Late night shopping and parking offers: All you need to know about Christmas in Blackpool

The next few weeks will be vital for many of Blackpool's local businesses after what has been a devastating year for high street traders.

That's why it's more important than ever that we all do our bit to shop local and support the city's economy as we head towards the end of 2020.

With reduced parking fees and late night openings, here's all the info you'll need to make your Christmas shopping go smoothly.

The Hounds Hill Shopping Centre is open from 9am to 5:30pm Monday to Saturday and 10:30am to 4:30pm on Sunday.

Late night shopping is available on Thursdays, when the centre will open until 8pm, and until 5pm on Christmas Eve.

As an added bonus, there'll be free parking from 5pm until 8pm this Thursday 17th December.

Houndshill Shopping Centre is home to over 60 stores, including Debenhams, New Look, Footasylum, Jack Jones and River Island.

There’s also the Disney Store and Build-a-Bear Workshop too.

Santa is also coming to Houndshill Shopping Centre for a socially-distanced Santa’s Grotto every Saturday and Sunday in the run up to Christmas

The little ones will have chance to meet the main man on 19-20 December.

Opening hours are 10.30am till 4pm and the grotto is donation only, with all proceeds going to Houndshill's charity of the year, The Boathouse Youth.

The Grotto closes at 4pm on 20 December

Elsewhere in Blackpool you will be able to park for just £1 for any three-hour period in the majority of Council-owned car parks.

The £1 parking offer, which is being funded by Blackpool Council and the Town Centre BID, will start from December 2, running throughout the festive season until January 3 inclusive.

You must download the PayByPhone app or the PayByPhone telephone line to claim the offer.

Shoppers can take advantage of the range of independent shops dotted around the town centre, take their little ones to meet Santa, check off their Christmas list and grab some food and drink to takeaway in a range of eateries across the town.

The £1 parking offer excludes Talbot multi-storey, Tower Street and Filey Place. The offer also excludes on-street parking.

It is thanks to our loyal readers that we can continue to provide the trusted news, analysis and insight that matters to you. For unlimited access to our unrivalled local reporting, you can take out a subscription here and help support the work of our dedicated team of reporters.