21 Things to do with the kids this Christmas in Liverpool

Let the festive family fun on Merseyside….commence!

Keep the magic alive this Christmas in Liverpool with these fab day out and attraction ideas. From Christmas films on the big screen with unlimited free popcorn to gingerbread decorating, ice sculpture trails, illuminated animals and there’s even time for a story with Santa.

More: Click here for our full Merseyside Pantomime run down. Oh yes we did! 

Alongside a whole host of hilarious pantomimes, including Peter Pan at the Echo Arena, The Snow Queen at the Everyman, Brookside’s Mick Jonno as Hook in Peter Pan at St Helen’s Theatre Royal and 3D fairytale, Jack & the Beanstalk at the Liverpool Empire, we’ve lined up ice skating, Santa Dashing and a whole load of hot chocolate too.

Here’s 21 things you can do with the kids this Christmas in Liverpool….

1 – Luna Cinema

St George’s Hall sees the return of the fabulous Lunar Cinema from 19th December. Take the kids to see The Muppets Christmas Carol and all your festive faves for just £8.50 per ticket. Book here. 

2 – Liverpool’s Famous Grotto

Get yourself down to St John’s Market and experience Liverpool’s Famous Grotto. It’s back for its 139th year and more magical than ever. Kids see Santa, make a wish, write their list, receive a gift and get a special photo too! More here. 

3 – Enchanted at Knowsley Safari Park

You’re invited to explore Knowsley Safari Park on foot, after dark and seek out the magical lantern animals before meeting up with Santa for a warm by the fire. Book here. 

4 – Bombed Out Church Winter Wonderland

There’s a whole host of family fun on offer at St Lukes, The Bombed Out Church as the Winter Wonderland throws open its doors from 1st-23rd December. Check out the workshops, meet the elves, Mrs Claus and the big man himself! Info here.  

5 – Ice Sculpture Trail

The Royal Albert Dock Christmas Extravaganza, Thursday 22nd November is the perfect place to shop, eat, drink and explore the stunning Ice Sculpture Trail! There’s a bauble workshop, choirs and gingerbread decorating on offer too! More here. 

6 – Liverpool Christmas Ice Festival

Pier Head is awash with thrills, lights and plenty of after school fun for families this winter. Get your skates on, fly down the ice slide, check out the fairground rides for little ones and get warmed through with bars, a grotto and hot food. Info here. 

7 – Secret Winter Garden, Croxteth Hall & Park

From 13th-22nd December, Croxteth Hall welcomes the Secret Winter Garden, a magical light event that’s suitable for all ages. Uncover a glowing trail full of giant surprises, secret pathways, amazing creatures and enchanting characters. More info and tickets here. 

8 – Story Time With Santa

Father Christmas is taking up temporary residence at Liverpool Town Hall as Story Time With Santa returns. Children are invited to enjoy a festive story and a sing song with the big man himself in this stunning venue. Sessions are approx. 45 mins long, tickets here. 

9 – Fairground Fun at Liverpool Christmas Market

Photo Credit:Gareth Jones

Take a wander round Liverpool Christmas Market at St George’s Plateau with your pocket money and have a go on the fair ground rides after school for a truly festive experience in the city. A fab way to break up your Christmas shopping trip, with someone for everyone. More info here. 

10 – Santa Dash 2018

On Sunday 2nd December the city will be overrun with Santa’s as the 14th annual Santa Dash 5k kicks off from the Pier Head. This is a great way to have a Christmas-themed giggle with all the family and there’s a 1 mile fun run for the kids too, you can even bring the dog! Enter here. 

11 – Meet the Reindeer of Lark Lane

You heard it here first! Dasher & Dancer have been given the all clear to visit Lark Lane on 14th December from 6pm as Freida Mo’s spreads Christmas cheer across the leafy suburbs. It’s free to attend and we recommend stopping in for a cuppa and wedge of cake while you’re there. More info here. 

12 – Sing A Long with Santa & Polaris, Liverpool ONE

The Liverpool ONE Big Christmas Street Party officially launched Christmas in the city and it’s showing no signs of stopping! Head to Chavasse Park to see Polaris, the huge light installation and join in with Santa on the piano at Liverpool ONE across the Christmas shopping weekends. More info here. 

13 – Glory Days – Little Mix Tribute, Grand Central Hall

How’s this for a fab, pre-Christmas treat for the Little Mix fans in your life? Glory Days will be performing a Saturday matinee show at Grand Central hall on 8th December, with all your favourite hits. Get the POWER and book your tickets here.

14 – Frozen & Home Alone Kids ASBO Cinema

ASBO Cinema invites you and your kids to Let It Gooooooo on Saturday 15th December and sing your little hearts out at two brilliant film events at Camp & Furnace. Get dressed up, bring your princesses and heroes to watch Frozen and/or Home Alone, there’s free unlimited pop corn and kids under 2 go free! Tickets here. 

15 – Winter Wonderland Walk – Stanley Park

Get wrapped up and join in a family walk at Stanley Park on Saturday 1st December from 10:30am. Expect games, magical surprises, LFC Foundation’s Open Goals and plenty of festive fun for all ages. Details here. 

16 – Victorian Christmas at Speke Hall

There’s three whole weekends worth of Victorian Christmas fun to be had at Speke Hall and you’re invited to step back in time at one of the regions most beautiful winter destinations. 24-25 November and 1-2, 8-9 December there’s feasting and festivities for all the family. Find out more here.

17 – Star Wars: A New Hope, Echo Arena

For all you Star Wars fans (young and old), see this absolute epic like never before on the big screen at the Echo Arena…with a live orchestra playing the phenomenal soundtrack! Now that’s what we call a 40th celebration. Tickets here. 

18 – Waterfront Wonderland, RLB

On Sunday 16th December, the Venue at Royal Liverpool Building will be transformed into a waterfront wonderland and you can dine in style with none other than Santa! Expect great fun from Jumping Jacks, lots of singing, wish list writing and more. Tickets here. 

19 – Pick Your Own Christmas Tree, Claremont Farm

The trees are in at Claremont Farm, Bebbington and you can have pick of the crop if you get over there from 25th November. Don’t forget to check out the farm shop for all your Christmas dinner orders and we hear Santa is making a special appearance at the farmers market on 25th November too! Details here. 

20 – Dobbies Christmas Grotto

Another Merseyside grotto that wow the kids year after year is Dobbie’s in Speke and its open now! There’s baubles, decorations and Christmas trees galore plus a magical trail to Santa’s secret snow covered cottage, for you to explore. You can also book breakfast or tea with the big man too! All the info here. 

21 – Farmer Christmas at Farmer Teds

Christmas has arrived on the farm and Santa has taken on some extra duties in preparation for the big day! Farmer Christmas opens on 24th November until 23rd December and includes all kinds of fun activities from gingerbread decorating to disco’s and a Reindeer food factory! All the details and booking here. 

Getting to the Christmas festivities is more affordable than you think with Merseyrail. Wherever you’re going this festive season, Merseyrail have got the ticket to get you there.

Travel together and get a family ticket for up to 5 for just £11, a return ticket from just £2.05, or make as many journeys as you like throughout the day with a Day Saver on the Merseyrail Network for just £5.20*only excluding peak hours 06.31 – 09.29 Monday – Friday.

Are you hosting a family friendly, festive event this Christmas in Liverpool and want to join our listing? Drop us a line on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and we’ll share the details for you.

Featured photo credit: Anthony Mooney – Royal Albert Dock