Whether you’re planning a day out or a festive weekend, here’s your complete guide to family-friendly Christmas events in Liverpool 2025, with booking links and highlights.
Liverpool is one of the UK’s most magical cities at Christmas. From glowing light trails and festive markets to theatre and Santa experiences, there’s something for everyone this winter.
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Things to Do in Liverpool This Christmas 2025 for Families
1. Royal Albert Dock Scandinavian Christmas Market
Celebrate the festive season with family and friends at the Royal Albert Dock, where food, drink, and festive fun come together in a magical setting.
On selected dates throughout December, enjoy a Scandinavian-inspired market complete with:
- Flurries of falling snow on the hour for 10 minutes
- Illuminated Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and giant festive hearts for perfect photo opportunities
- A festive market square with unique gifts, tasty treats, and warming cocktails from 10 different stalls
This market combines festive shopping, food, and magical experiences for a truly unforgettable family day out.
2. Liverpool Winter Festival
Liverpool’s Pier Head is transformed into a festive wonderland with lights, rides, markets, Bavarian bars, tipis, and live entertainment. Entry is free, with optional experiences to enhance your visit:
Enjoy seasonal food, drinks, festive tipis, and thrilling rides like the 65m Star Flyer while soaking up live entertainment. Family-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and dog-friendly, the Winter Festival is a perfect spot for festive fun by the waterfront.
Dates: 21 November – 5 January 2025
Location: Pier Head, Liverpool, L3 1DP
Opening times: Mon–Fri 1pm–10:30pm, Sat–Sun 11am–10:30pm (19 Dec – 5 Jan: daily 11am–10:30pm)
- Ice Skating on a 600sqm real ice rink, £9.99 per person
- Santa’s Storytime & Grinchmas Grottos, from £22.99 per child, includes a gift
- VIP Luxe Dome Pods for up to 12 guests, £250 for two hours with bar tab
3. The Light Before Christmas: The Gift at Liverpool Cathedral
Dates: 28 November – 6 December 2025
Book tickets: Buy tickets here
One of Liverpool’s most loved festive traditions returns in 2025. The Light Before Christmas transforms Liverpool Cathedral with a breathtaking light and sound experience, telling a brand-new story: The Gift.
Highlights
- Immersive light and sound projections inside the cathedral
- A festive journey capturing the wonder and warmth of Christmas
- Moments for joy, reflection, and family fun
Perfect for families, friends, and school groups, this magical experience has become a must-visit Christmas event in Liverpool.
4. Elf on the Shelf Liverpool 2025
Liverpool’s Giant Elf on the Shelf is back, standing over 15 feet tall, and ready to spread festive cheer across the city. Follow the Elf for a free family-friendly trail and the chance to win a Christmas weekend worth over £500, including panto tickets, Elf show tickets, a hotel stay, and a meal for two.
For full details of Elf on the Shelf 2025 Liverpool locations, visit: Where to Find the Elf on the Shelf Liverpool
5. Santa’s Secret Forest, Orrell Woods
Step into Santa’s Christmas Hub, a world of wonder and festive enchantment spread across ten magical rooms. Your journey begins in the Grand Lobby, where elves greet you and a magical guestbook springs to life, setting the stage for adventure. All aboard the Tinsel Town Express, a sparkling storybook train that whisks you into a world of festive music and twinkling scenery. Roll up your sleeves in Santa’s Sleigh Garage, helping prepare the sleigh for its Christmas Eve flight, then peek behind the scenes at North Pole Command, where mischievous elves ensure every child’s Christmas is perfectly on track.
In The Mail Room, letters soar through magical tubes straight to the North Pole, while you pen your own heartfelt message to Santa. Stroll through the Elf Village, with its snow-dusted shopfronts and timeless Toy Shop displays, before joining the elves in the bustling Toy Workshop, where toys come to life under your watchful eye. Step through the Time Tunnel for a heartwarming journey through Christmases of yesteryear, filled with twinkling lights, cosy displays, and festive nostalgia.
As your adventure draws near its finale, board the Departures lounge for a cosy pre-flight briefing, then ascend in The Magic Elevators, soaring from Santa’s Secret Forest above clouds to the glittering North Pole, where the Big Man himself awaits.
What to Expect
- A 30-minute Forest Light Trail through an enchanted, illuminated forest
- Merrywood Market, selling festive treats and local gifts
- Meet Santa’s real reindeer
- General Admission (Light Trail + Christmas Hub): From £34 + booking fee
- Light Trail Only: From £15 + booking fee
- Luxury VIP Packages Available
Book tickets: santassecretforest.co.uk
6. The North Pole Experience at Otterspool Adventure
Located on Liverpool’s scenic Otterspool Promenade, The North Pole Experience brings festive magic to life. Children can make teddy bears, decorate cookies, and visit Santa in his workshop.
Dates: 22 November – 24 December 2025
Address: Otterspool Drive, Liverpool, L17 5AL
Book tickets: otterspooladventurecentre.co.uk/events/thenorthpoleexperience
7. Enchanted at Knowsley Safari
Dates: 22 November – 23 December 2025
Book tickets: knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk/events/enchanted
Knowsley Safari becomes a sparkling Christmas wonderland during Enchanted, with:
- Dazzling illuminated Foot Safari trails
- Glowing animal installations
- Fire pits, toasted marshmallows, and festive street food (marshmallows included in ticket)
- Family rides and attractions
- A visit to Santa’s magical grotto
8. Visit the Church Street Christmas Tree
Stop by the Church Street Christmas tree with your family and enjoy a warm hot chocolate while taking in the festive lights. It’s the perfect spot to capture a family photo and soak up the Christmas atmosphere during your shopping trip or city stroll.
9. Theatre, Shows and Pantomimes
Liverpool truly comes alive at Christmas with a spectacular range of theatre shows, musicals, and pantomimes perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to enjoy some festive magic. From classic pantos like Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella to world-famous musicals such as Matilda, the city’s theatres are brimming with dazzling performances, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Whether you’re seeking a fun family outing, a magical first theatre experience for the little ones, or a festive night out with friends, there’s something for everyone. Discover all the shows, booking information, and insider tips in our full round-up of Christmas theatre and pantos in Liverpool: The best Christmas shows and pantos in Liverpool.
10. Visit Santa
Festive experiences and trips to see Santa are popping up all around so where can you see Santa in Liverpool in 2025. You can read our list here.
Celebrate Christmas in Liverpool
From magical light trails, Elf adventures, and festive markets to Santa experiences and world-class theatre, Liverpool is brimming with family-friendly Christmas fun in 2025.
Wrap up warm, book your tickets early, and make lasting memories as you explore the city’s magical seasonal events.
