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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
Afternoon Activity: Santa's Secret Forest
This Christmas, something truly magical is happening in Orrell Woods, Liverpool. Santa has set up a top-secret present hub, and you're invited inside.
With more kids on the Nice List than ever before, the North Pole needed backup. So, a team of fast, funny, and slightly mischievous elves are now running Operation Christmas right here in the forest, working around the clock to make sure Santa’s sleigh is ready and every present finds its way.
With dates running from 21 November to 24 December, book quick so you don't miss out on Santa's Secret Forest.
Dinner: Sample the tastes of Royal Albert Dock
Head to the beautiful Royal Albert Dock to dine surrounded by their festive lights on famous colonnades.
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.
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: Jack and the Beanstalk at Everyman Theatre
Matilda The Musical at The Liverpool Empire
Cinderella at Shakespeare North Playhouse
Sleeping Beauty at The Floral Pavilion
Beauty and the Beast at The Atkinson
Dick Whittington at St Helens Theatre
Find out all about these shows and lots more on our blog here.
Day 2
Morning Activity: The North Pole Experience
Bringing the magic of the North Pole to the North West, this fully immersive entertainment experience at Otterspool Adventure is perfect for little ones to get into the festive spirit.
Discover the magical world of elves, where you'll lend a hand in the bustling Toy Workshop, share warm moments with Mother Christmas in her storybook cabin, and uncover a world of magical surprises.
Find out more about The North Pole Experience 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!
Afternoon Activity: Experience Christmas at Liverpool City Halls
This December, Liverpool’s landmark venues - Liverpool Town Hall, St George’s Hall, and Croxteth Hall, will be brimming with festive cheer, offering a diverse programme of seasonal events for families, music lovers, and even canine companions.
Liverpool Town Hall will host Story Time with Santa, a magical experience where Father Christmas and Buddy the Elf share festive tales and songs in the cosy surroundings of the historic building. A sensory-friendly session will also be available. Story Time with Santa runs on selected dates from Saturday 6 to Wednesday 24 December.
On Sunday 7 December, St George’s Hall will host its seasonal Christmas market, transforming the inside space into a bustling festive hub with over 80 independent traders and local artisans offering a wonderful selection of art, crafts, homeware, and unique gifts. It will take place from 10am to 4.30pm.
Croxteth Hall will once again welcome Santa Paws, a festive event for dogs and their owners. Set in a specially designed grotto, pets can meet Santa Paws, receive a gift and a treat, and pose for a seasonal photo. Santa Paws runs on selected dates from Saturday 13 to Sunday 21 December, with bookable slots and walk-ins welcome.
See what's on at Liverpool City Halls this Christmas.
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!
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.
