Put some sparkle into your trip to Liverpool this Christmas with 25 different things to see, do and explore!
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.
So to help with your Christmas planning we’ve put it all into this handy 25 Days of Christmas guide to make your trip to Liverpool magical!
1. Liverpool ONE
Head down to Liverpool ONE this Christmas and you can expect to see the return of much-loved Christmas reindeer light installations, neon trees on Paradise Street, and plenty of twinkling Christmas lights and decorations.
Make sure you head over Chavasse Park and grab a drink at Bar Hutte to turn your hand to some festive karaoke, take a selfie with the angel wings then hit the shops for all your Christmas shopping.
There are also lots of bars and restaurants with Christmas menus for you to enjoy and plenty of family friendly events to get you into the festive spirit!
Find out more about Christmas at Liverpool ONE here.
2.The Christmas Markets are back!
Get festive at the Christmas Markets which are back at St George’s Plateau and William Brown Street, bringing all your favourite festive offerings against the stunning backdrop of St George’s Hall. Shop their range of unique Christmas gifts and pull up a chair in the Windmill Bar or Bavarian bar for a warm glass of mulled wine.
Open every day 18 November - 24 December there’s lots of time to get into the festive spirit with the whole family.
3.Visit Liverpool Cathedral for their light show
After the huge success of last year's event, The Light Before Christmas is returning to Liverpool Cathedral for Christmas 2023 with ‘The Light Before Christmas: The Manger’.
Visitors can enjoy the magnificent Gothic interior of the iconic building as it becomes a canvas for a sequence of dazzling light and sound artworks taking visitors on an incredible journey through the Nativity story from 1st - 8th December.
4.Watch the Santa Dash
Liverpool Santa Dash is the biggest and longest established Santa Run in the UK and in 2005 it achieved Guinness World Record Status for the Biggest Santa Gathering! The 5k run starts at Pier Head, passing through the Royal Albert Dock before finishing at Liverpool Town Hall.
Taking place on 3 December, there is still time to sign up, grab your Santa suit to take part!
5.Selfies 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.
6.The Rock ‘n’ Roll panto: Cinderella
The iconic Everyman Rock ‘n’ Roll panto is back, and this year it’s the story of Cinderella.
With heaps of sass, silliness and sparkle, the Everyman promises to bring the classic fairy tale to life in surprising style. Bursting with banging pop and rock tunes, this is a show that will have you singing and dancing along, no matter what your age. Get your tickets here.
7. See a show at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
The Liverpool Philharmonic Hall has all sorts of festive events to enjoy this year.
Enjoy Santa and the Snowman with all the family, catch Spirit of Christmas where there will be classic carols, audience singalongs, seasonal readings and music from local star mezzo soprano Kathryn Rudge, surround yourself with the magic of the festive season with Candlelit Carols, and lots more! Find out what's going on here.
8. Elfie Selfie at St Johns Shopping Centre
Starting on Saturday 25th November with dates up until 17 December, you can find Santa’s Chief Nice List Checkers at St John’s Shopping Centre between 12-4pm every weekend. Snap a selfie with an Elfie and add your name to the nice list - they’ll be checking twice!
9. Enchanted at Knowsley Safari
Knowsley Safari has once again been transformed into a winter wonderland as Enchanted returns to illuminate the foot safari. With new additions of a Rainbow Road and their own Knowsley Northern Lights experience to experience and even some talking trees the kids are sure to enjoy this spectacular night-time adventure - not forgetting toasted marshmallows to complete the festive fun.
The Winter Village returns for its second with tasty treats, rides and the chance to write a Christmas wish list to Santa himself! Make sure you head along before 30 December to make some wonderful family memories. Find out more here.
10. The Scouse Dick Whittington
The Royal Court Christmas show is back but this one is definitely not for the kids! With stupid jokes, live music and drinks at your table, they’ve got it all covered for their show of The Scouse Dick Whittington. Running until 20 January, this one always sells out so get your tickets quick.
11. Wizard of Oz at Liverpool Empire
Starring JLS sensation Aston Merrygold as The Tin Man and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing on Ice star The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West. This spectacular production of The Wizard of Oz will be a truly magical experience for all the family this Christmas.
Running from 13 December – 7 January get your tickets here.
12. Royal Albert Dock
The Royal Albert Dock is stunning all year round but at Christmas it’s truly magical! Take a walk along the stunning festive light trail with over 1 million twinkling lights.
Enjoy a selection of characters from Liverpool’s coat of arms alongside nautical installations representing the dock’s rich maritime history. Highlights include a giant yellow submarine, a family of dazzling jellyfish as well as Neptune and Poseidon standing tall at the dock’s entrance.
After completing the light trail, visitors can head to one of the dock’s bars or restaurants to warm up with a hot chocolate or mulled wine, or for those wanting to indulge in a delicious meal choose from an array of cuisines. Find out more about the Royal Albert Dock.
13. Sleeping Beauty at M&S Bank Arena
Once upon a time in a Pantoland far, far away, a beautiful princess is cursed by the evil Carbosse to perish on her 21st birthday by pricking her finger on a spinning wheel. Thanks to The Fairy, Sleeping Beauty falls into a deep sleep that can only be broken by her one true love. Will the handsome prince come to her rescue, fight the dragon, destroy Carabosse, and save the day? There’s only one way to find out...
Don’t miss this year’s spectacular pantomime at M&S Bank Arena featuring great songs with a live band, dazzling dance routines, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and spectacular special effects. It will be an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike. Get your tickets here.
14. The Wind in the Willows at Shakespeare North Playhouse
This Christmas, the Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot will welcome The Wind in the Willows, a delightful adaptation by Toby Hulse of Kenneth Grahame’s classic story. This funny, timeless tale of friendship, courage, consequences and bravery features live music and a talented company of actor-musicians and is set to be the perfect festive treat for all ages. Get your tickets here.
15. Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo
This winter, head to Chester Zoo for its magical festive experience Lanterns and Light. Bigger, better and brighter than ever.
With new captivating light installations you will be transported into enchanting lands filled with colour and festivity, where you can meet orangutans, lions, dolphins and woolly mammoths as you make your way along the trail! Wonder at the colour changing displays stretching as far as the eye can see, while birds and stars adorn the zoo’s winding paths and trees.
Take a walk through the spectacular Winter Cathedral tunnel of lights and even catch a glimpse of Father Christmas in his sleigh.
Taking place on select dates until 31 December, book your tickets here.
16. The Sound of Christmas Movies at St George's Hall
Featuring some of the best seasonal soundtracks from Hollywood blockbusters to movie musicals, ‘The Sounds of Christmas Movies’ is a show stopping festive concert not to be missed. Being performed in St George’s Hall’s magnificent Concert Room, ‘The Sounds of Christmas Moves’ will feature songs from many iconic Christmas films, including ‘Home Alone’, ‘Elf’, ‘The Muppets Christmas Carol’, ‘Frozen’, ‘The Holiday’, ‘Christmas Chronicles’, ‘White Christmas’ and many more. Find out more and book your tickets here.
17. Storytime with Santa
Father Christmas and his merry friend, Buddy the Elf, are heading to Liverpool Town Hall to share their magical stories and sing a festive tune or two by the warm glow of a cosy log fire.
This is more than a traditional Grotto experience; Storytime with Santa offers each child the opportunity to share their cherished Christmas wishes with Father Christmas himself and receive a special gift. This encounter is sure to leave your little ones spellbound!
Book your place for Story Time With Santa here.
18. The Luna Cinema
Get ready to feel festive, The Luna Cinema is sprinkling the festive stardust over a magical cinema experience at Liverpool Town Hall. This winter, you can enjoy all your favourite festive films on the big screen in truly spectacular settings.
Whether it’s soaking up a festive atmosphere with friends, snuggling up with your favourite flick, or finding an excuse to whip out your cosiest jumper, join The Luna Cinema this Winter for the ultimate festive movie night. Book tickets here.
19. Peter Pan at M&S Bank Arena
Karma Chameleon Boy George Debuts as Captain Hook in Neverland Fantasy
A big budget extravaganza adaptation of J.M Barrie’s much-loved tale Peter Pan flies into Liverpool on 2-3 December, promising a spectacular spin on the timeless classic adventure. Fabulous animated digital sets redefine the genre with an immersive experience of magic and wonderment that even the most cynical audiences will be blown away by. Book tickets here.
20. Take the kids to Otterspool adventure
Otterspool Adventure will be transforming into a magical family Christmas experience not to be missed this festive season. Visit Santa’s Grotto, visit the elves in their Make a Bear workshop, watch a festive show, do some gingerbread decorating with Mrs Claus and take to their ice rink!
21. The Snow Queen - An Enchanted Christmas Experience
Inspired by the Hans Christian Anderson famous fairy tale, this is the story of the Snow Queen, This is the story of Evie the Elf who has been recruited by the Snow Queen and who has travelled zillions and gazillions of miles in her search to find a kind person to help melt the Snow Queen's frozen heart with all their goodness. This enchanted experience will culminate with an individual meet and greet with Father Christmas. Get your tickets here.
22 . Head to the Bombed Out Church for their ice rink
For the very first time, an outdoor skate rink will arrive at the magical ruins of the Bombed Out Church this Christmas. Get into the festive spirit in the heart of the city centre and skate from 30th November – 3rd December. Everyone is welcome, bring your loved ones and book your session for a winter journey on ice.
There'll be a festive pop up bar and music, set within the church for you to enjoy before you take to the ice. Featuring mulled wine, Bailey's hot chocolate, prosecco or beer along with a range of other hot and cold drinks. Find out more here.
23. Take a Trip to Southport
Take the family for a day out to Southport this Christmas for a festive day out. Visit Santa’s grotto, a Frozen grotto, Christmas Elf Party, Christmas Carriage Rides, a gingerbread trail, and lots of shows to catch at The Atkinson. Have a look to see what’s going on.
24. Enjoy a festive meal out
Celebrate Christmas in Liverpool this year with your friends and family as some of our beautiful venues host special festive menus. From the traditional roast to festive small plates, menus for children, street food and brand new restaurants, there is something for everyone! Have a look at our blog for some inspiration.
25. Do some Christmas shopping
There are so many great places to pick up the perfect gift for someone special this Christmas. Explore Bold Street for independent shops, Liverpool ONE and Church Street for all your high street favourites and the Metquarter for boutique favourites. Keep an eye out for our Liverpool Christmas gift guide coming soon too!