The A-Z of Christmas in Liverpool

This is your A-Z of everything Christmassy that Liverpool has to offer.

There’s no way you can be a Christmas Grinch with all this going on in our amazing city. From family favourite panto’s to unlimited G&T’s, all the best shops and a little spin on the ice rink, there’s something for everyone.

This is your A-Z of Christmas in Liverpool….

A is for ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Playhouse

Think you know Dickens? Think again! Spymonkey’s A Christmas Carol is on now at the Playhouse Theatre and until you’ve seen 40 characters played by 4 amazing actors, with hilarious on-stage transformations, you haven’t lived! Tickets here. 

B is for Bar Hutte

It’s back under the huge Liverpool ONE tree and we can’t get enough toffee apple cider, karaoke and those toasty heaters for a little pit stop while Christmas shopping. Pre book a booth as part of your festive night out, here.

C is for Carols

Is there anything more Christmassy than hearing a choir perform a classic carol under the stars? Keep your eyes peeled at Liverpool ONE while you’re out shopping as they partner with the NSPCC and local choirs perform while you get your last gifts. There’s also two beautiful events taking place at Liverpool Cathedral on Christmas Eve (2pm & 4pm) which are free to attend.

D is for the Dock

Royal Albert Dock is looking fabulously festive this Christmas with plenty of places to enjoy a bite to eat, pick up some unique, hand made gifts, take in a brand new exhibition or toast St Nick with a round of cocktails. Head to The Nest for beautiful, locally made gifts, Peaberry Coffee House for a filling brekkie and Revolution to try out Rudolph’s Flight – a cocktail as bright as his nose!

E is for Everyman Cinema

Liverpool’s MetQuarter has welcomed a brand new, 4 screen luxury cinema and you’re invited to check out the comfiest seats in the city with a festive film or blockbuster this December. Everyman Cinema offers only sofa seating, usher service from bar to seat and a real personal touch to your big screen experience. Find out more here. 

F is for Festive Food

There’s a feast of festive food on offer across the city right now and frankly, we can’t get enough of it. So much so, we made a whole list of it! From Apple and cinnamon bakes to Yorkshire pudding wraps, pigs in blankets tater tots and mince pie ice cream. You’ll find it all here. 

G is for all the Grotto’s

Liverpool’s Famous Grotto

If you’re looking to take the kids to see Santa this December, you’re spoiled for choice (he doesn’t half get around!) Head to Liverpool’s Famous Grotto, Bombed Out Church Winter Wonderland, Story Time with Santa or even Dobbies in Speke. Our full run down here.

H is for Hot Chocolate/Gin

The staple winter warmer has had a 2018 make over this Christmas and now comes with all kinds of toppings and ‘added extras’. Head to Lock & Key, Duke St for Hot Gingerbread Gin, Tusk Baltic for amazing hot chocolate and One Fine Day for the biggest marshmallows we’ve ever seen.

I is for Ice Skating

Liverpool Ice Festival is bringing families together for a turn on the ice, Torvil & Dean style this December. You can pre book your time slot on the ice and your ticket includes skate hire too, there’s even little penguins for the kids to glide with. Book here.

J is for Jumping

Did you know the Echo Arena is playing host to the Liverpool International Horse Show this December? You can expect world class show jumping, dressage and champion riders, but that’s not all. There’s thrilling motorcross shows, a Shetland pony Grand Prix, a huge shopping hall, fine dining, light bites and a champagne bar and so much more. Click here to find out more and book. 

K is for Kissing

Calling all the canoodlers, it’s mistletoes time! December is the perfect time to book a little date night with your other half and when it comes to intimate venues to enjoy a bit of time together, Liverpool is bursting with inspiration. We love Wheeler’s of St James’s for steak night deals, Aether at Liverpool ONE for bespoke cocktails and Jenny’s disco den for a cheeky snog in a booth. Don’t wait for the weekend, here’s our fave weeknight ideas. 

L is for Luna Cinema

The wonderful Luna Cinema opens at St George’s Hall from 19th til 23rd December and you can watch all your fave crimbo films on the big screen in one truly spectacular venue. Love Actually, Muppets Christmas, Elf, It’s A Wonderful Life and more, book here. 

M is for Markets

Liverpool is hosting tonnes of Christmas markets this December and alongside more than 40 stalls at the Liverpool Christmas Markets at St George’s Hall, Farmers Market at Baltic Market and Red Brick Hanger Market for unique gifts and treats for yo self. More here. 

N is for Nightlife

Fancy a hangover on Christmas morning? Or saving party vibes til boxing day? We’ve got a night out for you this Christmas. From brand new bars such as Dash on Victoria St and Bongo’s House Party down the Baltic, to huge club nights including Craig Charles’ Boxing Night Blow Out, Sonic Yootha at Kitchen St and loads more, here. 

O is for Oh Holy Night

Christmas Eve, the most magical night of the year, and we’ve got a host of activities to make it a memorable one on Merseyside. From festive afternoon tea with a Fab Four soundtrack at Hard Day’s Night Hotel to Story Time with Santa at Liverpool’s Town Hall and if you fancy a hang over for Christmas, CIRCO is hosting Insomnia! Click here for our full run down. 

P is for Panto

There’s SO many amazing panto’s now showing across Merseyside. From Jack and the Beanstalk at the Empire to Snow White at the Epstein Our family friendly listing is here.

Q is for Snow Queen

Speaking of Panto! The Snow Queen takes a Rock N Roll twist at the Everyman Theatre this winter and the soundtrack alone will have you dancing in the aisles. The perfect festive treat for Frozen fans of all ages. Tickets and info here. 

R is for the Real Santa

Did you know The Real Santa actually chills out in Liverpool? Oh yes and our Jay caught up with him at The Guide Liverpool studios to find out how the Christmas prep is going. Get your personalised message here. 

S is for Shopping at Liverpool ONE

There’s more than 170 stores, bars and restaurants at Liverpool ONE and a whole load of brilliant gift inspiration too. From beauty to clothing, homewear, toys, music, tech and more, you can even pick up a Liverpool ONE gift card and let your loves ones choose their own perfect gift.

More: Check out our Liverpool ONE 2018 gift guides here. 

T is for travel with Arriva

Why not jump on an Arriva bus to get from A to ‘He’s Been’ and beyond this Christmas? With free wifi, mobile phone charging points and plenty of room for all your Christmas shopping, there’s a warm welcome and an affordable journey waiting for you. ArrivaClick services have been extended too. Find out more here. 

U is for Unlimited

When it comes to food and drink, Christmas is the time we all indulge and there’s loads of great deals to enjoy to the max! NYL Restaurant & Bar offer Liverpool’s only G&T Brunch at the weekends (with unlimited G&T’s for 90 minutes) and you can get your frozen cocktail 241 fix at Crazy Pedro’s from Sunday to Friday from 5pm til 7pm too.

V is for Visit Southport

Make a visit to Southport top of your to-do list this Christmas and enjoy a walk along Victorian Lord Street, check out the brand new ultra-modern tree, a wealth of independent shops and even take a spin on the ice rink. More info about what’s on in Southport this Winter, here.

W is for Winter Wonderland

Bombed Out Church has undergone a festive transformation and has opened its gates as a Winter Wonderland. Open daily until 23rd December, families can take part in various activities and enjoy the festivities before meeting the big man himself. More info here. 

X is for Xmas Day bevies

We’re rang round the Liverpool pubs throwing open their doors for a Christmas Day pint or glass of bubbly and compiled a list of the best over on the site now. From Crosby to the Wirral and everywhere in between.

Y is for Yorkshire Pudding Wrap

In our humble opinion, the very best thing about the fab Liverpool Christmas Market at St George’s Hall, is the incredible Yorkshire Pudding Wrap. It’s £7.50 and bursting with all your Christmas dinner faves, with lashings of sauce and gravy, expect to drop at least a little bit on your coat. It’s so worth it.

Z is for Zebras at Enchanted Knowsley Safari

A must-see this Christmas is Enchanted at Knowsley Safari. This magical walk-through experience is accessible and perfect for family members of all ages. Open from 4pm-7pm, the former tiger trail has been strung with thousands of twinkly lights and animal lanterns. You’re invited to explore after dark and you can meet Santa and toast marshmallows too! More here.

Whatever you get up to this Xmas, we hope its a safe, happy one for everyone. Here’s some advice from Merseyside Police about staying safe on the roads, and some info from Childline about volunteering your services during the time of goodwill.

Have you got any suggestions for the best Christmas attractions from A to Z on Merseyside? Drop us a line on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and we’ll share the best on our socials.