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Liverpool, it's special every day of the year, that's undeniable. Liverpool at Christmas? Well, it's magic.
From 30 ft trees to 5 metre tall Santa's, winter markets to the glamorous spree at our retail hub. Snowballs, Christmas Jumpers and and Ice Festivals - Christmas in Liverpool sounds good on paper but just wait 'til you experience it in reality. We've pulled together 18 reasons why you should make Liverpool your Christmas city break this year. Enjoy.
1. Gaze in awe at the tallest Christmas tree in the city
You might have seen it on pictures, but this year it's your chance to see it face-to-face. Liverpool ONE’s iconic tree will stand pride of place in the middle of the buzzing retail hub from 16th November - 30 metres tall and emblazoned with 280 mesmerising heart lights, it’s the perfect backdrop for a shopping stroll. It just doesn’t get more festive than this.
Where: outside John Lewis on Paradise Street
2. ...once you’re done gazing up at it, step inside!
The festivity doesn’t end outside. Beneath the tree, you’ll find an exclusive alpine-themed bar, complete with festive lights, carol-oke and a warming drinks to warm those wintery cockles. All you need are a bunch of friends, your cosiest gear and a Christmas tune or two. We suggest booking this right away as they get nabbed pretty quickly.
Where: Bar Hutte
Be sure to book!
3. Peruse your way around our enchanting Christmas Market
Back for a third year, over 40 traditional festive style cabins will magically appear below the beautiful St George's Hall offering everything from bratwursts to handmade jewellery, festive decorations to edible gifts. If you were looking for the real Christmas experience, THIS is where you’ll find it.
Where: St George’s Plateau
When: From 16th November
4. Enjoy our waterfront… with our very own Ice Festival
Can this iconic spot get anymore whimsical and romantic?! Our incredible backdrop of the Three Graces will be transformed into the most gorgeously crisp white wonderland you’ll ever see. Grab some skates to embark on the ultimate festive ice skating, which boasts an even bigger rink this year! Be a daredevil and try out the UK’s largest ice slide, giving you three super speedy runs. Experience the buzz of skimming along at an exhilarating pace, while taking in the whole view of the Ice Festival
Where: Pier Head
When: 10th November 2018 to 6th January 2019
5. Experience the magnificent Liverpool International Horse Show
You might have seen show-jumping before, but you haven’t ever experienced it like this. Arguably the BEST indoor horse show in the whole world, each event combines world-class sport, live music and spectacular family entertainment for a Christmas celebration like no other. If you’re a horse-riding fan, you’ve got to be here. If you’re not, you’re about to become a fan - that’s all we’ll say.
Where: Echo Arena
When: 28th December - 31st December 2018
6. Sing Christmas Carols in the beautiful Neo-Classical St Georges Hall
It just isn’t Christmas without a Christmas Carol experience. Step inside the breathtaking Concert Room in St George’s Hall as opera singer Danielle Thomas, the Sing Me Merseyside Choir and Allerton Brass Brand infiltrate your ears on 12th December with the merry sound of Christmas’s much-loved tunes and traditional carols. Mince pies and mulled wine will be on hand for dutch courage, if you should need it.
Where: Concert Room, St George’s Hall
When: 12th December (7:30pm)
7. Enjoy a Cinema Visit with a Difference
Back at St George's Hall, this festive season there will be special screenings of Christmas classics. From Home Alone to Its a Wonderful Life in the enchanting surroundings of St George's Hall, its a special experience for couples, friends and families alike. Don't forget the Christmas Market on the doorstep!
Where: St George's Hall
When: 19th - 24th December (day time and evening showings)
8. Stroll around the Royal Albert Dock’s Makers Market
Explore the Albert Dock’s Makers Market, featuring award winning independent specialists who grow, bake, make and create the products they sell. Meet the makers, feast your eyes upon goodies and fill your shopping bags with unique and original gifts whilst enjoying conversations the traders!
Where: Albert Dock
When: 2nd & 16th December 10am-6pm
9. Embark upon story time with the *real* Santa
Because the boys and girls of Liverpool have been good ALL year, we’re welcoming a very special guest to our spectacular Town Hall. Father Christmas himself will be reading stories to kids up to the age of 13 on the run up to the big day, which includes a special gift for everyone involved (maybe big kids can get a look-in too)
Where: Liverpool Town Hall
When: 2nd-24th December
10. Cozy up and watch a film at the Philharmonic Hall
Liverpool Philharmonic are showcasing a variety of Christmas films from Love Actually to The Nutcracker & I, It’s a Wonderful Life and The Muppets. And best of all, there’s a full live orchestra performing the enchanting scores.
Where: Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
When: Check here for dates and times of events at the Phil
11. Get in the Christmas spirit with a show
A giant panto comes to Liverpool this Christmas, catch Jack and the Beanstalk at Empire Theatre from 14th December to 6th January. Head to Unity Theatre for a highly theatrical and bold retelling of the classic family tale, Beauty and the Beast from 30th November to 5th January. And don’t miss everyone’s favourite, Peter Pan at Echo Arena from 14th-24th December; just three examples of what you can watch in Liverpool to get that festive feeling. Whether you’re with the kids, your other half or mates, a seasoned theatre-goer or music-mad, you’ll fit right in this Christmas.
Where: Echo Arena
When: 14th - 24th December
12. Get Christmassy and creative
Following last year’s success, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral will be hosting a 6-week ‘Creative at Christmas’ course, and will cover a different skill each week including flower arranging, needlework, art and crafts. These fun, informal afternoons will offer a chance to make new friends and create some beautiful unique gifts in the run up to Christmas.
Where: Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
When: Every Tuesday between 1pm – 4pm from 6th November
13. Step inside a Winter Wonderland
St Lukes Church, also known as the Bombed Out Church, will be transformed into an magical, festive Winter Wonderland from 1st - 23rd December! Families can be escorted by an elf into the Christmas spectacular full of characters, workshops and fun activities. Families can even book a special appointment with Santa Claus in his Grotto! Christmas markets will also be open in the ground of St Luke’s selling artisan food, specialised gifts and drinks with live entertainment.
Where: St Lukes Church (Bombed Out Church)
When: 1st - 23rd December
14. Last minute, late night shopping
We love the hustle, bustle and crisp air of late night Christmas shopping. Stroll down Peter’s Lane & MetQuarter for premium designer brands, head down South John Street to seek out the LEGO and Disney store or head towards Bold Street for some independent boutique bargains. One thing is for sure - you might end up coming back with more presents (for others or yourself) than you might have planned on, so pack light!
Where: Liverpool ONE
When: Late night shopping starts on 10th December at Liverpool ONE.
15. See the giant mystical lanterns at Croxteth Hall
Step into the beautiful Victorian surroundings of Croxteth Hall and Gardens this December, where a magical, illuminated adventure awaits. This grand Victorian venue and its stunning gardens will be transformed into a luminous wintery wonderland, to delight and enthrall visitors of all ages.
16. Follow Liverpool's bright lights
Back due to its popularity last year, an extraordinary display of light and sound awaits you on the streets of Liverpool. The incredible installation is by local multi-media experts, Kazimier Productions will see powerful lasers shine on Liverpool’s streets as glistening stars bathe the night sky in colour for the festive season. All you need to do is time it right to experience (it runs every half an hour), and be sure to make a wish once you see them (a wish to come back to Liverpool in 2019 should do it 😏)
Where: Bold Street, Church Street, Lord Street, Castle Street and Williamson Square
17. Visit the magical Palm House
Sefton Park Palm House is one of Liverpool's most treasured buildings, a must-see for any visitors! The Palm House are hosting a variety of Christmas events throughout the festive period, from Pop-up Christmas markets to cinema nights with screenings of films such as Elf, Scrooge, Home Alone and a sing-a-long to The Greatest Showman, as well as hosting Winter Carol Concerts, Childrens Chocolate parties and a Christmas Tea Dance!
Where: Palm House, Sefton Park.
When: Various dates from 17th November - 21st December. Check here for more info.
18. Look down at the city in its festive glory
With Liverpool looking so illuminated and gorgeous, you need to experience it from above. Take a walk up to the fifth largest cathedral in the world, 500 ft above sea level, climb aboard the Wheel of Liverpool down by the docks, or get yourself up to the Radio City Tower to experience the panoramic Christmas glow. Wherever you go to see it, make sure you get here - because this Christmas, it has to be Liverpool!
Now it's up to you!
Everyones Christmas is different, unique and special in its own way. We all have our own 'magical moments' over the festive period. We hope that this has inspired you to Visit Liverpool this Christmas. Share your time here on social using #MyLiverpoolChristmas and we can share our favourites.
Look out for further blogs and even some guest blogs coming up on the VisitLiverpool website over Christmas.
For more Christmas inspiration visit visitliverpool.com/christmas.
This blog has been written by Jess Cavendish, Digital Marketing Manager for Marketing Liverpool. Jess looks after all things website and content related for VisitLiverpool/its liverpool, Marketing Liverpool and Liverpool Convention Bureau digital channels!
Jess loves and Aperol Spritz, her second favourite city (after Liverpool of course), is a toss up between Rome and Berlin 🤔
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