Where to go for days out at Christmas in Liverpool

Set within the magical Liverpool Waterfront backdrop, Liverpool Ice Festival transports you into a frozen winter wonderland. The covered ice rink means you can show off your skating skills in all kinds of British weather. If ice-skating isn’t your thing, then be prepared to take on the real ice slide – three super speedy 30 metre runs, six metres above the icey festival below. Experience the buzz of flying down an ice-slide and taking in the stunning views of Liverpool and beyond.

If you need something to calm your nerves before tackling the slide, mulled wine, Baileys hot chocolate or spiced, warm cider will help take the edge off your fear (and the cold!). There are also plenty of Alpine Bars and huts to take shelter in, or grab a bite to eat whilst you wait for your skates. There’s so much to do for all ages, including roller coasters, Christmas themed games, not to mention, a huge range of tasty food.

Liverpool Anglican Cathedral is Britain’s biggest Cathedral and the fifth largest in Europe. What better location to do some Christmas shopping? The Winter Arts Market will be held at the awe-inspiring Liverpool Cathedral, with two festive shopping dates on 3rd and 4th December. The Winter Arts Market will host new stalls too where you’ll be able to find everything from cards, photography, ceramics and prints to jewellery, homewares, textiles and handmade beauty products.

You can find stalls from over 50 independent artists, designers and makers in the magnificent surroundings of the Anglican Cathedral. Pop along with your friends and family to support the talented people of Liverpool and shop for creative crafts, gorgeous gifts, contemporary design and artisanal foods that you won’t find on ASOS!

Whilst you’re visiting, you can also enjoy a drink or snack at the cafe. Mince pie, anyone? Don’t miss out and book your Winter Arts Market ticket below. Plus, under 16s go for free!

From 13th November until New Year’s Day, Liverpool ONE will be getting Christmassy with a variety of choirs and musical performances. Enjoy free festive entertainment and admire the 30m-high infamous Liverpool Christmas ‘tree’, shaped out of 280 colour-changing hearts. If the sight of the tree suddenly inspires you to burst into ‘Silent Night’, there’s carol-oke in the Alpine cabins underneath just for that purpose. Up to 12 people can hire one of 10 festively-themed hutts. Be sure to book ASAP as they are there for a good time, not a long time. Bookings are available from 12th November until 1st January.

You can choose from a Cosy Karaoke Hütte for up to eight people where you can sing to your heart’s delight for one hour and 45 minutes.

If you’ve ever dreamed of meeting the real-life Santa Clause, then the Special Family Hutte is for you. Nothing says Christmas more than a warming hot chocolate, whilst you meet the big man himself in a festively decorated alpine hutte.

Or, if you like to celebrate the festive season with a glass of prosecco and a sing-song, the VIP Party Hutte can be booked for up to 20 people. Staff party idea?

For more information on how to book, just follow the link below. Don’t delay, as these hutts will sell out faster than you can sing, ‘Jingle Bell Rock’.

The Liverpool Philharmonic is an iconic name that represents Liverpool’s musical and theatrical culture. Founded in 1840, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is one of the world’s oldest concert halls and reaches more people than any music organisation outside London. The original vision of its founders has remained a driving force and is interpreted today in Liverpool Philharmonic’s mission “to promote the love of music and music-making”. Over 350,000 people attend Liverpool Philharmonic concerts each year and what better time to attend than one of their special Christmas events?

What are you doing on Tuesday 14 December? Want to see Love Actually like you have never seen it before? The iconic Christmas film will be played on a giant screen whilst a full live orchestra plays Craig Armstrong’s evocative and moving score. Armstrong is one of the UK’s most recognised film composers, with his work being awarded a BAFTA for his Achievement in Film Music. Nothing says IT’S CHRISTMAS like Love Actually.

If that doesn’t take your fancy, on Monday 20th December, Carols By Candlelight will be showcasing a mesmerising Christmas concert, bathed in a soft, candle-lit setting.

Is it acceptable to drink mulled wine every month of the year? You will be spoilt for choice when walking up Bold Street or Concert Square but, how about somewhere off the beaten track?
At the top of your list should be the Kazimier Garden, hidden away at 32 Seel Street. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the high street, there is not a sign in sight so, just head to the fairy lights! The outdoor bar and event space is a refurbished car park and you could quite easily blink and miss it. It’s like stepping into Narnia when you find it and it is the cutest Christmas retreat on a crisp winter’s day. Make sure to wrap up in your warmest coat and woolly hat as the Kazimier, or as it’s commonly known, ‘The Kaz’, has no indoor seating. But, it makes up for this with their festive fire pits.
The Kaz screams ‘independent ‘ and has a grungy, DIY vibe that has become so synonymous with the space. If you have an Independent Liverpool Card, you also get 10% off all week.

Get your Christmas list at the ready and have a leisurely stroll around St George’s Hall where you’ll find the Liverpool Christmas Market. From Friday 12th November to Thursday 23rd December, around 40 stalls, festive rides and twinkly lights will transform St John’s Gardens, William Brown Street and the area around the North Entrance of St George’s Hall. You’ll find something for everyone from personalised decorations to beautifully crafted jewellery that you won’t find anywhere else. They also have an amazing selection of food to fuel your shopping. Their festive bites include traditional Bavarian sausages as well as the infamous Yorkshire Pudding Wrap. Not heard of that before? You haven’t lived! Make sure you grab your delicious Christmas dinner to-go, smothered in gravy and wrapped up in a giant Yorkshire pudding. YUM!