There is no better time to bring the whole family to Liverpool than at Christmas.
There are so many things to see and do for kids of all ages to kick start the festive celebrations. From ice festivals to Christmas markets, classic pantos and loads of places to eat and drink, your family trip to Liverpool this Christmas won’t be one you’ll forget in a hurry.
To make your trip as easy as possible, we have put together a two day itinerary covering everything from where to stay, eat and drink and all the festive activities you can head to.
Christmas in Liverpool truly is the most wonderful time of the year!
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WHERE TO STAY
For a city centre stay, families will love Quest. The apartments are airy, spacious and modern having opened on Church Street in 2019. The views from the window of the apartments will offer a stunning view of the real Christmas tree outside. At Quest you’ll be in the heart of the shopping district with Liverpool ONE round the corner as well as the Playhouse Theatre and Metquarter.
On the waterfront is the Pullman Hotel, a modern hotel right next to the M&S Bank Arena and the twinkling Royal Albert Dock.
DAY ONE
BREAKFAST
Start your trip with a family breakfast
Start your Christmas trip off with breakfast in the heart of Liverpool ONE at Bill’s. There is everything from a full English breakfast to garden plates, toast and porridge and there’s even a children's breakfast menu too! Everyone will be able to set themselves up for day one of exploring Christmas in Liverpool.
MORNING ACTIVITY
Do a bit of Christmas Shopping
This might not sound like the best way to entertain the kids but trust us, shopping in Liverpool at Christmas is fun for the whole family. Head to Liverpool ONE to explore over 160 shops, see the huge light-up, heart emblazoned Christmas tree before heading to the LEGO store, Build a Bear and loads of other high street favourites and department stores. You’ll definitely be able to pick a few christmas presents up here.
LUNCH
Head to GPO at Metquarter
The GPO in the Metquarter has a selection of independent food vendors, serving the best in culinary delights that the world has to offer. GPO has over 400 dishes from dirty burgers and fried chicken to Cantonese, Japanese and sweet treats. You’ll definitely find something for the whole family at GPO.
AFTERNOON ACTIVITY
Ice Festival
Head down to Liverpool’s Pier Head that’s been turned into a Winter Wonderland. The Ice Festival is back with an ice rink, huge ice slide, fairground rides, food and drink stalls and cosy alpine bar. Take in the picturesque Pier Head with a hot chocolate to warm up.
EVENING MEAL
Choose from a number of restaurants at the Royal Albert Dock
A short walk from the Pier Head is the Royal Albert Dock. At Christmas time the iconic red pillars of the dock are decorated in thousands of fairy lights, see if you can spot Bella, Bertie, Neptune or Triton on your route to the restaurant on the Light Walk.
On the dock you’ll find locally run eateries Lunyalita - Catalonian tapas, Maray - delicious and eclectic small plates alongside traditional favourites, PanAm, Revolution and Smuggler's Cove - (where kids meals are served in a treasure chest!)
EVENING ACTIVITY
Cinderella at M&S Bank Arena
After dinner head over the road to the M&S Bank Arena for Cinderella! Liverpool Biggest Ever Pantomime, Cinderella takes place from 18 - 28 December 2021.
This magical pantomime features a delicious blend of beautiful scenery, colourful costumes, a live band, dazzling dance routines, great songs and plenty of laughter.
DAY TWO
BREAKFAST
Indulge in some pancakes at Moose
For epic stacks of American pancakes, Mighty Moose potato hash, all day breakfasts and Moose eggs benedict, head to Moose on Dale Street or Hope Street; the food is that good we have two in the city! There is also a dedicated children's menu so the kids can pick their favourite breakfast option too.
MORNING ACTIVITY
World Museum
Take a trip to the World Museum. Here you can explore Ancient Egypt, Natural History, Aquatics and even Space in the Planetarium.
From the sea to the stars, a visit to the World Museum reveals millions of years of the Earth’s history through thousands of exhibits and hands-on activities and it’s free to enter!
LUNCH
Christmas Market
Head just outside the World Museum for some festive food and drink. There’s plenty of Christmas treats to choose from for lunch at Liverpool Christmas Market, from yorkie pud wraps to a selection of german sausages.
Don’t forget to take a wander around the market to browse for unique Christmas gifts from independent traders. You might also fancy a go on the ferris wheel and fairground rides!
AFTERNOON ACTIVITY
Elfie Selfie Station inside St Johns
Take a walk over to St Johns Shopping Centre. You’ll see it from the Christmas Market thanks to the festive Liver Bird wearing a Santa hat and St Johns Beacon.
Inside St John’s Market between 12-4pm on selected weekends in December, the Elfie Selfie Station in St Johns is fun for children to play games and have fun with. Whilst you’re there, take a look around the many independent and branded stores.
Bonus activity
Outside of St Johns in Williamson Square is a huge light-up, walk through Christmas tree. Head inside the tree to see it twinkle and get those family snaps to remind you of your trip to Liverpool!
EVENING MEAL
Rudy’s Bold Street
Everyone loves pizza, right? Head over to Bold Street to Rudy’s for a couple of slices of pizza while watching the world go by on one of Liverpool’s most popular streets. There will be something for everyone here.
GETTING AROUND LIVERPOOL
Jump on the Merseyrail
Getting around a city with kids can be a bit stressful but the best thing about coming to Liverpool is that it’s such a walkable city and most attractions are a reasonable walking distance. However if you want to give your legs a bit of a rest you can jump on the Merseyrail Loop line that stops off at three different stations in the city centre and plenty more further afield. Have a look at the range of tickets on offer here.
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