10 festive ways to treat the kids this Christmas in Liverpool

From grotto’s to magical light shows and story time with Santa’s elves, there’s a treat for kids of all ages this Christmas.

Christmas in Liverpool is in full swing with more trees, grotto’s, magical Santa experiences and fairground fun taking place than ever before. Whether it’s your first Christmas as a family or you’re a nan or granddad joining in the fun, there’s a magical treat waiting for you.

Here’s 10 of the most festive ways to treat the kids this Christmas in Liverpool….

1 – Liverpool’s Famous Grotto, St John’s Market

Now open inside St John’s Market, Liverpool’s famous grotto, formerly at Lewis’ and Rapid had moved into its new 5,ooo sq ft home and takes visitors on a journey from Liverpool to the North Pole with a huge Christmas Wonderland display and of course a chance to meet the main man in his grotto. Tickets and more info here.

2 – Albert Dock Magical Light Show

From Friday 1st December you can witness a stunning light spectacle as the Martin Luther King Jnr Building at Albert Dock comes to life with a captivating light show all about unwrapping Christmas. From 5pm until 10pm each evening you can see the light projection as well as enjoy the restaurants, bars and shops at this historic waterfront location.

3 – Christmas at Cunard, Pier Head

From Nov 27th until Christmas Eve, Santa will be in his famously, fabulous, festive Liverpool home, the Cunard Building and he’s throwing a huge Christmas party for children…and YOU are invited! Expect real live reindeer, songs, films, dancing, music and a little bit of magic. Book your tickets for this huge festive party and find out more here. 

4 – Story time with Santa’s Elves

On Saturday 9th December from midday to 3pm, venues across Liverpool will host FREE Stories with Santa’s Elves events which gives families the opportunity to enjoy stories read aloud at libraries, children’s centres and community venues across the city. There’s no need to book and families can just drop in. Find your nearest session and find out more here. 

5 – Christmas Craft & Carols, Port Sunlight

There’s loads of Christmas events taking place on the Wirral this December including crafts and carols at Port Sunlight River Park. So why not wrap up warm and enjoy a welly walk before heading down to the car park to get crafty and join in a sing song of traditional songs and carols? Click here for more info about Wirral Christmas events for all the family. 

6 – Liverpool Christmas Ice Festival, Pier Head

Returning to the Pier Head, the Liverpool Christmas Ice Festival brings carnival fun back to the city and it’s open 7 das a week. There’s a ride and attractions for everyone from ice skating to thrill rides and merry-go-rounds for the little ones, plus tonnes of food stalls selling delicious crepes, hot dogs and of course mulled wine! You can pre book skating, ice slide and ice bar tickets and find out more here. 

7 – Visit Santa Land at Calderstones Park

Prepare to get totally festive as Santa Lane returns to Calderstones Park for three hour sessions jam packed with fun! Meet Santa in his grotto, enjoy unlimited access to the fairground rides and check out the 6D cinema while you’re there! For adults there’s the famous Elf Bar for a warming Christmas tipple and a bite to eat. All the info and tickets available here.

8 – Santa Hat Junior Park Run, Stanley Park

Let the kids burn off a bit of energy this December in the annual Stanley Park Santa Hat junior parkrun! 4-14 year olds can run, jog or walk the 2k course on their own or with an adult, followed by free refreshments at Kemp’s Bistro. To find out more and to sign-up click here.

9 – Panto, Panto, Panto!

There are so many amazing pantomimes to see this December, right across the north west region, it’s too difficult to choose just one! We’re heading to St Helens Theatre Royal to see Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs and Johnny Vegas as the Magic Mirror, we’re also going to cheer on our very own Claire Simmo playing her alter ago, Tinkerbell in Peter Pan at the Epstein and who could miss Radio City Queen, Leanne Campbell in Aladdin at the Echo Arena?

10 – The Night Before Christmas, Southport

The Atkinson, Southport is staging a classic tale with a twist for families and school and community groups to enjoy this Christmas. The Night Before Christmas is the latest production from Big Wooden Horse and tells the tale of an excited little girl called Emily, a brave little mouse called Eddie and a magic fairy! Running on selected dates throughout December, you can get your tickets and find out more here.

How do you like to treat the kids during Christmas in Liverpool? Which is your favourite grotto or Christmas experience, and why? Tweet us your suggestions @TheGuideLpool or tag us in your Santa Selfies on Instagram here and we’ll share the best on our socials.