Liverpool's Christmas Market is back for 2021 in a new home and set to be bigger than ever

Liverpool’s Christmas countdown is officially on as the festive markets make their return to the city centre this year.

From Friday 12 November to Thursday 23 December, around 40 stalls, festive rides and twinkly lights will transform St John’s Gardens, William Brown Street and the area around the North Entrance of St George’s Hall (near the Stebble Fountain) – in a slight change of location this year.

Open every day, the market will be packed with a delicious range of food and drink, with foodies being able to tuck in to favourites such as Yorkshire pudding wraps, German sausages, dipped pretzels, siu mai, crêpes and hot chocolate.

Those after a festive tipple can choose between from a variety of festive themed bars including the iconic Windmill, Tepee tent and Barrel Bar, as well as the Alpine Lodge and its karaoke cable cars. For 2021 there is also the new addition of the Bavarian bar where visitors can try a selection of German beers or hot cider.

Shoppers looking for the perfect gift will find personalised decorations, glass baubles, photo prints and jewellery.

Kids (big and small) can enjoy Santa’s Village with its variety of festive rides including a big wheel and a giant Bavarian snow slide.

Plans are also being put in place for live entertainment to take place at the markets across the festive period, and Culture Liverpool is on the hunt for any local music talent who would like to be part of the programme. Performers must be over 18 and be able to provide their own small PA system. Anyone interested should contact the team via email – culture.liverpool@liverpool.gov.uk

Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:

“After the disappointment of not being able to host any Christmas markets in 2020, teams across the city council have been working behind the scenes for a number of months to look at bringing back some Christmas cheer to the city centre.

“We’re delighted with the market’s new home, and think it’s the perfect location to purchase some stocking fillers, indulge in a Christmas tipple, meet friends for food, or let youngsters enjoy some of the fairground rides.

“I’m also pleased to see the call-out for local talent to show off their musical prowess and entertain the crowds – such a great early Christmas gift for those lucky enough to provide the soundtrack to such a popular event.”

Owner of Clark Events, Clarke Storey, said:

“We know that many markets have been cancelled again this year for a number of different reasons, so we wanted to let people know Christmas is definitely not cancelled in Liverpool.

“Start planning your festive calendars now and come down to join the fun, enjoy the delicious food and drink and support our fabulous local makers and crafters. Because quite frankly, together we really do make things better.”

The market will be open Sunday to Wednesday 11am to 9pm and Thursday to Saturday 11am to 10pm. Following the announcement last week around roadworks taking a break around the Christmas period, the Christmas markets will be accessible from lower and upper William Brown Street and via St Johns Lane.

The markets are organised and operated by Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team, in partnership with Clark Events.