Meet at the Wigan coach pick-up point bright and early for a cosy departure; load Percy and Max into their travel blankets and settle into window seats so they can watch the winter countryside roll by. On the way, the coach will pause at a service stop where you can stretch, grab a hot drink and pick up last-minute dog treats and a map of the village events so you’re ready for arrival.
Arrive at Equestria Christmas by the Sea Village just after midday and step off into the transformed seafront — start with a relaxed walk along the Promenade to take in the new rides (including the Merry Mare Carousel and Tidal Sleigh Coaster) and festive stalls outside the playground area. Check in to the coach’s designated drop-off zone, secure a spot near the Welcome Arch, then find a shaded bench while Percy and Max sniff the salty air before exploring the dog-friendly green space beside the festival’s Artisan Food Row.
As dusk falls, wander through the village square to see the first lighting of the Seafront Tree and the lantern-lit pathway leading to the playground-turned-winter-hamlet, where twinkling stalls offer mulled cider and warm mince pies. Reward the pups with a seaside stroll along the illuminated boardwalk, end the evening watching the short opening light show near the Harbour Stage, and return to the coach area with plenty of photos and plans for tomorrow’s rides and market exploration.
Start the day with a leisurely breakfast on the Promenade near Artisan Food Row, then head straight to the Merry Mare Carousel so Percy and Max can people-watch while you ride — the carousel’s horse-shaped benches and gentle music set a cheerful tone. After a couple of spins, stroll over to the Tidal Sleigh Coaster queue to admire the ride’s seaside theming and let the dogs relax in the shady dog-friendly lawn beside the playground-turned-hamlet.
After lunch at the Salt & Spice stall (try the warm crab rolls and a dog-friendly biscuit from the vendor), explore the new Seafarer’s Ferris Wheel for panoramic views of the village and the winter sea, then wander through the Festive Crafts Lane to browse handmade ornaments and pick up a keepsake for Percy and Max. Take a slower loop along the boardwalk to the Harbour Stage where a family performance of seasonal songs plays, giving the pups time to sniff and nap while you enjoy the show.
As dusk settles, return to the playground-turned-winter-hamlet to sample mulled cider at the Lantern Stall and watch the mini light parade that passes the Welcome Arch, creating a magical backdrop for photos with Percy and Max. End the evening with a calm seaside walk beneath the illuminated Seafront Tree before settling near the coach drop-off zone — planning tomorrow’s market route and dog-friendly stops as the village glows behind you.
Wake to the scent of cinnamon and sea air and head straight to the Market Promenade for the opening bell — browse the Artisan Food Row and pick up warm gingerbread from the Pier Patisserie while Percy and Max enjoy greetings from the dog-friendly vendor stalls. Wander through Craft Cottage Alley where local makers sell hand-painted baubles and matching dog bandanas, then settle on a bench by the Salt Marsh Lawn for a slow cuppa and a biscuit for the pups as the market wakes up.
After a light lunch at the Fishmonger’s Hearth stall (try the spiced chowder and ask for a small seaside biscuit for the dogs), follow the Promenade toward the Seafarer’s Market arcade to sample hot chestnuts and homemade fudge while Percy and Max investigate the scent-filled stalls in the canine chill zone. Pop into the Keepsake Kiosk to choose a personalised ornament celebrating the trip, then take a gentle loop to the Harbour Stage where a craft demonstration lets you sit and relax as the dogs rest under the heated gazebo.
As evening falls, meander along the illuminated boardwalk to the Lantern Stall for a steaming cup of mulled apple and a final treat for Percy and Max, then join the community singalong near the Welcome Arch for a festive send-off photo with the pups. Finish with a peaceful, lamp-lit stroll along the dog-friendly promenade past the twinkling Playground Hamlet before returning to the coach area to plan tomorrow’s twilight lights and playground visit.
Wake to the gentle sounds of the sea and head straight to the playground-turned-winter-hamlet where Percy and Max can scamper across the dog-friendly green while you browse the Gingerbread Gazebo and meet local makers at the Craft Cart near the Lantern Stall. Stop for a warming hot chocolate at the Hearth Wagon and take a few candid photos beneath the ribboned climbing frames now dressed as candy-cane arches before a relaxed break on the Salt Marsh Lawn.
After lunch at the Salt & Spice pop-up, return to the transformed playground to try the Tiny Tides play trail — a gentle, family-friendly route lined with twinkling net lights and story plaques that pair perfectly with a slow seaside walk for the dogs along the boardwalk. Pause at the Keepsake Kiosk to pick up a small ornament commemorating the day, then find a shady bench by the Harbour Stage where a puppet show and carol rehearsal let Percy and Max rest as you enjoy the performance.
As dusk falls, grab mulled cider from the Lantern Stall and join the twilight procession that snakes from the Welcome Arch through the playground-hamlet to the Seafront Tree, providing a brilliant backdrop for golden-hour photos with Percy and Max. End the night on the illuminated boardwalk watching the Harbour Stage’s light spectacle and the final mini firework burst over the sea before returning to the coach drop-off zone with warm memories and sleepy pups.
Pack up leisurely after breakfast on the Promenade, then take one last wander through Festive Crafts Lane and the Artisan Food Row to pick up any final souvenirs — stop by the Keepsake Kiosk for a personalised ornament commemorating the trip. Let Percy and Max stretch their legs on the Salt Marsh Lawn and pose for a few goodbye photos beneath the Seafront Tree while you enjoy a final warm gingerbread from the Pier Patisserie.
Before boarding, savour a relaxed lunch at the Salt & Spice stall where you can share a small dog-friendly treat with Percy and Max, then stroll the boardwalk once more to revisit the Merry Mare Carousel and the Tiny Tides play trail for one last scenic look at the playground-turned-hamlet. Return to the coach drop-off zone with time to wander the Harbour Stage area for a final group picture as the village’s lights begin their gentle afternoon glow.
Settle into your seats for the coach journey back to Wigan as dusk deepens, watching the seaside lights fade while Percy and Max curl up on their travel blankets; pop open the personalised ornament and reminisce about the mini light parade and lantern procession. Pause at the service stop en route for a final stretch and hot drink, then arrive in Wigan with plenty of photos and cosy memories of the Equestria Christmas by the Sea Village to cherish until your next festive adventure.