Christmas Parties, Marvellous Medicines & an Ugly Sister in a Pear Tree. Your Ultimate Guide to the Week Ahead in Liverpool

With less than two weeks until Christmas Day this week’s ultimate guide more festive than a reindeer trifle! From fun days out with the kids, late night shopping and mid-week dining to murder mystery Christmas parties and a big old dose of winter comedy. Here’s your guide to what’s on in and around the city for the week ahead.

Monday 12th December

We like to bring you info on alternative events and gigs happening around the city and Monday night is a cracker this week. Head on over to the Albert Dock as Comedy Central, hosted by Sam Avery have teamed up with the British Ecological Society for a one-off science and comedy mash up, the BES Science Slam.  Expect a hysterical insight into the world of science as ecologists take to the stage and Sam takes the mick!

Fancy a night off from the dishes? Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at newly-opened, Neighbourhood Liverpool. Just a stones thrown from Liverpool One, and ideal for a post-work bite, Neighbourhood Liverpool, on Castle Street specialises in Seafood, Sushi and steak with a range of veggie options and traditional desserts too. (Our favourite is the Lobster taco loaded with guac!) Click here to book your table and leave the tidying up to them!

Watch: Neighbourhood Liverpool opens with a spectacular launch party.

Still one of our favourite Christmas experiences for all the family in the city this year, the Liverpool Ice Festival is open daily from 11am until late and has something for everyone. Fairground rides, the epic ice slide, skating, food stalls and of course the ice bar! Plus you can beat the queue’s and book your ice skating slot online here.

Tuesday 13th December

If you’re a fan of TOWIE and you like a bit of glamour, head on up to St Helens Theatre Royal for a sparkly treat as Amy Childs and Harry Derbridge tread the boards in Aladdin. Liverpool’s own Warren Donnelly joins the cast for a riotous family performance that will have both the kids and adults in fits of giggles. Bring your singing voice and your dancing shoes. Click here to read more and book your tickets now.

And if its something a bit closer to Liverpool City Centre you are after than head to The Epstein for its magical (and hilarious) version of Aladdin. Liverpool’s own Natasha Hamilton takes centre stage together with Guide Liverpool presenter Mark Byron, and Ex on the Beach star Jordan Davies.

Wednesday 14th December

Have you been to a panto already this year? Still undecided? We recommend a little trip over to New Brighton and the Floral Pavilion to take in perhaps the most famous panto of all, Cinderella. Former Big Brother contestant and This Morning presenter, Alison Hammond stars as the Fairy Godmother alongside Channel 5’s Milkshake presenter, Olivia Birchenough as the beautiful Cinderella to bring this traditional story, with a twist, to Merseyside. And…..there’s Shetland Ponies too! Get your tickets here.

One for the adults! Fancy a snog under the mistletoe this Christmas? Fast Love Speed Dating is back in the city this week at Revolution Cavern Quarter from 7:30pm. Check back for our Party Trends update to sparkle on the dance floor and nab yourself a hottie just in time for Christmas! Book your Speed Dating Ticket here.

Have you seen the huge range of cocktails at Be At One, Seel Street yet? Whether you like your drinks tall and quirky, refreshingly exotic or deliciously creamy, there’s a cocktail to quench your thirst on their extensive menu. Read more about the Be At One ‘appi hours and menu’s here.

Thursday 15th December

The Pilgrim is hosting Impropriety Improv open jam night on Thursday from 7:30pm. Entry price is £4 and you can expect a whole load of love and support as brave workshop attendees and regulars step up to entertain you! Click here to find out more, and get involved!

Heading out for a bit of Christmas shopping today? Why not check out newly opened Cosy Club on Paradise Street. This quirky new eatery offers informal dining in one of the most unique dining rooms our city has seen. With traditional bits and a delicious brunch menu, head on over to Liverpool One for a pit stop. Read more here.

Okay so this isn’t an event but Merseyrail are offering some brilliant travel savings this Christmas and it would be criminal to not share it with you! Unlimited off-peak travel for families for as little as £10, extended hours and local stations in the heart of all the festive action! Click here to read more and leave the car at home this Christmas.

Stepped aboard the city’s first ever Santa Bus yet? From Thursday 15th you can visit Father Christmas himself everyday 1-7pm on the Pier Head. It really is as magical as it sounds with it’s own rooftop sleigh and indoor Christmas s

Grab your gifts and go with all the details you need for a successful late night Christmas shopping trip here.

Friday 16th December

Not had your works Christmas party yet? Fancy something a bit different? Head on down to Delifonseca, Stanley Street for a Christmas Murder Mystery like no other. Join the party at Fonseca’s Downstairs Bar for a prohibition era mystery with a festive twist. Tuck into a sumptuous dinner while trying to work out who dunnit!? Book your place here.

The phenomenal duo, Reeves and Mortimer are making a beeline for the Echo Arena this week as they celebrate 25 years of their hysterical comedy moments. The Poignant Moments Tour is packed with absurd, eccentric and downright silly sketches that will have you in stitches. Click here to read more and book your tickets for a pre-Christmas treat.

Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill are offering the ultimate Christmas menu this December. Alongside a delicious Christmas day package, including a 5 course meal, if you’re out Christmas shopping check out their stunning Christmas afternoon tea! Cranberry scones, turkey and stuffing sandwiches and of course a glass of fizz! Click here to find out more about their family friendly NYE offers too!

Saturday 17th December

We’ve got a jam-packed Saturday line up for families this week. Starting with a brilliant experience at the city’s Victoria Gallery and Museum, Ashton Street. Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Medicine Christmas Show, plus a screening of The BFG and….craft activities (including making gobblefunk, a brain hat and a phizz-whizzing potion) from 10:30 until 4pm…wait there’s more….it’s free! How awesome is that? Join Roald Dahl’s doctor, Professor Tom Solomon as he uses Roald’s stories to explain how the body works. Click here for more info.

We were gutted to hear the National Wildflower Centre in Huyton is closing in the New Year. This wonderful visitors centre and park has been the home of stunning wildflowers, all manner of insects and birds and tonnes of delighted kids and families who have explored the site and Court Hey play park for many years, us included! How about grabbing your wellies and taking a dash around the leaves this weekend before this local gem is closed. Plan your visit here.

The Isla Gladstone Conservatory is hosting a lovely family event this Saturday. The Elf Who Forgot About Christmas is an interactive show for children age 7 and under and is an enchanting tale about friendship, adventure and seeking the meaning of Christmas. Join Jolly the Elf, Fifi the Fairy and Simon the Snowman with singing, dancing and storytelling. Book your tickets here.

The Echo Arena is hosting a huge line up this Saturday as Radio City Christmas Live takes to the stage. Craig David, Louisa Johnson, The Vamps and more are going to have you rocking in aisles, so if you’re not already in the festive spirit, you certainly will be after this! Some tickets still available by clicking here.

Sunday 18th December

No Christmas would be complete without settling down with some munchies and watching classic winter tale, It’s A Wonderful Life. Why not make an evening of it at the Woolton Picture House at 8pm this Sunday. A perfect pre-Christmas date night. Click here to get your tickets.

Grand Central Hall, Renshaw Street is hosting a ghoulishly good Christmas Carol this Sunday and you’re invited to take a seat for this thrilling new version of the Charles Dickens classic ghost story. Suitable for families and tickets are priced at £5. Click here to find out more.

Are you hosting an event this Winter? Drop us a line and we’ll help spread the word in next weeks ultimate guide. Tweet us @TheGuideLpool or email direct to: info@theguideliverpool.com