8 Christmassy destinations to check out with Merseyrail this winter

Next stop, Christmas! Ditch the car and travel in comfort, for less with Merseyrail this winter.

With Christmas shopping, catching up with friends, office parties and well, just getting home from work, all on the agenda throughout December, let Merseyrail get you there and back with ease and in comfort.

With services from Southport to Hunts Cross, West Kirby to Liverpool City Centre and beyond, there’s a great value train journey awaiting you. So say HO HO HO-off you go to wasting precious time in traffic and check out the wealth of Christmas events you can enjoy with Merseyrail instead.

Here’s 8 Merseyside Christmas Hot spots you can get to with Merseyrail this December….

1 – Southport Ice Rink

Christmas shopping, family fun activities, cosy date nights or a spin on the ice rink in front of the futuristic Christmas tree, it’s all on offer in Southport this December and just a 30 minute Merseyrail journey from Liverpool. More here. Nearest station: Southport

2 – Luna Cinema, St George’s Hall

Fancy watching your favourite Christmas films on a huge screen, with festive munchies, all under one iconic Liverpool City Centre roof? Head to St George’s Hall from 19th – 23rd December for the Luna Winter Cinema. Book here. Nearest station: Lime Street

3 – Victorian Christmas at Speke Hall

Speke Hall has brought traditional Victorian Christmas values back to life this December and although the hall itself is now closed, the beautiful gardens, café and shop remain open throughout the winter, perfect for a family stroll. More here. Nearest station: Liverpool South Parkway

4 – Liverpool ONE Shop, Dine & Drink

Images by Gareth Jones

Whether it’s Christmas shopping, a family dinner, drinks with friends, a trip to the cinema, spending your Christmas money or selfie’s and karaoke at Bar Hutte, it’s all going on at Liverpool ONE this winter. Check out the top shopping guides here. Nearest station: Liverpool Central

5 – The Lanterns at Chester Zoo

Christmas is a special time at Chester Zoo as the animals rest their heads, huge lanterns fill the space with colour and sound. A real treat for visitors, young and old, The Lanterns at Chester Zoo is on now until 23rd December. Click here for tickets and info. Nearest station: Chester 

6 – Cain’s Brewery Village

There’s a whole host of vintage shopping, festive food and fabulous cocktails on offer down at the Cain’s Brewery Village this Winter. From circus fun at brand new venue, Spectaculum to live music at Birdies Bar, tasty dishes at both Tusk and Baltic Social and you can browse the myriad of stalls at Red Brick Hangar too. More info here. Nearest station: Brunswick

7 – New Mersey Retail Park

When it comes to out of town Christmas shopping, the likes of New Mersey Retail Park, Speke is a huge helping hand. Get all your gifts in one go from the likes of Next, H&M, Smyths Toy Superstore, Argos, Boots and many more. Once you’re done, head to the Cineworld or Wagamama for a well earned treat! More here. Nearest station: Liverpool South Parkway

8 – Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Village

Merseyrail can take you Christmas shopping at Cheshire Oaks where you can save a pretty penny on top designer brands and enjoy lunch and a glass of bubbly, without any parking drama!  Designer gifts and convenient travel, everyone’s a winner this Christmas. Nearest station: Chester/Ellesmere Port

To plan your next Merseyrail journey head to www.merseyrail.org and follow @merseyrail on Twitter for regular service updates.