16 things you can do this week in Liverpool (2 December – 8 December 2024)

We’ve cracked into the Advent Calendars and that can only mean one thing – the countdown to Christmas is fully on!

There’s so much going on at the moment, so to help you make your festive list, here are 16 things to do in Liverpool this week …

Hunt for The Elf On The Shelf in Liverpool city centre

Watch out because there’s a cheeky Elf about! A giant-sized Elf on the Shelf will be playing hide and seek at different well-known buildings across the city centre over the next few weeks thanks to Liverpool BID Company. Check out BID’s socials and see if you can work out where R’ Elf is going to be next.

Find out more here.

Festive Fun Thursday is back at Liverpool ONE

Liverpool ONE is looking super-Christmassy right now and Thursdays are all about Festive Fun for the whole family. This Thursday from 3pm-7pm Santa’s elves will be leading a game of Elf Pass the Parcel. They’ll be looking for shoppers to join in and win prizes, and take part in festive karaoke too.

Find out more here.

The Rocky Horror Show at the Playhouse with Pete Price as Narrator

Fancy a bit of Time Warp alongside all those Christmas tunes? The legendary Rocky Horror Show is at the Playhouse until January 4, and this week you can see Jason Donovan as Frank-N-Furter and our Pete as the Narrator in what’s got to be one of the most fun, fabulous and outrageous shows ever.

Find out more here.

The Light Before Christmas: Starlight is here until the weekend

This latest light and sound installation by Luxmuralis is absolutely stunning, telling the story of the Nativity through large-scale projections and music that are mesmerising. The Light Before Christmas: Starlight is a dazzling Christmas treat but be quick because it’s only on until this Saturday.

Find out more here.

Enchanted has lit up Knowsley Safari and this year there’s a Santa Panto

Enchanted at Knowsley Safari is a Christmas tradition for families and it’s back with all the favourites and new features. Alongside the brilliant illuminated animal trail, moving Rainbow Road, Arctic Arcadia, Enchanted Woodland and Winter Village, for the first time there’s a Santa Panto mini theatre show.

Find out more here.

The Big Guitar-In at St George’s Hall

Liverpool loves to set records, especially when it comes to music, and on Tuesday another one’s on the cards because The Big Guitar-In, organised by The Florrie, returns. It’s a mass celebration of talent and how music brings everyone together, with over 600 guitarists expected to perform in the hall from 6pm.

Find out more here.

Culture Club play the M&S Bank Arena

If you’ve never seen Boy George live this is going to be a real Christmas gift. Culture Club will be performing their first two albums, Kissing to be Clever and Colour by Numbers, in full at the Arena on Thursday with so many huge hits, and as a bonus they’ll have special guests Tony Hadley and Heaven 17.

Find out more here.

Peter Pan flies into the Floral Pavilion, New Brighton

December means it’s panto time – oh yes it is! (sorry) – so if you’re looking for a classic show to take the kids to head to the Floral Pavilion because they’ve got the perfect one. The Further Adventures of Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook is on from this Friday until January 5 with an award-winning cast.

Find out more here.

See the HMS Prince of Wales in Dock on the Mersey

We’re pretty spoiled with incredible ships coming into the Mersey, and this one’s very impressive. Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales is berthed at the Cruise Terminal and will welcome on board over 20,000 members of the public at the weekend. Even if you didn’t get a ticket, it’s quite a sight.

Find out more here.

Lightning Seeds play Liverpool Olympia

Ian Broudie and Lightning Seeds are still one of the best Liverpool bands to see live, their shows are superb and they’re lining up a pre-Christmas homecoming gig to celebrate an unbelievable 35 years. Their greatest hits tour comes to the Olympia on Saturday and looks like being a special night.

Find out more here.

Enjoy the best British cuisine at the new-look Pen Factory

Pen Factory is a basement gem on Hope Street and it’s got new owners – the team behind The Bridewell – and a fresh look. It’s nothing radical if you’re already a fan, just a little refurb, and there’s a new menu with small plates and mains like scouse, Lancashire cheese & onion pie and Guinness braised shortrib.

Find out more here.

Wreath making at The Wheelbarrow

The Wheelbarrow, sister venue of the Watering Can just around the corner at Greenbank Sports Academy, is getting into the Christmas mood on Thursday evening with a wreath making session where you can create the perfect festive decoration for your door while you listen to live music.

Find out more here.

Bees: A Story of Survival continues at World Museum 

If you’re looking for something different to do with the kids, or by yourself, this exhibition is fascinating. It shows how these little creatures, who’ve adapted over millions of years, now face the threat of climate change, and allows visitors to experience their life including from inside a live beehive.

Find out more here.

Tasty Italian at Casa Roni on Mather Avenue

Before you kick into a diet of mince pies and Quality Street, give your tastebuds a nice change with a tasty Italian meal at family-run Casa Roni. The atmosphere’s lovely and welcoming and the food is made in-house or sourced from Italy for authenticity. Even the flour for the bread is specially imported.

Find out more here.

Santa’s Grotto at Wayfarers Shopping Arcade in Southport this weekend

Wayfarers Arcade isn’t just a great place to bag some gifts or get a bite to eat while you’re shopping, this weekend the kids can meet the man himself. On Saturday and Sunday between 11am and 4pm, Santa will be chatting and taking pressie requests in his grotto, joined by his elves, Queen Elsa and Anna.

Find out more here.

Get festive at Christmas Town in Bowring Park 

From Thursday to Sunday in the run-up to Christmas, Bowring Park is being turned into a Christmas Town with festive activities for all ages. There’ll be Christmas markets, a sustainable tree farm, family workshops, mulled wine and hot chocs, plus a chance to see and get a selfie with Santa.

Find out more here.

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