There’s so many festive activities and attractions to visit across Liverpool City Region that are accessible by using the rail network. So leave the car at home, avoid the traffic and parking and let the train glide you to all the Christmas destinations across the network this festive season.
Once in the city centre you can take short journeys across the region to Southport, the Sefton Coast, Wirral, Knowsley, Halton and St Helens to explore some unique experiences this Christmas.
Most of the region is accessible on the Merseyrail network with Day Saver tickets available from just £4.70 so you can see more of the city region for less!
Visit Merseyrail’s website to find out more about what tickets are available.
We’ve made a list of some things to do across the region to get into the festive spirit and some attractions not to miss whilst you’re there!
Liverpool City Centre
There’s three stations in Liverpool City Centre with lots of things to do surrounding each one. We’ve recommended a few things to look out for and how long it takes to walk from each station.
Stations: Liverpool Central, Liverpool Lime Street and Moorfields Station
Liverpool ONE
Head to Liverpool ONE to tick off everything on your Christmas shopping list! From high street favourites like M&S, John Lewis, Zara, Lego Store, Apple and lots more, you’ll find lots of ideas for Christmas presents here.
Rest your legs during your shopping trip and enjoy something to eat in their many bars and restaurants or get into the festive spirit with a bit of Christmas karaoke at Bar Hütte under the giant Christmas tree.
Walking Distance from Central: 5 minutes
Ice Rink at BOXPARK
Grab some ice skates and take a spin around the ice rink at BOXPARK Liverpool in the Baltic Triangle. Following your turn on the ice, head inside for some tasty festive dishes from the street food stalls.
Whilst you’re in the Baltic Triangle check out venues like Arcains for three floors of video games, Punch Tarmey’s for a drink and some live music or Golf Fang for a round of crazy golf.
Walking Distance from Central: 20 minutes
Royal Albert Dock
Enjoy twinkling lights, and seasonal menus at restaurants around Royal Albert Dock. From a festive lunch at Gusto to a selection of tasty tacos at Madre, a warm hot chocolate at Francie’s and a classic Sunday roast at Maray - to name a few of the amazing venues on offer!
Royal Albert Dock is also home to many attractions including the world famous The Beatles Story, Maritime Museum, the International Slavery Museum and Tate Liverpool, which is currently undergoing refurbishment.
Walking Distance from Central: 15 minutes
Festive Show at the theatre
Catch a Christmas concert or family pantomime to end the day with festive cheer with so many to pick from across the city all within walking distance of Liverpool Central and Lime Street Station.
Disney’s Aladdin at Liverpool Empire
Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto at the Everyman Theatre
A Christmas concert at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Rocky Horror Picture Show at Liverpool Playhouse Theatre
The Scouse Red Riding Hood at the Royal Court
Peter Pan at M&S Bank Arena
Wirral
Take a short train from Liverpool Central, Lime Street, Moorfields or James Street to Wirral for a festive day out with the family.
Port Sunlight Village
Hop off at Bebington or Port Sunlight to explore this charming historic village. The picturesque village is straight out of a Christmas card with lots to see and do. Take a visit to the Port Sunlight museum to learn all about the history of the area or have a look around the Lady Lever Art Gallery which is home to a beautiful selection of art.
Walking Distance from Bebington: 5 Minutes
Catch a show at The Floral Pavilion
Jump on the train to New Brighton to catch the panto at Floral Pavilion this Christmas. This year they are showing The Further Adventures of Peter Pan - The Return of Captain Hook, which the whole family will enjoy.
Walking Distance from New Brighton Station: 12 minutes
Eureka! Science and Discovery
If you’re looking for a bit of an adventure then why not take the famous ferry across the Mersey for a trip to Eureka! Science and Discovery. The Mersey Ferry departs from the Gerry Marsden terminal on Liverpool Pier Head and takes you straight to Eureka! Science and Discovery.
The centre is packed full of fun and educational entertainment for kids to enjoy and learn all about many elements of science. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon amongst all the Christmas activity.
Southport
Board a train from Liverpool Central or Moorfields Station on the Southport line for a trip to the seaside town this festive season. The direct train will take you 50 minutes with lots to explore once you arrive.
Station: Southport
Explore the Gingerbread Family Trail
The Gingerbread Family are visiting Southport town centre again between the 23rd November and 5th January. Explore the town centre in search of the ten characters and be in with the chance of winning great prizes if you find them all. Make sure to get your pictures on the Gingerbread Throne and Sleigh too!
Walking Distance from Southport Station: 5 minutes
See a show at The Atkinson
Step into a winter wonderland and let the magic unfold as KD Theatre Productions (the team behind last year’s Jack and the Beanstalk) return to The Atkinson this Christmas with the enchanting pantomime Sleeping Beauty. This traditional family panto will captivate audiences of all ages. Oh yes it will!
Walking Distance from Southport Station: 5 minutes
Sefton Coast
Take the train from Liverpool Central or Moorfields towards Southport to explore some of the region’s beautiful coastlines. It’s only 30 minutes on the train to Freshfield Station and 20 minutes to Waterloo Station to head on some winter walks.
Formby Pinewoods Winter Walk
Take a tranquil walk through the Formby Pinewoods, with a chance to spot red squirrels amidst the frosty scenery. It’s the perfect location to get a bit of fresh winter air, just make sure to wrap up warm!
Walking Distance from Freshfield Station: 10 minutes
Crosby Beach
Head to Waterloo to see Antony Gormley’s Another Place, 100 cast iron sculptures dotted along the Crosby coastline. The famous sculptures are a must visit when in Liverpool and at such a short journey from the city centre, you can spend a few hours walking the coast followed by a warm drink and something to eat in the many bars and restaurants surrounding Waterloo Station.
We’d recommend visiting Crosby Coffee or the Lakeside at the Crosby Leisure Centre.
Walking Distance from Waterloo Station: 10 minutes
Halton
Take the train from Lime Street Station to Runcorn with West Midlands rail for a trip to Halton.
The Brindley Theatre
Catch a festive pantomime, Christmas concert, or family show at this award-winning theatre, which offers a packed holiday schedule. This year they are showing the classic panto Aladdin.
Walking Distance from Waterloo Station: 10 minutes
Norton Priory
Just a short drive from Runcorn station, you can get festive with the St Nicholas Singers at Norton Priory. This Liverpool chamber choir has been performing together for over 30 years. The Christmas concert starts at 7pm on 8 December. Or, why not try your hand at some Christmas wreath making with a hands-on workshop.
Knowsley
Catch the train from Liverpool Lime Street to Prescot with Northern Rail to visit some amazing attractions in Knowsley.
Knowsley Safari Park: Enchanted Safari
Just a short taxi or bus ride from Prescot station, the park transforms into a winter wonderland after dark at Christmas for ‘Enchanted at Knowsley Safari’. You can walk through the illuminated Foot Safari trail, marvel at dazzling light displays, and enjoy festive food stalls so no car is needed to enjoy the beautiful lights.
Shakespeare North Playhouse
Check the schedule at the stunning Shakespeare North Playhouse theatre for Christmas-themed performances this festive season. The cockpit in-court theatre is a replica of the famous Globe theatre and is a beautiful setting for seeing a show this Christmas. This festive season they are showing a performance of Alice In Wonderland which is not to be missed.
Walking Distance from Prescot Station: 5 minutes.
St Helens
Catch the train with Northern Rail from Liverpool Lime Street to St Helens to enjoy some festive events.
Christmas at St Mary’s Market
Join Powered By Hip Hop at this free, festive market. There will be Christmas-themed Graffiti Art Workshops between 11am-2pm.
Earlestown Market
The Bad Santas will be entertaining people of all ages at Earlestown Market, set to be breakdancing and spreading festive cheer to all at this free festive event.
