Things to do in Liverpool on Christmas Eve

Once Christmas Eve arrives you know the clock is really ticking on the big day itself, but before you get your jarmies on and put the mince pie out for Rudolph there’s still one final pre-Santa day to make the most of.

Here are some suggestions for things to do in Liverpool this Christmas Eve …

See a panto

If you fancy a show then you’re spoilt for choice with traditional pantos and characters. The Arena has The Magical Adventures of Peter Pan with fantastic 3D effects, and at the Empire Disney’s Aladdin is making wishes come true for fans with a dazzling stage version based on the animated film. Expect live music and mayhem at the Everyman’s rock ‘n’ roll panto Rapunzel, or you could take the kids on a fantasy journey with Alice in Wonderland at Shakespeare North Playhouse. For an adults-only panto, you’ll get plenty of laugh-out-loud lines in a fairytale classic with a twist at the Royal Court with Scouse Red Riding Hood. 

Find more info here.

Liverpool Indoor Funfair

As if Christmas wasn’t full of enough thrills and fun already, you can add a few more heart-racing ones with a visit to Liverpool Indoor Funfair at the Exhibition Centre. It’s got about 30 rides for all ages so the whole family can join in, from all-time favourites like the waltzers and dodgems to the new breathtaking twisty spinning Air Raid. Wristbands give you three hours of indoor rides so you can pack them in.

Find more info here.

Christmas on the Park at Liverpool ONE

Younger kids especially will love a trip to Christmas on the Park in Liverpool ONE because this year Chavasse Park has a great mix of children’s rides and festive games, plus there’s tasty food and treats to keep you fuelled up. After all that, if you’ve any energy left, you could always pop over to Bar Hutte and fit in a little karaoke too because those Christmas tunes won’t sing themselves!

Find more info here.

Cathedral services

Both of our beautiful cathedrals have services on Christmas Eve to celebrate the meaning of Christmas – at Liverpool Cathedral there are carols at 11am, 2pm, 4pm and a Midnight Eucharist from 11.30pm to around 1am led by the Cathedral Choir. The Metropolitan Cathedral has a First Vespers of Christmas and Blessing of the Crib service led by its Girls Choir between 3pm and 4pm, and Midnight Mass from 11.45pm to 12.45am.

Liverpool Cathedral Services.

Metropolitan Cathedral Services.

Cheshire Oaks is open until 5pm

There’s always a pressie that somehow gets forgotten (or more than one if you’re a bit last minute) but the good news is that you can still bag a designer bargain and pretend you were well organised because Cheshire Oaks is open until 5pm. You can enjoy the Winter Village and see the North of England’s tallest Christmas tree while you’re there too.

Find more info here.

Tuck into the Pen Factory

Before the big cooking session on Christmas Day, treat yourself and let someone else do all the hard work. Pen Factory has new owners – the team behind the award-winning Bridewell and Denbigh Castle – and a new menu which includes their famous scouse, plus warm mince pies with brandy cream for pud.

Find more info here.

Visit Southport with the family

There’s loads going on in Southport for Christmas so if you take the family you could easily fill up Christmas Eve. You’ll find an ice rink under a covered marquee in Victoria Park, as well as festive food, gluhwein and hot chocs, and you can go on The Gingerbread Family Trail in the city centre, try to find 10 characters and get seasonal selfies on the gingerbread throne and sleigh. The Atkinson has Sleeping Beauty starring Blue Peter presenter, magician and TikTok star Joel M, and alongside all the traders Southport Market is screening Elf on Christmas Eve at 3pm in partnership with Bijou Cinema. 

Find more info here.

Enjoy San Carlo

Spoil yourself and get your Christmas celebrations off to a delicious Italian start with lunch or dinner at San Carlo on Castle Street. Their food’s amazing all year round, but right now the restaurant is looking extra special, decorated inside and out with a Carnivale di Natale festive theme, and the Christmas Fayre menu is their most indulgent ever.

Find more info here.

Christmas cocktails at The Municipal Hotel

The Municipal Hotel is absolutely gorgeous this Christmas, all dressed up with giant twinkling trees, so if you’re out on Christmas Eve evening this is a stunning place to go for cocktails. Sit back and relax in the elegant surroundings of the Palm Court and choose from a menu of classics and bespoke mixes.

Find more info here.

Festive day out at Roxy Lanes

Santa’s not keeping count of who’s best at what, but there’s no harm in a bit of Christmas Eve competition among family or mates. Head to Roxy Lanes on School Lane and you can take everyone on at bowling, shuffleboard, pool, ice-free curling, and tech darts. There’s festive food and drinks, and this Roxy is for under-18s so it could turn into a big family contest.

Find more info here.