THE coronavirus pandemic has forced us to change many of our Christmas plans this year.

December is usually filled with festive outings and exciting activities all geared at getting us ready for the festive season.

However, most of these events have been cancelled, especially after the announcement that East Lancashire is in tier 3 and must face strict social distancing restrictions.

On a positive note, there are still plenty of activities taking place this month- some of which are online and other have been deemed acceptable by the government.

From virtual pub quizzes to drive thru Santa experiences, these activities are hosted by local companies and people- will you be partaking in any of them?

Virtual Pub Quiz
Cost:
Free
When: Every Thursday and Saturday, 8:15pm.

Online quizzes are synonymous with lockdown- and there are plenty taking place across Lancashire.

One of which is Jay’s Virtual Pub Quiz, hosted by Darwen former pub manager, Jay Flynn.

He managed to raise more than £700,000 for charity during the first lockdown and he even publishes his very own ‘Jay’s Virtual Pub Quiz’ book.

(Instagram/@thevirtualpubquiz)

The quizmaster is still hosting quizzes online and they take place every Thursday and Saturday.

Find out more information on Jay’s Facebook page.

You can find upcoming quizzes, as well as some previous quizzes, listed on his YouTube channel.

Christmas Campfire
When:
11 December 9am-10:30am
Cost: Free

Blackburn’s Canalside Activity Centre is hosting this unique event, which allows you to spend an hour is nature and even meet new people- from a safe social distance of course.

The drop in event is said to be great for your mental health, giving you a chance to talk through your worries and concerns, especially during this worrying time.

(Facebook/Canalside Blackburn)

Best of all, all of this can be done by a cosy campfire with a hot drink in hand.

For more information about this event, or to book your ticket, visit Eventbrite.

Drive Thru Santa experience
Cost:
£20 per car plus a £1 booking fee.
For a gift, it’s an extra £5 per child.
When: December 9-24
Where: Wood Ln, Heskin, Chorley PR7 5PA

Despite the Covid restrictions, you can take the kids to see Santa this year.

However, if you live near Chorley you might be in luck as they are hosting a Drive Thru Santa experience.

Lancashire Telegraph: Heskin Hall drive-thru Santa experience (Photo: Heskin Hall)Heskin Hall drive-thru Santa experience (Photo: Heskin Hall)

This unique experience takes you through the enchanted forest, along Candy Cane Lane and past Gingerbread houses.

You meet a lot of festive characters along the way and the entire experience ends in Santa’s living room, where you can meet the man himself.

This event is entirely Covid safe, as families will stay inside their cars at all times.

Book your own ticket online.

Christmas pop up and Aladdin drive-in pantomime
Where:
Gisburne Auction Mart, Gisburn, Clitheroe

As they are an outdoor venue, the government have allowed Gisburne Park Christmas Pop Up to go ahead.

This Christmas market will host an eclectic range of local creator who are selling their products.

Mulled wine and hot chocolates will also be available and you can enjoy your beverages while listening to Carol Singers.

There is a one way system in place to keep you safe and the number of people allowed in will be limited.

(Facebook/gisburneparkpopup)

Best of all, Santa’s grotto is also at the park giving you a chance to meet Santa.

To top off the experience, there is also a Drive-In pantomime at the park.

Aladdin is the pantomime of choice, which you can enjoy from the comfort of your own vehicle.

Tickets to the market and grotto are here.

You can get your tickets for the pantomime here.

Online wreath making
When:
1-21 December
Cost: £5

Are you feeling crafty this year?

If so, Burnley-based HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) has the perfect event for you to partake in.

You can purchase a ticket to watch a Christmas wreath making masterclass, hosted by Amanda Berry (Head of Equine Operations).

(Facebook/HorsesAndPoniesProtectionAssociation)

These wreath making techniques have been passed down for generations in Amanda’s family- and now these tips and tricks are being given to you.

The guide takes you through how to make a wreath and you can pause and rewind the masterclass whenever you like.

Best of all, all proceeds for this event go to HAPPA.

To purchase this masterclass, visit the HAPPA website.

Are you going to attend any events this December? Let us know in the comments.