All the things planned in Liverpool this Christmas

Christopher Megrath

15 September 2024 at 4:55 am·5-min read

Liverpool's Christmas markets — -Credit: (Image: Iain Watts/Liverpool Echo)

There's a lot to be excited for this Christmas in Liverpool. A host of festive favourites are already confirmed to return including Liverpool ONE's Christmas launch, Bar Hutte and the Santa Dash.

Every year countless Christmas-themed events take over the city centre and this year will be no different. New additions include the arrival of enchanted yurts along the waterfront which allows young visitors to journey through a magical elf-led adventure.

The Walsh family will once again light up their Hunts Cross home with colour in the name of charity while Liverpool Cathedral is back with a new rendition of its The Light Before Christmas event. The Liverpool Christmas markets are also just around the corner for festive shoppers to enjoy.

Check out some of the already confirmed Christmas events in Liverpool below.

Liverpool ONE's Christmas launch

Christmas at Liverpool ONE -Credit:Gareth Jones

Liverpool ONE's Christmas showcase will feature giant decorations, new additions to long-standing staples, and a weekend of "snow." Celebrations kick off on Friday, November 8, with the return of the neon Christmas tree that will sit on top of Chavasse Park.

New for this year on Chavasse Park will be children’s rides, including a carousel, plus a festive authentic German grill offering visitors a host of traditional Christmas flavours. As part of a bumper Christmas shopping weekend, Liverpool ONE will also create a "white Christmas" experience that sees snow fall over the shopping complex on November 16 and 17.

There will be Liverpool ONE takeovers from ice sculptures, karaoke singalongs from Santa and his elves, silent discos, choirs and carol singer takeovers every Thursday from November 21. Read more here.

Bar Hutte is back

Bar Hutte will return to Chavasse Park for Christmas -Credit:Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo

Festive food and drink venue Bar Hütte is returning to Liverpool ONE with a secondary site opening in Warrington. The après-ski-inspired space sees several alpine huts open annually underneath Liverpool's Christmas tree, which has recently relocated to Chavasse Park.

Bar Hütte allows guests to sing their hearts out in the karaoke hüttes, join wreath-making workshops and family-friendly events, or simply enjoy the food and drink. Bar Hütte returns to Liverpool ONE from Saturday, November 9, until Tuesday, December 31, with bookings now available here.

Enchanted yurts at the waterfront

M&S Bank Arena and Wheel of Liverpool -Credit:Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo

A unique Christmas experience will take over Liverpool’s Kings Dock this festive season. Families are invited on a theatrical adventure through "Christmas Shire" where three enchanted yurts will pop up alongside the Wheel of Liverpool.

The adventure follows Nutmeg the elf who has been looking after the Christmas magic since last year. Guests will join Nutmeg on an interactive, 45-minute behind-the-scenes adventure through the enchanted yurts of Christmas Shire, meeting other charming characters as they go.

Christmas-Shire at Kings Dock will run from Saturday, November 16 to Sunday, December 22. Read more on the enchanted yurts here.

Liverpool Christmas Markets

Although dates haven't been confirmed, the ECHO understands Liverpool's Christmas Markets are on course to return in 2024. Last year visitors were treated to a tipi bar, ski bar, and windmill bar where guests can get a drink.

A new addition in 2023 included the Bavarian bar which held local performers on the weekends. The karaoke ski-lifts are also a staple allowing guests to take the music into their own hands.

Liverpool Cathedral light show

The Light Before Christmas: The Manger (2023) artworks by Luxmuralis at Liverpool Cathedral -Credit:Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo

The Light Before Christmas: Starlight event will return to Liverpool Cathedral during the festive season. Back by popular demand, the immersive sound and light installation transforms the hall into a stunning canvas of light, sound, and storytelling.

Visitors will follow the star and experience the Nativity story in a new, enchanting way. The event is suitable for all ages making it the perfect start to the Christmas season.

The Light Before Christmas: Starlight is available from Friday, November 29, until Saturday, December 7. Read more on The Light Before Christmas here.

Santa Dash

The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash returns for its 20th anniversary event on Sunday, December 1. Every year thousands of Santas take part in a 5k fun. This year’s official charity partner is Claire House Children’s Hospice.

This year's dash starts at Pier Head at 9.30am before moving through the Royal Albert Dock and around the city centre. Santas cross the grandstand finish line outside Liverpool Town Hall – complete with stilt-walking festive characters and "real" snow.

Christmas Light Switch On

Helen and Marty Walsh's house in Hunts Cross lights up for the Christmas light show -Credit:Liverpool Echo

The annual Christmas Light Switch On event has confirmed its return for this Christmas season. Every year hundreds gather along the streets to watch as a single house lights up the neighbourhood to bring seasonal joy and raise funds for charity.

Owners Helen and Marty Walsh of Palmerston Drive, Hunts Cross, deck their home with Christmas lights every year - from towering neon trees in the garden and bridges along its perimeter to flashing snowflakes and stars on the walls, doors and windows.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, December 1, at 6pm with "more details to follow." Read more on the Christmas light show here.

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