Watch your guide to what’s on at National Museums Liverpool this Christmas

After a challenging and difficult year, we could all do with a little cheer.

And now that the festive season’s come along and we’ve got the chance to put a bit of sparkle back into our lives, you can Light Up Christmas with National Museums Liverpool.

The deccies have gone up at the city’s famous cultural venues and they have all got ‘Good to Go’ status, which means they’re Covid-secure with special safety measures put in place so there’s nothing to stop you visiting – just loads of great exhibitions and amazing displays to get out there and enjoy.

There’s something for every member of the family at National Museums Liverpool and, with free entry to venues and fun activities , it’s well worth a look to see What’s On This Winter.

If you’re struggling for an idea for a Christmas pressie, you might want to consider membership to National Museums Liverpool. The lucky person who gets this all wrapped-up will not only be treated to a full year of exclusive events and free entry into charging exhibitions, they’ll also receive 15% discount in National Museums Liverpool’s cafes, shops and more.

And a look at the highlights of this season alone shows what a fantastic gift it would be!

The Museum of Liverpool welcomes back a popular visitor

Images by Gareth Jones

Blacklers’ famous Santa has returned to bring a little festive joy to the Pier Head museum.

Standing 18ft tall with a waist of five metres, this huge Father Christmas is one of the city’s favourite and best-known characters.

The big man was originally on display at the popular department store from 1957 to 1988 after being created for its Winter Wonderland Grotto by Peter Blazey.

It was Peter who donated Santa’s head, hands and boots to the museum, before restoring his body and costume, and he’s been resident at the Museum of Liverpool every Christmas since 2016. Ho-ho-ho!

More info here.

Learn about Life on Board at Merseyside Maritime Museum

It’s certainly worth dropping anchor and disembarking for its new gallery ‘Life on Board’, exploring the moving and fascinating stories of Liverpool’s seafarers and passengers.

Life on Board highlights the stories of the merchant sailors who drove the city’s prosperity, as well as the people who sailed on leisure liners from the 1700s to the present day; you can also find out more about ships’ crews and the lives they led on board.

Find out more here.

Also worth a visit is Seized! The Border & Customs uncovered at Merseyside Maritime Museum

There you can see a host of counterfeit goods seized by customs and find out more about the cheap copies that make it onto the market, especially at this time of year.

A rule of thumb they reckon is that, if it looks too good to be true, it usually is!

So don’t get scammed by any gifts you might buy this year, or fork out hard-earned cash on something that’s not the real deal – and might even be unsafe. Check out Seized! Or go on their website or social media sites for more on their 12 fakes of Christmas.

Don’t forget, the Old Dock Tours which run from the Maritime are back, setting off on an hour-long exploration every Wednesday and Friday at 10.30am, 12pm and 2.30pm.

The guided tours take visitors on a journey to discover the origin of Liverpool’s fortune, buried underneath Liverpool ONE. It’s the story of how a brave idea and an innovative feat of engineering shaped Liverpool’s destiny forever.

More info about the #12FakesOfChristmas here

Put yourself in the frame for fun at the Walker Art Gallery

Linda McCartney Retrospective – Walker Art Gallery opens in August

The good news from the Walker is that the Linda McCartney Retrospective exhibition has been extended to January 10, 2021 – but that still means there’s only a few weeks to see it – so get there while you can.

A superb photographic exhibition, it includes more than 250 iconic images, from the music scene of the 1960s, to family life with Paul.

Linda captured her whole world on film, and the exhibition features extraordinary images that reveal her love for the natural world, her sense of humour, and an exceptional eye for capturing the spontaneous. It also includes a selection of never-before-seen images taken in Liverpool and on the Wirral, including family time at Christmas and New Year.

Book your ticket here.

Take a glimpse into the future at World Museum Liverpool

Postponed from last year, World Museum is finally preparing to open its doors on a brand-new exhibition, AI: More than Human.

It’ll start the New Year off with a bang as it explores artificial intelligence through interactive artworks and scientific developments, giving us a fascinating vision of the future.

You will even get to meet Sony’s 2018 robot puppy AIBO.

Get more info about A.I here.

AND if you want to support National Museums Liverpool – and save yourself a shed-load of high street shopping stress, this season –  why not get a gift from their online shop.

It doesn’t matter whether you are buying for an art lover or a football fan, or you just want to support independent local creatives, National Museums Liverpool have got some great present ideas:

Like Linda McCartney Retrospective tote bags, a Jurgen Klopp keyring or Goodison Park print, Lowry mugs or fabulous jewellery – there’s even a great range of gifts for under £20. Every purchase benefits National Museums Liverpool’s venues, activities and programmes and is appreciated every year, but this year more than most.

Need some shopping inspiration? Browse the gift guides now here.

Or go direct to the online shop here.

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