Liverpool City Region transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season, offering a perfect blend of holiday cheer, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities. 


Whether you’re wandering through dazzling light displays, exploring festive markets, or enjoying seasonal treats, Christmas in Liverpool is perfect for the whole family. 

We’ve rounded up some activities and events to add to your festive trip to the region and you can find lots more ideas on our dedicated Let It Be Liverpool at Christmas page here. 

 

Where to stay

Pullman Hotel


Located on the iconic Kings Dock, Pullman Liverpool offers a stylish, modern stay with spectacular views of the River Mersey. The hotel is a short walk from key attractions such as the  Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool ONE, and the M&S Bank Arena.

The hotel is perfect for families too with spacious rooms, on site parking and kids’ menus in their on site restaurant.

 

a room inside Pullman Liverpool with a view out the window of the Royal Albert Dock.

 

Day 1

Morning Activity: Liverpool ONE Christmas Wonderland


Head to Liverpool ONE to start your Christmas Shopping whilst enjoying all the festive activity on offer. Tick everything off your shopping list at stores including the Lego Shop, Smyths Toy Store, Build a Bear, Utility, Waterstones, John Lewis, M&S, Sports Direct and the official LFC and Everton Stores to name a few. 

Following your shopping trip, take a visit to Chavasse Park to explore the Christmas on The Park. Bringing a selection of children’s rides including a carousel, festive games, food, treats and lots more, it’s perfect for little ones during your trip to Liverpool ONE. 

Visit Liverpool ONE’s website to find out more about their festive offering. 

 

A family at Liverpool one with lit up trees around them.

 

Lunch: Smoke and Dough


Whilst you’re at Liverpool ONE, take a visit to Smoke and Dough. Offering a unique interactive American-Italian restaurant experience – featuring a one of a kind BBQ concept, enjoy the finest meats grilled on your table, served straight to your plate.

Kids can also enjoy their own bento boxes or pizza too. 

You can also check out family friendly restaurants at Liverpool ONE including The Real Greek, Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen and The Botanist. 

 

A table with a table top BBQ with meat on the grill.

 

Afternoon Activity: The Christmas-Shire


Experience Christmas like never before with an interactive performance where you are part of the story. This is a behind the scenes (never seen before), full access to the Christmas-Shire! Join the Shire-Elves as they welcome you into their enchanted homes. 

We don’t want to give too much away but expect a secret entrance, engaging storytelling, a meet and greet with Father Christmas and lots more in this enchanting experience at Kings Dock Liverpool. 

Find out more about the Christmas-Shire and booking tickets here. 

 

Dinner: Sample the tastes of Royal Albert Dock


Head to the beautiful Royal Albert Dock to dine in surrounded by their festive light displays. The famous colonnades will be sparkling whilst a selection of characters, a giant yellow submarine and a dazzling jellyfish can be spotted around the dock.

Gusto: Enjoy Italian dishes with festive flair by the waterfront and kids can create their own pizzas too!

The Botanist: With mini versions of their famous hanging kebabs and classics like fish and chips and sausage and mash, it’s the perfect venue for the whole family. 

 

A large yellow submarine lit up with lights at the Royal Albert Dock

 

Evening Activity: Head to the theatre for a festive show

It doesn’t get much more festive than a panto or a show at Christmas and there are so many across Liverpool City Region for you to enjoy. Check out the below:


Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto at Everyman Theatre


Disney’s Aladdin at The Liverpool Empire


Alice in Wonderland at Shakespeare North Playhouse


The Further Adventures of Peter Pan at The Floral Pavilion 


Sleeping Beauty at The Atkinson


Snow White at St Helens Theatre


Find out all about these shows and lots more on our blog here. 

 

Cast from the stage show Aladdin on a stage.

 

Day 2

 

Morning Activity: Lapland Liverpool


Bringing the magic of the North Pole to the North West, this fully immersive 3 hour entertainment experience at Otterspool Adventure is perfect for little ones to get into the festive spirit.

Boasting hours of enchanting storytelling through interactive theatrical performances, you’ll feel as though you’ll have been transported straight from Liverpool to Lapland! Lapland Liverpool is a Magical Family Christmas Experience, not to be missed this festive season.

Find out more about Lapland Liverpool and book tickets here. 

 

Lunch: Pho Castle Street

Pho offers a healthy Vietnamese menu of food, cooked fresh every day! 40% of their menu is completely vegan and almost the entire menu is gluten-free. Choose from authentic Vietnamese street food starters, salads, pho, noodles, vermicelli noodles, sides and desserts! 

Their kids menu is priced at just £6.95 for a meal and a drink and kiddies can choose from a selection of noodle dishes, soup, rice or skewers. There are also desserts to choose from for just 50p. You can’t go wrong! 

Find out more about Pho here. 

 

A table with plates of food from Pho.


Afternoon Activity: Take a trip to Southport


Jump on the train with Merseyrail to Southport for an afternoon exploring all things Christmas including:


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! Find out more about the trail here. 

 

A family looking into a window with a giant gingerbread man.

 

Dinner - Visit a street food market

 

Baltic Market

The Baltic Market is a must-visit for families, especially during Christmas when it’s decked out with festive decorations and seasonal treats. The market features a rotating line up of vendors offering everything from gourmet burgers to wood-fired pizzas and international dishes. With a lively atmosphere with long communal tables and plenty of food options to satisfy even picky eaters it’s perfect for families.

 

Southport Market

Southport Food Market is home to a huge selection of food and drink stalls that will satisfy the whole family! From pasta to burgers, pizza and Mexican dishes, pull up a seat and tuck in!

 

Inside southport Market with a food stall.

 

Evening Activity: Explore a Festive Light Trail


Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo


This winter, join Chester Zoo once again on an illuminated trail of spectacular scenes and breathtaking displays that will leave you full of festivity at Chester Zoo’s Lanterns and Light.

Create lasting memories on an unforgettable Christmas light trail. Journey through vibrant lands where orangutans, elephants and lions roam. Wander through a glowing tunnel of lights, enjoy festive treats at the Christmas food markets on the trail, and greet Father Christmas in his workshop!

Find out more about Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo here. 


Enchanted at Knowsley Safari


Experience the magic of the breathtaking Christmas lights trail at Knowsley Safari. This winter, their Foot Safari will become a captivating spectacle, allowing you to stroll amongst illuminated animals, from majestic camels and wolves to exciting new features like towering giraffes and playful lion cubs. 

Explore their Winter Village, stroll through the sparkling light tunnel, and catch Santa’s elves hard at work. While you're here, post your Christmas wish list and enjoy the festive favourite activity of toasting marshmallows by the fire. 

Find out more about Enchanted at Knowsley Safari here.

 

People at Knowlsey Safari looking at lanterns of animals lit up.

More on Christmas in Liverpool City Region