We’ve been waiting all year to talk about Christmas and this year, there’s something new to try out around the city every single day!

Here’s 10 ways to kick off Christmas in Liverpool

1- Have a winter adventure on the Snowflake Trail

From 1st December til January 3rd the city centre will be transformed into a festive spectacle with the return of the Snowflake Trail, a winter festival of light and sound for all the family. Follow the trail of local landmarks transformed by dazzling lights, swirling soundscapes and interactive illustrations, and get a selfie with each beautifully designed snowflake, created by some of the regions most exciting visual artists. And it’s totally free! Click here for more details on where to pick up your map.

2- Take a pit-stop for a festive winter warmer (No Eggnog here)

Last week we went on a Hot Chocolate Tour of the city and hunted down 10 of the best winter warmers, perfect for a pit-stop when you’re out Christmas shopping, or as a pre-panto treat. We tested 10 luxury hot choc’s from Hope Street to St Paul’s Square, with all manner of extra treats, marshmallows to chilli chocolate dippers, there’s a combination to suit everyone. Check out our top 10 and overall winner here.

3- Get your glitz on at St Helens Theatre Royal with their Christmas panto, Aladdin

The Only Way is Essex stars Amy Childs and Harry Derbridge will be swapping the streets of Brentwood to tread the boards at St Helens Theatre Royal to bring you an all new, dazzling version of Aladdin. With guest performances from David Heath, Olivia Sloyan and Warren Donnelly, bring your singing voices and prepare to shout ‘Open Sesame’ as tickets are now on sale. Aladdin runs from 3rd December until January 8th. Click here for tickets and details on special viewings.

4 – Rosy Cheeks and loads of fun down at the Pier Head Liverpool Ice Festival

Opening on Friday 11th November and running until early January, the Christmas Ice Festival, Pier Head is brining tonnes of winter fun attractions that will guarantee rosy cheeks and big smiles. This year’s festival features under-cover ice-skating, exhilarating rides (including the awesome ice slide) and loads of entertainment for all the family. There’s also plenty of snack stalls to grab a coffee or chips to warm you through! Click here to watch our Jay and Ellie brave the ice slide and for more details.

5 – Check out the brand new grotto at the stunning Town Hall

Santa has moved his magical grotto to the crypt at the magnificent Town Hall this year, and his elves are busy gearing up to welcome you and your little ones every weekend from November 26th from 10am. Families will get to meet Santa, and those on the good list will get an early Christmas gift plus a photographer will be on hand to capture this special moment. For all the opening hours on the run up to Christmas, and to book your tickets, click here.

6 – Warm your Sugar Plums with sweet treats from around the city

Christmas in Liverpool has to involve food! Sugar junkies will be in heaven this November as the coffee shops and restaurants stock up on gingerbread, cinnamon and candy cane laced treats. Why not break up your Christmas shopping trip or line your stomach for the office party with these calorie-laden churros with luscious dipping chocolate from Roja Pinchos, Berry Street? John Lewis are stocking GIANT gingerbread men which are a steal at £5, and who can say no to a tasty bowl of scouse? Check out newly opened, The Chancery right next to Liverpool One for a belly-busting feast.

Drop us a line with your fave winter dishes from around the city – [email protected]

7 – St George’s Hall is decking the halls ready for a DreamWorks invasion

St George’s Hall is a HUGE hub for glad tidings this year! DreamWorks Lights is spending Christmas in Liverpool with a UK premier event and is heading to the great hall on November 26th as part of Liverpool’s One Magical City campaign. This awesome walk-though lantern experience is open to all ages and features a host of fun characters from Shek, Kung-Fu Panda and the animals of Madagascar fame! Book your tickets here.

Check out the latest update on the Christmas Market at St George’s Hall here.

Alongside DreamWorks Lights, St George’s Hall, Concert Room is hosting a The Lord Mayor’s Christmas Concert on Monday 19th December featuring a host of local community choirs, vocalists and comedians. With mince pies and mulled wine included in the ticket price, the show is set to start Christmas week in the most magical and traditional way. All together now…..Siiilent Niiiiight. More details and ticket info available here.

8 – Oh Christmas Tree! Let Liverpool One surround you with tinsel and treats this Winter

Anthony Mooney – Liverpool One

There’s so much going on at Liverpool One, even Scrooge would crack a smile! From Late Night Shopping kicking off on Saturday 26th November 9am to 9pm to Black Friday deals (Nov 25th) and a wealth of entertainment from the illuminated tree with Bar Hutte inside, an interactive app for the kids to chase fairies and a winter wonderland fairground at Chavasse Park. We’re shattered just writing about it!

Watch the big Liverpool One switch on and check out more details here.

9 – Sit back and marvel at the beauty of not one, not two, but THREE winter shows at The Empire Theatre

Something for everyone at the Empire Theatre this winter with three different shows that offer up thrills, frills and hilarious Panto madness. White Christmas is bringing Broadway to Merseyside from Nov 17-20th, with a mischievous mix of romance and misunderstandings and some of the greatest songs ever written. Taking the pre-Christmas stage slot, 29th Nov to Dec 3rd is the ENB Nutcracker, the most traditional of Christmas performances that regularly leaves audiences spell-bound. What could be more festive than this Edwardian tale set to Tchaikovsky’s original score?

And of course it wouldn’t be Christmas in Liverpool without a first-class panto! This year former Hollyoaks and Corrie actress, Jorgie Porter makes her panto debut as Snow White in this enchanting family fairytale that is bursting with adventure, songs and big laughs. Radio City Breakfast host Leanne Campbell takes up the role of the Wicked Queen and Liam Mellor plays lovable comic Muddles.

For show times and tickets to all Empire Theatre shows over the winter period, click here.

10 – It’s all aboard the light fantastic at the Albert Dock this winter with frosty family fun

Celebrate Christmas in Liverpool at The Albert Dock as it goes all out to produce a whole host of family fun this winter, and if you’re into taking breath-taking photographs, this is the place to be! When daylight turns to dusk, the dock will come alive with thousands of bulbs illuminating this maritime gem into a Christmas selfie haven!

With a special light show each evening from December 3rd that features a stunning Christmas clock performance that will wow adults and kids alike. During daylight hours there are multiple places to check out with the kids from interactive story-telling, the chance to board a real life pirate ship and the learning centre at Tate Liverpool. For more information and timings click here.

We’d love to see your Christmas in Liverpool pics and selfies, Tweet us @TheGuideLpool. If you’re planning a Christmas event and want us to shout about it, drop us a line! [email protected]

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