Your Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Liverpool 🎄 
Christmas
Christmas in Liverpool: Everything you need to know about Crimbo 2021 in the city
3 years ago
Christmas in Liverpool is set to be brighter than ever this year and we can’t wait to see our city light up, get the tinsel out and pour itself a very large, much-needed mulled wine.
When the John Lewis ad has launched, the heart filled tree is up on Paradise Street and the bonfire night fireworks have eventually stopped you know it’s definitely beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Liverpool!
From pantos to plays, to markets and meals out – and Muppets! – there’s tons going on this year, and we’ve never been more excited about celebrating the festive season.
So if you’re wondering what you can do until Santa gets out on his sleigh, here’s a few ideas that’ll fill you full of Christmas cheer…
Pantos
Epstein Theatre Liverpool
The pantomime is the first live performance since The Epstein closed in March 2020 and it’s great to see it back! Actor Ben Richards – best-known for TV roles in Hollyoaks, Footballers Wives, Holby City and The Bill – will star as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast from Thursday, December 16, to Sunday, January 9, 2022.
Floral Pavilion, New Brighton
Beauty and the Beast is proving a popular panto this year and Gavin and Stacey’s Melanie Walters is starring as Fairy Bon Bon in the Floral Pavilion’s version from Saturday, December 4, to Sunday, January 2. Also appearing is Milkshake’s Olivia Birchenough as Belle, West End’s Shaun Dalton as The Beast, top dame Quinn Patrick as Polly La Plonk and comic Sean Jones as Louis La Plonk.
Liverpool M&S Bank Arena
You can go to the ball! Radio City and Guide presenter Leanne Campbell is starring as The Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, on at The Auditorium at M&S Bank Arena from Saturday, December 18 until Tuesday, December 28. Clown extraordinaire Bippo is Buttons, CBBC & Waterloo Road’s Shannon Flynn is Cinderella, and X Factor’s David Heath is Prince Charming.
Atkinson Theatre, Southport
Singer and actress Claire Sweeney stars as the Fairy Godmother in the Atkinson’s production of Cinderella. Joining her are Mia Molloy as Cinderella, Britain’s Got Talents Lewis Pryor as Buttons, Alex Patmore as Prince Charming and Tom Burroughs and Michael Chapman as The Ugly Sisters. Will Cinders escape the clutches of her ugly step-sisters and live happily ever after? There’s only one way to find out. On from Friday, December 10, to Sunday, January 2.
Everyman Theatre Liverpool
The Rock ‘n’ Roll panto is back with Robin Hood: Tights in White Satin, from Saturday, November 27, to January 15. Regular writers Sarah A Nixon and Mark Chatterton have put their own marvellously mischievous spin on the classic tale of heroism, social justice and… tights!
Theatre Royal St Helens
Roll up, roll up, the circus is coming to town in Theatre Royal’s production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Hollyoaks’ David Tag stars in the panto which runs from Friday, December 10, to Sunday, January 9. And when it comes to song, dance, madcap capers and circus tricks, St Helens reckons it’s got it ‘just right’!
Theatre
Dreamgirls – Liverpool Empire
Thank goodness it’s not just ‘One Night Only’ for this acclaimed musical. You can meet ‘60s girl-group The Dreams as they embark on a rollercoaster ride through the world of fame, fortune and the ruthless realities of showbiz. 2019 The Voice finalist Nicole Dennis is playing Effie White in the musical which is in town from Tuesday, December 14, to Saturday, January 1.
The Scouse Sleeping Beauty, Royal Court
Once upon a time there lay a land that was so beautiful it was almost good enough to be a World Heritage Site…! Little beats a Royal Court Christmas show, and this is packed with stupid jokes, live music and utterly inappropriate content which means it’s not one for the kids! Guide presenter Lindzi Germain stars in this laugh-out-loud Christmas show which runs from Monday, November 15 to Saturday, January 15.
Liverpool Playhouse Theatre
Check out this brand-new ‘kickass-pirational’ pop musical from the producer of SIX. A stage adaptation of suffragette descendent Kate Pankhurst’s award-winning picture book, join heroine Jade as she goes behind the scenes at the not-yet-open Gallery of Greatness in her local museum and meets original wonder women: Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Marie Curie and Emmeline Pankhurst, to name a few. It runs from Wednesday, December 8, to Sunday, January 2.
Unity
The Unity is squeezing every last drop out of the festive season with a brand-new two-week Christmas festival between Saturday, December 4, and Wednesday, December 22. There’ll be music, cabaret, circus, workshops, night markets and family events. It features the return of Nana Funk, 20 Stories High, Teatro Pomodoro, Sense of Sound and Kitchen Sink Live to the Unity stage, as well as brand-new events from The Secret Circus and local folk band Us Four.
It also gives you the chance to take centre stage through its December edition of Open Mic Night, and a series of workshops including Cabaret in a Day. For little ones, there’s interactive sensory experience Make Me A Tree, where 0 – 2-year-olds can enjoy a journey through all four seasons, or you can gather the whole family and party on down with The Rockin’ Rhinos Christmas Cracker.
Finally, for one night only – December 4 – Unity will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland for its very first Night Market, complete with food, drink, Christmas present stalls, music and crafts – ideal for kicking off your Christmas, you can celebrate amazing local talent and finish your Christmas shopping at the same time – and it’s FREE to get in!
Christmas regulars
Royal Albert Dock Light Trail
The Albert Dock Liverpool will once again be illuminated with the return of the much loved Light Trail around its historic colonnades.
From Friday 12th November they’ll be shining on Liverpool’s Brightest independents with their festive menus, unique gifts and the dock’s world-class attractions.
Visitors can download the Light Trail map from the albertdock.com/christmas along with a specially curated Royal Albert Dock Christmas Spotify playlist, and embark on a magical waterfront walk with a hot chocolate or mulled wine, to seek out nautical characters from Liverpool’s coat of arms, designed by MK Illumination.
Liverpool Christmas Market
It’s Chrrrissssstmasss! Liverpool’s Christmas Market is back bigger and better this year and in a slightly new location – St John’s Gardens, William Brown Street, and the area around the North Entrance of St George’s Hall (near the Stebble Fountain). Open every day from Friday, November 12, to Thursday, December 23, there’ll be 40 stalls with fabulous food – Yorkshire pudding wraps, German sausages, dipped pretzels, siu mai and crêpes; drink (there’ll be a new Bavarian bar where visitors can try a selection of German beers or hot cider), gifts galore, and festive rides including a big wheel and a giant Bavarian snow slide in Santa’s Village.
Liverpool Ice Festival
Frozen fun is returning to Liverpool’s Waterfront with Liverpool Ice Festival – and its biggest sheltered ice rink ever. Here between Friday, November 19, to Monday, January 3, the Pier Head will be transformed into a winter wonderland with an Alpine Bar serving food and drinks, Christmas market stalls and a flurry of festive fun and rides including a daredevil ice slide and the UK’s only Ice Jet ride!
Liverpool ONE with Bar Hutte
You can book now for the launch on November 12 as Bar Hutte is back in the heart of the city underneath the huge Christmas tree at Liverpool ONE. The alpine haven is filled with rustic décor, cosy fabrics and twinkling lights, and it’s the perfect place for long awaited get-togethers, Christmas parties or just a good old sing-song with your mates. There’s karaoke, a Special Santa Hutte at weekends between 10am and 12.30pm (and in the week from December 20-24), and Bar Hutte has teamed up with Luna Flowers for Wreathmaking apres-ski style too. There’ll be a wreath masterclass, a glass of prosecco, free mince pies and the famous Bombardino for all who book for Wednesday, December 1 at 7pm, and Sunday, December 5 at 1pm (it’s £35 and you get to take home your very own handmade Christmas wreath).
Santa Dash
Liverpool Santa Dash
Picture Paul Francis Cooper
Liverpool’s Santa Dash is the biggest and oldest Santa Dash in the UK and it’s back this year for its 18th event. It will be held on Sunday, December 5, starting at the Pier Head at 9.30am. The 5k trek is backed by gifting company Appreciate, and its chosen charity is Alder Hey.
Christmas dining
Tempest at Tithebarn
It’s Tempest’s first proper Christmas and it’s celebrating with a special small-plates menu with a nod to the festive season for all your girlie gatherings, mates get-togethers, or office parties. Think Pigs in Blankets (or Veggie Sleeping Bags) with a lush honey-mustard glaze, beef brisket croquettes, crispy cauliflower tossed in a spicy mango habanero chilli sauce, and breaded brie with a sweet chilli jam. It’s on from Monday November 15 to Thursday December 23, priced 3 for £18 and £7 each after that.
Gino D’Acampo’s
You’ve got more than one option when it comes to dining with everyone’s favourite Italian this year, from his restaurant on Castle Street to the newly opened venue at INNSIDE Liverpool in Old Hall Street. There’s a choice of festive menus – including steaks, pan-fried seabass, turkey saltimbocca and desserts like Baileys panna cotta – with three courses from £28, between Monday, November 8, to Sunday, January 9 – or you could even go to his 360 Sky Bar on the top floor of INNSIDE and treat yourself to a Christmas Cocktail and some of the best views over the city.
Southport Market
You can enjoy a festive get together at the newly refurbished Southport Market with fantastic food and drink from ‘around the world’ – there’s a Mexican Street food kitchen courtesy of Hector’s Mexicana, perfect Neopolitan pizzas from Dan at 600 Degrees and, closer to home, traditional food from Birkdale Pie & Mash and fresh, local produce from Blackhurst Butchers, and more. And on selected dates (December 11, 12 & 18-23 from 11am-12 noon) a certain red-suited gentleman will be visiting with one of his elves to offer Brunch with Santa.
Tapas Revolution
You don’t need a Christmas menu, just the chance to try out this new Spanish tapas bar and restaurant in Queen Square is a festive treat in itself. Think paella, chorizo in cider and crispy croquetas…and did anyone say cerveza and sangria?
Bacaro
Bacaro
No festive menu at Bacaro on Castle Street, but there’s plenty of small plate perfection and a chilled vibe for that Christmas gathering. And you could choose their Party Sharing Menu from £22.95 per person which includes a selection of cured meats, olives, seabass, Trofiette pasta, Chicken Milanese, King Scallops and more.
Gusto
Italians thrive on a huge family get together for Christmas, so they know how to lay on a fantastic spread to go with it. Gusto at the Albert Dock’s has a special festive menu with lunch at £24.95 for three courses and dinner is £32.95. Expect authentic starters like Tuscan ribollita soup and mains including slow-cooked beef featherblade with balsamic onions, and butternut & sage tortellini.
Wreckfish
Elite Bistros have created a delicious Festive Party Menu to tempt you. All the classics are there if you need your pate and featherblade of beef, but if you’re feeling full-on festive, it’s got to be roast turkey and Christmas pudding to finish! The menu is available from December 1 to December 24 (excluding Sundays), and it’s £35 for two courses and £40 for three.
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse at Hotel Indigo
Marco’s is a top choice for steaks, and if that’s what you love then you won’t be disappointed by the Christmas menus because there’s a grilled rump steak along with the turkey and other non-meat options. Christmas menus run from November 16 to December 30, dinner is £30.95 for two courses or £35.95 for three.
Lu Ban
If you fancy a change from traditional dinner with the trimmings, and you’re a fan of beautiful Chinese food, then Lu Ban could be a gift. Available from November 25, there’s an early menu at £45 per person and dinner menu at £55 with dishes such as honey and soy Goosnargh chicken breast with jasmine rice, and white chocolate sphere with Christmas pudding ice cream.
Mamasan Bar & Brasserie, Liverpool ONE
Celebrate the season with Mamasan’s unique Southeast Asian twist on seasonal flavours including Thai fried chicken, coal roasted baby chicken satay, green curry of monkfish tail and tiger prawns, vegetable Manchurian and lime leaf and coconut crème brulee. There are three courses at £40, and you can add a glass of Prosecco for £45. Bookings start from November 18.
For the kids
Enchanted at Knowsley Safari
Celebrate with a seasonal safari at Knowsley as its popular magical light trail returns on selected dates from November 20 to December 30, between 4pm-8pm. The night-time adventure includes the enchanted forest Christmas lights, animal light trail, and toasted marshmallows for perfect festive fun, and prices (you can book tickets now) start at £8. Christmas in Liverpool just wouldn’t be the same without it!
Santa’s Sing Along at St George’s Hall
Santa Clause is coming to town – and inviting you for a sing-song at St George’s Hall. The cheery chappy and his elves will be joined by choirs and a brass band to lead you in some festive favourites. It’s being held on Sunday, December 12, at 9.30am and 11am. Tickets are £7.50 (with under twos free if seated on a parent or guardians lap) and all children attending will get a gift.
The Snowman at Liverpool Cathedral
It’s one to get your hearts melting but hopefully not The Snowman’s when he flies into Liverpool Cathedral on Wednesday, December 22 at 5pm. Treat yourself to the irresistible animated tale The Snowman, accompanied by a live orchestra, and a second animation, We’re Going on A Bear Hunt, which tells the story of two adventurous siblings and their dog who go in search of a bear. Priced £15.51 – £24.04.
Luminate Southport
Light up your Christmas with this spectacular, illuminated light trail set to music at Victoria Park. Young and old will love it and it runs from Thursday, November 25, until Thursday, December 23. Tickets – which must be pre-booked online in advance – start from £11 and £48 for a family ticket.
Speke Hall
(c) Samantha Brown
There so much happening at Speke Hall this Christmas so you can make magical memories and have festive fun. You can take a winter stroll through wonderful wintry gardens, enjoy a Tudor Yuletide celebration in the Hall’s courtyard or go on a winter adventure with Percy the Park Keeper.
The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert, Liverpool Empire
Muppets Christmas Carol – Disney
Join Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie and the rest of the crew at the Empire on Sunday, November 28, when Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol film is screened live in concert, with its musical score brought to life by The Novello Orchestra conducted by David Mahoney. Tickets from £23.
Father Christmas Storytime at Imaginarium, Prescot
Prescot’s Imaginarium Theatre is working in partnership with professional Storyteller Gav Cross to bring his famous cousin, Father Christmas (yes, we’re told, the REAL one!) to the Imaginarium Roundhouse for a very special storytelling event for children (and adults) of all ages, every Saturday and Sunday from November 13 until Christmas Eve. November tickets are £5, and December’s are £10, or £15 with a bowl of scouse and bread.
For the big kids
Christmas nights out at Tres Liverpool
Christmas in Liverpool just got a while lot better so get ready to dance your baubles off whilst enjoying some of the best cocktails in town at the city’s newest venue, Tres. Situated in Temple Court which is just off Victoria Street, Tres has your covered for your work night out, Christmas party or just a few delicious drinks with your mates. As well as that it’s set to be the place for New Year’s Eve – and the great news is, you can party and stay with Tres and their sister company iStay for just £100 to see in 2022 in style.
Love Actually in Concert at The Phil
It isn’t really Christmas until Love Actually’s been on the telly but this year you can go one better. The seasonal romcom which has become synonymous with the festive season is on at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, with a live orchestra performing Craig Armstrong’s evocative score while the film is projected onto the big screen. It’s on on Tuesday, December 14, at 7.30pm and tickets start at £39.50 – but be quick, they’re going faster than star Hugh Grant can shimmy across the Downing Street landing.
Winter Arts Market at Liverpool Cathedral
Grab your gifts and invoke that festive feeling at the Winter Arts Market at Liverpool Cathedral on Friday and Saturday, December 3-4, 10am -5pm. There’ll be more than 50 stalls with independent artists selling everything from cards and jewellery, to ceramics and artisan foods – and you can grab a cuppa in the café too. Tickets are £5.
Ya Nan’s Big Xmas Quiz at Camp and Furnace
Christmas in Liverpool wouldn’t be the same without her, Ya Nan’s back this year, with her Christmas puddin’ slippers, Baileys in hand, and waiting to see how much ya know! Surrounded by tinsel galore, she’s got all her quiz questions written on the back of her Lotto ticket, and she’s ready to let you lot sing along to some of her favourite songs too. Sunday, December 19, doors open at 6pm and tickets cost £10.
Christmas in the Courtyard at Punch Tarmey’s
Punch Tarmey’s is back doing what it does best and giving everyone a great night out. It’s got live music shows throughout December, and a fab festive season of gigs called Christmas in the Courtyard. The series kicks off with Garry Cinnamon and his tribute to GERRY Cinnamon on December 11; followed by Oaces on Friday, December 17, and The Beatles ‘For Sale’ on Saturday, December 18. Tickets are £10.
It’s a Wonderful Life at the Philharmonic Hall
Another cracking film that just makes Christmas in Liverpool complete. James Stewart stars as George Bailey, a desperate man offered salvation by an impish guardian angel, when he finds his life falling apart around him on Christmas Eve. Resident organist Dave Nicholas will accompany the film when it’s shown on Friday, December 24 at 11am and 2pm. Tickets from £10.
Costa Del Scouse Xmas at Camp and Furnace
The one and only Pete Price will be bringing all of the festive cheer you need to Camp and Furnace this year as Costa Del Scouse returns. Prepare to be jetted off for a festive season in the sun to rid yourself of the winter blues. The night comes complete with a live beach band, Red Lion pub, sing-a-long and festive foodie treats.
Christmas parties at Roxy Ball Room
Pimp up your work night out this Christmas in Liverpool at the brilliant Roxy Ball Room. Two venues to choose from (Hanover Street and Rainford Square) and all of the party games you need to get your staff party, or your mates night out started in style. Different Christmas packages are available with the Festive Feast coming with two drinks per guest, nibbles and stone baked pizza.
Point Blank Shooting Range
How about something completely different this Christmas in Liverpool – a fully loaded night out the city’s new virtual shooting range. You book your range, choose your armoury and fire away to see who wins. Great food and drink packages available too.
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