It’s that time of year again and Liverpool is already getting into the festive spirit.
As the countdown to Christmas begins, there’s plenty of events across the city to give you that festive feeling.
From grottos and ice festivals to Christmas markets and pantos, there’s something to keep everyone happy and entertained, whatever you’re in the mood for.
We don’t want you to miss out on any of the festivities, so here’s all the key events happening in Liverpool this Christmas.
Liverpool ONE’s Christmas launch
November 15
Liverpool ONE is set to host a huge street party to launch its Christmas celebrations later this month.
The countdown to Christmas will kick off with a bang, including a street party with music, live performances, walkabout festive characters and the return of the festive favourite Bar Hutte.
The street party takes place between 4pm and 7pm on November 15
Liverpool Ice Festival
November 13 - January 5
Liverpool Ice Festival returns to the city’s iconic Pier Head later this month with an enormous ice slide, ice rink, funfair rides and festive food and drink stalls.
The Ice Festival will give families the chance to get into the festive mood from November 13 right up until January 5, so grab your skates and head off into a winter wonderland.
From November 13 to December 18 opening hours are 11am - 9pm, but from December 19 they are 10am - 9pm.
Liverpool Christmas shows and pantos
November 7 onwards
It’s not Christmas in Liverpool without a trip to the panto, and the season is almost upon us.
There are tons of festive shows taking place in the city this year, with many beginning their run this month so there is plenty of time to catch them in theatres before the end of the year.
Shows are the menu this panto season include Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the M&S Bank Arena and Peter Pan at the Empire Theatre.
If these don’t tickle your fancy, take a look at our full list of pantos here.
Liverpool ONE’s Christmas Express
November 15 - December 24
Also joining the festivities at Liverpool ONE this Christmas is the Polar Express-style train, the Christmas Express.
Families can take a polar adventure on the specially-built train, making their way around Chavasse Park towards the North Pole - with pit stops for hot chocolate, postcard decorating and storytime, of course.
The Christmas Express will run from November 15 right through until Christmas Eve.
Liverpool Christmas Market
November 16 to December 23
Liverpool Christmas Market returns to St George’s plateau this Christmas for another year of festive fun, bringing some much-loved stalls along with it.
The festive markets will feature a range of food and drink stalls - including the ever popular Yorkshire Pudding Wrap stall - as well as vintage fairground rides, gifts and more.
Liverpool Christmas Market runs from November 16 to December 23.
Festive cinemas in Liverpool
Various dates
This year there are a whole host of festive screenings coming to Liverpool, showcasing some of the most cherished Christmas films around.
Festive screenings will be taking place at Sefton Park Palm House, St George’s Hall, and Camp and Furnace, as well as Liverpool’s only floating cinema on the Royal Albert Dock.
Films being shown include Elf, Frozen, The Grinch, Love Actually, The Polar Express and more.
Victorian Christmas at Speke Hall
Various dates
Speke Hall is hosting its traditional Victorian Christmas events once again this year, though visits with Santa are already sold out.
Families can still book to enjoy Festive Fridays at the Hall, where you can soak up the atmosphere and have a quieter Christmas experience.
These events take place on November 29, December 6 and December 13.
Christmas grottos in Liverpool
Various dates
Father Christmas will be making his way to Liverpool soon to find out who’s been naughty or nice.
Families can meet the man himself in several places across the city, including Dobbies and
If these don’t tickle your fancy, take a look at our full list of grottos here.
Liverpool Santa Dash
December 1
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash returns this festive season on December 1, with thousands expected to take to the streets dressed as red and blue santas.
This year, the BTR Santa Dash 5K starts from Pier Head before heading through the Royal Albert Dock and into the city centre towards the finish line at Liverpool Town Hall.
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