Things to do on Christmas Eve 2023 in Liverpool

It’s nearly Christmas Eve in Liverpool and there really is lots for you and all of the family to do.

The turkey’s defrosting, the veg is peeled and you’ve finished the last of the wrapping. But there are still a few hours to kill until Santa arrives. 

Rather than sitting at home counting baubles on the tree, head in town and soak up the festive spirit. 

Santa will be here soon enough. In the meantime, here’s what you can do on Christmas Eve 2023 in Liverpool. 

Visit the Liverpool Christmas Market 

Christmas Eve is the last day of this year’s Christmas Market and the perfect time to visit. 

Pick up last-minute gifts and goodies, go on the rides, and fill your face with delicious festive food. 

Finish your visit with toasted marshmallows for a textbook December 24th. 

See a panto 

Take your pick of the pantos to make Christmas Eve in Liverpool extra special. 

The city’s fairytale line-up includes Sleeping Beauty at M&S Bank Arena and Aladdin at St Helen’s Theatre Royal. Or if Jack and the Beanstalk is the panto for you, you’re in luck at The Floral Pavilion and The Atkinson. 

You’re in for a Christmas Eve treat, whichever you choose. 

Watch a Christmas film at the Phil 

The Muppet Christmas Carol is the ultimate festive film. 

It’s hilarious, heartfelt, and on at the Liverpool Philharmonic at 11am on Christmas Eve. 

Join Rizzo, Gonzo and the gang for this magical retelling of Dickens’ classic story. 

Go Christmas Caroling  

There’s something magical about hearing carols on Christmas Eve, nowhere more so than at the Liverpool Cathedrals. 

The aptly named Carols for Christmas Eve starts at Liverpool Cathedral at 2 pm, whilst the Vigil Mass gets underway at Liverpool Metropolitan from 6 pm. 

Both services will have you feeling the true spirit of Christmas in no time. 

Escape to Gravity Max 

From E-Karting to immersive gaming, Gravity Max at Liverpool ONE has everything you need to defeat Christmas Eve boredom. 

There’ll also be festive live music and a DJ to keep you entertained til 10pm at Liverpool’s hottest new entertainment venue. 

See It’s A Wonderful Life at Everyman Cinema

Top up your wine glass, get comfy on the couch and watch It’s A Wonderful Life on the big screen. 

Christmas Eve in style at Everyman Cinema. 

Grab a bite

The oven is full and all the food in the fridge is ‘for Christmas’. 

So grab a bite at one of Liverpool’s tastiest food spots before you get into trouble. 

Duke Street Market serves world-class cuisine from five delicious kitchens until 10pm, and Smoke & Dough is doing a bottomless feast for only £22.99.  

Or, if you’re craving pizza and pasta this Christmas Eve, Rudy’s or Casa Italia have plenty of tasty dishes to see you through until morning. 

Get cosy in a Liverpool Pub

Going to the pub on Christmas Eve is the finest tradition of all. Liverpool City Centre has too many options to list here but, if you were to push us, we’d suggest a bevvy in The Courtyard overlooking St George’s Hall.

Then a one at The Angus Tap & Grind for live music. There’s always a Christmassy vibe at Thomas Rigby’s, so defo call in there. 

Did we mention The Old Bank on James Street? How about a swift half in The Liverpool while you’re down that way? 

Here are 10 more places for a festive pint. 

Spend Christmas Eve in Southport 

Southport looks spectacular at Christmas, making it the perfect place to get all the festive feels. 

Get a selfie in front of the Christmas Bear, Reindeer and Christmas tree lights for the ‘gram. 

Enjoy a winter coastal walk to help you fit into your Christmas clothes, then ruin all your hard work with a bite and a drink at one of the town’s independent restaurants. 

Last minute shopping 

If you’ve left shopping until the last minute, Liverpool ONE is open from 10 am – 4 pm on Christmas Eve. 

From stocking fillers to “I still haven’t bought anything.”, you’ll find everything you need to light up Christmas for your loved ones. 

Check out the Liverpool ONE gift guide for inspiration.