Blackpool does Christmas loud, and this party show is built for it. I love the all-in-one setup at Viva! and the high-energy hosting from Leye D Johns, with singing, comedy, and crowd participation. The main thing to think about is food pacing and quality can be uneven on some nights, so manage expectations if you’re picky or have a sensitive stomach.

You’re looking at a roughly 3-hour evening that starts with doors at 6pm for dinner, drinks, and pre-show build up, then the curtain goes up around 8pm. Tickets are mobile, the event is for over 16s only, and alcohol is not included, so plan a little budget if you want drinks at your table or via staff.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• A proper party night plan: doors at 6pm, show action starting around 8pm.
• Host-led fun: Leye D Johns brings comedy and a big laugh factor.
• Music for many ages: a mix of modern chart songs, older favorites, and singalongs.
• Pro-level staging from the performers: singers and dancers keep the momentum going.
• Food can be a mixed bag: some people praise it, but timing and quality complaints pop up.

Blackpool Christmas Party, All Under One Roof at Viva!

If you’re visiting Blackpool for the holidays, you probably want two things: a plan that starts on time and entertainment that feels like it’s actually meant for fun, not a polite sit-and-watch. This Viva Christmas party night is exactly that. You get the whole evening package under one roof: dinner service, drinks, pre-show energy, then a full show that turns up the volume.

What I like is the shape of the night. Doors open at 6pm, so you’re not forced into a frantic rush from zero to showtime. You have a window to get seated, eat, and settle in before the main event starts around 8pm. That rhythm matters, because it keeps the atmosphere lively rather than stressed.

You’ll also feel the crowd is not trying to be formal. One of the best parts is that the vibe is genuinely mixed-age. People have described being from late 20s up to older adults, all joining in. That tells me the show is accessible even if you don’t know every Christmas tune or modern chart hit.

One key consideration: you can’t bring under-16s. The ticket is over 16s seat ticket only, so it’s best if you’re traveling as adults, or as a work group where everyone meets the age rule.

From 6pm Doors to a Curtain Around 8pm

Here’s how the evening tends to unfold, and it helps you plan your expectations.

When doors open at 6pm, you’re in “eat and settle” mode. The experience runs dinner, drinks, and pre-show build up before the curtain goes up at about 8pm. That means the time between arriving and the main show isn’t wasted. Even if you’re not the type to stand around for long, you’ll have something going on.

A common mistake is thinking the show is the only event you’re paying for. With this one, you’re paying for a full night out where dinner and pre-show are part of the experience. That’s also why the total time is about 3 hours on the ticketed schedule.

One note on timing: the food course flow has been praised by some people, and criticized by others. One of the tougher comments described a long wait between starter and dessert (around 2.5 hours) and missing basics like salt, pepper, or side sauces. Even if that was a bad night, it’s a real flag that you should be prepared for dinner to take its time. If you’re going for the show, still aim to enjoy dinner, but don’t treat the meal like a fast, tight service.

What You’ll See in the Christmas Party Show

Once the curtain goes up around 8pm, the night becomes pure entertainment mode. The show is built like a party: comedy, singing, and dance, with lots of moments designed for participation.

The hosting is a standout. You’ll hear names like Leye D Johns mentioned again and again for being funny, quick, and a strong compere who keeps people engaged. If you want a host who helps the room feel relaxed and ready to laugh, this is the right kind of show.

The performers bring a mix of music styles. People have described a combination of modern chart songs and older material, plus Christmas music and singalong moments. That “something for everyone” approach is a big reason groups enjoy it. If your team doesn’t all share the same music taste, this format usually covers it.

There’s also an all-around “stage work” factor. Comments mention singers and dancers putting real effort into the performance, with outfit changes and constant movement. The result is less like a single long act and more like a sequence of highlights that keeps energy up.

If you’re thinking this is just a background carol session, it isn’t. The show is designed to be heard and joined, not merely observed. And since the crowd range tends to be broad, you’re likely to feel the fun, not just watch it happen.

Dinner, Food Quality, and How to Think About the Meal

The big question for a lot of people is simple: does the dinner hold up? The honest answer is: it can, but it can also fail expectations.

On the positive side, there are comments praising the food and describing it as a great part of the night, paired with excellent staff service. Some people also mention a multi-course dinner setup before the show.

On the negative side, there are complaints about how dinner was handled and how long it took to move through courses. One review included a very specific description of the meal feeling off in taste and texture, plus a claim of getting unwell afterward. I can’t judge what happened to that individual, but I can tell you that food consistency is the one area where the experience seems most variable.

So how do you decide if this works for you?

• If you’re mainly there for comedy, music, and dancing, you can treat the dinner as part of the package rather than the main event.
• If you’re very food-driven (or anxious about long waits), go in with extra patience and focus on the show.
• If you’ve had trouble with rich meals or timing at events in the past, plan your day so you’re not relying on the meal to save your energy.

The meal is included in the overall schedule (doors open for dinner), but alcohol isn’t included, so the way you pace yourself with drinks could also affect how you experience dinner.

Bars, Alcohol, and What to Budget

Alcohol is not included in the ticket. You can purchase drinks from the bars, and there’s also mention of waiter service on the night.

That matters for value. At a price of $31.58 per person, the ticket price is focused on the show and included admission with your seat. If you plan to drink, that will be the biggest add-on cost.

If you’re going with a work group, it can also help to decide early whether the goal is a light celebratory drink or a full-on bar night. Either way, just don’t assume the ticket covers alcohol.

Seating, Age Rules, and the Crowd Atmosphere

This show is for over 16s only. There’s no entry for under 16s for this event, so it’s a clean rule that simplifies planning for adult groups.

The crowd atmosphere is one of the reasons people recommend it. Reports point to a room that mixes ages and keeps singing and laughing going. One comment even noted that an older adult attended and had a great time, which fits the overall style: big energy, approachable songs, and a host who doesn’t make anyone feel left out.

You’ll also have assigned seating included with the over-16 ticket. That’s useful for work parties because it prevents the classic “where do we sit” chaos right before a show.

On top of the seating, the event is near public transportation. So if you’re not renting a car or you’re keeping the night simple, you’re not stuck planning an elaborate journey.

Price and Value: Is It Worth $31.58?

For the price, you’re getting a lot of the things that make a Christmas night out feel complete: dinner time in the evening, a full party-style show, and included admission with a seat. You’re not buying a short performance and leaving. You’re buying a block of evening entertainment that starts early and runs into the main show portion.

At $31.58 per person, it’s also priced in a way that works for groups. Comments describe work parties and team outings as a good match, which makes sense. This is the kind of entertainment where you can talk to colleagues before the curtain and then share laughs while the show carries the rest.

One more practical value point: tickets are mobile. That can save you time at the entrance and reduces the stress of printed paperwork.

Should you book late if you’re unsure? Probably not. The average booking window is about 25 days in advance, so the best options can disappear as the holiday rush tightens.

Practical Tips So Your Night Stays Fun

This isn’t a complicated experience, but a few moves can improve the evening fast.

First, plan to arrive when doors open at 6pm. You’ll enjoy the dinner and pre-show build up more if you’re not racing in right at curtain time. Even if the show is the big draw, that early start helps the night feel like a full event.

Second, keep your ticket accessible on your phone. The ticket format is mobile, so you’ll want your confirmation ready.

Third, decide what you want most: the show or the dinner. If you’re in it for entertainment, the event seems to deliver big laughs, singing, and dance energy. If dinner is your priority, just go in with the knowledge that consistency isn’t a perfect story.

And finally, if your group loves a good host-led atmosphere, this is a strong match. Names like Leye D Johns come up for a reason: the room tone depends on him keeping people in the game.

Should You Book Viva’s Christmas Party Night Out?

I’d book it if you want a loud, fun, multi-part Christmas night: dinner, singalongs, comedy, and a full show with singers and dancers. It’s a good fit for adult groups and work celebrations, especially if you like entertainment that gets the room involved rather than sitting quietly.

I would hesitate if you’re very sensitive about meal timing or you have strict expectations about food quality and service speed. One bad food experience is enough to change someone’s whole night, and while many people praise the meal, the concerns about pacing and basic seasoning have been loud.

My rule of thumb: book this as a show-centered Christmas party night. If the meal works for you, great. If it’s slower, you’ll still have the main event doing the heavy lifting once the curtain goes up around 8pm.

FAQ

What time do doors open?

Doors open at 6pm, with the show starting around 8pm.

How long is the experience?

It’s approximately 3 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $31.58 per person.

Is the ticket seat-only or does it include more?

Your included ticket covers a seat for over 16s, and admission is included for the show night.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are available to purchase from the bars, or via waiter service on the night.

Is there an age limit?

Yes. This show is for over 16s only, with no under 16s allowed.

Is the ticket mobile?

Yes. The experience uses a mobile ticket.

Is it near public transportation?

Yes. It’s near public transportation.

When will I receive confirmation after booking?

Confirmation is received at the time of booking.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes, free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund.