8 ways to do Christmas in Liverpool without breaking the bank

Christmas can be an expensive time. There are presents, parties and indulgence of almost every kind.

However, to help save you a penny or two this December, we thought we would tell you about some of the fantastic, free days out on offer to you when heading out with friends, or family, this festive period.

Explore all of our listings for Christmas 2017 in Liverpool here.

Christmas Market

The Christmas Market is arguably the cities biggest attraction throughout December. Returning for its second year at St. Georges Plateau the market features an array of cabin-style huts all lit up like something out of a Christmas Ski brochure. With over 40 stalls selling jewelry, crafts, clothes and, of course, food & drink, the market might seem like a bank bursting idea, however, it does not cost a thing to head down and have a wander. The setting is so infectiously festive that we would recommend just heading down to check it out, then, maybe move onto the Walker Art Gallery for a gander, but we’ll get to that later.

Check out the now famous Christmas Dinner Wraps and hot gin Toddies available at Liverpool Christmas Market.

Unwrapping Christmas on Albert Dock

From December 1^st to New Years Day the Albert Dock is transformed from the moment that we lose daylight. Visitors can enjoy a fantastical, festive magical light display, transforming the Dr Martin Luther King Jr building into a canvas for an intricate light projection centred around the theme of “Unwrapping Christmas on Albert Dock”. Incorporating origami and hand-crafted paper designs in the style of a beautiful pop-up book.- the aim is to capture your “imagination and whisk you away on a fantastical journey of storytelling”. The strand and docklands already look like something out of a storybook with the usual Christmas lights, but this takes things up a level and is a must-see in the city this Christmas.

8 reasons to unwrap your perfect Christmas at Albert Dock here.

Museums + Blacklers Santa

We’re lucky enough to enjoy a wealth of interesting and awe-inspiring museums in the city. We’ve got the Merseyside Maritime Museum, International Slavery Museum, World Museum and what is sure to be everyone’s favourite this Christmas, the Museum of Liverpool. Why? Because, for the second year running, this futuristic building plays home to a local favourite, the Blacklers Santa. Stood at 5 metres tall, this statue of Father Christmas looked over the Blacklers department store from 1957 to 1988 and is now an attraction that is free for all to see. And trust us, it is a site to behold.

Check out what’s on across all of our Museums here.

Liverpool ONE Lights 

Again, heading down to Liverpool ONE might seem like something that you would only do if you were going to spend a few bob, however it is decorated so magically that it is worth going for a walk to see the impressive L1 Love Heart Tree, amongst the other Christmas lights. They really have pulled out all of the festive stops this year, providing a great Christmas backdrop for all of the family. For more news on what is happening at Liverpool ONE this Christmas head this way.

Harry Potter: A History of Magic

To celebrate the 20^th anniversary (that’s right, 20^th!) of the first Harry Potter story, Liverpool Library has partnered up with the British Library to deliver an exhibition of a magical nature. Discover the crazy creatures, peculiar potions and special spells of the Harry Potter world whilst also capturing the traditions of the folklore that inspired the stories. There is something undeniably Christmassy about the Harry Potter franchise and the Central Library has put this exhibition on at the perfect time. It runs until 4^th February 2018, but there’s no better time to visit than the most magical time of the year.

For more info head to the website here.

Galleries

Not only do we have an abundance of museums to visit this December, but we also have galleries with innovative installations to blow the mind and please the eye. From the majestic Walker Art Gallery to the minimalistic, modern FACT, there really is something for everyone, with many exhibitions being completely free. The stand out for us is down at the Tate Liverpool where they are displaying ‘Roy Lichtenstein in Focus’, a look at the work of one of the most important figures in the Pop Art movement. Why not head down to the Tate before checking out Unwrapping Christmas, or pop into the Walker Art Gallery after a wander round the market?

 Parks + A Free Concert

After having our first bout of snow quite early this December, with more forecast, we thought that there would be no better place in the city to enjoy a fresh fall than at one of our picturesque parks. Sefton Park is clearly the stand out as it is our biggest whilst also playing host to the glorious lake and stunning Palm House. This Sunday 17^th, between 2pm and 4pm, the Palm House will see a free festive concert take place featuring the fabulously talented Barbershop Harmony Group. Admission is completely free with refreshments on offer, meaning that if we have another snowy Sunday, you can enjoy the white stuff in the park before seeking shelter and warmth in this glass paradise.

Also running right now at Calderstones Park is Santa Land, ok so not free, but at just £10 for three hour tickets the kids will have a ball and you’ll give them good day out without breaking the bank.

For tickets to the the Palm House Free Festive Concert head to the website here.

Once Upon A Christmas Story

On Monday 18^th December, between 11am and 2pm, head down to the Liverpool Central Library with your little ones for a free Christmas event. Once Upon A Christmas Story features crafts, carols, elf face painting, magical reindeer food, Father Christmas and, of course, stories, all for free! This could be the perfect way to spend your Monday with the kids during the Christmas break, all for free, especially since you’ve already probably spent a fortune on them this Christmas.

For tickets head to the website here.

A free ‘anything’ out can be hard to come by these days, but with a city that offers so much, you don’t have to look far to find something that’s right for you, even if it’s free!

If you think you’ve found something special that could help save the pennies this Christmas, get in touch at alex@theguideliverpool.com and of course get us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with all of the latest ‘what’s on’ news for Liverpool.