Watch your Merseyrail Guide to Christmas in Liverpool

Late night shopping, magical grottos and days out full of festive cheer are all on offer when you travel with Merseyrail this Christmas.

Travelling around the city at Christmastime can be enough to put anyone off their mince pies – but when you hop on the train – a festive, fun time is closer than you think. Watch our what’s on guide with Merseyrail below.

Merseyrail is offering festive return tickets for as little as £2.10 this winter, meaning you can travel into town and home again – for less than a gingerbread latte. Why not swap the car, the overloaded car parks and limited boot space for a clean, efficient and great value train journey instead?

With more than 70 local train stations, right across the Liverpool City Region, Merseyrail is dedicated to helping you wrap up your Christmas preparation. Late Night Trains will run on both 13th and 14th of December and 20th and 21st of December – departing at 1:30am. Details here. 

If you’re making the annual Boxing Day trip to see the family or hitting the sales, Merseyrail will be operating a number of services at specific times throughout the day – ensuring your day is filled with festive cheer (or bargains!). Boxing Day timetables here. From pantos to parties and everything in between, let Merseyrail get you there this Christmas.

Here’s 8 places you can visit for a festive treat with Merseyrail this Christmas

Christmas Markets, St George's Hall Plateau

Liverpool Christmas Market has returned to St George’s Plateau on Lime Street. With more than 40 stalls selling everything from gifts to Christmas dinner Yorkshire pudding wraps and artwork – plus fairground rides for the kids and a festive tipple, this is a great location to get into the Christmas spirit. Open now until 23rd December 2019. Find out more here. 

Nearest Merseyrail Station: Low Level Lime Street and Liverpool Central

Christmas Shopping & Polar Adventure, Liverpool ONE

As Christmas shopping gets into full swing, Liverpool ONE offers families a brand new magical experience at Chavasse Park. The Polar Adventure Christmas Express train transports you to the North Pole to meet some very special people while writing your letter to Santa, story time and a warming hot chocolate too. Open daily until Christmas Eve. Book your Polar Adventure here. 

Nearest Merseyrail Station: James Street, Liverpool Central

Festive Day Out in Southport

With regular, direct services, jump on board with Merseyrail and enjoy a festive day out in Southport. Wander the boutique shops for a unique gift, check out the sparkly Christmas lights and stop in at The Atkinson to see The Great Christmas Sleigh Ride or comedy from Jon Culshaw. Find out more here. 

Nearest Merseyrail Station: Southport

Christmas at Otterspool Adventure

There’s an action packed Christmas day out on offer at Otterspool Adventure this Winter. The waterfront play centre has had a festive make over and offers families the chance to see a fabulous panto, build a bear, meet Mrs Christmas for some gingerbread decorating and of course, drop in on the big man himself – Santa! Find out more here. 

Nearest Merseyrail Station: St Michaels, Aigburth

Liverpool Christmas Ice Festival, Pier Head

It’s time to get your skates on and show off your ice skills on the Pier Head as the Liverpool Christmas Ice Festival returns to the waterfront. Open now and running until 5th January 2020, you can ice skate, check out the thrill rides, grab a warming drink and a bite to eat – all in front of our incredible Three Graces. More info here. 

Nearest  Merseyrail Station: James Street and Moorfields

The Wonder of Christmas at Royal Albert Dock

The Royal Albert Dock is illuminated with a million twinkly Christmas lights already and its a real sight to behold. Plan a day out to browse the boutique shops – where you’ll find clothing, accessories, art work, trinkets, jewellery and more, plus stop in for a festive bite to eat and mulled wine and watch your favourite Christmas film on the floating cinema. More info here. 

Nearest Merseyrail Station: James Street, Liverpool Central

The Great Christmas Expedition, Chester Zoo

The Great Christmas Expedition has opened at Chester Zoo and you’re invited to journey through 9 unique illuminated worlds. Running from 22nd November until 23rd December, this family attraction features a new underwater world where visitors will dodge magical glowing jelly fish and meet a giant octopus! Find out more here.

Nearest Merseyrail Station: Chester

Festive Dining in Liverpool

Can’t wait until the big day to tuck into succulent turkey and all the trimmings? Well, you don’t have to! Liverpool is packed full of restaurants offering great value festive menus – so it’s never too early to start on the mince pies. Bold Street to Liverpool ONE, Castle Street to the Baltic, we’ve got all the best menus in our Ultimate Christmas Guide, here.

For lots more info on getting around our region with Merseyrail this Christmas, head to the website and plan your journey here.