Liverpool’s Christmas lights to be switched on next week as full festive programme is announced

Liverpool’s Christmas lights will be switched on and decorations unveiled on Monday 14 November.

In addition, a Christmas countdown featuring Liverpool based artists will begin on 1 December. 

Stretching from the Waterfront to William Brown Street, taking in the main shopping streets of the city centre, Liverpool BID Company funds the festive decorative display each year. 

Alongside the traditional Christmas Tree at Church Street, which is installed later in November by Liverpool City Council, a tree is installed on Old Hall Street with a second Star Pixel tree in Williamson Square. Trees along Church Street, Lord Street, Old Hall Street and Derby Square will be decorated with baubles, while lighting is installed along Church Alley, Richmond Street, and the Cavern Quarter. Lampposts on Paradise Street, Whitechapel, Old Hall Street, Chapel Street, Tithebarn Street, Lord Street and Cook Street will be adorned with angels. Festoon lighting will animate Exchange Flags and The Strand. 

William Brown Street’s historic buildings will be decorated, including County Session House, Walker Art Gallery, Central Library and World Museum. A new Ceiling Light Curtain has been installed at Church Alley with colour changing lights in the eight trees along the street. In the Cavern Quarter, the refurbished arches will be reinstalled with LED lighting, animating the entrances to the historic area. 

As well as decorations, the city centre will see plenty of festive activity. The Elfie Selfie will return to St Johns, along with Christmas craft workshops at Metquarter. 

The Christmas Countdown returns, with 12 pop-up events taking place in the city centre from 1 December. A Paperwork Theatre production in partnership with Open Culture, and supported by Liverpool BID Company and Marks & Spencer, featuring Liverpool artists in a performance based celebration. More details will be revealed closer to the time. 

Jennina O’Neill, the Chair of the Retail & Leisure BID and Centre Manager at Metquarter, said:

“Decorating the city centre isn’t just about festive cheer, it’s part of making the city centre welcoming for those coming to celebrate Christmas and take part in the routines and rituals that haven’t been open to all during the past few years. The run up to Christmas makes up half of the annual trading for retail and hospitality sectors, so it is a critical time of the year for the local economy. At Liverpool BID, we recognise the importance of investing to make the city feel full of the seasonal spirit as we countdown to Christmas”. 

Find out more about Liverpool’s Christmas lights switch on or see the full programme of events happening in the city centre here.