Christmas on Merseyside – Family Events

Now it’s the end of November it’s only fair that I’m allowed to talk about Christmas. I think we could all do with some festive fun considering the miserable weather recently. Luckily, Liverpool has upped it’s game in the festive stakes this year and there is so much magical Christmas fun to be had all over Merseyside. I love going to family events to help get into that Christmas spirit and there is such a wonderful range of free and ticketed events going on over the region you’re bound to find something to do. I always think it’s quite nice to give the gift of an experience for Christmas rather than just more ‘stuff’ and hopefully some of these will inspire you to do just that.

DREAMWORKS LIGHTS  26th November – 15th January, St George’s Hall

Arriving for the first time in the UK, this Shrektacular event features 100 lantern versions of characters from the Dreamworks movies Shrek, Kung-Fu Panda and Madagascar. This looks fantastic, totally different to anything I’ve seen before and we can’t wait to try it out. The walk through experience is inside St George’s Hall and this week a giant inflatable Shrek was unveiled on top of the hall ready to welcome visitors.

WINTER CELEBRATION 27th November, National Wildflower Centre

Free entry to the National Wildflower Centre for their winter celebration with birds of prey, tombola, choir singing, roasted chestnuts and BBQ. Guaranteed to get you in the mood for Christmas.

SING ALONG WITH SANTA 17th December-18 December, Liverpool Philharmonic

A wonderful Christmas family concert that gives little ones a chance to experience the sights and sounds of a symphony orchestra. The shows are designed with children in mind with lots of song to sing along and dance to, they are an hour long and all fidgeting and wriggling is definitely allowed!

THE STORYBARN MAGICAL TALES December, Calderstones Park

Join the storyelves this Christmas for seasonal stories and crafting, play gift-wrapped games and sing some festive favourites. We still haven’t tried out the Storybarn so we’re going to try and get there next month to see some of the Christmas treats. Seasonal surprises planned all month and Santa Claus comes to visit 16-18th December.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS 18th November, 22nd December, St George’s Hall Plateau

It wouldn’t be Christmas without Christmas markets which this year have moved outside St George’s Hall to coincide with Deamworks Lights. More than 40 stalls will be selling all your favourite festive food, dazzling arts and captivating crafts…I’m hoping to pop by this later this week and maybe have a mulled wine.

THE ICE FESTIVAL 12th November – 3rd January, Pierhead Liverpool

This year’s Ice Festival has moved down the the waterfront and includes a big undercover ice rink alongside Christmassy entertainment and festive food and drink, ice bar and, new for this year, the ice slide!

CHRISTMAS AT SPEKE HALL December, Speke Hall

Speke Hall is one of our favourite local places to visit so I’m looking forward to seeing it decked out for Christmas. Visit on the weekends of 26 & 27 November and 3, 4, 10 & 11 December where there will be lots of festive activities taking place. Father and Mrs Christmas will also be in the Home Farm Grotto, pre-booking is essential.

SNOWFLAKE TRAIL 1st December – 3rd January, City Centre

Follow the snowflake trail set up across the city centre, see the trail of local landmarks transformed by dazzling lights and look for the sculptural snowflakes decorated by regional artists.

SANTA’S MAGICAL GROTTO – December, Liverpool Town Hall

The traditional style Grotto will be housed in The Crypt of the Town Hall, where children and their families will be greeted by Santa’s Elves. This is a fantastic new setting for Santa’s Grotto and I always hear good things about the Liverpool Grotto.

CHRISTMAS AT THE ALBERT DOCK December, Albert Dock

This Christmas the Albert Dock is set to be transformed during the hours of darkness into a canvas for the most magical 4D projection mapping spectacular. The Dr Martin Luther King Jr building will showcase a festive illuminated display every night from December 3 to January 2. Also enjoy festive themed activities and story sessions aboard the ships at the Dock as the beautiful tall ship Stavros S Niarchos returns for her winter stay. Festive activities also at the Tate, Maritime Museum and Mattel Play.

STORYTIME WITH SANTA December, St George’s Hall Heritage Centre

Storytime with Santa is an interactive family show which captures the experiences of both a Grotto and theatre, featuring Father Christmas and his Elf who have travelled all the way from the North Pole to entertain children and adults of all ages. You can also read more about this on Mini Travellers blog.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL 10th December, The Palmhouse Sefton Park

Pick N Mix theatre are doing a festive retelling of A Christmas Carol with live music, carol singing and puppetry. Also have a look at the Palm House’s Free Sunday Concerts going on over December, perfect to pop into if you’re in the park.