15 things you can do this week in Liverpool (12-18th December 2022)

It’s looking like a Christmas card out there, even though it’s a bit Baltic on temperature, so we’re properly in the festive mood now. Get wrapped up and get out and make the most of it – here are 15 things happening in Liverpool this week …

Radisson RED Lime Street launches

Radisson RED’S arrival in the city will take the Grade-II listed building full circle, after it was originally created as the North Western Hotel back in 1871. Get set for a stunning welcome as you are met with one of the most eye-catching hotel entrances in the city. Room are available to book from Tuesday 13 December, and new restaurant STOKE opens its doors too.

Cast play the 02 Academy on Friday

Liverpool legends Cast have got a pre-Christmas gig at the 02, celebrating the end of what’s incredibly the 30^th anniversary year since they first got together. Frontman John Power, guitarist Liam ‘Skin’ Tyson, bass player Jay Lewis and drummer Keith O’Neill will show why Cast are still one of the best around.

Book tickets here.

Warm yourself up while shopping with hot chocolate at Rococo on Lord Street

This is definitely the weather for getting cosy, especially if you’ve got a gorgeous hot drink to warm you up. Rococo, upstairs on Lord Street, is just the place for a pitstop if you’re out doing some pressie shopping – and it’s got Baileys hot choc or Baileys latte if you want to make it extra Christmassy.

The new Rudy’s has launched on the Albert Dock

Rudy’s has got itself a big fan base in Liverpool, thanks to places on Castle Street and the top of Bold Street, now there’s a third one to try. It’s just opened at the Albert Dock, right by the Beatles Story entrance, with a menu of classic Neapolitan pizzas and delicious dolce. Get more info here.

The Scouse Jack and the Beanstalk continues at the Royal Court

Panto doesn’t have to be just for the kids, this one at the Royal Court is definitely for the grown-ups. Scouse Jack and the Beanstalk’s rude and raucous and very funny, with a great cast including Jake Abraham, Andrew Schofield, Hayley Sheen, and our Lindzi Germain. 

Try the festive menu at Mamasan in Liverpool ONE

We can’t get enough of the festive menus in town right now, they’re amazing, and this one is right up there at the top. Mamasan is such a gorgeous venue anyway and now it’s got a fabulous festive three-courser which includes mains like a coal-roasted satay chicken and char sui pork tomahawk. More here.

Head to MODO, Concert Square for Electric Wonderland this Friday and Saturday

MODO’s had a neon glow up for the Christmas and New Year party season, so now at the weekends you’ll find it fully lit with LED displays and LED-wrapped dancers, plus it’s showing some Christmas classic films upstairs at Paradiso so you can just grab a seat and a drink and get all merry.

There’s lots on for all the family at Unity Theatre

As part of Unity’s Christmas Festival programme, Merseyside-based company RAWD – which champions and gives a voice to disabled artists – will be staging Freezin’ on Monday, a show full of adventure, wintry magic and true love that’s a guaranteed heartwarmer. On from 7.30pm. There’s also a great show on over the weekend perfect for all of the family – more info on that here.

Aladdin starring Leanne Campbell launches at M&S Bank Arena’s Auditorium 

Panto at the Arena is always a spectacular and this year’s going to be no different. The all-time winner Aladdin opens on Friday, packed with songs, amazing costumes and special effects, and a fantastic cast including Leanne as The Spirit of the Ring and Corrie’s Conor McIntyre as Abanazar. 

The doggy brunch is on at Nova Scotia this Saturday

Nova Scotia at Mann Island held its first Doggy Brunch in the middle of November and that was such a big hit it’s coming back for a Christmas date too, this Saturday 8.30-11am. Every paying human gets a breakfast brioche and warm drink for £10 while their pooch is served a doggie breakfast and pupachino for free. Festive fancy dress is optional.

Elf is on at Duke Street Market on Sunday morning

Duke Street Market is always a top choice for something to eat – especially if you land one of Cahita’s whopping Christmas cubanos – and in the run-up to the big day it’s showing some Christmas movie classics too. It starts at 10.30am, but best get there a bit early to get some food and drinks in.

Get cosy with that gorgeous fire at Doctor Duncan’s in Queen Square

You can’t beat a lovely old pub for a drink by the fire when it’s freezing outside, and Doctor Duncan’s ticks all the right boxes for that. Get some starters and sharers while you warm up, or go for a classic main like beer battered fish and chips or a bowl of scouse.

Gaucho serves up the perfect pre-Christmas feast on Water Street 

If you’ve not been to Gaucho on Water Street yet, then book in because you’ve got an absolute treat waiting especially if you’re a lover of steak, because this is a steak experience at its very finest. The restaurant itself is stunning and there are so many different cuts and sauces to take your pick from. More info here.

Singalong with Santa at the Phil all weekend long

Santa’s a busy bloke, but he’s stopping off at the Phil to get everyone joining in some Christmas favourites. Singalong with Santa features the big man himself, along with the orchestra and children’s choir performing songs including Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. Two shows on Saturday and two on Sunday at 11.30am and 2.30pm. Book here.

Night out with difference at Point Blank on Castle Street

If you’re out with a group of mates, what’s better than loads of Christmassy food and drink? How about shooting, eating and drinking the night away instead? Get to Point Blank on Castle Street and you can book a range to test out your aim then move on to a festive menu including Christmas cocktails. Book here.