12 things for your weekend in Liverpool (December 3rd – 5th)

Wrap up, it’s getting to be chilly out there, aka the season for drinking anything with the word ‘hot’ in it … hot chocolate, gin, mulled wine…now’s definitely their time.

Grab yourself one while you’re out doing the Christmas shopping (top tip, PINS Alpine Village hot gin is amazing) and make the most of the weekend with one of these 12 things to do…

Bombed Out Church Festive Bar launches

It kept the pizza and drinks coming outdoors over summer and now the Bombed Out Church has had a Christmas makeover with a festive garden bar under its heated marquee, open at weekends from 1pm to 10.30pm, and festive magical woodland themed chancel within the church grounds. Donations on the door, and you can book online for the bar.

Angie Brown sings live at Tres Liverpool

Big dancefloor anthems all the way at Tres cocktail bar on Temple Court tonight because it’s Chic It presents Funky Friday with a live PA from the legendary Angie Brown (I’m Gonna Get You Baby) and Conor McKenna. Resident DJs on until 4am, last entry 11pm.

Book tickets here. 

Laces Out at Camp and Furnace

There’s only one place trainer fans need to be this weekend and that’s the Laces Out Festival at Camp and Furnace. Saturday afternoon from 12.30-4.30pm (but get there early because there’s always a massive queue), there’ll be over 60 traders, thousands of trainers plus guest speakers and DJs.

More info here. 

See the Santa projection at the back of St George’s Hall

If you’re heading to the Christmas market around St George’s Hall and William Brown Street this weekend look out for the big fella himself, making a larger than life virtual appearance. As well as Santa’s Village with all the rides, big wheel and snow slide for kids, there’s also a Santa projection.

Find out more

Jose Gonzalez plays Grand Central

Fancy a night of really beautiful live music? Get to Grand Central on Renshaw Street on Saturday for a gig by Swedish singer-songwriter and guitarist Jose Gonzalez. It’s over 16s, on from 7pm to 11pm, and it’s nearly sold out so if you want to go be quick!

Book your tickets here. 

Christmas films at the Plaza in Crosby

Anyone still needing a little extra nudge into the Christmassy mood, get down to the Plaza because it’s Christmas movie central there so you’re guaranteed to come away feeling all festive. There’s the classic It’s a Wonderful Life, Polar Express and A Boy Named Christmas and the CBeebies Christmas Show: The Night Before Christmas.

This way for schedule and tickets

Liverpool Winter Arts Market at Liverpool Cathedral

This is a great way to get loads of lovely original pressies in one go, and support local creatives while you’re at it. The Winter Arts Market is back at the Cathedral on Friday and Saturday, 10am to 5pm, with lots of stalls selling craft, design and art gifts, plus there’s great food too. Tickets are a fiver, and free for under 16s.

Live a Better a Life Vegan Fair

Find out a bit more about being vegan, including all the delicious food and drink, natural beauty and ethical cruelty-free gifts, at the Live a Better Life Vegan Fair at Mountford Hall on Sunday, 11am-6pm. There’ll be 80 stalls and lots of opportunities to taste, try and buy.

More info this way 

Drinks and live music at The Angus on Dale Street 

Get a break from the pre-Christmas mayhem in town at The Angus on Dale Street where you’re always sure of a decent pint, a really warm welcome and a line-up of live music. On The Angus stage this weekend is Naomi Campbell on Saturday from 8.30pm and Sunday Sessions with Nick Ellis from 7pm.

Find out more here. 

Enchanted at Knowsley Safari

One of the most magical things to take the kids to in the run-up to Christmas, Enchanted at Knowsley Safari is a gorgeous festive night-time family adventure. The Foot Safari is transformed with an enchanted forest of Christmas lights and an animal light trail, plus there’s toasted marshmallows to be had while you explore.

Book your tickets here. 

Joel Corry plays Camp and Furnace 

Platinum-selling DJ/producer Corry (and ex-Geordie Shore star) Joel Corry, who’s had massive success with Sorry and last summer’s Head & Heart, is at Camp and Furnace on Friday. It’s his last gig before the Jingle Bell Ball at London’s O2 alongside Ed Sheeran and Lil Nas, tickets flew out so good work if you grabbed one.

If you’re making a weekend of it and staying in the city, check out iStay for some of the best luxury party apartments in town. They’re currently offering a ‘stay Boxing Night, get the second night free’ deal, with limited places available. Find out more HERE.