Merseyrail – What’s on this Christmas and how to get there by train

There’s just a couple of weeks to go until Christmas, and still loads to do across Liverpool City Region to help get you feeling festive. 

Whether you’re heading out to sort those Christmas pressies or entertain the kids – or yourself – the excitement is mounting.

And, while you could jump in the car, it makes far more sense to take the train.

It’s as quick and easy as Santa’s sleigh with regular services across the network – there are trains from every 15 minutes so you’ll not be waiting long – and 69 stations across the network.

There are no parking hassles, and you can’t beat it for great value! It costs just £13 for a family ticket for up to 5 people, and for unlimited off-peak travel, you can hop on and off with a Daysaver starting from £4.45 for adults, and £2.20 for children. (And no evening peak fares apply!).

Don’t forget too, if you’re not getting behind the wheel, you can enjoy a mulled wine – or two – while you’re out and about to really get into the seasonal spirit. 

So to put the ‘Ho’ into the holidays, here are 8 places you can get to with Merseyrail this Christmas.

Southport (Bear and Reindeer Trail)

Nearest station: Southport Station

Southport BID’s ‘The Bear and The Reindeer’ is lighting up the town centre this year, and you can enjoy the amazing brand-new illuminations in the Town Hall Gardens. You’ll find the dazzling Christmas characters – which are 18ft and 13ft high – sitting either side of the 60ft LED Christmas tree … perfect for that festive family photo.

New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion Panto – Jack and the Beanstalk

Nearest station: New Brighton

Corrie and Emmerdale star Hayley Tamaddon stars as 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. It’s a good old favourite about a boy who unwittingly grows a gigantic beanstalk up to a magical land.

St. George’s Quarter for Liverpool Christmas market and The Wizard of Oz at the Empire

Nearest Stations: Liverpool Lime Street and Liverpool Central

Whether you want to hit the craft stalls and tuck into some festive fayre with a hot chocolate, or see one of the all-time Christmas favourite shows, it’s easy to get there by train and you’re literally steps away.

We all love a good market and Liverpool Christmas Market at St George’s Plateau and William Brown Street until Christmas Eve has loads of fabulous places to eat and drink, like the tipi bar, the ski bar, the windmill bar AND the new Bavarian Bar which will host local performers every weekend. There are fab food and gift stalls and, for the kids especially, there’s plenty of rides and activities, like the big wheel, snow slide and Santa Land.

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing on Ice’s The Vivienne and JLS’ Aston Merrigold star in The Wizard of Oz at the Empire. It’s a Christmas classic as Dorothy journeys to the Emerald City to ask the Great Oz to help her get back to Kansas, alongside her new pals the Tinman, Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion who each have their own special request of the Wizard. 

Liverpool ONE shopping 

Nearest stations: Liverpool Central for Northen Line (6-minute walk) and James Street for Wirral Line (5 minute walk)

One of the most perfect shopping destinations, it’s slap bang in the heart of the city centre with designer shops like Harvey Nichols, Jo Malone London and Reiss; high street shops like Zara, Stradivarius, and JD Sports, and of course department store giants John Lewis. It’s made fabulously festive with the amazing Christmas lights and tree, and don’t forget to pay a visit to Liverpool Alpine Village from Bar Hütte, meet your mates for that Christmas get together in one of the many restaurants, or enjoy a cracking Christmas event.

Cheshire Oaks 

Nearest station: Chester then the X8 Bus)

With more than 140 luxury stores and tonnes of top designer names at the Macarthur Glen Designer Outlet Village you can guarantee gifts from all your favourite brands at prices you can’t beat. Plus there’s 18 perfect places to eat, the Winter Village where you can enjoy traditional German bratwurst from the swing grill, or warm up with mulled wine at the bar – all while marvelling at the tallest Christmas tree in Northern England, or a sky-high visit to Santa!

Everyman Rock n Roll panto

Nearest stations: Liverpool Central (12 minute walk), Lime Street (14 minute walk)

You shall go to the ball – and you will have a ball! Always a favourite, this year the iconic Everyman Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto is telling the story of Cinderella – aka ‘Ellanora’, with LIPA student Grace Venus making her professional stage debut – with heaps of sass, silliness and sparkle. As usual the city’s must-see panto brings the classic fairy tale to life in surprising style.

Storytime with Santa at the Town Hall

Nearest stations: James Street (3-minute walk) for Wirral Lines, Liverpool Central (11-minute walk) for Northern Lines.

Love this one! Father Christmas and his merry friend, Buddy the Elf, are heading to Liverpool Town Hall until December 24 to share magical stories and sing a festive tune or two by the warm glow of a cosy log fire, and every child gets to tell Father Christmas what’s on their wish list and receive a special gift.

Speke Hall 

Nearest station: South Park Way

You can step into Christmases past and just wander around the beautifully decorated Tudor manor house, or visit for a host of fun-filled family festive events like breakfast with Father Christmas, cookie design workshops, craft sessions and wonderful winter rambles. 

* DON’T forget that you can find the perfect gift for any train fans, big or small, at the Mtogo stores or on the Merseyrail website here.

* DO be aware that if you are under the influence of alcohol and unfit to travel you will be refused access to Merseyrail network.

* For Christmas travel information including Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve and great ideas for days out, visit www.merseyrail.org/christmas