It’s finally Christmas time! The decorations are everywhere, the festive music is blasting from every radio, and the shops are filled with plenty of Christmas treats. It’s impossible to walk through Lancaster in the evening and not get into the festive spirit.
At CityBlock, we’re thrilled to call Lancaster our home all year round (as are our many residents), but during this time of year, the city has a special air of magical charm. With events, markets, and festivities around every corner, it gives us the opportunity to share the joy of Christmas, integrate, and celebrate together.
We want students to have the best experiences when staying with CityBlock, especially those who aren’t travelling home during the festive period. That’s why, in today’s article, we’ll show you a fun way to spend this magical time in Lancaster.
Exploring Lancaster’s Christmas Market
We’ll start with one of the classics – a Christmas market, because who doesn’t love them?
This year, our residents who have re-booked their student accommodation in Lancaster will be pleased to know the award-winning Christmas markets return to Dalton Square for the 2023 season. Known for its outstanding stalls and Giant Tipi Bar, it’s a must-visit for students looking to embrace the festive season in all its glory. A main highlight is the internationally acclaimed ‘Lancaster on Ice,’ featuring a sprawling 800m real ice rink for those with steady balance! This unmissable wintertime event also includes a giant Ferris Wheel, giving breathtaking views of your home away from home.
Festive Indoor Celebrations in Lancaster
If you’re not up for braving the cold, there are also plenty of events to attend that don’t require you to stay outside in the Lancastrian weather! Let’s look closer at some of the events taking place indoors this December.
The Mayor’s Christmas Carols Concert
Taking place at Lancaster Town Hall, the Mayor’s Christmas Carol Concert will let you feel the magic of Christmas carols, all while supporting a fantastic local cause: St John’s Hospice. With an entry fee of £10, you get to enjoy a beautiful concert while donating to a charity that deserves every penny.
Christmas Plays
If you’re a fan of the theatre, it’s worth checking out this season’s plays at Lancaster Grand Theatre. From Sleeping Beauty (a classic panto) to Rapunzel (an adults-only panto!), you can expect to find something to watch this Christmas. But be quick; some of the shows are already sold out, so make sure to book it in advance!
A Christmas Carol Musical
A Christmas Carol is a must-see, classic Christmas story that takes place in Victorian England, so what better setting to watch it than the historic city of Lancaster? You’ll have a chance to see the performance until the end of December at The Dukes Theatre. What’s more? This is only a few minutes’ walk from our central student flats in Lancaster, meaning if you wrap up warm, you can make it before the show starts in no time.
Christmas Shopping Made Easy
When it comes to shopping, Christmas is always the busiest time of the year as everyone’s rushing to get all the presents ready before the 25th. Being a student, we understand it can be difficult to manage your time, especially if you have assignments throughout the month. So, if you’re thinking “How do I manage shopping and the exams month?” we’ve got some good news for you!
During the festive season, one of the most popular places for shopping in Lancaster, Marketgate Shopping Centre, has extended opening hours. Even though it normally closes at 5:30pm, on selected days before Christmas, it’s open until 9pm. And, for those last-minute buys, it opens from 10:30am – 4:30pm on Christmas Eve, meaning that all the busy bees will be able to do the necessary shopping before the big day.
Creating a Warm Christmas Atmosphere in Your CityBlock Accommodation
If, for the Christmas season, you’re staying in our Lancaster student apartments, it’s important to make the best of your situation and get into the festive spirit! So here, we’ll show you how to make your accommodation cosy and magical with some budget-friendly ideas for decorating your space.
Christmas Lights
Use classic Christmas lights to decorate your flat, both in communal areas and in your room. You can use it to create a ‘starry sky’ effect by placing the lights on the ceiling or hang them on the curtains to brighten up the window. Whatever you choose to do, once hung, you have the perfect backdrop for your Christmas selfies!
Personalised Decorations
Why not get crafty with your flatmates? Organise an evening where you get together and create DIY ornaments. Pop on a Christmas film or your favourite festive playlist and have fun with it. It’s a great opportunity to bond with your friends, and in the end, you have beautiful handmade decorations to use. Top tip: to make it more sustainable, you can make it out of the things that you already have in the flat.
Greenery
Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands can transform your space into a cosy sanctuary, giving it a sense of homeliness during the holiday season. These additions not only serve as reminders of joyous festivities, but the addition of greenery and plants provides a therapeutic environment that supports mental health and overall well-being.
CityBlock: Your Home Base for Christmas in Lancaster
We know there’s no place like home during Christmas time, but as CityBlock is your home away from home, we still want to provide the best experiences for those who are staying with us. Don’t forget, if you’re struggling during this time of the year (or any other time), remember that we’re always here to help you out!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out, and we’ll support you the best we can. Merry Christmas from team CityBlock!
