IT’S December, which normally means a month filled with festive activities and outings.
However, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, many of these plans and activities have been forced to be changed and altered.
Bolton has also been places under tier 3 restrictions, meaning entertainment venues and attractions must close.
Luckily, there are still some events taking place this month, most of which are online.
This means you can still organise something fun to look forward to during the festive season.
Here are some events from companies near Bolton that you should look out for this month:
Creative Crafters Online
When is it?: Thursday 10th December 8-9pm.
Price: £15 per ticket.
(Facebook/The Creative Station)
If you are a fan of crafting, or want to try making some handmade gifts this year, then this event is perfect for you.
The event is hosted by The Creative Station and would have taken place in Westhoughton.
During this online session, participants will be making Christmas cards and gift tags which you can then give to the special person in your life.
The materials for the event will be delivered directly to your door and the event itself will be conducted over Zoom.
You can get tickets for this event on The Creative Station website.
An interactive festive storytelling experience
When: Friday 18 December, 3pm
Saturday 19 December, 10:30 and 1pm
Cost: £5 per device
If you are looking for activities keep the little ones entertained this December then the Octagon Theatre is the place to look.
They are hosting an interactive online story telling experiences which is recommended for children age 3 to 7.
In this story Santa Claus is been kidnapped and it’s up to your children to journey across the North Pole and save Christmas.
Visit the Octagon Theatre website to book your tickets and find out more information.
Christmas Virtual Hike the Pike
When is it?: Any date in December
Price: Registration packs will cost £8 for adults, or £5 for children and teens. Registration is free for those who already have Santa suits.
Bolton Hospice’s Hike the Pike event is back this month- but with a twist.
Throughout the month of December, participants are asked to take part in a five mile sponsored walk from St George’s Lane to Rivington.
In 2019 the Minshull family took part in our Hike the Pike event for the first time & made a promise together to Hike the Pike again in 2020... and despite the difficult year they are sticking to their promise & helping the hospice! 🎅❤️
— Bolton Hospice (@boltonhospice) November 17, 2020
Sign up too at https://t.co/6B12FjzOjJ pic.twitter.com/PHPmcA977r
(Twitter/Bolton Hospice)
You can choose any date in December to take part and you can choose to do it with your family or bubble.
This year, you have the option to embark on the hike in a Santa or Elf suit; however, you need to pre-order these by the 11th December.
A spokesperson for the Hospice spoke to Bolton News and said: “Hike the Pike is a much loved event here in Bolton & beyond and we are pleased, although it may be different this year, for a ‘virtual’ alternative of the event to be able to go ahead.”
If you want to register for the event, visit https://www.boltonhospice.org.uk/HikeThePike.
Christmas Jumper gin and rum tasting events
When: Gin tasting event-19th December 2020, 8:30-10:30
Rum tasting event- 12th December, 8:30-10:30
Cost: From £27.54
Do you love having a tipple from the comfort of your own home?
Altrincham company, Riddles Bar, is hosting a series of online alcohol tasting events this month.
A tasting expert will take you on a festive journey through the wonderful world of rum and gin.
(Facebook/RiddlesBar)
During the event you learn more about the alcohol and how it was produced.
Best of all, you get to try four premium rums or gins from different distillers- each of the drinks has a festive edge.
Just a fun doesn’t end there at that will also be quizzes at the event.
If you want to attend the event don’t forget your Christmas jumper; book your tickets on Eventbrite.
Gin tasting tickets can be found at this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cosy-christmas-jumper-gin-tasting-online-tickets-128239039419?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Rum tasting tickets can be found at this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/santas-special-rum-tasting-tickets-128117104709?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
A Festive Quiz
When: 17 December, 8pm
Cost: £5 per device
Online quizzes are synonymous with lockdown and there are plenty of great ones being hosted by Bolton companies.
The Octagon Theatre is hosting a festive themed quiz which will be hosted by Shirley Valentine, the star of Mina Anwar.
During this event, you can put your knowledge to the test, challenging friends and family to see who the real Christmas fan is.
Buy your tickets online. Once you have purchased them, you will be sent a link to a Zoom call which will be go on the day.
Will you be attending an online event this year? Let us know in the comments.
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