IT'S beginning to look a lot like Christmas with Blackpool’s biggest ever programme of free festive entertainment opening on Friday November 19.

A Magical Christmas by The Sea is packed with light shows and installations, log cabins, free outdoor skating and Magical Express tram rides to get families out for festive fun.

There will also be a new 3D light projection show for children called “Frost Fairies”.

Feeling peckish? Walk along to the Winter Gardens Wonderland for Bavarian-style market stalls to fill up on food and drink.

Councillor Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said: “We know that many families couldn’t do all that they wanted last Christmas because of the various restrictions and lockdowns. We are determined to make up for that by staging our biggest ever Christmas package of entertainment.”

If you missed out on Blackpool’s popular ‘Ride The Lights event’ at the end of August, there will be a repeat performance on December 5 at 4pm, where you can cycle through a traffic-free promenade beneath the illuminations.

Families can also celebrate the end of 2021 on New Year's Eve at 5pm with a free celebratory firework display in front of Blackpool Tower.

In a bid to get families out for some festive fun, most council car parks will cost £1 for 3 hours from November 17.

Most of the resort’s major attractions will be open with their own festive spin, and there’s a range of pantomimes being staged.

Cllr Williams said: “Much of what we are offering in the Christmas By The Sea village is free to access and we hope that families will come along and enjoy these activities. It has all the makings of a wonderful festive season.”

For full details of Blackpool’s Christmas programme, visit here www.visitblackpool.com/Christmas.