10 reasons to visit Liverpool’s museums this Christmas

Christmas is getting closer and we’re all looking forward to one of the biggest and best times of the year – and it’s not just because of the pressies and turkey dinner on the big day.

Everyone loves the build-up as the excitement grows throughout the festive season.

And if you’re wanting to enjoy a fair bit of magic between now and December 25 itself, you can rely on National Museums Liverpool to spread the joy…

Seven sparkling sites

You haven’t got just one, but seven amazing sites to visit across the city: World Museum, Museum of Liverpool, Walker Art Gallery, International Slavery Museum, Merseyside Maritime Museum, Sudley House, and Lady Lever Art Gallery are all home to incredible exhibitions and events, including interactive activities for the kids throughout the holidays and memories of Christmases past.

World Museum

It doesn’t matter when you go or how many times you go, you’ll always come away having learned something new. You can explore dinosaurs and the natural earth, uncover the secrets of ancient Egypt, dive into the aquarium – not literally obviously! – or discover the wonders of the universe in the planetarium.

Don’t forget too, you’ve still got its fascinating exhibition Bees: A Story of Survival that brings together art and science to explore one of nature’s most incredible creatures, and on Saturday, November 30, it’s hosting festive wreath making workshops with Sarah Randle.

Stuck for gift ideas?

Then a visit to National Museums Liverpool’s gift shops are a must, because you’re guaranteed loads of inspiration and quality pressies they won’t want to take back on Boxing Day. They’ve got Beatles’ inspired goodies – including stocking fillers like socks – gorgeous prints, and city-themed games like Liverpool Monopoly, as well as books, toys, beautiful homeware and stunning jewellery.

Christmas at National Museums Liverpool. Credit: Robin Clewley

It’s all about the city at Museum of Liverpool

There are three floors of galleries celebrating Liverpool, its people and its history. One you’ve got to see here if you haven’t already is The Holly Johnson Story that marks the life and music career of the Frankie Goes to Hollywood star and, from Saturday, November 16, Sweet: The Taverners Story is a new display of photographs that looks at the history of Taveners, from its early beginnings to its years as one of the UK’s most successful confectionery makers. Remember some of its famous creations like Mojos and Traffic Light lollipops?

It’s all about the glitz at Lady Lever

You can get festive outfit inspo at Lady Lever Art Gallery where its Bedazzled exhibition shines a spotlight on our love of all things beaded and sequinned – never a look that goes out of fashion at Christmas! It’s got style highlights from the 1920s to the present day. And, if you’re there on Saturday, December 7, you can enjoy Music from The Nutcracker Ballet by Keith Peris, former pianist with the Royal Ballet.

Enjoy a Victorian Christmas at Sudley House

Stepping back in time to the Victorian home of the philanthropic Holt family, Sudley’s Victorian Christmas event returns this year so you can see how the family would have celebrated the festive season in times gone by. A Sudley Victorian Christmas will be held on Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8, with decorations as well as carols, children’s crafts and storytelling. Sudley House will also host its first ever makers market on Saturday, November 30 – Sudley Handmade Market – and on Wednesday, December 11, children aged three and under can enjoy Pitter Patter Painters: Christmas for a messy, fun-packed festive workshop.

Big Art Special at the Walker

Explore your creativity at the Walker between December 1 and 11 with a Big Art Special: Art Sparks Christmas. You can get stuck into festive-themed activities and create Christmas masterpieces to take home.

It’s party time

If you’ve not booked your works’ Christmas do yet, what about one of National Museums Liverpool’s venues? The Maritime Museum’s Festive Party, for instance, includes a two-course carvery, all-inclusive drinks menu, a DJ and disco – and stunning views of the Royal Albert Dock and Pier Head.

Great food and drink at each museum

From chef’s specials to homemade soups, scouse and cakes, National Museums Liverpool’s cafes offer everything you need to refuel mid trip, or where you can stop for a coffee and a festive catch-up with your mates. Best of all at this time of year are their creamy hot chocolates and delicious mince pies.

Membership gifts

It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Membership to National Museums Liverpool is a great present idea that offers more as the year goes on, with unlimited access to 12 months of ticketed exhibitions, exclusive event previews, priority booking and up to 15% off in its cafes and shops.

Win big with Liverpool Museums this Christmas:

Jay & Gem were set a challenge to remember as many gifts as they can at World Museum’s store – watch what happened above.

We have teamed up with National Museums Liverpool to give one lucky winner to win a prize bundle ahead of Christmas, worth over £150. Details on how to win are at the bottom of this article.

Competition bundle worth over £150

Prize:

£50 to spend in National Museums Liverpool gift shops or online shop
A family membership for the year at National Museums Liverpool (worth up to £80)
A pair of tickets to Bees: A Story of Survival at World Museum
A pair of tickets to The Holly Johnson Story at Museum of Liverpool

TO ENTER:

Simply watch the above video and then name one of the gifts that Jay & Gem has to remember during the challenge at World Museum’ Store. Then fill in the form HERE to be in with a chance of wining before the competition closes on Monday 9th December 2024.

(Terms – Bees tickets must be redeemed before May 2025 and Holly Johnson tickets must be redeemed before July 2025.)