New way to experience Blackpool illumination launched for festive season

There’s a new way to experience Blackpool’s famous Illuminations this winter, with the launch of a special evening tram tour, combining an onboard host with food and even a glass of fizz. 

For 147 years, the Blackpool Illuminations have captivated residents and visitors, with millions flocking to the seaside town to catch a glimpse of the six-mile stretch of lights and tableaux. 

Now, two Blackpool hotels are offering a different way to experience the Illuminations, as it launches a unique tram tour, taking place on Wednesday December 30. 

The experience will offer its guests a tram journey through the town’s infamous lights, hosted by a live tour guide who will provide commentary on the Illuminations background and rich heritage. 

And to complement the guided tour, guests onboard can expect a selection of canapés served to their seats and two glasses of a soft drink or prosecco, to kickstart any early New Year celebrations.  

The 90-minute tour will run aboard one of Blackpool’s newly refreshed trams, which was given a makeover this autumn to feature a green and cream livery as a nod to the colours worn by the town’s trams in the 1950s. 

The experience is available for guests staying at either the Boulevard or Big Blue Hotel, and can be added to reservations made for overnight stays on December 30.  

Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of the Big Blue and Boulevard hotel said: “Each year, millions of people see the illuminations, but never in a setting quite like this. With a host, food and drink, this tour is designed to give guests the best viewing experience of our town’s wonderful Illuminations.

“As 2026 draws to a close, it’s important to end the year with a final treat, and what better way to do it than by traveling down our iconic Golden Mile, glass in hand listening to the fantastic stories of the Illuminations.”

The tour is to depart from the Burlington Road West tram stop at 7pm, located opposite each hotel. 

Those staying at the Big Blue and Boulevard, winner of Northern Europe’s Best Luxury Hotel in 2023 and 2024, will also receive rooms boasting views of either the Blackpool seafront or the Pleasure Beach’s rides and rollercoasters.  

Tickets for the Illumination tram tour cost £25 for an adult or £20 for children, and can be added when booking a stay at either hotel on December 30. 

To book a room and secure a place on the tour, visit the Boulevard Hotel at https://reservations.boulevardhotel.co.uk/book, or for the Big Blue visit: https://bigbluehotel.ihotelier.com/book