16 must-do things for the kids this Christmas

No sooner’s Bommy Night over than it’s time to go headfirst into all things festive.

Part of the fun of Christmas is the excitement leading up to the big day itself, especially when you’re kid – even a big one!

And there’s tons of stuff you just have to do in Liverpool to celebrate the best season of the year.

Enchanted at Knowsley

Knowsley’s foot safari will be transformed into a magical wonderland where you can wander among illuminated animals from camels to wolves, and exciting new additions like giraffes and playful lion cubs. You can explore the Winter Village, stroll through the sparkling light tunnel, and catch Santa’s elves hard at work. As well as festive foods and exciting rides, this year there’s an extra bit of sparkle with a Santa Panto you can add on. It’s on from Saturday, November 30 to Monday, December 23.

Find out more here.

Disney’s Aladdin at the Empire

You can bet Disney will squeeze out every last bit of glitz and glamour for an over-the-top amazing version of this classic tale where one lamp and three wishes make anything possible. Millions of people all over the world have seen the musical so you’re guaranteed a belter, and you’ll be able to join in with songs like Friend Like Me, A Whole New World and more. There are plenty of chances to see it too, it’s on from Wednesday, December 11 to Sunday, January 5.

Find out more here.

Indoor Funfair at Exhibition Centre Liverpool

Always a favourite, the fun of the fair returns to Liverpool Exhibition Centre from Saturday, December 21 to Sunday, January 5 (although it’s closed Christmas Day). As always you can expect jaw-dropping rides and attractions all under one roof, from the dodgems and a ferris wheel to a Minion Inflatable play centre, a Jungle Funhouse, the waltzers, and more.

Find out more here.

Everyman Rock ‘n’ Roll panto

Time to let your hair down because the iconic rock ‘n’ roll panto’s back with the Everyman’s take on Rapunzel. Michael Starke is the dame and favourite Adam Keast returns with his full fairy wings as the Fairy Fixer-Upper, while Zoe West is doing what she does best, playing the baddie, Danny Rough. A classic fairytale brought to life from Saturday, November 16 to Saturday, January 18, and you can bet in surprising style.

Find out more here.

Storytime with Santa at Croxteth Hall

Are you sitting comfortably? Then get ready to 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 at Croxteth Hall. This is a lovely festive event to leave you and your little ones spellbound, and each child gets to share their Christmas wishes with Santa before receiving a little gift. The man in red will be there from Friday, November 29 to Tuesday, December 24.

Find out more here.

Liverpool Christmas Market

There’s nothing that’ll get you more in the mood than a wander round a Christmas market and Liverpool’s is always a favourite. It’s coming back between Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, December 24, with all the festive food and fun around St George’s Plateau, William Brown Street and St John’s Gardens. There’ll be crafters and makers selling gifts, decorations, art, crafts, and jewellery, along with the bars – but of course we’re talking now about the kids, and they’ll love the rides.

Find out more here.

St Helens Theatre Royal panto – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

If you’re in the mood for dancing, this panto’s definitely for you with singing sister Maureen Nolan playing the Wicked Queen in Snow White. Corrie’s Emrhys Cooper joins her heading up the cast as Prince Fredrick from Saturday, November 30 to Sunday, January 12. Panto royalty Leanne Campbell is appearing digitally as the Magic Mirror, and the cast also includes St Helens’ favourite laughter-maker Lewis Devine as Muddles and Richard Aucott as Nurse Nelly. The Seven Dwarfs are being voiced by Johnny Vegas, Joel Ross, Pete Price, Philip Regan (Queen of Scotty Road), Craig Phillips, Louis Emerick and John May!

Find out more here.

Liverpool ONE’s Christmas on the Park

New for 2024, Christmas on the Park opens on Friday, November 8 at Chavasse Park with children’s rides, including a carousel, as well as festive games, food, treats and drinks! It’s just the thing for younger children who can enjoy its fun festive atmosphere and it’s on until Tuesday, December 31.

Find out more here.

The Snowman Show with Live Orchestra at Liverpool Cathedral 

You’ll be walking on air after watching this festive gem on Friday, December 20. One of the most iconic Christmas films will be shown while an orchestra with some of the best musicians brings the Raymond Briggs story beautifully to life. The performance includes an additional short film, The Bear, the Piano, the Dog and the Fiddle, again accompanied live by the orchestra – and there’s even a visit from the Snowman himself! 

Find out more here.

Land of Lights, Gulliver’s World Resort

The Land of Lights Lantern Festival’ s returning to Warrington for the second time this winter with new lights and a brand-new theme for 2024: WonderWild. The festival, which sits alongside the resort’s other Christmas events and activities, includes thousands of handcrafted lanterns and hundreds of thousands of LED lights to create new fantasy worlds including Fantasy Forest, Ice Kingdom, and Winged Wonders. There’s also music and entertainment, street food and drink, and it’s on from Saturday, November 9 to Saturday, January 4.

Find out more here.

John Lewis Christmas Grotto

No Christmas is complete without a visit to Santa’s Grotto and the one at John Lewis is always a cracker. You can settle in for a festive story session with Father Christmas, join his team of merry elves, and create a Christmas keepsake to take home. Don’t forget though, this is also the chance to share your Christmas wishes – and receive a special gift. He’s there from Friday, November 29 to Tuesday, December 24.

Find out more here.

Christmas-shire at Kings Dock

Christmas-shire at Kings Dock is a unique interactive adventure that’ll take visitors on a theatrical journey – and encourage little people to spread kindness. Father Christmas has arrived in the shire but there’s been a mishap. Nutmeg, one of the elves, has left the door of one of the yurts open and the reindeer have wandered in and knocked over the stocks of Christmas magic…now visitors need to help replenish the magic. On from Saturday, November 16 to Sunday, December 22, this one’s a little bit special.

Find out more here.

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

Who doesn’t love Peter Pan? 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. It’s at the waterfront arena from Tuesday, December 17 to Sunday, December 29.

Find out more here.

Visit our museums 

From events to gifts and special Christmas activities and stories, there’s never a shortage of things to get you feeling festive at National Museums Liverpool. They can suggest some favourite snowy landscapes and Christmas scenes from the collections of the Walker Art Gallery, Sudley House and Lady Lever Art Gallery for you to view, help you find out how Christmas trees, mistletoe, holly and ivy became such a key part of our festive traditions at World Museum’s botany department, or regale you with fun festive tales.

Find out more here.

The Light Before Christmas at Liverpool Cathedral

Another chance to be dazzled by the Luxmuralis team as the magic of The Light Before Christmas: Starlight returns to Liverpool Cathedral from Friday, November 29 to Saturday, December 7.  The last two years have been a sell-out so be warned, you need to book early! Follow the star as amazing projections and bespoke soundscapes bring the cathedral’s architecture and the Nativity story to life, lighting up one of Liverpool’s most iconic landmarks in this, its centenary year. 

Find out more here.

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

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 are the rumours that Captain Hook survived the stormy seas and is seeking revenge true? This brand new adventure is full of comedy capers, chaos and crocodiles.

Find out more here.

For everything Christmas in Liverpool check out our Ultimate Guide HERE.