16 things you can do this week in Liverpool (1-7 December 2025)

We’ve landed in December and already wondering if pigs in blankets could actually count as breakfast? Time to go full festive, here are 16 things happening in Liverpool this week …

Elf the Musical is on at M&S Bank Arena

Elf the movie is on everyone’s Christmas list, and now you can see it live. Jordan Conway is Buddy in a hit stage adaptation that’s been breaking records. Expect a brilliant production including Santa’s flying sleigh, an interactive audience snowball fight and giant candy cane journey from the North Pole, set against video-film backdrops on a massive LED screen. At the Arena on Saturday and Sunday.

Find out more here.

Liverpool Santa Dash 2025

The fundraising BTR Liverpool Santa Dash kickstarts Christmas this Sunday with more than 9,000 Santas – dressed in a mix of red and blue suits – setting off at 9.30am from the Pier Head, through the Albert Dock and around the city centre to a finish line at the Town Hall. There’ll also be a Mini Dash 1K, which starts in Castle Street at 11am, for under 12s.

Find out more here.

Christmas night out at Roxy Ball Room

If you’re still looking for a place for your do, Roxy Ball Room’s a top pick because you can’t beat a bit of Chrimbo competition. With loads of different festive packages, Roxys in Hanover Street, Cavern Quarter and School Lane let you celebrate with a perfect mix of ball games, plus great food and drinks, all under one roof. 

Find out more here.

Enchanted continues to light up Knowsley Safari

If you’ve not taken the kids to Enchanted yet, make it a Christmas must-do because it’s absolutely magical. With its dazzling light trail, illuminated animals, Enchanted Woodland and Winter Village where you can toast marshmallows, and Santa’s Grotto, it’s a gorgeous way to get excited for the big day. Until December 23.

Find out more here.

Santa’s Secret Forest continues to wow

We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to amazing festive experiences this year, and Santa’s Secret Forest is a real wow. Set in 40 acres of woodland in Hightown, it’s packed with fabulous features including real-life reindeer, elves in the Toy Workshop, the Tinsel Town Express and magical elevators to take you to the man himself. Until Christmas Eve. 

Find out more here.

Christmas shopping at local stores at Royal Albert Dock

Looking for a special gift, maybe something extra-thoughtful or unique? Head to the Albert Dock because you’ll find lots of ideas to tick off your pressie list. The Nest has art and gifts by local creators, treat someone to handmade Roly’s Fudge, find jewellery and gems at Nature’s Treasure or get graphic print tees, hoodies and caps at Lost Soles. 

Find out more here.

Matilda the Musical at Liverpool Empire

One of the biggest touring shows of the year arrives at the Empire in time for a Christmas theatre trip to remember. The multi-award winning global sensation Matilda the Musical is coming to Liverpool for the first time, recreating Roald Dahl’s much-loved book in a superb stage version. From Tuesday to Jan 4.  

Find out more here.

Step into Christmas at M&S Bank Arena

Who doesn’t enjoy a Christmas sing-along? This feelgood show at the Arena on Saturday night promises to be a massive one. It’s crammed full of Christmas crackers, from ballads to timeless anthems, all performed by top singers and a live band, and backed by some stunning festive visuals.

Find out more here.

December race-day at Aintree Racecourse

If you love the thrill of live horseracing, this Saturday is an early Christmas bonus because top-class racing returns to Aintree. Gates open at 10am on William Hill Becher Chase Day and there’s a full card including the William Hill Becher Handicap Steeple Chase over the famous Grand National fences.

Find out more here.

Brewski opens in Liverpool ONE

New to Liverpool ONE’s Leisure Terrace, Brewski’s got a huge following for its American-inspired food, especially the giant sharing platters, and now it’s opening here so you can try out winners like slow-cooked sage lamb shoulder topped garlic butter roasties, and hot honey glazed pigs in blankets.

Find out more here.

See Sleeping Beauty at the Floral Pavilion

Panto season’s definitely arrived and we’ve got lots to choose from, including this all-time traditional favourite, Sleeping Beauty, at the Floral Pavilion. It opens on Saturday and runs to Jan 4, with laughs and songs for all the family and a great cast that features Kelle Bryan from Eternal as Fairy Snowfall. 

Find out more here.

Or Cinderella at the Epstein Theatre

You can never have too many pantos – oh no you can’t … so if you’re looking for another fun one, you can rely on the Epstein to deliver. Corrie’s Katie McGlynn will step into the glass slippers of the heroine, with Leanne Campbell as a super-glam Fairy Godmother, and Kevin Duala playing Buttons. From Friday.

Find out more here.

Carols by Lantern Light at St George’s Hall

This Wednesday and next Wednesday, join one of the most beautiful Christmas experiences in the city, with Carols by Lantern Light at St George’s Hall. St George’s singers and mezzo soprano Danielle Louise Thomas will perform carols like O Holy Night and Silent Night in stunning surroundings. From 6pm.

Find out more here.

Everyman Cinema is showing classic Christmas films like Elf & The Grinch

A Christmas film binge is guaranteed to get you in the mood, and the Everyman Cinema at Metquarter must have everyone’s number one in its festive programme, so you can grab a cocktail and get cosy on a sofa with The Grinch, Die Hard, Elf, The Holiday, Love Actually, Home Alone 1 and 2, and more.

Find out more here.

Tuck into festive food at Liverpool Christmas Market 

One of the best things about Liverpool Christmas Market is the food, there’s something about eating on the plateau surrounded by twinkly lights and the giant wheel that says 100% Christmas is here. Tuck in to bratwurst, Yorkshire pud wraps, gyros, not forgetting the legends collab, Spud Man x John the Spud!  

Find out more here.

Hawksmoor launches new Christmas sides like Cows in Blankets!

Are pigs in blankets a bit 2024 now and nobody told us? Make room for new Christmas trimmings that are an absolute game changer. Hawksmoor has unveiled festive sides for this year and they include cows in blankets – beef and bone marrow chipolatas, wrapped in smoked streaky bacon with a maple glaze. 

Find out more here.

For more of what’s on in Liverpool check out our calendar HERE.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.