This week in Liverpool – 14 things you can do in the city

Not long now until we can dive into the Advent calendars (we might have already sneaked 1-7 and closed the doors!), but in the meantime Liverpool is looking gorgeous and Christmassy and there’s loads going on.

Here are 14 things to get you an early start on the festive celebrations …

Liverpool Christmas Market is back

All around St George’s Hall is super-festive right now because the Christmas Market is back so if you fancy Gluhwein and hot chocs with your Christmas pressie shopping, here’s the place to go. There’s a choice of bars and food stalls, performers on at weekends, the big wheel and rides to keep everyone entertained too. Until Christmas Eve. 

Find out more here.

So is Enchanted at Knowsley Safari

Enchanted has become a real highlight for families in the run-up to Christmas and anyone who’s been will know exactly why. It’s absolutely magical, with more than 30 illuminated animals creating a spectacular trail after dark on the foot safari. There’s festive music, food and drink too and a brand-new Winter Village. On until December 30.

Find out more here.

Enjoy the new cocktails menu at Roxy Ball Room

Don’t settle for just sitting around stuffing yourself with turkey because Roxy’s got all the games you need for a fun Christmas night out where you get to take on your mates or workmates and show them who’s the boss. Plus, there’s a new cocktail menu for the party season that’s just the thing to get the balls flying.

Book your night out here.

Tuck into authentic Greek cuisine at Laros on Bold Street or in Mossley Hill

This time of year doesn’t have to be all pigs in blankets and mince pies, mix it up a bit and go Greek for a change with really delicious authentic street food dishes at Laros. The gyros and souvlaki are great, and there’s a new vegan menu. Leave some room for traditional loukoumades for after too.

See the menu here.

Gaucho is open for business

If you love your steak then you really need to try out the new Gaucho. Not only is it an award-winner with an amazing menu which specialises in sustainable steaks, speciality cuts and sharers including their fabulous slow-grilled chateaubriand, the Grade II listed old bank building setting on Water Street is a wow.

Find out more here.

And so is Hawksmoor

We’re spoilt for choice with brilliant restaurant openings at the moment, especially for steak fans, and Hawksmoor’s got to be one to get on the must-try list. Inside India Buildings, it gets incredible reviews for its charcoal grilled, 35-day dry aged steaks, award-winning cocktails, and beautiful interiors.

Celebrate Christmas with Strawberry Field at the M&S Bank Arena

You can’t beat a good carol concert for getting you in the Christmas mood, so enjoy your favourites at Celebrating Christmas with Strawberry Field, at the Arena on Sunday. It features music from the Liverpool Walton Band of The Salvation Army, singer Asa Murphy, the Liverpool Signing Choir, and the Sale Salvation Army Songsters.

Find out more here.

Hooters has arrived in Liverpool

American restaurant chain Hooters is known all round the world, and now the owl is ruffling some feathers in Liverpool at the old Newz Bar on Water Street. As well as the girls, the restaurant and bar will be showing big live sports event on a giant video wall and screens around the venue.

Follow Hooters on Insta here.

The World Cup Fan Park in Sefton Park

Talking of big live sports, the World Cup in Qatar has now officially kicked off with England and Wales in action and so has the Fan Park in Sefton Park. It’s inside a huge heated Big Top that can seat 2,500 fans and as well as watching all the footy action, there are food stalls and a bar, legends and entertainment.

Find out more here.

Martin Kemp takes you back to the 80s at Camp and Furnace on Saturday

The 80s was a fantastic time for music, so get back Into the Groove with Spandau’s silver fox Martin Kemp on the decks for a night of pure pop nostalgia at Camp and Furnace. It’s the ultimate 80s party, with video throwbacks and all the best tunes from Kylie to Depeche Mode. 

Book your tickets here.

The Good Market is on at the Bluecoat

Liverpool’s Good Market is a perfect place to go for one-off presents that are made by Liverpool’s own creatives so you can tick off your shopping list and support our indies at the same time. It’s at the Bluecoat on School Lane on Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm, so go along and pick up everything from food to fashion.

Find out more here.

New store Transalpino is open in the Metquarter

Liverpool cult trainer and menswear brand Transalpino has been big in the city for well over a decade and now it’s expanding and found itself a new home inside the Metquarter. It’s definitely the place to head for unique design T-shirts, hoodies and sweats as well as a top pick of trainers.

Read more here.

Give Ormskirk Food and Drink Market a try

If you fancy a trip out and love to give new food venues a go, get to Ormskirk Food and Drink Market where you’ll find six great indie food vendors, live music at weekends, and a bar area where they’re showing live sports. Open Thursday to Sunday from 12noon, with late nights til 2am on Friday and Saturday.

Follow the Albert Dock Christmas lights trail

Now River of Light is over for another year you don’t have to miss out on a lovely illuminated trail because the Christmas one at Albert Dock is back and this year there’s a stunning Yellow Submarine outside The Beatles Story as well as giant lit-up characters Triton, Neptune, Bella and Bertie and twinkling jellyfish outside the Martin Luther King Jr building.