14 things to do in Liverpool this Christmas

Your ultimate festive guide to celebrating the holiday season in Merseyside❄️

Liverpool is a city that knows how to throw a party, and the festive season is certainly no exception! When winter arrives, the city transforms into a wonderland full of seasonal cheer, bustling markets and magical family events.

Whether you are looking to shop until you drop, enjoy some hearty festive food or take the kids on an unforgettable magical adventure, Liverpool and its surrounding areas have exactly what you need. Grab a hot chocolate, get comfortable, and let’s dive into 14 amazing things to do in Liverpool this Christmas!

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1. Wander through the Liverpool Christmas Market

• 
  21st November 2026 – 3rd January 2027

Set against the magnificent neoclassical backdrop of St George’s Hall, the Liverpool Christmas Market is an absolute must-visit during the holidays. The iconic plateau is transformed into a bustling festive village filled with traditional wooden chalets, glowing lights and a wonderfully cheerful atmosphere.

Make sure you come with an empty stomach! The food and drink options at Liverpool Christmas Market are nothing short of spectacular. You can feast on everything from Yorkshire pudding wraps and gourmet burgers to sweet crepes, before washing it all down with a mug of mulled wine or hot cider at one of the lively Bavarian bars.

2. Shop and celebrate at Liverpool ONE

Liverpool ONE is the ultimate destination for ticking off your Christmas shopping list, but it offers so much more than just retail therapy. The entire complex is brilliantly lit with stunning Christmas lights and strolling beneath the giant, glowing neon tree is a modern holiday tradition for many locals.

Don’t forget to head over to Bar Hütte for some alpine-themed fun. Book one of their cosy, private wooden cabins to sip hot toddies, enjoy festive cocktails and belt out your favourite holiday hits on your own karaoke machine!

3. Feast on festive specials at Duke Street Market

If you are a massive foodie, Duke Street Market needs to be at the top of your festive itinerary. This beautifully restored 100-year-old warehouse is home to some of the best independent food vendors in the city. And during December, they roll out an incredible array of Christmas-inspired specials.

The communal dining tables, atmospheric lighting and buzzing energy make it an ideal spot for a holiday get-together with friends or family. Grab a festive cocktail from the main bar, order a mix of dishes from different kitchens and enjoy a relaxed, delicious Christmas celebration.

4. Enjoy endless family fun at Christmas on the Park

Located in the heart of the city at Chavasse Park, Christmas on the Park is a fantastic pop-up designed to bring extra joy to families and kids. The park is often filled with charming children’s rides, festive games and a wonderfully cheery atmosphere that provides a great break from the bustling shops nearby.

It is a lovely spot to grab a warm drink, let the kids blow off some steam on the rides and soak up the crisp winter air. The festive stalls and beautifully decorated surroundings make it a perfectly cosy retreat right in the middle of Liverpool ONE.

5. Experience Storytime with Santa at Liverpool Town Hall

• 
  5th December 2026 – 22nd December 2026

For a truly magical family memory, book tickets for Storytime with Santa inside the breathtakingly beautiful Liverpool Town Hall. The historic, grand surroundings make this experience feel incredibly special and traditional, elevating it above your standard shopping centre grotto.

Children get the chance to sit in a beautifully decorated room and listen to Father Christmas himself read a charming holiday story. Afterwards, there is plenty of time for the little ones to meet the big man, share their Christmas wishes and snap some wonderful festive photos.

6. Discover the North Pole at Otterspool

• 
  28th November 2026 – 24th December 2026

Otterspool Adventures goes all out for the holidays, transforming its riverside park into a spectacular winter wonderland known as The North Pole. It is an immersive, multi-activity experience that guarantees a full day of festive excitement for younger children.

The ticketed event is packed with activities, usually including a magical visit to Santa’s Grotto, a chance to build your own bear in the elves’ workshop, gingerbread decorating and a twirl around the ice rink. It’s an unforgettable, action-packed family day out that captures the true magic of the season.

7. Get Creative with Melting Moments at Tate Liverpool

• 
  19th December 2026 – 3rd January 2027

For a different kind of winter activity, Tate Liverpool offers wonderful, family-friendly creative sessions known as ‘Melting Moments.’ It is a brilliant way to escape the cold and engage the kids in some hands-on, artistic fun.

These free or low-cost workshops encourage families to get messy and creative together, making winter-themed art inspired by the gallery’s collections. It is a relaxing, enriching way to spend a chilly afternoon, allowing your little ones to channel their festive excitement into something beautiful.

Please note that, while the Albert Dock site undergoes renovation, Tate Liverpool is currently situated in their fantastic temporary home at RIBA North.

8. Marvel at the Royal Albert Dock Christmas Lights

The Royal Albert Dock is arguably one of the most picturesque spots in Liverpool. And at Christmas, it looks absolutely breathtaking! The historic colonnades and the still waters of the dock are illuminated by twinkling lights, creating a sparkling, romantic atmosphere that reflects beautifully on the water.

Take a slow evening stroll around the dock to admire the light projections and the festive window displays of the independent shops. Afterwards, you are perfectly placed to duck into one of the dock’s many incredible restaurants or bars for a warming winter dinner.

9. Explore Lanterns & Light at Chester Zoo

• 
  13th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027

Just a short trip from Liverpool, Chester Zoo hosts one of the most spectacular winter light trails in the Northwest: Lanterns & Light. As night falls, the zoo is transformed into a magical, glowing wonderland featuring massive, brilliantly illuminated animal lanterns scattered throughout the grounds.

You can wander through different enchanted zones, spotting glowing lions, twinkling penguins and vibrant flora, all set to a beautifully festive soundtrack. With toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate available along the route, it’s a truly enchanting evening that also supports the zoo’s vital conservation work.

10. Laugh out loud at Blackstock Market

For a Christmas night out filled with laughter, head to Blackstock Market. This fantastic comedy and food venue has a brilliantly packed festive schedule, starting with ‘The Improvised Christmas Family Pantomime,’ which promises unscripted, chaotic fun for all ages, and their ‘Christmas FREE Family Funday’ to get the kids in the spirit.

If you are looking for an adults-only night out, grab tickets to their ‘Triple Headline Christmas Comedy Special.’ You can enjoy world-class stand-up comedy while digging into fantastic street food and enjoying a few pints in this vibrant, lively venue.

11. Enjoy the festive atmosphere at Southport Market

Take a quick trip up the coast to the charming seaside town of Southport, where its fantastic food market gets a brilliant festive makeover. The historic market hall is decked out in gorgeous decorations, providing a warm and buzzing community atmosphere away from the city centre crowds.

With a variety of amazing food and drink vendors, you can indulge in seasonal treats and hearty winter meals. They also host a variety of festive events throughout December, from local live music to festive bottle painting, making it a wonderful day out.

12. Celebrate Noel at the Liverpool Cathedral

• 
  13th December 2026

The breathtaking architecture of the majestic Liverpool Cathedral provides a stunning setting for a spectacular Christmas experience. Stepping out of the busy city and into the glowing interior of Britain’s largest cathedral is a magnificent way to centre yourself during the winter season.

This year, you can immerse yourself in the magic of the holidays by experiencing Noel at Liverpool Cathedral. This incredible festive event transforms the awe-inspiring Gothic space with beautiful visuals, captivating sounds and wonderful seasonal cheer. It is an unforgettable, uplifting holiday tradition that perfectly blends the historic beauty of the building with the wondrous spirit of Christmas.

13. Listen to Carols by Lantern Light at St George’s Hall

• 
  5th December 2026

If you want to feel like you are starring in a classic Victorian Christmas card, check out the Carols by Candlelight at St George’s Hall. The Concert Room, with its stunning chandelier and intricate neoclassical details, is one of the most spectacular rooms in the UK.

When the room is bathed in the soft, warm glow of lantern light and filled with the sound of a live choir singing traditional carols, the atmosphere is simply magical. It is an elegant, deeply traditional way to celebrate the true spirit of the season.

14. Wander through Enchanted at Knowsley Safari

• 
  20th November 2026 – 23rd December 2026

End your festive celebrations with a magical nighttime adventure at Knowsley Safari’s ‘Enchanted’ event. After the animals have turned in, the foot safari is transformed into an illuminated light trail featuring glowing animal sculptures, laser gardens and sparkling fairy lights.

As you follow the magical path through the woods, you can stop to toast marshmallows over roaring fire pits or enjoy the thrill of the festive fairground rides. It is a whimsical, captivating experience that brings a beautiful touch of magic to a crisp winter night.