Step into holiday cheer with the 10 best Christmas activities in Liverpool
The festive season in Liverpool is nothing short of magical. However, with numerous events cropping up all over the city, figuring out where to start can be overwhelming.
Do you soak in the twinkling lights on Church Street first, head to the famous Christmas markets, or plan a cosy winter activity indoors?
It’s easy to miss out on the seasonal experiences if you don’t know where to look. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to the top things to do for Christmas in Liverpool.
This list will make your December plans stress-free and unforgettable. So, don’t let this festive season pass you by.
1. Wander through St. George’s Hall Christmas Market
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Website: https://www.stgeorgeshallliverpool.co.uk/
Location: St George’s Place, L1 1JJ
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 9:30 AM – 4:45 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Step out of Lime Street Station and you’re greeted by about 40-50 timber chalets clustered around the glowing façade of St. George’s Hall.
Just be sure to arrive hungry, as this place is all about street food. You can grab the famous bratwurst for around £5, dive into Yorkshire pudding wraps (£5-£6), or share a cone of Belgian fries (£4-£7).
And when your hands start freezing, you can warm up in the Alpine tipi bar. It’s just a one-minute walk away from George’s Hall. Here, you can choose to sip mulled wine, hot cider, or hot chocolate.
Pro Tip:
If you need a breather from all the stall-hopping, hop on the Ferris wheel just a minute from George’s Hall. For around £6-£7, you’ll enjoy a 10-minute ride with stunning views of Liverpool’s skyline.
2. Explore Bar Hütte at Liverpool ONE
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Website: https://www.barhutte.co.uk/liverpool
Location: 5 Wall St, L1 8JQ
Contact: +441512323100
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Located inside Liverpool ONE near Chavasse Park, Bar Hütte feels like a little Alpine village dropped in the middle of the city. It’s cosy and just a minute from the Albert Dock’s light displays.
Instead of standard bar tables, you’ll find bookable wooden “hüttes.” Most of these are good for two to eight people, starting at about £27.50 on weekdays, rising to £55 on weekends.
If you’re after a bigger group vibe, the party lodge seats up to 20 for around £200+ (with fizz included). There’s also a family-friendly Santa Hütte (£20 for two people, includes hot chocolate and a Santa visit).
What makes it a favourite Christmas spot is the “carol-oke” experience, where you and your friends can sing your favourite festive tunes in a private, ski-lodge style.
Pro Tip:
I recommend asking the staff about their off-menu festive twists, like a shot of spiced rum in your hot chocolate or their secret “Winter Warmer” cocktail mix. It’s not always listed, but locals swear by it.
3. Sample and savour at R&H Fine Wines
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Website: http://www.randhfinewines.co.uk/
Location: 12, Queen Avenue, off Castle St, Dale St, L2 4TZ
Contact: +441513450306
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: ££
For a relaxed way to sample fine wines, just slip through the stone arch into narrow Queen Avenue. There, you’ll find R&H Fine Wines. It’s a favourite detour for city-centre holiday shoppers, doing Christmas in Liverpool.
This shop opens up like a little bottle library with shelves of Old World reds and whites, orange wines, fortified & sweet bottles, plus a tight spirits shelf for gifting.
Inside, prices hit a sweet spot between £15 and £30. Their Middle Shelf mixed case averages £15 a bottle, with everyday options like Albariño (£18.50), Marmalade Orange (£23), and Morellino (£23.50). Meanwhile, standout bottles such as Wild Boy Chardonnay can reach £41.
You can also ask for custom host gifts or pick up a curated seasonal case (from £60).
Pro Tip:
If you’re after a thoughtful present, you can grab a Queen’s Bistro gift voucher through their website. Starting at £10, it’s redeemable on both food and drink, as well as wine tastings and a cosy dinner. However, they can’t be combined with other promotions.
4. Experience the North Pole at Otterspool Adventure Park
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Website: http://www.otterspooladventurecentre.co.uk/
Location: 37 Otterspool Dr, L17 5AL
Contact: +441519093888
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Every year, Otterspool Adventure Park turns part of its site into a North Pole-themed wonderland offering an immersive Christmas journey for families.
Rather than a simple Santa visit, kids follow a set path of activities designed to keep them engaged. The adventure begins on the Snowtrail Express, a whimsical train ride that sets the scene.
Inside, little ones can craft and build toys in the Elf Workshop, decorate gingerbread in Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, and toast marshmallows in the cosy Elf Village.
There’s also a chance to explore the Elven Emporium or enjoy storytime before heading into Father Christmas’ Cabin for a personalised meet-and-greet and gift handover. Tickets are approximately £25-£30 per child (including a toy and activities), while adult pricing varies depending on the package.
Pro Tip:
If one of the adults in your group has an Otterspool Adventure membership, you can get 20% off the Christmas Experience booking. You’ll also get discounts on food and drinks—handy if you’re grabbing a festive bite after the experience.
5. Seek the Giant Elf on the Shelf in the City Centre
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Website: https://liverpoolbidcompany.com/category/christmas/the-elf-on-the-shelf/
Location: Across Central Liverpool
Contact: 0151 703 2399
Pricing: Free (self-guided)
Liverpool gives the beloved home tradition of Elf on the Shelf a playful city-wide twist each year from December 1st to 24th. So, keep your eyes peeled for giant Scout Elves, each around 15 feet tall, popping up at surprise locations across the city centre.
These elves tend to appear near Liverpool ONE, Bold Street, or cultural squares, and part of the fun is figuring out where they’ve been spotted each week.
Families often turn this into a self-guided scavenger hunt. You can use location clues shared online or by local shops to track down as many elves as you can.
If you spot R’Elf and post your selfie on social media using #TheElfOnTheShelfLiverpool and tag @liverpoolbidcompany, you’ll be entered into a draw to win a magical weekend worth £500.
Pro Tip:
If you get tired of tracking down R’Elf, I suggest refuelling at The Club House in Liverpool ONE. Their cosy winter terrace serves hearty festive plates, such as turkey sliders and loaded fries, as well as warming mulled drinks.
6. Explore “Christmas-Shire” at Kings Dock
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Website: https://liverpoolbidcompany.com/christmas-shire-interactive-experience-announced-for-liverpools-kings-dock/
Location: Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, Merseyside, L3 4FP
Contact: 0151 703 2399
Pricing: ££
If you want something more magical than a traditional grotto, head to Kings Dock where Sneaky Experience sets up its cosy “Christmas-Shire” yurts right beside the Wheel of Liverpool every third week of December.
This is not a sit-and-watch show. Here, kids (and parents) step into a 45-minute storytelling adventure with costumed elves like Nutmeg, helping “save Christmas” through puzzles, songs, and playful missions.
Every ticket includes a meeting with Father Christmas, who gives each child an ethically sourced gift, and the sessions are designed to feel personal and interactive.
Tickets are around £12-£16 per child, with slightly lower prices for adults. And once you’re done, it’s also worth taking a spin on the nearby Wheel of Liverpool for sweeping festive views across the docks.
Pro Tip:
After the adventure, head to Gusto at Royal Albert Dock (about a 5-minute walk) for a family-friendly meal. They have wood-fired pizzas, kid-sized pasta dishes, and desserts that will keep the little ones happy while you unwind by the waterfront.
7. Enjoy the Holiday Show at Liverpool Empire Theatre
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Website: https://www.atgtickets.com
Location: Lime St, L1 1JE
Pricing: ££
Nothing beats Christmas in Liverpool quite like a festive night at the Empire Theatre on Lime Street. This grand Edwardian venue, with marble columns and sweeping balconies, is the city’s go-to stage for big touring musicals and pantomimes.
In recent seasons, Disney’s Aladdin (December 11th-January 5th) took centre stage, complete with flying carpets, dazzling costumes, and a full live orchestra.
Seasonal shows here are a long-standing tradition for many local families, so it’s worth checking what’s on when you visit. Tickets typically range from £25 to £75, depending on the seating and dates, with family tickets and concessions sometimes available.
Pro Tip:
Before booking, check if you qualify for discounts. MaxCard holders can save up to 25%, while students can snag tickets from £13. For regular theatre-goers, joining ATG+ unlocks perks like priority booking and waived fees.
8. Watch the light displays at The Royal Albert Dock
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Website: https://albertdock.com/
Location: 3-4 The Colonnades, L3 4AA
Contact: +441517078384
Pricing: Free
Few places feel as magical at Christmas as The Royal Albert Dock. Stepping onto the historic waterfront, you’re greeted by twinkling lights cascading across the 19th-century cast-iron colonnades and red-brick warehouses.
To make the most of it, you should pick up the downloadable Light Trail map and follow the illuminated characters (Neptune, Triton, and the playful Bella & Bertie) while spotting the Yellow Submarine and floating jellyfish along the way.
When you’re ready for a break, Anchor Courtyard turns into a Christmas hideaway with artisan stalls, festive food huts, and hourly “snowfall” for that perfect winter photo. Best of all, it’s free to explore.
Pro Tip:
After dining at Madre, walk 10 minutes to Bold Street for dessert stops like Rudy’s (for a sweet Nutella pizza) or Bold Street Coffee for a warm latte. It’s a nice way to end the night while exploring one of Liverpool’s most vibrant streets.
9. Feast on Alpine winter delights at Albert’s Schloss
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Website: https://albertsschloss.com/location/liverpool/
Location: Radiant House, 18-26 Bold St, L1 4DS
Contact: +441513128998
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday to Thursday, Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Pricing: £££
Albert’s Schloss on Bold Street channels Bavarian beer hall energy with a Christmassy twist, making it a December hotspot. Step inside and you’re met with rustic wood interiors and a scent of Alpine comfort food that sets the tone for winter feasting.
Their seasonal Alpine menu runs from around £38 for two courses or £45 for three, featuring hearty dishes like cheese fondue with pretzels, buttery spätzle, and rich Black Forest gateau.
For bigger groups, their smorgasbord-style platters and festive breakfast menus are perfect for sharing.
Nightly “showtime” entertainment kicks in with cabaret-style performers and even roaming musicians, creating a lively, beer-hall vibe that lasts late into the evening.
Pro Tip:
If you’re driving to Albert’s Schloss, the nearest secure parking is at Liverpool ONE Q-Park (7-8 mins, from £7 evening rate). On-street spots on Bold Street or Duke Street are closer, but they fill up fast, so pre-book with JustPark to save time.
10. Explore Shiverpool’s Ghost & History Tours
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Website: https://www.shiverpool.co.uk/
Location: Hope Street
Contact: 0151 709 2030
Pricing: ££
Not all Christmas evenings need to be about mulled wine and fairy lights. If you want something with a bit of edge, Shiverpool’s award-winning walking tours are the perfect antidote to the usual festive cheer.
Their seasonal “Ghosts for Christmas” specials take you through Liverpool’s spookiest corners—haunted streets, shadowy graveyards, and crypts, while actor-guides mix Scouse humour with spine-chilling tales of dark history.
It’s been around since 2005 and has become a local storytelling institution, with tickets generally priced at £15-£20 per person. It’s part theatre, part history lesson, and part goosebumps—especially when the winter mist rolls across Hope Street.
Pro Tip:
I recommend booking directly through Shiverpool’s website to choose your preferred route and time slot. Tours often sell out quickly in December, so secure your place early.