Find the must-see holiday events in Liverpool! Explore our guide for all the top festive highlights.
The Liverpool Christmas Ice Festival is a winter wonderland with an ice rink, ice slide, and enchanting food stalls. Lace up your running shoes for the Santa Dash Liverpool, known for its fun costumes and festive atmosphere. And the Liverpool Christmas Market is something you definitely don't want to miss with its unique gifts and delicious treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Liverpool
- Liverpool Christmas Ice Festival
- Santa Dash Liverpool
- Liverpool Christmas Market
- Christmas at the Albert Dock
- The Snowman Tour
- Christmas Lights Switch On
- Elf The Musical
- St. George's Hall Christmas Concerts
- Christmas at Speke Hall
- Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra's Christmas Concerts
Liverpool Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Lights Switch On
What to Expect:
Spectacular pyrotechnic display accompanying the lights switch-on
Description:
Liverpool's Christmas Lights Switch On ignites the city in a blaze of color and excitement. The event culminates in a breathtaking pyrotechnic display, illuminating the sky above the Town Hall. Local celebrities and dignitaries gather to flip the switch, bathing the streets in twinkling lights. The switch-on tradition dates back to the 1960s, growing more elaborate each year. You'll be dazzled by the intricate light installations adorning iconic Liverpool landmarks.
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Christmas in Sefton Park
What to Expect:
Illuminated trail through one of Liverpool's largest Victorian parks
Description:
Christmas in Sefton Park illuminates one of Liverpool's most beloved green spaces. An enchanting light trail winds through the park's 235 acres, highlighting its Victorian features and natural beauty. The Palm House, a stunning glass conservatory, serves as a centerpiece, bathed in ever-changing colored lights. You can warm up with a hot chocolate while listening to local choirs perform by the bandstand. This event offers a serene alternative to the bustling city center celebrations, allowing for a peaceful winter stroll under the stars.
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Liverpool Holiday Markets and Shopping
Liverpool Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Blend of local and European vendors
Description:
Liverpool Christmas Market brings a continental flair to St George's Plateau. Wooden chalets line the area, offering a unique mix of local Scouse specialties and European treats. Browse handcrafted gifts from both Liverpool artisans and international vendors. The market pays homage to Liverpool's maritime history with nautical-themed decorations. Warm yourself with a mug of traditional Glühwein while exploring the diverse stalls, each offering a piece of Liverpool's multicultural heritage.
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Winter Wonderland at Bombed Out Church
What to Expect:
Christmas market and activities in a historic bombed-out church
Description:
Winter Wonderland transforms the shell of St Luke's Church, known locally as the "Bombed Out Church," into a unique Christmas destination. This poignant setting, a casualty of the Liverpool Blitz in 1941, now hosts a vibrant Christmas market and activities. Stroll through the roofless nave, now filled with twinkling lights and market stalls. You can enjoy live performances against the backdrop of the church's remaining architectural features. This event beautifully juxtaposes Liverpool's wartime history with the joy and renewal of the Christmas season.
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Winter Wonderland at Bombed Out Church
Liverpool Holiday Giving Opportunities
Santa Dash Liverpool
What to Expect:
Mass charity run with participants dressed as Santa
Description:
Liverpool's streets turn red as thousands of Santas dash through the city center. This quirky charity event sees participants don full Santa suits, creating a sea of bobbing red hats and white beards. You can join the 5K run or opt for the 1K Mini Dash for younger participants. The event, which began in 2004, has raised over £2 million for various charities. The sight of thousands of Santas running past Liverpool's iconic landmarks is truly unforgettable.
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Liverpool Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Snowman Tour
What to Expect:
Live orchestra performance synchronized with the animated film
Description:
The Snowman Tour elevates a beloved holiday classic. A live orchestra performs Howard Blake's beautiful score in perfect synchronization with the screening of the animated film. The performance takes place in Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, known for its excellent acoustics. Children and adults alike are captivated as the story unfolds on screen, accompanied by the rich, live orchestral sound. This unique event combines the nostalgia of a classic Christmas tale with the power of live music.
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Elf The Musical
What to Expect:
Interactive elements that bring the audience into Buddy's world
Description:
Elf The Musical brings the beloved holiday film to life on stage with a Liverpool twist. The production incorporates interactive elements, inviting the audience to participate in Buddy's journey from the North Pole to Liverpool. Local landmarks and Scouse humor are woven into the story, creating a unique adaptation. The show takes place in the historic Liverpool Empire Theatre, adding a touch of grandeur to the experience. Prepare to be swept up in Buddy's infectious enthusiasm for all things Christmas.
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St. George's Hall Christmas Concerts
What to Expect:
Concerts held in the stunning Neoclassical Great Hall
Description:
St. George's Hall Christmas Concerts showcase world-class performances in an architectural marvel. The Great Hall, with its intricate tile floor and barrel-vaulted ceiling, provides an awe-inspiring setting for these musical events. The hall's exceptional acoustics enhance every note. You can enjoy a diverse range of musical styles, from classical to contemporary Christmas favorites. Built in the 1850s, St. George's Hall stands as a testament to Liverpool's Victorian grandeur, now filled with the sounds of the season.
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St. George's Hall Christmas Concerts
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra's Christmas Concerts
What to Expect:
Blend of traditional carols and contemporary Christmas music
Description:
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra's Christmas Concerts offer a harmonious blend of the traditional and contemporary. World-class musicians perform beloved carols alongside modern Christmas compositions, creating a rich tapestry of seasonal music. The concerts take place in the art deco splendor of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, opened in 1939. You'll be moved by the powerful sound of the full orchestra, complemented by guest vocalists and the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir. These concerts have been a cherished Liverpool tradition for over a century.
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Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra's Christmas Concerts
Christmas Carols at the Metropolitan Cathedral
What to Expect:
Carol service in a modernist architectural masterpiece
Description:
Christmas Carols at the Metropolitan Cathedral resound through a stunning example of modern church architecture. The cathedral's unique circular design and vibrant stained glass create an otherworldly atmosphere for this traditional service. The acoustics of the space amplify the voices of the cathedral choir, filling the air with harmonious melodies. You can join in singing beloved carols while admiring the cathedral's distinctive features. This event beautifully marries timeless Christmas traditions with bold, contemporary design, reflecting Liverpool's blend of history and modernity.
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Christmas Carols at the Metropolitan Cathedral
Liverpool Other Holiday Activities
Liverpool Christmas Ice Festival
What to Expect:
Largest outdoor ice rink in the region
Description:
Liverpool Christmas Ice Festival transforms the Pier Head into a winter sports paradise. Glide across the expansive outdoor ice rink, the largest in the region, with the iconic Three Graces as your backdrop. Thrill-seekers can brave the 30-meter ice slide, while history buffs will appreciate skating near the site of the former White Star Line headquarters. The festival also features an Alpine-inspired food village, offering a taste of continental winter cuisine.
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Liverpool Christmas Ice Festival
Christmas at the Albert Dock
What to Expect:
Victorian-inspired Christmas celebrations in a historic maritime setting
Description:
Albert Dock embraces its Victorian heritage during the Christmas season. The historic maritime complex comes alive with period-appropriate decorations and entertainment. Stroll along the quayside, where the aroma of roasted chestnuts fills the air. You can take a ride on a traditional carousel or watch street performers in Victorian attire. The dock, once a vital part of Liverpool's shipping industry, now serves as a stunning backdrop for these nostalgic holiday celebrations.
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Christmas at Speke Hall
What to Expect:
Tudor-style Christmas celebrations in a historic manor house
Description:
Speke Hall transports visitors to a Tudor Christmas celebration. This beautifully preserved manor house, dating back to the 1530s, comes alive with period-appropriate decorations and activities. Explore the Great Hall adorned with traditional greenery and experience the warmth of roaring fires. You can try your hand at Tudor-era games or watch demonstrations of 16th-century cooking techniques. The event offers a unique glimpse into how Christmas was celebrated in Elizabethan England, set against the backdrop of one of Liverpool's most treasured historic sites.
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Santa's Christmas Workshop at Merseyside Maritime Museum
What to Expect:
Interactive workshop combining Christmas traditions with maritime history
Description:
Santa's Christmas Workshop at Merseyside Maritime Museum blends holiday cheer with Liverpool's rich seafaring heritage. Children can engage in nautical-themed Christmas crafts, such as creating ornaments shaped like ships or lighthouses. The workshop is set against the backdrop of the museum's extensive maritime collections. You'll learn how Christmas was celebrated by sailors at sea in centuries past. This unique event connects Liverpool's present-day Christmas traditions with its history as one of the world's great port cities.
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Santa's Christmas Workshop at Merseyside Maritime Museum