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 8 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 16 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 Sleeping Beauty
TikTok and Blue Peter star Joel M will be taking to the at the Atkinson in Southport where he will star in the Christmas panto, Sleeping Beauty.
In the kingdom of ‘Southportopia’ far, far away, a beautiful princess awaits her true love’s kiss to awaken her from a deep slumber. But beware! The wicked fairy Carabosse has cast a spell, and only the bravest heroes can break it. Will our valiant prince triumph over evil and save the day? Get ready to boo, hiss, and cheer as our talented cast takes you on a magical ride through panto land.
5. Experience The Light Before Christmas: Starlight
The magical Light Before Christmas is back at Liverpool Cathedral. Be dazzled by a brand-new, immersive light and sound experience created by the internationally renowned Luxmuralis team.
The cathedral’s historic architecture will become a backdrop for the sensory experience where you will step into a breathtaking visual journey that invites you to follow the star and experience the Nativity story in an entirely new way. With stunning projections and captivating soundscapes, it’s perfect for friends and family of all ages.
The Light Before Christmas starts on 29 November and runs until 7 December.
6. Disney’s Aladdin at Liverpool Empire
Take a magic carpet ride and enjoy a Disney classic with all the family at Liverpool Empire Theatre. Disney’s Aladdin flies into Liverpool on 29 November and will be granting wishes until 7 December.
Enjoy iconic music by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. It’s a truly unforgettable and magical experience for the family. Organisers recommend that the production is suitable for children over 6. Children under the age of 3 are not permitted.
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
Little Red Riding Hood lands at Royal Court this festive season, but it’s not your usual tale.
Little Red is off her head. Her nan’s in bed and the wolf’s not fed. With a pan of scouse and a loaf of bread, she’s off to the forest where the woodsman led. Scouse Red Riding Hood is the ultimate Liverpool panto filled to the brim with local jokes and references that will make you burst out laughing.
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 and in 2024 the trail is now longer with new features such as giant candy canes, fairy lights and ribbon tunnels.
Chester Zoo has partnered with Sony to create a mesmerising spectacle of light and sound that's perfect for all the family to enjoy.
Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo takes place from 15 November to 1 January.
10. Santa Experience at Church Farm Wirral
The Santa Experience at Church Farm is the perfect way to get youngsters into the Christmas spirit. The 60-minute experience includes a journey around the farm both on foot and on a tractor. Visitors will be joined by real reindeer and other farm animals, and colourful characters and will enjoy a very special visit to Santa.
The Santa Experience runs on weekends from 30 November to 23 December and pre-booking is essential.
11. 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 Mezzo Soprano Danielle Thomas and the St George’s Singers, as they perform a series of Christmas classics old and new rom 'Oh Holy Night' through to 'Silent Night', the evening will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit.
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 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.
12. Storytime with Santa at Croxteth Hall
Kiddies can meet Santa Claus and Buddy the Elf in the fabulous surroundings of Croxteth 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 November 30 - 22 December.
13. Fairytale of New York at Empire Theatre
You know it’s Christmas when you hear those opening bars to the famous song by the Dubliners. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Irish culture as talented singers, musicians and dancers perform a world-class concert featuring all the festive favourites including ‘Driving Home for Christmas’, ‘Step Into Christmas’ and, of course, ‘The Fairytale of New York’.
14. Rock n Roll Panto at Liverpool Everyman
This year the famous Rock n Roll panto at the Everyman is Rapunzel and its time to let your hair down. Musicians will sing, dance, entertain and play music live on stage, as they bring the classic fairytale to life in a surprising style.
15. Head to Lapland at Otterspool
Otterspool Adventure Centre is bringing the North Pole to the North West. Lapland Liverpool is a 3-hour immersive experience filled with theatrical performances and story-telling all told by your favourite Christmas characters direct from Lapland!
Families can visit Santa’s Grotto, Mrs Claus’ kitchen, the toy shop and enjoy a skate on the ice rink. Finish the day by sending a letter to the man himself at the Post Office.
There's lots more to enjoy with Christmas Elves Patch and Coggs at Lapland Liverpool, opening on 23 November and taking place at weekends up until Christmas Eve.
16. Christmas Night Out with Rebecca Ferguson
Get your friends and family together for a Christmas Night out at M&S Bank Arena with one of Liverpool stars, Rebecca Ferguson and her friends.
There’ll be an orchestra, plenty of Christmas favourites, some dance classics and a few surprises!
Get your dancing shoes on on 14 December.
17. Watch a show at Philharmonic Hall
Head to the beautiful, art-deco Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Hope Street for an evening of candlelit carols.
Taking place with just 5 days to Christmas, you’re guaranteed to feel merry and bright after carols such as ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’, ‘O come, all ye faithful’, ‘Once in Royal David's City’, ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ and a whole host of seasonal classics.
There are lots of magical events happening at Liverpool Philharmonic this season, visit their website to find the perfect event for you.
18. Alice in Wonderland at Shakespeare North
Experience the delights of a world where things appear by magic this Christmas.
Wonderland has fallen into the terrible rule of The Duchess, the cold-ard successor to the Queen of Hearts. Memory-wiping jam tarts and informant eggs are controlling the kingdom and making everyone miserable. But Alice and her old friends, the Mad Hatter and Cheshire Cat are on hand to restore freedom to Wonderland. Will Alice get back to her family in time for Christmas?
Starting 22 November and running until 11 January.
Relaxed performances take place 6 and 11 December
BSL performance 14 December
Audio described performance 20 December.
19. Enjoy a festive feast at Southport Market
Southport Market has a whole host of Christmas events this season from painting and sipping to meeting the main man himself.
There are Christmas party nights, disco bingo and quiz nights throughout November and December for the adults and plenty for youngsters to enjoy to with their Frozen Festive Show and multiple visits from Santa.
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.
20. 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.
21. 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 four menus to choose from in the Lantern Room from a full festive tasting menu to Prix Fixe, Excellence and exquisite Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve options. Enjoy wonderful food paired with vintage wines from across the world.
22. 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.
23. A celebration of Christmas at Metropolitan Cathedral
Celebrate the joy of Christmas at Metropolitan Cathedral in Liverpool’s beautiful Georgian Quarter on 14 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.
24. 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.
25. 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!
Let it be Liverpool at Christmas in 2024. To plan a Christmas trip to remember, head to our Christmas in Liverpool webpage for inspiration now.
