What's On: December 2026

December in LGBTQ+ Blackpool is all sequins and tinsel. Funny Girls is in full Christmas mode, the quarter's bars host party nights and the seafront Christmas village glows along the Promenade. The month also opens with World AIDS Day, a moment to remember and to get tested. For nights that happen every week, see our weekly regulars page.

Big dates

Tuesday 1 December: World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day remembers those lost to AIDS and stands with people living with HIV today. Blackpool's scene lived through the AIDS years, and the town's LGBTQ+ health charity has supported people with HIV for more than two decades. Wear a red ribbon, and if you haven't tested recently, the free fast-track clinic at 102 Dickson Road is open from 5pm to 8pm with one-minute finger-prick HIV tests. Look out for testing and awareness events around the date.

All month: Christmas Sleigh Queens at Funny Girls

Funny Girls' festive revue runs on Mondays and Wednesday to Sunday until Sunday 3 January. Doors open at 7pm, with the show from 8.30pm to 11.30pm. It features holiday classics with a twist, a camp White Christmas, an Elf number and the comic ballet Swine Lake. Standing tickets from £10; seats roughly £17 to £35, with Saturdays the most expensive. Pre-show dinners are available in the art deco restaurant. Strictly 18+. Christmas week dates go quickly.

Wednesday 9 December: Diamonds Showbar UK Tour at Viva

A touring festive drag show at Viva on Church Street, with lip-sync, live vocals and comedy from the Diamond Divas and drag performer Heffa Trott, plus tribute singers as Adele and Pink. Food and drinks are served to your table. Tickets from about £28.50.

Wednesday 9 December: Phoenix Clinic

The monthly sexual health clinic for trans and gender-diverse people runs this evening at Whitegate Health Centre. Book on 0300 1234 154.

All month: Christmas by the Sea

The free festive village on the Promenade by the Comedy Carpet has an ice rink, rides and food and drink cabins, and a shorter run of the Illuminations stays lit for the season. Both run into early January.

Thursday 31 December: New Year's Eve

• New Year's Eve at Funny Girls, from 7pm to 1am. A drag cabaret party with Hollywood musical tributes, high-kicking dance routines in the style of the Rockettes, farce-inspired comedy and a midnight countdown finale in the 1939 art deco theatre. Standing £16; seats from £29.50 to £36. Strictly 18+.
• Across the quarter, the Flying Handbag, Garlands, Kaos and other bars will see in 2027 with late licences. Check each venue's plans and any ticketed entry.
• The Promenade is busy on New Year's Eve, so plan your journey home. The tram runs late and taxi queues can be long.

Christmas around the quarter

• Party nights: many quarter venues host Christmas parties for groups through December. Book tables early.
• Sunday roasts: several quarter venues serve Sunday roasts, including some that take bookings for festive Sundays.
• Christmas opening: hours change over Christmas and New Year, and some venues close on Christmas Day. Always check first.

Community dates

• Tuesdays 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 December: the free fast-track sexual health clinic, 5pm to 8pm, at 102 Dickson Road. Check whether it runs during Christmas week.
• Tuesday 1 and 15 December: Blackpool Allies social, 6pm to 8pm, at the Dickson Road centre.
• Tuesday 8 December: Lancashire Lads, the trans men's group, 6pm to 8pm. The long-running trans support group meets on 8 and 22 December.
• Every Tuesday: Electric Pink Voices choir from 6.30pm at The Old Electric, Springfield Road.
• Wednesday 2 December: Lytham Let Live daytime friendship group in St Annes, 10am to 12 noon.
• Every Sunday: Liberty Church worship at 6.30pm, and a free Wednesday meal from 6.30pm.
• LGBTQ+ swim: the last Thursday of December falls on New Year's Eve, so check the county charity's calendar for any festive change.

If Christmas is hard

The festive season can be lonely or difficult, especially if family isn't accepting. The Lancashire crisis line (0800 953 0110) and Samaritans (116 123) are open every day, including Christmas Day. LGBTQ+ support services usually close for a few days over Christmas, so get in touch before the break if you need help.

Planning ahead

• Slay Another Day, Funny Girls' January show, runs from 8 to 16 January.
• The Whitney Houston Experience comes to Viva on 2 January.
• See our 2027 highlights page for the year ahead.

Times, prices and line-ups can change, so check with the venue before you go.