Liverpool ONE to transform into a Winter Wonderland this Christmas

Liverpool ONE is gearing up to become a magical winter wonderland, with the festive season kicking off on Friday, 8 November.

Liverpool ONE visitors can expect a dazzling display of Christmas magic, featuring a giant bauble archway, a stunning 25-metre Christmas tree, children’s rides, and the return of the popular Bar Hütte.

An extra early White Christmas will be at the heart of a bumper Christmas Shopping Weekend on 16 and 17 November, as ‘snow’ will fall over parts of Liverpool ONE, creating a picture-perfect Christmas scene.

Adding to the festive cheer, Liverpool ONE has now announced that Liverpool-born talented pianist Brad Kella will be performing on Saturday 16 November during the Christmas Shopping Weekend.

The 23-year-old will be returning to Liverpool ONE, the place where he impressed visitors with his skills on the keys as part of the much-loved Tickle the Ivories piano festival. The local talented pianist went on to be crowned winner of Channel 4’s The Piano earlier this year.

Also taking place during the two-day extravaganza will be a series of live performances from a festive string quartet adding to the Christmas cheer, to a Golden Ticket competition where each day one lucky winner will get £250 to spend at Liverpool ONE. Plus, families can soak up the yuletide spirit with Santa and his elves spreading cheer, the arrival of Santa’s postbox and other surprise Christmassy backdrops for those all-important selfie moments!

From 16 November, a free Christmas Trail will return, creating a fun adventure around the decorations and shop windows for youngsters to enjoy. The trail offers an interactive journey discovering Christmas characters across Liverpool ONE with riddles and games to encourage the whole family to get moving.

Thursday evenings will come alive with magical Christmas moments every week. Starting on 21 November with giant ice sculptures displayed on Paradise Street and carved live for visitors to enjoy, followed by giant illuminated penguins and choirs on 28 November, while elves will entertain visitors with a special Christmas carol-oke singalong on 5 and 12 December. Meanwhile Santa’s Band will pay an extra special visit on 19 December.

Mosh Tots, the gig for kids event, from Wirral-based Future Yard will be at Liverpool ONE to entertain young ones and Christmas shoppers alike on Sunday 24 November for a special free event to enjoy. The hugely popular gig, which is aimed at children aged 1-8, introduces youngsters to the joy of live music in a safe and fun environment, sharing Christmas memories as a family.

The much-loved 12 Days Christmas Advent Calendar competition kicks off on 1 December, with daily prizes worth over £250 from Liverpool ONE brands up for grabs. With so much entertainment and things to enjoy, shopping hours will be extended from 9am to 9pm from 16 December, to give everyone more time to find the perfect gifts and enjoy the atmosphere.

Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said:

“We’re looking forward to a host of Christmas events as Liverpool ONE becomes the city’s Christmas hub and we’re thrilled to be able to reveal our full programme of activities, while there’s still more to come! We’re excited to bring back some of our much-loved installations, with the addition of some new surprises along the way!

“From snow across the streets to carols and karaoke, we’re certain that our programme of events will make this Christmas unforgettable. Whether it’s picking up gifts for loved ones, catching up with friends over dinner or simply soaking up the festive buzz in the air when you think Christmas, think Liverpool ONE, which is always a magical place to be at this time of year.”