17 things you can do this week in Liverpool (5-11th December 2022)

We’re into counting the sleeps now until the 25^th, so you can feel very smug if you’ve already got your cards all posted and your shopping done.

If not, join us in the last-minute club and just distract yourself even more with all the great stuff that’s going on at the moment. Here are 17 things to take your pick from this week …

Enter Liverpool ONE’s Advent Calendar Giveaway

The Big Advent Calendar Giveaway is back at Liverpool ONE and there are thousands of pounds in prizes up for grabs every day until December 12. All you have to do to be in with a chance of a festive freebie, is go to the website, click on the day to reveal a prize from one of Liverpool ONE’s stores or venues then enter.

Enter here.

See the Light Before Christmas at Liverpool Cathedral

This is so spectacular it’s a real must-see if you get the chance. The Light Before Christmas is a fabulous light and sound show which fills the Cathedral with Christmas projections and music. Created by Luxmuralis, the artists behind February’s Space, The Universe and Everything, it’s on until Friday December 9.

Rod Stewart plays M&S Bank Arena

The legend that is Sir Rod Stewart is still on the road and putting on unbelievable live shows packed with hits from a career that’s covered 70 years! He brings his UK tour to the Arena on Tuesday with back catalogue favourites and songs from his latest studio album The Tears of Hercules. Book here.

The winner of the Turner Prize is unveiled on Wednesday 

The exhibition showcasing the four shortlisted artists opened back in October and now it’s finally time to see which one of them will be awarded the most sought-after prize in UK art. The Turner Prize winner will be announced by Holly Johnson this Wednesday, then the exhibition continues until March 19.

Enjoy a night of games and Guinness at Punch Tarmey’s and ArCains

If you fancy something more fun than just turkey, get to Cains Brewery Village for the Christmas craic. Punch Tarmey’s will keep the black stuff flowing while you enjoy live music at the weekends, plus it’s got huge video walls showing the World Cup. Or head to its neighbour ArCains for unlimited gaming heaven.

NSPCC’s Carols by Candlelight at Met Cathedral

There’s a special carol concert happening at the Metropolitan Cathedral on Tuesday, from 7pm-8.30pm, in aid of the NSPCC. Carols by Candlelight returns with the PopVox Choir, Metropolitan Cathedral Youth Choir, Connected Voices Choir and Wirral Schools’ Concert Band. Book here.

Enjoy a lunch dockside at Nova Scotia

If you’re making a full day of Christmas shopping, or just in town to soak up the atmosphere, you’ll need lunch and Nova Scotia at Mann Island is a top option. It’s got a festive small plates menu with winners including honey and rosemary baked camembert, pigs in blankets and their non-meaty mates veggie sleeping bags! 

White Christmas launches at the Empire

For a break from pantos, but still in the Christmas mood, the Empire’s got Irving Berlin’s classic musical White Christmas on from this Tuesday until New Year’s Eve. It’s a feelgood festive romance, with great songs including the title one obviously, and The Wanted’s Jay McGuiness and Michael Starke among a starry cast.

See SIX at the Playhouse

Another panto alternative, and another fabulous stage production that’s been absolutely wowing audiences in the West End – Six, the award-winning musical which gives a massive helping of girl power to Henry VIII’s six wives, returns to the Playhouse after a previous sell-out run. On from this Tuesday until January 8. 

Book here.

Bold Street welcomes Albert Schloss

Liverpool’s been lucky to have lots of fantastic venue openings recently, and this one’s right up there with the best. Albert Schloss has transformed a huge space at the bottom of Bold Street and it’s now open with live music, cabaret, good times, Bavarian-inspired good food from breakfast to evening haus specials, bier and cocktails.

The Luna Cinema launches at St George’s Hall

St George’s Hall is hosting a programme of Christmas classic films, starting this Saturday. The Luna Cinema has taken over the main hall with a giant screen showing favourites including Elf, Home Alone, It’s A Wonderful Life and The Muppets Christmas Carol. There’s mulled wine and mince pies too.

Roast dinner Cork and Fork on Allerton Road

Get in training for the biggest roast dinner of the year with a great one at Cork and Fork. There’s a choice of meats – or go for the duo or trio if you’re hungry and can’t decide – plus veggie, vegan and nut roasts, all served with Yorkies and loads of veg.

Visit the Aquarium at World Museum

For something fascinating to do with the kids that’s indoors and free, get the Aquarium at World Museum on your to-do list. You’ll be able to see all kinds of under-water creatures up close including jellyfish, a hermit crab, chocolate chip starfish and everyone’s favourite clownfish, aka Nemo.

Meet Father Christmas at Knowsley Safari’s Enchanted

If you’ve not taken the kids to Knowsley Safari’s gorgeous Enchanted light trail then there’s still chance to book because it’s on until December 30 – and not only will they get to see magical illuminated animals, they can go on the Santa Experience and meet the big guy in his grotto.

Enjoy cocktails at the Royal Institution on Colquitt Street

Royal Institution on Colquitt Street is now a sister venue to Castle Street Townhouse, so you know it’s going to be good. It’s a real stunner inside, it’s kept lots of original historic features across three rooms and the décor is beautiful, and there’s also an excellent list of classic and signature cocktails. More info here.

Southport’s Christmas panto Aladdin opens at the Atkinson

Pantos don’t come any more traditional than Aladdin, and that’s the family Christmas show this year at The Atkinson in Southport. A great cast is headed by actress Patsy Kensit as the Genie of the Lamp, and our Claire Simmo is fabulous as always as the Spirit of the Ring. On from this Thursday until New Year’s Eve.

Tuck into Maggie Fu in Liverpool ONE

Once you’ve waded through your Christmas shopping list you’ll deserve a reward, and the food at Maggie Fu’s ticks that box. There’s no better way to stay nice and warm when it’s freezing out than with a bowl of Maggie’s ramen noodles in a spicy broth with chicken, char sui, duck or just loads of veg.