Put some sparkle into your trip to Liverpool this Christmas with 25 different things to see, do and explore!
Put some sparkle into your trip to Liverpool this Christmas with 25 different things to see, do and explore across Liverpool City Region. From pantos, to festive markets, places to eat, drink and shop, light trails to explore and everything else in between, there is so much to do for the whole family this Christmas in Liverpool City Region.
1. Head to Liverpool ONE
This Christmas Liverpool ONE are bringing the festive spirit every day of the week with extra special activities every Thursday.
The twinkling reindeer will be back alongside loads more gorgeous decorations throughout the complex to get you in the spirit!
Christmas on the Park begins on 7 November and runs to 31 December. Enjoy a selection of children’s rides, alongside festive games, food, treats and drinks! It’s perfect for younger children to enjoy a fun festive atmosphere.
For the adults, Bar Hutte is bringing apre-ski to Chavasse Park with their cosy carol-oke huts, alpine-themed drinks and sparkling Christmas tree. Book in for a carol-oke session or a wreath-making workshop on the Liverpool ONE website.
We almost forgot... Don’t forget to pick up the perfect Christmas prezzies from over 170 stores at Liverpool ONE this season.
2. Visit the Liverpool Christmas Market
The Liverpool Christmas Market is back on St George’s Plateau and Gardens and William Brown Street offering the stunning background of St George’s Hall and Liverpool Empire Theatre.
Discover a unique selection of Christmas gifts including jewellery, craft and food items from local suppliers. Pull up a chair in the Windmill Bar or Bavarian bar for a warm glass of mulled wine.
Open every day 15 November - 24 December from 11am - 10pm there’s lots of time to get into the festive spirit with the whole family.
3. Be Enchanted at Knowsley Safari
Knowsley Safari’s foot safari has been transformed into a winter wonderland. Stroll amongst illuminated animals from majestic camels and wolves to exciting new features like towering giraffes and playful lion cubs.
The Winter Village returns with tasty treats, rides and the chance to write a Christmas wish list to Santa himself! Make sure you head along before 23 December to make some wonderful family memories.
4. Visit the Atkinson for Beauty and the Beast
Get ready for a magical journey full of festive cheer as Beauty and the Beast takes centre stage in The Atkinson’s most enchanting pantomime yet!
Step into a sparkling winter wonderland as the timeless tale of love and transformation unfolds before your eyes. From the hitmakers behind ‘Sleeping Beauty’ (2024) and ‘Jack & the Beanstalk’ (2023), KD Theatre Productions return with another spectacular show guaranteed to delight all ages. Oh, yes it will!
5. Experience The Light Before Christmas: The Gift
An unmissable Christmas tradition for tens of thousands of families, Light Before Christmas makes its triumphant return to Liverpool Cathedral for its fourth spellbinding year. From 28th November to 6th December, witness the magic come to life through a brand-new theme and completely new series of projection artworks: The Gift – a celebration of warmth, wonder and the joy of togetherness.
Designed by the world-renowned Luxmuralis team, this year’s theme has been carefully chosen to reflect several elements: the gift of peace, the gift of Christmas, and how the Cathedral was gifted to the city by the same people who built it. For this reason, Light Before Christmas promises to be a magical, family-friendly experience for both young and old alike.
6. Matilda the Musical at Liverpool Empire
Inspired by the beloved book by Roald Dahl, Matilda the Musical bursts into life on stage telling the story of one extraordinary girl, with one extraordinary mind.
This global phenomenon from the Royal Shakespeare Company, which is celebrating 15 years of musical magic in London’s West End, has won over 100 international awards and comes to Liverpool for the first time this Christmas.
7. Take a walk around the Royal Albert Dock
The Royal Albert Dock is stunning all year round, but at Christmas it becomes even more magical. With the iconic red colonnades wrapped in twinkly lights, giant light-up figurines and the fairytale carousel, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into a real-life Christmas movie!
Pick up a unique Liverpool gift from one of the local boutiques inside the Dock like the Nest, Lost Soles, Harbour Accessories and more. Once you’re finished exploring, sit down for a delicious meal or drink at one of their many bars and restaurants.
8. Enjoy Scouse humour at its finest at Royal Court
It’s that time again when the Royal Court searches “Christmas shows” on Google and picks one to scousify! This year they are improving on the great Charles Dickens, who always wanted his shows to have more stupid jokes and live music.
As always, this is a show for grownups only so pack the kids off to their nan’s for the night and come and join in on the laughs!
9. Lanterns and Light Chester Zoo
Not so far from Liverpool you’ll find the UK’s number one zoo and their magical Christmas Lantern and Light trail. Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo is a family favourite every year.
Interact with playful puppets, drift through the Ribbon Tunnel, gaze at kaleidoscope stars and explore the Laser Garden - plus discover new installations for 2025, including Airquarium, Bubble Walk and Submergence.
Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo takes place from 14 November to 3 January.
10. Christmas Carols by Candlelight at St George’s Hall
There are fewer places as magical as St George’s Hall, especially at Christmas. This season, enjoy a carol concert by candlelight in the opulent surroundings of the Great Hall.
Professor Ian Tracey plays the Willis Organ, accompanied by the ever popular soloist Danielle Thomas and a classical Choir as they perform a series of Christmas classics old and new.
And while you’re there, enjoy a drink or two under the glow of the lanterns at the St George's Hall bar, making this enchanting evening even more special.
Carols by Lantern Light takes place on 3 December and 10 December. Take a look at other festive events at St George’s Hall here such as Christmas movies by candlelight, Vivaldi by Candlelight and more events brought by Candlelight concerts.
11. Storytime with Santa at Liverpool Town Hall
Kiddies can meet Santa Claus and Buddy the Elf in the fabulous surroundings of Liverpool Town Hall as they tell magical stories and sing a song or two next to the cosy log fire. Each child gets a turn sharing their Christmas wishes with Santa before leaving with a special gift. Sessions are limited to 30 children and pre-booking is essential.
Storytime with Santa runs on various dates from 6 December - 24 December.
12. Rock n Roll Panto at Liverpool Everyman
This year the famous Rock n Roll panto at the Everyman is Jack and the Beanstalk. Musicians will sing, dance, entertain and play music live on stage, as they bring the classic fairytale to life in a surprising style.
13. Head to The North Pole at Otterspool
Enjoy three hours of fun, magical activities plus unlimited play on the ice rink!
Included in your visit is a ride on the snowtrail express, a trip to the North Pole Town Square, an elf workshop, a trip to Mrs Claus' kitchen, Father Christmas' grotto, and the toy shop.
All child tickets include a teddy bear from the Elf Workshop, a gingerbread treat from Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, and a toy from the Toy Shop!
29th November - 24th December, 2025
14. ELF The Musical
After sell out Arena tours and record-breaking sales, ELF THE MUSICAL —the hilarious, hit stage adaptation of the beloved holiday movie—is coming to Liverpool in 2025!
This larger-than-life production brings the festive magic to the arena with unforgettable scenes, including Santa’s flying sleigh, an interactive snowball fight with the audience, and a giant candy cane journey from the North Pole, all set against breath-taking video-film backdrops on a massive LED screen.
15. Watch a show at Philharmonic Hall
Head to the beautiful, art-deco Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Hope Street for an evening of candlelit carols.
There are lots of magical events happening at Liverpool Philharmonic this season, such as a feeling of Christmas with Rebecca Ferguson, Christmas organ recital, and The Muppets Christmas Carol. Visit their website to find the perfect event for you.
16. Cinderella at Shakespeare North
This Christmas, Shakespeare North Playhouse bring you the most popular fairytale of them all, a spellbinding new production of Cinderella.
Tia Larsen takes the title role in the fairytale favourite with a very special Prescot twist in a captivating new adaptation by writer Nick Lane. Tia is joined by a super talented cast of Emma Grace Arends, Emma Bispham, Thomas Cotran, Elliott Kingsley and Charlie Mae McKevitt. Directed by Nicole Behan.
Fri 21 Nov, 2025 - Sat 10 Jan, 2026
17. Enjoy a festive feast at Southport Market
Southport Market has a whole host of Christmas events this season.
There are Christmas parties, comedy bingo and murder mystery nights throughout November and December.
But don’t enjoy the fun hungry, visitors can choose from 12 food and drink vendors including delicious desserts, pizza, Mexican favourites and more.
Check their website for full event listings.
18. Big Art at Walker Art Gallery
Big Art at Walker Art Gallery is getting into the festive spirit with special Christmas sessions running throughout December. Big Art is a very special place for young children and their grown-ups to discover arty things together.
This December explore your creativity as a family with special festive-themed facilitated activities and make a marvellous masterpiece to take home. Plus you'll have some time to explore Big Art and all the wonderful resources for yourself.
19. The Art School
Indulge in culinary excellence at The Art School. Every Chistmas Chef De Patron, Paul Askew and his team relish the chance to be creative with the abundance of seasonal produce.
This year there are three menus to choose from in the Lantern Room from New Years Eve Prix Fixe excellence and exquisite Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve options. Enjoy wonderful food paired with vintage wines from across the world.
20. Head to the Makers Market at Bombed Out Church
Visit one of Liverpool's most adored buildings, the Bombed Out Church for their weekend Makers Market. Find the perfect gift from the North West’s finest makers, bakers and creators. Browse collections of art, craft items and street food from 10am to 4pm on various weekend dates throughout November and December.
The event is free to enter with a suggested donation of £1 towards the upkeep of St Luke’s Church on entry. You can find out more about the events taking place at Bombed Out Church on their website.
21. A celebration of Christmas at Metropolitan Cathedral
Celebrate the joy of Christmas at Metropolitan Cathedral in Liverpool’s beautiful Georgian Quarter on 13 December.
The Metropolitan Cathedral Choir, Knowsley Catholic Children’s Choir and special guests will deliver an evening of Christmas carols and songs of the season from 7pm - 9pm.
22. Take a selfie with the Church Street Christmas tree
Head over to Church Street to see the real Christmas tree whilst you’re out doing your Christmas shopping. It makes for a great festive photo from your trip to Liverpool. After that, head over to Bold Street where you’ll find an abundance of boutiques and places to stop off for a festive tipple or a bite to eat.
23. Taste Liverpool this Christmas
Whether you’re looking for a traditional Turkey dinner with all the trimmings or you fancy something a little bit different, you won’t leave Liverpool feeling hungry. We’ve pulled together some of the festive feasts you can enjoy in our Christmas food and drink blog. Tuck in here!
Get Together this Christmas in Liverpool. To plan a Christmas trip to remember, head to our Christmas in Liverpool webpage for inspiration now.