9 Christmas markets you can visit this festive season across Liverpool City Region

It’s not until you’ve had a merry mooch around a Christmas market that you can really say you’ve started get into the seasonal spirit.

And, while Liverpool has got great markets again this year – St George’s Hall and the Pier Head to name just two – there are plenty of others around.

So if you want to make sure you get your festive fill, check these out…

Chester

You’ve got stalls, bars and festive cheer, all within the shadow of its famous cathedral.

The market continues from now until December 22, opening between 10.30am-6.30pm Monday to Wednesday; 10.30am-8pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10.30am-6.30pm on Sunday.

There are around 70 wooden chalets selling everything from food and drink – think mulled wine, delicious cheeses and more – to Christmas decorations, jewellery, crafts and other handmade gifts.

More info here.

Southport

Southport Market is holding its first ever Christmas Extravaganza. Throughout December the King Street venue will be transformed with festive fun including Christmas film showings, Christmas Markets, additional seating for Christmas bookings and even visits from Santa himself.

Decorations will also see the venue adorned with amazing garlands, giant baubles and an eye-catching tunnel of light, and from December 10-23 between 10am-6pm there’ll be outdoor chalets in the area around it with crafts, gifts and festive foodie treats.

More info here.

Knowsley

A Christmas Artisan and Craft Market in Huyton Village on December 18 will form part of Knowsley Council’s Christmas plans this year.

It will run between 11am and 3pm, so you’ll be able to snap up loads of gifts and stocking fillers, along with other seasonal buys.

And, there’ll be loads of other Yuletide events every weekend of December in Huyton, Prescot and Kirkby, including Father Christmas’s Grotto, pop-up cinema and acrobatics.

More info here.

Wirral

Birkenhead Priory’s Magical Christmas Market – Sunday, December 5: 11am-4pm

Set in the 12th century Benedictine Priory, you’ll find stalls selling handmade crafts and gifts; for kids there’ll be festive face painting (12pm-3pm), and Christmas crafts, along with plenty to eat and drink. Plus,  there will be musical entertainment in the Great Hall provided by a choir and The Christchurch Port Sunlight Handbell Ringers.

All stalls will be outside (though under cover of gazebos), and, in addition to everything else going on, you’ll be able to climb the 101 steps of St Mary’s Tower for stunning views of the waterfront, the Liverpool skyline and Wirral.

More info here.

Christmas Markets at Woodside Ferry Village – every Saturday and Sunday until December 19

The Independent Wirral market at Woodside Ferry Terminal has had a festive makeover.

Every weekend from now until December 19, Christmas market-goers will be able to purchase a range of gifts from arts, crafts, jewellery, clothing, food and drink.

There are more than 20 wooden chalets in the village which will be open between 11am and 6pm.

More info here.

St Helens

St Helens is set to turn into a ‘Winter Wonderland’ with free festive fun in the town centre on December 4.

You can expect festive street entertainment and artists, arts and craft workshops, Christmas Carols, a Christmas performance from MD Academy Live, face painting, fun fair rides and more from 12noon to 4pm.

More info here.

Halton

Widnes Market Christmas Craft Fair is taking place on Sunday, November 28, with more than 50 stalls of gifts and crafts, and food and drink.

One of the first festive events for the market this year, there’ll be live music for the 10am-4pm event, free face painting for the kids and, even, a visit from the man in red himself.  Entry and parking is free.

More info here.

North Wales

If you fancy a trip to North Wales for a mulled wine and a mince pie, and the chance to bag a few Christmas presents, there’s a host of festive fairs and markets to enjoy, including:

Beaumaris Christmas Artisan Market at the David Hughes Community Centre on Saturday and Sunday, November 27-28 from 10am-7pm and 10am-4pm respectively, with around 40 exhibitors selling handmade crafts, gifts, food, drink and local produce, and

Mold Christmas Frost Fair from 11am-4pm on Mold High Street on Sunday, November 28. There’ll be hand-crafted gifts, jewellery, toys and artwork, along with Welsh botanical gin and liqueurs, and a ‘flying visit’ from birds of prey!

More info here.