Your ultimate guide to Christmas in Liverpool 2024

Updated Monday, 28 October 2024.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… 

The supermarket shelves are getting filled with festive goodies and party times are being planned, so if you want to start getting a few dates in the diary for Christmas in Liverpool, now’s the time.

Here’s our ultimate guide to Christmas in the city – keep checking back for more updates as the big day gets closer!

Pantos and shows

The Magical Adventures of Peter Pan – M&S Bank Arena 

Set a course for Neverland this Christmas (17-29 December) with The Magical Adventures of Peter Pan at the M&S Bank Arena.

Join Peter, Tinkerbell, and the Lost Boys as they face off against the evil Captain Hook in this swashbuckling pantomime full of dazzling costumes, incredible 3D effects, and live music.

Perfect for all ages, it’s a festive must-see, so book your tickets before they fly away!

Book your tickets here.

The Scouse Red Riding Hood at Royal Court Liverpool

Get ready for a hilarious night out with Little Red and Big Blue at the Royal Court’s Christmas show, packed with laughs, live music, and scouse humor!

This adults-only panto follows Little Red as she heads to her nan’s with a pan of scouse, navigating through Spinney Woods filled with strange creatures and a wolf on the prowl.

Leave the kids at home and enjoy an unforgettable night of festive fun, jokes, and tunes that will have you singing all the way into the New Year!

Book your tickets here.

The Further Adventures of Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook – Floral Pavilion

The Floral Pavilion Theatre is set to host the enchanting pantomime, The Further Adventures of Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook, from 6 December – 5 January.

Join Peter, Smee, Tinker Bell, and Ethyl Mermaid on a thrilling journey filled with fun, laughter, and plenty of pirate mischief. 

After defeating the evil Captain Hook, life has been peaceful in Neverland. But when a mysterious stranger arrives, Peter is forced to confront his past and decide his future. Will he ever grow up? And then there are the rumours – is it true that Captain Hook survived the stormy seas and is seeking revenge?

This production is a brand new adventure, full of comedy, chaos and crocodiles. As always with the Floral Pavilion, the show also promises sparkling sets, lavish costumes, and all the fun of a traditional family panto. 

Find out more here.

Snow White the Christmas Panto – St Helens Theatre Royal

Maureen Nolan and Coronation Street’s Emrhys Cooper are set to head the cast of St Helens Theatre Royal’s fantastic festive family show this Christmas.

Pop legend and West End star Maureen will play the Wicked Queen while Emrhys, who is currently appearing on TV screens as Corrie’s Rowan Cunliffe, will take on the role of Prince Fredrick in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which comes to St Helens from Saturday 30 November to Sunday 12 January 2025. 

They will be joined by panto royalty Leanne Campbell who is appearing digitally as the Magic Mirror, while the cast also includes St Helens’ favourite Lewis Devine as Muddles and Richard Aucott as Nurse Nelly.

The magnificent Seven Dwarfs will be voiced by Johnny Vegas, Joel Ross, Pete Price, Philip Regan (Queen of Scotty Road), Craig Phillips, Louis Emerick and John May.

Tickets, priced from £21, are on sale now.

Book your tickets here.

Disney’s Aladdin at Liverpool Empire

Experience A Whole New World this Chrtiasm at Liverpool Empire.

Witness the timeless story of Disney’s Aladdin, a thrilling production filled with unforgettable magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle! The show has already been seen by over 14 million people worldwide, where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.

More info here.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto: Rapunzel – Liverpool Everyman

Let your hair down with Rapunzel, as the iconic Everyman Rock ‘n’ Roll panto returns for 2024.

As ever there’ll be an awesomely talented bunch of actor musicians who sing, dance, entertain and play music live on stage, as they bring the classic fairytale to life in surprising style.

Get your tickets here.

Count Arthur Strong is Charles Dickens in ‘A Christmas Carol’ – Liverpool Playhouse

Arthur delivers the Charles Dickens story and follows this with his own adaptation of the most classic of festive tales, A Christmas Carol.

Due to public pressure, Count Arthur Strong extends his fond farewell to you, for a ‘once in a lifetime’ limited run. As he takes on, one of the literary greats, the famous Charles Dickens, and then goes on to present his one-man interpretation of A Christmas Carol. ‘If you miss it, you weren’t there!’

Get your tickets here.

Fairytale of New York – Liverpool Empire

After three sell out tours, the ultimate Irish-inspired Christmas concert is back with an even bigger production for 2024.

From the producers of Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of The Dubliners, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Irish culture as our talented singers, musicians and dancers perform a world class concert featuring all the festive favourites including ‘Driving Home for Christmas’, ‘Step Into Christmas’, ‘Oh Holy Night’ and, of course, ‘The Fairytale of New York’.

Get your tickets here.

A Christmas Carol – St George’s Hall

The haunting tale of redemption by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol, will run at St George’s Hall from 14 – 29 December, 2024.

Set on Christmas Eve, the story follows the miser Ebeneezer Scrooge, who is visited by the tormented ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley. Marley warns of the impending arrival of three spirits—Past, Present, and Yet to Come.

As each ghost takes Scrooge on a journey through his life, he is forced to confront past mistakes, seize opportunities for change, and try to alter his grim future.

Find out more here.

Star of Wonder – Unity Theatre

This Christmas, join three friends on a wonderous journey to follow a star. They fall-out, get lost, overcome obstacles and finally find what they are looking for…

Hilarious, magical and memorable – Star of Wonder is the perfect, laugh-out-loud show for all the family, full of clowning, magical interaction and brilliant puppetry.

The show will run at Unity theatre from 17 Dec 2024 – 21 Dec 2024.

More info here.

The Christmas Market is back at St George’s Plateau

Everybody’s favourite Christmas Market is coming back between Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, December 24, with all the usual favourite festive food and fun offerings.

Set around St George’s Plateau, William Brown Street and St John’s Gardens, there’ll be crafters and makers selling unique gifts, decorations, art, crafts, and jewellery, along with a range of bars – like the tipi bar, ski bar, windmill bar, and the Bavarian bar – and rides for the kids.

Find out more here.

Wirral Bazaar returns this November

The much-loved Wirral Bazaar is set to return this festive season, offering Christmas shoppers a fantastic opportunity to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones while supporting a great cause. 

North West Cancer Research’s Wirral Bazaar will take place on 4 and 5 November at Hulme Hall in Port Sunlight.

More info here.

Music & Carols

Swing Into Christmas with the Down for the Count Orchestra – St George’s Hall

Celebrate the festive season in style with the vocalists and instrumentalists of the Down for the Count Orchestra, as they Swing Into Christmas!

This is a Christmas celebration like no other, as Down for the Count recreate the music of Nat ‘King’ Cole, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and many more in a luscious 30-piece orchestral setting evoking the sounds of the great Capitol Studios recordings.

Expect to hear faithful recreations of the best music of the swing era including I’ve Got You Under My Skin, New York New York and ‘S Wonderful, alongside original arrangements of jazz and festive standards written by principal conductor Mike Paul-Smith and arranger Simon Joyner including Winter Wonderland and It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas.

More info here.

The Snowman Show – Liverpool Cathedral

Create unforgettable Christmas memories with a magical performance of The Snowman at Liverpool Cathedral, accompanied live by a world-class orchestra.

Presented by Carrot Productions, this award-winning show brings the iconic animated film to life, along with an additional short film, The Bear, the Piano, the Dog and the Fiddle. Perfect for the whole family, the show includes a festive introduction to the orchestra and even a special visit from The Snowman himself!

Book your tickets here.

Carols by Lantern Light – St George’s Hall

Experience the magic of Christmas at St George’s Hall with a stunning carol concert set amidst the warm glow of lanterns in the Great Hall.

Enjoy timeless Christmas classics performed by the St George’s Singers, Mezzo Soprano Danielle Thomas, and Professor Ian Tracey on the Willis Organ, with favourites like “Oh Holy Night” and “Silent Night.”

Sip on festive drinks from the Hall’s bar as you soak in the enchanting atmosphere of one of Liverpool’s most iconic venues.

Get your tickets here.

Meet Santa / Family events

Liverpool ONE Winter Wonderland

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. 

Find out more here.

The Light Before Christmas – Liverpool Cathedral

Get ready for the magic of The Light Before Christmas: Starlight as it returns to Liverpool Cathedral from Friday 29 November until Saturday 7 December, following two years of sold-out success.

This beloved event will be back, bigger and brighter than ever, lighting up one of Liverpool’s most iconic landmarks in celebration of its centenary year. 

Prepare to be dazzled by a brand-new, immersive light and sound experience created by the internationally renowned Luxmuralis team. 

Book tickets here.

Enchanted is back at Knowsley Safari

This winter, the Foot Safari will once again transform into a magical wonderland, where you can wander among illuminated animals, from camels to wolves, to exciting new additions like towering giraffes and playful lion cubs.

For the third year running, explore the Winter Village, stroll through the sparkling light tunnel, and catch Santa’s elves hard at work.

While you’re here, post your Christmas wish list and enjoy the festive favourite activity of toasting marshmallows by the fire.

There will also be plenty of pitstops along the way where you’ll be able to enjoy festive foods throughout the trail and then jump on the thrilling rides to complete your adventure.

More info here.

Land of Lights returns to Gulliver’s World

The Land of Lights will be opening in Gulliver’s World Resort for a second time from October with new lights and a brand-new theme for 2024.

The new theme will be WonderWild which organises say will bring ‘nature and animals to life like you’ve never seen before’.

Find out more here.

Santa Panto at Knowsley Safari

Make your trip to this year’s Enchanted even more magical with a Santa Panto!

Watch Father Christmas and his chief elves, Jingle & Jangle, in the North Pole make preparations ahead of Christmas Eve!

Head to the Foot Safari and watch your little one’s face light up during a Santa show filled with more jokes than a Christmas cracker, magical songs, and festive cheer that the whole family will love.

More info here.

Lanterns and Lights at Chester Zoo

Get ready to experience the magic of Lanterns and Light once again at Chester Zoo!

This winter, join Chester Zoo for an illuminated trail of spectacular scenes and breathtaking displays that will leave you full of festivity.

Find out more here.

Christmas-Shire comes to Kings Dock

Step into the heart of Christmas-Shire at Kings Dock, where you can join Nutmeg the Elf and Father Christmas for an interactive holiday experience like no other!

As the elves prepare for the big day, they’ve discovered a leak in their Christmas magic reserves, and they need your help to replenish them! Enjoy captivating storytelling, meet Father Christmas, receive a thoughtful ethically sourced gift, and create magical memories with your family this festive season.

More info here.

Storytime with Santa at Croxteth Hall

Join Father Christmas and his friend, Buddy the Elf, as they share magical stories and sing a song or two in front of their cosy log fire in Croxteth Hall!

This unique, festive event is an intimate and engaging experience which will leave you and your little ones spellbound. Each child gets a turn of sharing their Christmas wishes with Santa, before receiving a special gift.

More info here.

Indoor funfair returns to Exhibition Centre Liverpool

Roll up for jaw-dropping rides and amazing attractions all under one roof when the Liverpool Indoor Funfair returns from Saturday, December 23, 2024, to Sunday, January 7, 2025 (closed Christmas Day).

More info here.

Christmas Story Trail returns to The Reader in Calderstones Park

Families – and their dogs – are invited to take the lead and join the annual festive trail at The Reader, bringing to life Rob Biddulph’s An Odd Dog Christmas – ‘a gloriously illustrated story about the real meaning of Christmas’.

The Christmas Story Trail at The Reader, located in Liverpool’s historic Calderstones Park, is back for a fifth year due to popular demand.

More info here.

IceBox is coming to BOXPARK Liverpool

This winter, BOXPARK Liverpool will open its doors to a new intimate ice rink destination, with ‘IceBox’ – a six-week festive ice-skating pop-up, running from Friday 22 November to Sunday 5 January. 

More info here.

Christmas menus

Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill Liverpool

To help get your celebrations off to the perfect start, book with Steakhouse, Bar & Grill, Liverpool and you can choose either a Baileys Caramel Treat or a Festive Berry Bucks Fizz completely free this Christmas.

More info here.

12 Days of Christmas Burgers at Tempest on Tithebarn

Embracing the festive magic with full gusto, at the heart of Tempest’s Christmas menu are twelve mouth-watering burgers, from A Partridge In A Pear Tree’s delicious Tempest honey glazed pork belly, sage and onion stuffing, pork crackling, pear and apple sauce, to Four Calling Birds Beef patty, crispy bacon topped with a goat cheese wheel, cranberry sauce and served with a side of rich dipping gravy.

Read about all 12 burgers here.

Ma Boyle’s Alehouse and Eatery and Nova Scotia

At both locations three courses of fabulous festive feasting are back, featuring a selection of classic choices which are perfect for sharing Christmas with family, friends and colleagues.

Favourites like a classic prawn cocktail and pigs in blankets star alongside pan-friend seabass, turkey crown, slow roasted beef brisket and a lentil and winter vegetable roast. And don’t forget four mouth-watering desserts, too.

Ma Boyle’s and Nova Scotia can also host intimate get-togethers to bigger group bookings this Christmas.  

More info here.

Host your Christmas party at Blackburne House

For a memorable Christmas celebration, Blackburne House Bistro offers a festive experience with free room hire when you book their Christmas catering package for groups of 40 or more.

Complete the night with entertainment for an additional charge, and take advantage of the late license to keep the festivities going. You can even customise with various drinks packages—just email events@blackburnehouse.co.uk for more details and make this holiday season extra special.

See the Christmas packages here.

Christmas films and screenings

Christmas at the Movies by Candlelight – St George’s Hall

Join St George’s Hall as they embark on a jolly journey through the heart-warming and hilarious worlds of beloved Christmas films. It’s a festive celebration that will fill your spirit with joy and bring back memories of cosy nights by the fire.

More info here.

The Holiday with Live Orchestra at Liverpool Empire

Beloved Christmas romcom The Holiday (2006) is to be presented live in concert this festive season, on a 15 date UK-wide tour, which will see the film’s score played live-to-film with a complete concert orchestra.

The in-concert experience with a full orchestra and cinema size screen is an incredibly unique and immersive way to experience The Holiday, which has become a cult Christmas viewing experience for many.

Book tickets here.

It’s a Wonderful Life LIVE at St George’s Hall

It’s A Wonderful Life comes to the Concert Room of St George’s Hall right in time for Christmas so don’t miss out on the opportunity to catch this timeless classic LIVE on stage!

“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings…”

It’s Christmas Eve, Bedford Falls. 
George Bailey, a down-on-his-luck banker, believes life has left him behind. But when his guardian angel appears, George is astounded to witness what life could be like without all of the good deeds he’s done. Maybe life wouldn’t be as wonderful without him…

Book your tickets here.

Nights out

Book your Christmas Party at Roxy Ball Room

Have a ballin’ Christmas at Roxy this festive season, where all venues in Liverpool are open for Christmas bookings and ready to host your ultimate holiday party.

With four festive packages to choose from, it’s the perfect spot for groups of any size to enjoy a mix of games, food, and drinks all under one roof.

Their Christmas packages include a generous buffet featuring a variety of pizzas and sharing sides, plus plenty of drinks to keep the festive cheer flowing. So, gather your crew and get ready to celebrate the season with booze and ball games at Roxy!

Find out more here.

Knowsley Hall Masquerade Ball

Step into a world of elegance and enchantment at the exclusive Masquerade Ball hosted in the stunning Knowsley Hall this festive season.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with timeless charm as you start with a sparkling drink, followed by a gourmet four-course festive feast in the magnificent State Dining Room.

With live music and masked identities creating an air of mystery, this magical night is perfect for celebrating with friends, colleagues, or clients, and promises to be a memorable event you’ll want to capture in photographs.

More info here.

Silent Disco Wonderland at St George’s Hall

Get ready for a Christmas boogie at St George’s Hall’s legendary silent disco, returning this year bigger, better, and more festive than ever!

After soaking in the seasonal sights and sounds of the Annual Christmas market outside, step inside to Jingle Bell Rock against the stunning backdrop of one of Liverpool’s most iconic venues.

Dance like no one’s watching, sing your heart out, and create unforgettable memories with family, friends, or colleagues at the ultimate Christmas celebration!

More info here.

For more on Christmas in Liverpool click HERE!