Festive fun for kids this Christmas in Liverpool

Get ready to sprinkle some extra magic into this festive season with a loads of enchanting activities for kids in the city!

As Christmas in Liverpool draws near, the city comes alive with a dazzling array of family-friendly delights and joyful experiences.

Take a look at these festive activities guaranteed to keep the little ones entertained and create lasting memories for the whole family this Christmas.

Light Trails

Enchanted at Knowsley Safari

The magic returns as Knowsley Safari undergoes a dazzling transformation into an illuminated wonderland from November 18 to December 30. There’s a new rainbow road and new animal features at the spectacular festive experience at Knowsley this year, along with its own Northern Lights, talking trees and old favourites like lit-up giraffes, penguins, zebras, and polar bears. Its Winter Village is back for its second year too.

More info here.

Magical Woodland at Blakemere Village

Get into the Christmas spirit with never-seen-before light features in a 15-acre enchanted Cheshire Woodland. There’ll be dazzling canopies of fairy lights, interactive light features, tunnels of Borealis-style lasers, floating umbrellas, and clouds of flying lanterns, and the lights and sounds bring the woods to life. On from Friday November 24– Sunday, December 24.

More info here.

Land of Light at Gulliver’s World

See Gulliver’s World Resort in a whole new light! Land of Lights Warrington will be lighting up the the sky from 16 November 2023 – 25 February 2024. Discover gigantic lanterns, mesmerising light installations and festival vibes.

Embark on a Journey through 12 Magical Realms… Drawing inspiration from the animal kingdom, monumental wonders, and festive celebrations! Each dreamworld is a vibrant tapestry of colours, energy, and dazzling illumination.

You can step into the Jurassic Zone, where their ‘living’ dinosaurs roar with awe-inspiring might!

Find out more info here.

Royal Albert Dock

This Christmas, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool will be illuminated once again with the return of its popular light trail. Taking place across the estate with over 1 million twinkling lights, embark on an enchanting waterfront wander. 

Enjoy a selection of characters from Liverpool’s coat of arms alongside nautical installations representing the dock’s rich maritime history, offering a fun, free activity for families during the festive period.

More info here.

Pantos / Shows

Christmas in Liverpool wouldn’t be complete without a good Panto, and this year the city has pulled out all the stops with some fantastic shows lined up for you and the family!

Sleeping Beauty at M&S Bank Arena

TV reality star and model Katie Price stars as Carabosse, the jealous evil queen who curses the beautiful princess to perish on her 21st birthday. Bippo the clown, Britain’s Got Talent finalist Lucy Kay, and Andy Brennan (Queen FiFi of Fazakerley!) also star. On from Saturday, December 16 to Saturday, December 30.

More info here.

The Wizard of Oz at Liverpool Empire

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City for this Christmas classic, as Dorothy tries to get back to Kansas and the Tinman, Scarecrow and cowardly Lion request their own gifts of the great and powerful Oz.

JLS’ Aston Merrygold and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing on Ice’s The Vivienne star, and it’s on from Wednesday, December 13 to Sunday, January 7, 2024.

More info here.

Jack and the Beanstalk at Floral Pavilion

Still with the magic beans and gigantic beanstalk, but you can’t beat a good old favourite. Corrie and Emmerdale star Hayley Tamaddon is The Vegetable Fairy alongside Blood Brothers’ favourite Sean Jones as Simple Simon, and CBeebies’ Joseph Elliott as Fleshcreep in this lavish production on from Saturday, December 9 to Sunday, January 7, 2024.

More info here.

Peter Pan at M&S Bank Arena

Peter Pan flies in for one night only – and two afternoon matinees – at the M&S Bank Arena with the one-and-only Boy George starring as Captain Hook. It’s a big budget spectacular with the chance to see the Karma Chameleon making his panto debut, and it’s going to be huge. Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3.

More info here.

Aladdin at St Helens Theatre Royal

Emmerdale’s Liam Fox will make his panto debut and Radio City presenter and panto royalty Leanne Campbell will appear as Genie of the Mirror, as Aladdin battles the wicked Abanazer who’s out to rule the world with the help of a very special lamp. See it from Saturday, December 2 to Sunday, January 14, 2024.

More info here.

Cinderella Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto at the Everyman Theatre

This is always one we look out for at Christmas and it’ll not disappoint for 2023 with the return of Everyman favourite Adam Keast. This year the iconic Everyman Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto is telling the story of Cinderella, with heaps of sass, silliness, and sparkle. Friday, November 17 to Saturday, January 20, 2024.

More info here.

The Wind in the Willows at Shakespeare North Playhouse

Tickets for The Wind in The Willows at Shakespeare North Playhouse are on sale now! 

The show is a funny, timeless tale of friendship, courage, consequences and bravery.

When Mole forfeits his seasonal cleaning for the lure of the luscious riverbank, he has no idea of the thrilling (and slightly chaotic) journey that he and his friends are about to embark on…

Find out more here.

Meet Santa / Grottos

You are spoiled for choice to meet Santa this Christmas in Liverpool… You’ll be hearing the sleigh bells ringing all around the city region with breakfast meet and greets, Christmas Grottos, and immersive story times!

Breakfast with Santa at the Everyman Theatre

How fabulous is this? Kids can get to have their brekkie with the man in red and tell him all about their Christmas wishes while tucking into beans, egg or sausage on toast. They’ll even get a special gift. It’s on Downstairs at the Everyman, every Saturday from November 18, and tickets start at £16.50.

More info here.

Grotto at Everyman Theatre

You and your little ones will make your way through the Grotto to arrive at a letter writing station before the elves take you to meet Santa – there you’ll be able to tell him all of your Christmas wishes and receive a special gift!      

Tickets start from £9.50 – £15.00 and include letter writing and an opportunity to take a picture of your children with Santa.

More info here.

Christmas Grotto at Ten Streets Social

Get ready for a magical Christmas experience at Ten Streets Social’s Christmas Grotto!

Find out all dates and times on their event page.

More info here.

Dobbies

This gets booked up quicker than Rudolph gets his reins on, and no wonder.

Dobbies offers a magical journey for children and families, walking through an enchanted forest where an elf will guide you to find Little Seedlings characters before arriving in a wildlife forest clearing where little people can make a special item to take home.

They get the chance to meet Santa and share stories, and get a gift and a photo. And that’s not all, you can book a Festive Afternoon Tea, Santa’s Breakfast, and visit Santa Paws’ Grotto with your furry friend. 

More info here.

John Lewis

Father Christmas is having his delightful meet and greet in the fairytale grotto at John Lewis this Christmas and youngsters will have the chance to help find the hidden code to the elf portal and just possibly save Christmas! And, because your pet pooch is a part of the family, there’s a Santa Paws Experience too so you can treat your favourite four-legged friend to a visit to our crimson-clad hero. From Thursday, November 23.

More info here.

Farmer Ted’s

This year sees the return of Farmer Ted’s (or should that be Farmer Christmas’s) spectacular walking adventure, trekking through Santa’s winter wonderland to see where his elves make all the toys, and even where Santa sleeps – and don’t miss the special Christmas Storytime! Booking from Saturday, November 25.

More info here.

Sail to Santa at Martin Mere

For an extra special experience this Christmas, come along to one of the Martin Mere Sail to Santa days. Sail across to Santa’s Island and meet Santa and his elves and get busy in the Elves’ workshop with festive crafts.

Please be aware that non members must also purchase an admission ticket to Martin Mere for both the adults and children. This is in addition to purchasing the sail to santa ticket. 

Each ticket includes:

• Boat trip to see Santa on his island with his elves
• Visit to Santa
• A gift
• Make your own reindeer food, decorate a wooden Christmas tree decoration and decorate a biscuit

More info HERE.

Storytime with Santa at Liverpool Town Hall

Father Christmas and his merry friend, Buddy the Elf, are heading to Liverpool Town Hall to share their magical stories and sing a festive tune or two by the warm glow of a cosy log fire.

This is more than a traditional Grotto experience; Storytime with Santa offers each child the opportunity to share their cherished Christmas wishes with Father Christmas himself and receive a special gift. This encounter is sure to leave your little ones spellbound!

Find out more here.

T’was the Night before Christmas at Croxteth Hall

It’s the night before Christmas and a very special visitor is due to arrive. 

There’s lots to do before Santa arrives. The Robins need to sort all the Christmas letters and the Mice are behind on organising Christmas wishes. How is Santa going to know who has wished for what?

Your help is needed!

Check out this amazing interactive experience at Croxteth Hall this Christmas.

Santa’s Stories at Duke Street Market

Santa is making a grand entrance on Saturday 2nd December at Duke Street Food & Drink Market. 

Join them for a special morning of festive stories and holiday magic.

Following the spellbinding stories, each little one will have the chance after story time to speak to Santa himself and share their Christmas wishes. That’s not all! Every child will also receive a Christmas present to add an extra sparkle to their festive season.

More info here.

Kids cinema screenings

The Snowman at Liverpool Cathedral

Make it a Christmas to remember with a very special performance featuring two of the UK’s best-loved and iconic animated films, The Snowman and Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers, with live accompaniment from an outstanding professional orchestra.

Find out more here.

The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert at Liverpool Empire

Disney’s Muppet Christmas classic will be presented live in concert this winter, with its musical score performed live to the film. Kermit the Frog is Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine), Miss Piggy is Emily Cratchit, and Gonzo is Dickens, narrating the classic holiday tale. It’s on Tuesday, November 28.

More info here.

Festive films at Bijou cinema, Southport

Bijou has showings of kids classics like Home Alone, Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and much more!

If you haven’t been to Bijou before it is a unique cinema experience and watching a festive flick here will really put you in the mood for the holidays.

More info here.

Luna Cinema at Liverpool Town Hall

Audiences can expect all the festive classics, including “Elf”, “Love Actually” – both of which are celebrating 20 years since their release, as well as “Home Alone”, It’s A Wonderful Life and The Holiday, and family favourites such as “The Grinch” and “Frozen – sing-along”.

More info here.

Home Alone at M&S Bank Arena

This comedy great features composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live by The Heritage Orchestra to the film shown on a giant HD screen.  

Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern). 

More info here.

Family events

There’s fun for all the family this Christmas in Liverpool with loads of boss events taking place across the city. From craft workshops to fun at the farm… there’s something to suit everyone!

Mini Madams  

Join Mini Madams for a load of Christmas specials this year at GPO!

They have Frozen, The Grinch, and Lilo & Stitch themed events full of entertainment and craft making! 

Find out more here.

Magical Festive Farm

Step into a Winter Wonderland like no other at Cedar Farm. 

Get ready to be enchanted by the beauty of nature and the joy of the holiday season. They’re bringing together a delightful menagerie of animals, including goats, llamas, turkeys, donkeys, and EVEN Santa’s favourite reindeer!

More info here.

Christmas Extravaganza, Brimstage Farm and Maze

There will be Christmas celebrations at Brimstage on the weekend of 1 -3 December in conjunction with Brimstage Hall Courtyard.

Expect brass bands, choirs, school singing groups.

More info here.

Otterspool Christmas Experience

Otterspool Adventure’s Magical Family Christmas Experience offers up to three hours of activities plus unlimited play on its ice rink and attractions. Youngsters can visit Santa in his Grotto and receive a gift, visit the elves’ ‘Make a Bear’ workshop, watch a festive show, and help Mrs Claus decorate gingerbread. Weekends from Saturday, November 24, to Sunday, December 24.

Indoor funfair 

Roll up for jaw-dropping rides and amazing attractions all under one roof when the Indoor Funfair returns this Christmas in Liverpool.

From Saturday, December 23, to Sunday, January 7, 2024 (closed Christmas Day).

More info here.

Christmas market 

Everybody’s favourite Christmas Market is coming back between Saturday, November 18 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.

You can bet there will be food stalls with everything from Yorkshire pudding wraps to pretzels and crepes and, of course, the odd bratwurst. You’ll also find a great hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and marshmallows.

For the kids especially, there will be plenty of rides and activities, like the big wheel, snow slide and Santa Land to make it the best family trip out this Christmas in Liverpool!

Find out more here.

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