Your ultimate guide to Christmas in Liverpool 2025

Updated September 2025

Christmas is coming … and it’ll be here before you know it.

So get your diary out because there are loads of experiences and events from carol concerts, to family fun, movie screenings, and more to make sure you get right into the festive spirit.

Meet Santa

Story Time with Santa (Liverpool Town Hall)

Father Christmas and Buddy the Elf share festive tales and songs in the cosy surroundings of the historic Town Hall. A sensory-friendly session will also be available. Selected dates from Dec 6 to Dec 24.

Find out more here.

Santa’s Meet & Greet – John Lewis Liverpool ONE

This is a classic Santa experience where little ones get to meet him, share Christmas wish lists and receive a special LEGO® set to take home. There’s also Santa Paws if you want to take your furry friend. Various December dates.

Find out more here.

Santa’s Grotto (Dobbies, Speke)

A North Pole adventure with fun activities – kids get to ice fish with penguins, help polar bears improve their ice hockey skills, shoot snowball hoops, see Santa’s reindeer and meet Santa himself. Nov 23 to Dec 24.

Find out more here.

North Pole Express (Gulliver’s World)

Gulliver’s has lots of Christmas packages including Smasher where kids can enjoy Christmas rides and attractions, then hop on the North Pole Express to see Santa in his grotto and choose their own gift from the Elf Workshop. Dec 5, 12 & 19.

Find out more here.

Story Time with Father Christmas (Sefton Park Palm House)

Children can share favourite festive stories, rhymes, songs and crafts with Father Christmas and his helpers at this enchanting event. It’s free, although families can make a voluntary donation. Dec 7.

Find out more here.

Santa’s Grotto and VR sleigh ride (Sefton Meadows Garden Centre, Maghull)

Head to a winter wonderland for children to meet Santa in his traditional grotto, have a chat and photo and receive a special gift. There’s also a 4D VR Sleigh Ride with a choice of three immersive adventures. Nov 22 to Dec 24.

Find out more here.

Santa’s Grotto and Fair (Parkgate Pony Sanctuary)

See Santa and support a really great cause – Parkgate Pony Sanctuary is having a festive afternoon where families can enjoy Santa’s Grotto, pony grooming, festive stalls & crafts, and meet the animals. Dec 14.

Find out more here.

Santa Paws (Croxteth Hall)

Four legged good boys and girls deserve festive fun too and at Croxteth Hall they can meet Santa Paws at his grotto, get a tasty treat and pose for a photo – Christmassy dress-up encouraged! Dec 13.

Find out more here.

Father Christmas Storytelling (Bluecoat Arts Centre)

Father Christmas is bringing a sack of silly stories to Bluecoat for a family-friendly storytelling session. 60-minute shows include a chance to meet and chat with Father Christmas and take photos. Selected weekend dates from Nov 29 to Dec 21.

Find out more here.

Storytime with Santa (Floral Pavilion, New Brighton)

Children can listen to traditional and modern stories as well as joining in with festive songs at this fun family experience. Every child will have the chance to talk to Santa and receive a festive gift.  Dec 13 to Dec 24.

Find out more here.

Breakfast with Santa (Thornton Hall Hotel)

Get a taste of the magic of Christmas by having Breakfast with Santa. There’ll be a tasty full English breakfast served along with a special visit to Santa and a gift for little ones. Selected dates from Dec 6 to Dec 24.

Find out more here.

Santa’s Sing-along (St George’s Hall)

Join Santa and his elves for a festive sing-along organised by Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. Singing will be led by Santa, with the Singing Our Socks Off Choir and Liverpool Theatre School, plus kids will get a Christmas gift. Dec 7.

Find out more here.

Christmas film screenings

Love Actually in Concert (Philharmonic Hall)

Richard Curtis’s star-packed Love Actually is one of the most popular Christmas movies and it also has a fabulous soundtrack. This screening at the Phil will be presented live in concert, with a full orchestra playing the score live-to-film. Dec 1.

Find out more here.

RBO Encore: The Nutcracker (FACT Liverpool)

Part of the Royal Ballet & Opera screenings, which means you can see world class performances as live, The Nutcracker is a visually stunning festive treat for all the family, especially anyone who loves dance. Dec 15. 

Find out more here.

It’s a Wonderful Life (Philharmonic Hall)

Arguably the greatest Christmas film of all time, it’s certainly one that’s stood the test of time, dating back to 1946. James Stewart is George Bailey in an uplifting tale that’ll have you sobbing into your popcorn. Dec 21 & 24.

Find out more here.

The Grinch: Live-Hosted Christmas Movie Experience (The Garden @ WAV)

Step into Whoville at The Garden @ WAV for an immersive screening of the original Jim Carrey film, hosted by a Grinch character who’ll be getting up to mischief before and during the movie. Dec 7. 

Find out more here.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (Philharmonic Hall)

The Muppets’ reimagining of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol, starring Michael Caine as Scrooge with Kermit as Bob Cratchit is absolute film genius and it’s still hugely loved every year. Dec 24.

Find out more here.

Christmas Markets

Christmas Market (St George’s Hall)

This is a biggie every year and 2025 looks like being just as huge – outside St George’s Hall will be taken over by a Christmas market with more than 80 independent traders, food and local artisans, creating a fabulous festive hub. From Nov 15 to Dec 24.

Find out more here.

Makers at the Mansion (Calderstones Park)

The Makers Market is back at the Mansion in time to get Christmas pressies. There’ll be handmade candles, soaps, jewellery, home décor, clothing, art, crafts and more, as well as food.  Nov 29 & 30.

Find out more here.

Christmas Makers Market (Bombed Out Church)

If you don’t mind leaving it a bit late then the Makers Market at the Bombed Out Church could give you some last-minute pressie ideas and you’ll be supporting independent local creatives. Dec 20 & 21.

Find out more here.

Christmas Market at The Lake House (The Lake House Waterloo)

For some pre-Christmas shopping with a gorgeous waterside view, The Lake House facing Crosby Marine Lake is hosting a weekend Christmas Market with over 50 stalls so there’ll be plenty to choose from. Nov 22 & 23.

Find out more here.

Oxton Christmas Market (Oxton Cricket Club)

Oxton is holding its popular Christmas Market again with a variety of stalls offering everything from hot food and mulled wine to handmade crafts, gifts, tasty treats and festive decorations, as well as live music. Dec 14.

Find out more here.

Carol concerts

Carols by Lantern Light (St George’s Hall)

One to warm the Christmas cockles, Professor Ian Tracey plays the Willis Organ accompanied by soloist Danielle Thomas and a classical choir, with carols from ‘Oh Holy Night’ to ‘Silent Night’. It’s on Wednesdays, December 3 and 10 and tickets are £22, on sale now.

Find out more here.

Festival Carol Service and La Nativité du Seigneur (Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King)

One of many Christmas events, join the cathedral choir and clergy for seasonal music, readings and carols, before a performance of Oliver Messiaen’s monumental organ work, La Nativité du Seigneur, by cathedral organist, Richard Lea. It’s a free event on Sunday, December 21 at 5pm.

Find out more here.

G4 Christmas (Liverpool Cathedral)

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with G4 as they bring unique renditions of traditional carols, sacred contemplations, classical favourites and modern festive hits to this idyllic sacred setting on Tuesday, December 9. Tickets available now from £37.50.

Find out more here.

Christmas Concert with Wavertree Community Gospel Choir (Sefton Park Palm House)

A fab fundraising event for the Palm House on Thursday, December 11, join Hayli Kincade and The Wavertree Community Gospel Choir for a festive evening of Christmas carols and uplifting pop and gospel. Tickets are £14.

Find out more here.

The 39th Annual NHS Carol Concert (Liverpool Cathedral)

Colette Halliday hosts as Cheshire and Merseyside NHS Choir and Liverpool Brass Band get together on Wednesday, December 10 for seasonal readings and rousing carols to celebrate the NHS. 

Find out more here.

Festive experiences

Enchanted Magical Light Trail (Knowsley Safari)

Always a cracker, Knowsley Safari’s coming alive again after dark and this Christmas it’s ‘bigger, brighter and more magical than ever’ with animal displays, a shimmering lights trail, festive food and all the usual rides and attractions. Saturday, November 22 – Tuesday, December 23.

Find out more here.

Land of Lights (Gulliver’s World Resort Warrington)

The breathtaking spectacle’s back for the third year running with a one-mile trail of lanterns covering 12 illuminated dreamworlds, along with music, entertainment and street food. Selective dates from from Saturday, October 25 – Saturday, February 31.

Find out more here.

Santa’s Secret Forest – (Orrell Hill Woods, Ince Blundell)

Making its debut in the North West from Friday, November 21 through to Wednesday, December 24, Santa’s Secret Forest promises an immersive festive adventure set within 16 acres of woodland with a glittering trail and the chance to board the Tinsel Town Express steam train for a journey through Tinsel Town.

Find out more here.

Lanterns and Light (Chester Zoo)

Meet playful puppets, wander through the Ribbon Tunnel and gaze at the stars in this ever popular light trail with, new for 2025, the Airquarium, Bubble Walk and Submergence. There’s seasonal street food and drinks too. Friday, November 14 to Saturday, January 3.

Find out more here.

The North Pole Experience (Otterspool Promenade, Liverpool)

Discover the elves, lend a hand in the bustling Toy Workshop, and cosy up to Mother Christmas in her storybook cabin in this magical world. The fun includes a trip to the North Pole Post Office, the chance to skate under the stars, toast marshmallows and meet Santa, from Saturday, November 29 to Wednesday, December 24.

Find out more here.

Christmas Picnics, Pantomimes and more (Blackstock Market)

As well as Christmas Comedy Specials with Hot Water Comedy Club and Miracle on Blackstock Street Christmas party nights, Blackstock’s got sackloads of festive fun for kids like Dear Santa: The Experience, where young visitors can enter a ‘magic mailroom’ and A Christmas Picnic with the Characters where you can enjoy festive food and surprise visits from Christmas characters. They’ve got two pantos, and you can raise a festive glass to Whisky & Wonder, led by Victorian Whisky Host ‘the Spirit of Christmas’. 

Find out more here.

Bar Hutte (Liverpool ONE)

Festive celebrations Apres Ski Style are back this year for karaoke, lodge parties, wreath making workshops and cosy kids clubs.  We especially love Bark Hutte, a pup-sized hütte with complimentary dog treats, photo props, and a doggy drinks menu where your furry friend can lick up some paw-secco.

Find out more here.

Santa Cruise (ChesterBoat, River Dee)

The Lady Diana will be spruced up with lights and tinsel for a Christmas one-hour cruise with treats, songs, and fun activities, and all children will get a festive book from the man in red. Santa’s sailing on Saturdays December 13 and 20, and Sunday, December 21 with tickets available now.

Find out more here.

Bronte Christmas Afternoon (The Reader, Calderstones Park)

Part of a huge season of events is The Reader’s brand-new Bronte Christmas Afternoon on Saturday, December 6 where fans are invited to explore a Victorian Christmas through festive scenes from Jane Eyre and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, enjoy a Bronte themed lunch and rifle through some of Charlotte’s letters in which she describes snowy Yorkshire and traditional parlour games. 

Find out more here.

Santa Dash

The UK’s biggest festive 5K fun run is back on Sunday, December 7 and 1,000 Santas have already signed up. So sort out your suit and get raising cash for charity with the famous BTR Liverpool Santa Dash 5K and 1K Mini Dash.

Find out more here.

Light Before Christmas (Liverpool Cathedral)

The favourite festive spectacular, Light Before Christmas, is back for its fourth year with a brand-new theme, The Gift, transforming one of the city’s iconic landmarks. The immersive light and sound experience runs from Friday, November 28 November to Saturday, December 6.

Find out more here.

Bongo’s Bingo’s Liverpool Christmas Cracker (Content)

Get ready to go bonkers for the ultimate nostalgic Christmas experience Bongo’s style with dodgy Santa Clauses, foil cracker hats, daft dance offs and the maddest bingo show with the best – and whackiest – prizes. Friday, November 14 to Tuesday, December 23.

Find out more here.

Cheshire Oaks Winter Village

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet’s gearing up for the festivities with its annual Christmas lights and Winter Village event boasting the UK’s tallest Christmas tree, market stalls, food, and other festive attractions like ice skating and Santa’s rides on the Ferris wheel (all while getting your designer pressies). Dates to be confirmed.

Find out more here.

Christmas concerts

A Feeling of Christmas with Rebecca Ferguson (Liverpool Philharmonic)

Rebecca and friends start the celebrations with a mix of Christmas favourites and dance anthems with classics like Santa Baby and White Christmas accompanied by The Syd Lawrence Orchestra, and hits and covers from Rebecca and her band on Saturday, December 6.

Find out more here.

Swing Into Christmas with Down for the Count Orchestra (St George’s Hall)

Guaranteed to leave you in the holiday spirit on Wednesday, December 10, the 32-piece big band recreates music from swing era with classics like The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting), Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

Find out more here.

Step into Christmas (M&S Bank Arena)

This cracker of a show’s guaranteed to fill you with cheer; jam-packed with all your favourite Christmas classics, a dazzling set and performances, and a sensational live band. Make a date for your diary – Saturday, December 6.

Find out more here.

LIPA Christmas Concert (Liverpool Philharmonic)

Students from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) perform for this now annual feel-good, festive family concert featuring the LIPA Big Band, strings, choirs, vocalists, and dancers. Friday, December 12.

Find out more here.

The Spirit of Christmas (Liverpool Philharmonic)

With four fabulous shows on Friday and Saturday, December 19-20, and Monday and Tuesday, December 22-23, the now-legendary concerts are conducted by Matthew Hamilton and hosted by baritone Benjamin Appl bringing classic carols, seasonal readings, audience singalongs and festive fun.

Find out more here.

Christmas Concert with Hope Street Harmonies (Sefton Park Palm House)

The acappella community choir invites you to an evening of festive favourites and a joyful Christmas sing-a-long in this spectacular setting on Thursday, December 18. Tickets are £14, in aid of the Palm House.

Find out more here.

A Christmas Gaiety: A Queer Festive Extravaganza (Liverpool Philharmonic)

Forget those Christmas lights, it’s the Queens shining on stage as Peaches Christ and Le Gateau Chocolat come together with Queen of the West End Kerry Ellis for a Queer Christmas Extravaganza. Serving some Christmas roasts and outrageous fun amid the songs. Saturday, December 13 and it’s for over 18s only.

Find out more here.

A Christmas Carol musical (Floral Pavilion, New Brighton)

A professional cast’s joined by teams of talented youngsters from the area in this musical adaptation of the Dickens’ classic. It’s on from Thursday to Friday, November 20-21 – so chance to get an early sprinkle of seasonal magic.

Find out more here.

Family Concert: Santa’s Christmas Party (Liverpool Philharmonic)

Always a popular one with presenter Alasdair Molloy, Santa Claus is getting ready to throw his elves a Christmas party – and you’re invited! Get ready for seasonal singalongs, dancing, fun and games with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and its children’s choirs. Saturday and Sunday, December 20-21.

Find out more here.

The Christmas Orchestra (St George’s Hall)

It’s beginning to look a lot like … There’ll be all your favourite songs from Christmas films like Home Alone, Polar Express, Love Actually and Bridget Jones’ Diary along with other classics to fuel your festive spirit in the concert performed live by a 16-piece chamber orchestra with a dazzling light show. Thursday, December 18.

Find out more here.

Rob Brydon & His Fabulous Band: A Festive Night of Songs & Laughter (Liverpool Philharmonic)

After a sell out West End performance last year Rob Brydon’s taking his Christmas show around the country, arriving in Liverpool on Thursday, December 11. Joined by his eight-piece band, the Gavin and Stacey star’s got songs, stories and even an impression or two!

Find out more here.

Christmas shows and pantos

Matilda the Musical (Empire Theatre)

Inspired by the Roald Dahl classic and with unforgettable new songs by Tim Minchin, it tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, an extraordinary little girl with a vivid imagination and extraordinary powers. Tuesday, December 2 to Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Find out more here.

Jack and the Beanstalk (Everyman Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto)

Part panto, part concert – total fun – hero Jack battles the greedy giant to grab the gold and save the day. Expect cheeky one-liners, splendid songs and wacky costumes in this always-a-belter traditional city show. Saturday, November 15 to Saturday, January 17.

Find out more here.

Cinderella (Shakespeare North Playhouse)

Packed with magical moments, your favourite tunes, and lots of laughter, this age old tale’s been given a Prescot twist. Cinderella’s world’s turned upside down when her mum disappears and her dad remarries – and of course his new wife’s got two dreadful daughters! Friday, November 21 to Saturday, January 10.

Find out more here.

A Christmas Carol (St George’s Hall)

GINIFICENT return to St George’s Hall with a brand-new production of one of the most heartwarming Christmas stories ever as Ebeneezer Scrooge is forced to confront his past in the hope of changing his future. Friday, December 12 to Wednesday, December 24.

Find out more here.

Cinderella (Epstein Theatre)

Panto’s back at the Epstein – oh yes it is – and Corrie’s Katie McGlynn is starring as Cinders, with BBC’s The One Show and Radio Merseyside’s Kevin Duala as Buttons, and Leanne Campbell as The Fairy Godmother. Friday, December 5 – Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Find out more here.

Young Frankenstein the Musical (Liverpool Playhouse)

From the creators of The Producers so you can expect plenty of laughs. The grandson of Victor Frankenstein inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania and with the help of hunchbacked sidekick Igor and leggy lab assistant Inga finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. Wednesday, December 3 to Saturday, January 3, 2026.

Find out more here.

A Scouse Christmas Carol (Royal Court)

The Royal Court has Scousified the great Dickens’ classic in its latest festive offering. Jacob Marley is dead and nobody knows who bumped him off – so Mary Marley tries to track down his killer, and she’s got her sights on Scrooge. Loads of adult laughs (this is for over 18s only). Friday, November 7 to Saturday, January 17, 2026.

Find out more here.

Beauty and the Beast (The Atkinson, Southport)

The Atkinson’s inviting audiences to be its guest for a gorgeous panto based on the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast. The much-loved fairytale comes to the stage in a show packed with laughter, song and dance. Dec 5 to Dec 31.

Find out more here.

Sleeping Beauty (Floral Pavilion, New Brighton)

Singer Kelle Bryan from girl band Eternal will be sprinkling some stardust as Fairy Snowfall in this panto full of musical hits which also sees the return of favourite Sean Jones as Lester the Jester. Dec 6 to Jan 4.

Find out more here.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (M&S Bank Arena)

Corrie’s Helen Flanagan heads the cast as the Wicked Queen alongside X Factor’s Sean Smith as the Prince and Ellis Lloyd as Snow White for what’s being billed as Liverpool’s biggest ever pantomime. Dec 12 to Dec 28.

Find out more here.

Elf the Musical (M&S Bank Arena)

The huge hit stage adaptation of the brilliant movie lands in Liverpool with a big cast, live orchestra and classic scenes, including Santa’s flying sleigh and an interactive snowball fight with the audience, all set against film backdrops on a massive LED screen. Dec 6 & 7.

Find out more here.

Dick Whittington (St Helens Theatre Royal)

Theatre Royal panto is always a top family show and this year Dick Whittington has a great cast including Emmerdale’s Matthew Wolfenden as Dick, along with St Helens favourites Lewis Devine as Idle Jack and Timothy Lucas as King Rat. Nov 28 to Jan 11.

Find out more here.

Find more Christmas events in Liverpool HERE!

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