A festive extravaganza is coming to the City Centre as Liverpool ONE reveals its Christmas launch plans

Aerial performances, singing elves, local talent and magical pop-up pantomimes will take centre stage as Liverpool ONE kicks off Christmas in just one month’s time.

Taking place on Friday 17 November from 4pm until 8pm, Liverpool ONE Christmas LIVE! is set to bring the ultimate festive party to the retail and entertainment destination, offering families an evening of non-stop music and fun.

Joining the festivities for the first time are hundreds of local schoolchildren and community groups who will perform across multiple stages to help spread a spot of yuletide cheer.

And today, Liverpool ONE has unveiled plans for the evening, which promises to offer something for the whole family.

Taking over Paradise Street will be a team of talented aerial performers who are set to wow the crowds as they show off their skills 13ft high off the ground.

Returning to Liverpool ONE will be the much-loved pop-up pantos, giving visitors the opportunity to grab a sneak peek of the city’s festive performances from some of the best well-known venues across Liverpool City Region.  

The event will see three additional areas becoming a focal point for up-and-coming local talent over on Thomas Steers Way, Peter’s Lane and the Galleria by the entrance of ODEON, featuring 100 youth theatre performers, three community choirs, 30 Christmas elves, and appearances by Santa too!

As part of the preparations, Liverpool ONE has been working closely with Liverpool Empire’s Creative Learning team and pupils from 20 schools across Liverpool, Wirral, Knowsley, St Helens, Warrington, Halton and Sefton, alongside the Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre Academy, to create a number of performances exclusively for Liverpool ONE Christmas LIVE!

Natalie Flynn, Senior Creative Learning Manager at The Liverpool Empire Theatre, said:

“We’re so excited to be working with Liverpool ONE to help make the launch of Christmas bigger and better than ever before. 

“We’ve been incredibly impressed by the talent and enthusiasm from local young people as they work with us to create something truly memorable and magical – we cannot wait to show everyone on the night!”

Also making its return this year is Bar Hütte, which will be located on Chavasse Park underneath the giant neon Christmas tree and welcoming visitors from 10 November.

From cosy karaoke hüttes and a party lodge, to delicious winter warmer cocktails, beers and wines, Bar Hütte at Chavasse Park, Liverpool ONE is set to be a must-visit attraction for families and groups of friends alike.

Bar Hütte will also be hosting wreath-making sessions, Santa Claus Club, ‘Movie Sundays’, a festive ‘After School Club’ and sensory classes for the very first time this year.

Visitors can also expect to see the return of much-loved Christmas reindeer light installations throughout various locations, neon trees on Paradise Street, festive angel wings and plenty of twinkling Christmas lights and decorations across Liverpool ONE. 

Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said:

“Christmas really is a major highlight in our calendar at Liverpool ONE and it’s something we have become known for over the last 15 years. 

“This year, we wanted to make it extra special and that’s why we’re thrilled to be able to involve more local talent than ever before who have been working hard to create some fantastic performances for us all to enjoy.

“Our fabulous all-singing, all-dancing elves and, of course, our pop-up pantos will be making a return, but we are also incredibly excited to be bringing hundreds of talented young people from across the region and amazing aerial performers to the line-up for 2023, who are sure to wow everyone!

“We’re now just one month away from the celebrations and we cannot wait to welcome both new and returning visitors to Liverpool ONE Christmas Live!”

Find out more information about Liverpool ONE Christmas Live! and all things Christmas here.