Festive canalside events for 2023

Get into the spirit of the season with wonderful festive events taking place on a canal near you.

Read on for details of our festive boat trips, opportunities to see Santa in his magical grotto, carols by the canal and more. Don't forget, you can find more exciting events in our events calendar.

Festive fun at Anderton Boat Lift

Santa Cruise Christmas 2022 campaign image (Santa, Mrs Claus and elves in front of lift).

Santa Cruise at Anderton

Enjoy a festive boat trip at Anderton Boat Lift, 2-24 December

Woman wearing Christmas themed clothing standing next to Santa holding a cup of tea

Festive breakfast cruise

Breakfast, a boat trip and Santa, 2-24 December

Super sleigh rides at Standedge Tunnel

Our marvellous volunteers have transformed the Standedge trip boat into a magical sleigh. Enjoy a festive boat trip through Standedge Tunnel on 15-16 December. Phone: 03030 404040, or email [email protected] for more details.

National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port

Festive boat trip and Santa's grotto

There's double the fun at National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port, with festive boat trips and a magical grotto for you to enjoy, 2-24 December

Christmas crafts

DIY decorations

Come one, come all to Fradley Junction's Festive Craft Workshop on 16-17 December

See Santa in Gloucester

Visit National Waterways Museum, Gloucester Docks for stories with Santa on Saturdays in December. For more information, phone 01452 915676 or email [email protected]

Santa Splash

Paddle in Wigan

Join us for a free festive paddle on 16 December

Paddle in Rochdale

Join us for a free festive paddle on 17 December

Last Edited: 11 December 2023