holly & Pine ornaments, Seaspray Sweets treats) are secure and children’s items are gathered.
Breakfast together in the Eric Hotel dining room — order a final full English, porridge, or pastries and confirm everyone has train tickets and a plan to meet at Blackpool North station.
Quick walk along the Promenade toward the Tower for one last group photo beneath Blackpool Tower and a final look at the Christmas by the Sea village from across the road.
Return to Eric Hotel for check-out: settle the bill at reception, collect any stored luggage, and ask the front desk (Eric) to call a taxi if anyone needs help with heavy bags to the station.
Short stroll to Blackpool North station with the group — keep younger children close and pass by the Empress Ballroom on the way for one last glance at the lights and decorations.
Arrive at Blackpool North and locate the waiting area or coffee kiosk for a warming drink; confirm seating plans on the train back to Wigan North Western and stow hand luggage in the carriage.
Board the train to Wigan North Western; help children settle in window seats so they can watch the coastline fade and reminisce about favourite rides like Dragon Nest and GTA Dodgems.
Train departs — enjoy a relaxed journey home: share the day’s highlights, nibble on Seaspray Sweets treats and sandwiches from The Promenade Café, and let younger guests nap if needed.
Carriage games and photo-sharing: show each other pictures taken beneath the Tower and on the Flying Balloon, and discuss swapping contact details or planning a future meet-up.
Prepare for arrival by gathering coats, hats, and all personal items; check that souvenirs and any leftover snacks are packed and that luggage is ready for disembarkation.
Arrive at Wigan North Western; help children and grandparents off the train first, collect all bags from the luggage racks and platform, and choose a meeting point outside the station for onward travel.
Brief farewell at the station — exchange thanks and small gifts if planned, confirm any shared onward transport or carpool arrangements, and remind everyone to rest after the trip.
If travelling together by car or local transit, head home; otherwise, assist Grandpa Gruff, Rutherford or others in finding taxis or bus connections from Wigan North Western to their final destinations.
Unpack and unwind at home — set out Christmas ornaments purchased at Holly & Pine Crafts, taste-test Seaspray Sweets goodies, and share favourite photos from Blackpool in a group chat or album.
Optional: short family debrief over tea where everyone names their top three moments from Christmas by the Sea — note any keep-in-touch plans and tuck away tickets or maps as mementos.