The Reader adds new daytime option for Christmas parties at Calderstones Mansion House

It might still be summer but The Reader has announced that bookings are now open for its much-loved Christmas parties at the Grade II listed Mansion House in Calderstones Park — and this year there’s a brand new way to celebrate.

For the first time, the national Shared Reading charity – The Reader, is offering an afternoon Christmas party alongside its popular evening events. The new daytime slot will run on Friday 5 December, with tables available to book from 12.30pm to 5.30pm.

It means guests can enjoy a festive get-together and still be home at a decent hour — perfect for those who prefer to skip the late-night taxi queue.

Laura McCarten, Head of Events and Commercial for The Reader’s social enterprises, said: “We’re really pleased to add more choice for our guests this year. More people want to be home by 9pm — it’s not just a Liverpool thing, it’s happening all over the world. Our new afternoon party gives people the chance to celebrate in a way that suits them.”

Calderstones’ Mansion House is one of South Liverpool’s most beautiful settings for a Christmas party, tucked away in 94 acres of parkland with woodland, fields and a lake. From office nights out and family get-togethers to festive fun with friends, guests can book a table or even hire The Theatre Room, which overlooks the walled garden. Groups of between eight and 80 people are welcome.

Food is freshly prepared by The Reader’s onsite chefs, with two seasonal packages to choose from and live music to kick off the celebrations.

This year’s festive menu includes starters like ham and chicken terrine, white leek and truffle soup or spiced samosa patties. Mains include roast chicken supreme, wild mushroom and lentil wellington or porchetta, followed by a choice of warm mincemeat and frangipane tart, chocolate mousse or mixed berry Eton mess.

The Nutcracker package, which starts from £50 per person (or £45 for Calderstones members), includes a welcome drink and a three-course meal. The Great Gatsby package, from £60 per person (or £54 for members), includes a welcome drink, three courses and half a bottle of wine. Guests can choose between a cranberry mimosa, mulled wine or a non-alcoholic option on arrival.

All profits from the Christmas parties help The Reader continue its work running 500 Shared Reading groups across the UK. These free groups bring people together to read stories and poems aloud, creating a safe, friendly space to connect, share and support each other — whether in community hubs, care homes, libraries or the criminal justice system.

For more information on this year’s Christmas parties at the Mansion House and to book a table, head to their website.

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