The Light Before Christmas is coming back to Liverpool Cathedral for 2023

The Light Before Christmas at Liverpool Cathedral, is going to be even bigger and better this festive season and you won’t want to miss out on this one!

The genius artists behind this spectacle, Luxmuralis, are back with their latest creation, The Light Before Christmas: The Manger.

You, your family, and friends can step into the magnificent gothic embrace of Liverpool Cathedral as the entire place transforms into a breathtaking canvas for a mesmerising mix of light and sound art.

The second instalment of this dazzling light spectacle will illuminate the halls of the Cathedral from 1 – 8 December 2023.

This immersive experience is like no other. It’s your ticket to an extraordinary journey through the Nativity story, where you can truly feel the magic of Christmas come to life.

The Very Reverend Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool Cathedral, said:

“This event was phenomenally popular last year with every ticket being sold, so we are delighted to bring it back. We know how much people wanted to see something similar, so we asked Luxmuralis to return with an elevated festive show.

“The Light Before Christmas: The Manger will offer visitors a different way of engaging with the Nativity story that people enjoy and love. It offers the perfect opportunity for people of all ages to come together and enjoy a festive experience.”

The highly anticipated Son-et-Lumiere project will see Christmas-themed images that will be projected onto the front elevation and the interior walls of the Cathedral.

Derived from French, where it literally translates to “sound and light”, a Son-et-Lumiere is a dazzling spectacle featuring a vibrant array of lights, often with varying intensity. These lights are typically projected onto the exterior of a historic building or a picturesque ruin.

Imagine larger-than-life scenes that will transport you into a festive wonderland. Take in these luminous images as you explore the Cathedral, tracing a mesmerising narrative that promises to delight both young and old alike.

It also encourages you to do something very simple… look up and appreciate the architectural grandeur of one of the city’s most iconic buildings!

Take a look at last year’s event below:

This year, the event organisers have taken into account those who may prefer a gentler experience… so… they’ll be hosting two sensory shows with shorter running times and reduced sound, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the magic and be comfortable at the same time.

This will be the third collaboration between Liverpool Cathedral and the talented projection art gallery experts, Luxmuralis. Not only were they the creative minds behind last year’s extraordinary Christmas event “The Light Before Christmas: The Angels Are Coming!”, but they also curated the captivating ‘Space, The Universe and Everything’ held at the Cathedral in February 2022.

Peter Walker, artistic director at Luxmuralis, said:

“We are delighted to return to Liverpool and present our second Christmas installation in the stunning Cathedral. Liverpool has embraced these light shows with tens of thousands visiting previous work. It is beginning to feel like a tradition for the city to visit the Cathedral in the festive period and for family and friends to visit the Christmas illuminations as part of the start of the holidays.”

For adults, tickets are just £9.90 and if you’re bringing along the little ones aged three to 16, their tickets are £7.70. Children under three can enter for free when accompanied by an adult, although they must still have a ticket. And for those looking to create unforgettable family memories, family tickets are available.

The Light Before Christmas: The Manger is part of a two-year programme of events, exhibitions and artworks leading up to Liverpool Cathedral’s 100th anniversary in 2024.   

The Welsford Bistro within the cathedral will be open for festive food and drinks so visitors can enjoy an evening meal before or after viewing the display. The cathedral shop will also have a special stall selling related goodies.

The event starts on December 1^st and finishes on December 8^th. It runs between 4.30pm and 8.30pm daily, except on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday when it finishes at 7.30pm.

Tickets much be booked in advance.

For more info on The Light Before Christmas at Liverpool Cathedral, and to book your tickets click HERE.