From Christmas markets to ski-shots and karaoke, read our guide to the festive season in the city
ALL I want for Christmas is COVID-19 and a national lockdown, said no-one ever. After 2020 threw a whole load of “Bah, humbug” at all of our favourite things, the festive season is back with a bang. From the winter craft market, to mulled wine, giant pigs in blankets and the legendary Ropes & Twines window display, Christmas in Liverpool is the most wonderful time for a beer. Erm, sorry, the most wonderful time of the YEAR.
Here are our top picks for festive happenings and places to get your Christmas groove on in Liverpool.
LIVERPOOL ICE FESTIVAL | Pier Head | 19 November - 3 January
From the UK’s only Ice Jet ride, to a whole host of traditional Christmas markets, there’s something for everyone at this year’s Liverpool Ice Festival. The main attraction at this event is the indoor ice-rink where skaters of all ages can have a crack on the ice. Visitors wishing for more of a daredevil experience can try the ice slide, which includes three super-speedy 30m runs high above the park. There’s a fully stocked Alpine Bar, and a Bavarian food court, serving up the likes of Bratwurst, hot chocolate with marshmallows, traditional mulled wine or cider, and all that jazz.
Pier Head, Liverpool L3 1HN (Further info and advance booking from Ice Festival Liverpool)
WINTER IN THE SQUARE | Exchange Flags | 17 November - 23 December
From the team that brought you Spring in the Square and Summer in the Square - you’ve guessed it - it’s Winter in the Square. Grab a seat in the winter tipi from 12 noon until 11pm on Thursdays - Sundays, for this winter wonderland event at Exchange Flags. Special events include Apres Ski Thursdays, Christmas Party Fridays, live music weekends, and themed nights. A Christmas bar and festive food menu will be available, with all tickets including a welcome drink. Previous events have turned into quite the party. Booking link coming soon...
Exchange Flags, Liverpool L2 3YL (More info at Exchange Flags)
BAR HÜTTE | Liverpool ONE | 12 November - 1 January
The perfect opportunity to reenact the video for Last Christmas, Bar Hütte’s après ski pop-up is an Alpine-inspired resort featuring holiday style chalets amongst a lively courtyard. Situated right underneath the giant Liverpool ONE Christmas Tree, you can’t miss it, even if you wanted to. Embrace the best time of the year with prosecco and cocktails, all brought to you by your own hütte host, whilst you belt out Christmas karaoke classics. All the jingle ladies, all the jingle ladies, it's time to lip-sync for your life. Try the legendary Bar Hütte Bombardino - a combination of hot rum and eggnog topped with whipped cream & cinnamon, essentially Christmas in a cup. Bar Hütte are also known for their shot-ski’s; four shots of limoncello on an actual ski. Brings a whole new meaning to the phrase "On the piste".
Liverpool ONE, Paradise Street, Liverpool L1 8BJ (Further info and booking at Bar Hütte Liverpool)
CHRISTMAS MARKETS | St John’s Gardens | 12 November - 23 December
If all had gone to plan with the Lime Street development then the Christmas Markets would have been on the newly renovated Lime Street plateau. Plan B is that the stalls will relocate to St Johns Gardens and William Brown Street for 2021. We’ve been promised the return of the cosy tipi bar, along with the ski bar and windmill bar, and the new addition of the Bavarian bar where you can try a selection of German beers. Nothing says Christmas like The Yorkshire Pud Wrap stall, a traditional swing grill, sui mai, Greek gyros and potato tornados. Decorations, glass baubles, photo prints, jewellery and all that sort of twinkly tat complete the package. Wrap up warm.
St George's Plateau, Liverpool, L1 1JJ (Further info at Visit Liverpool)
WINTER ARTS MARKET | Liverpool Cathedral | Friday 3 & Saturday 4 December
If you're after some locally produced food and drink, cutesy crafts and cool gifts, the Winter Arts Market is the place to go. You'll be spoilt for choice with 55 socially distanced stalls and thousands of handmade products; original screen prints, paintings, intricate jewellery, tableware, handmade beauty products, woodwork, colourful decorations, accessories, textiles, photography, knitwear, hand poured candles and much more. Grab a gift or just treat yourself. If you’re visiting the city then a visit to Liverpool Cathedral is a must - the Welsford Cafe will be open all day on both days too.
St James Mount, Liverpool L1 7AZ (Tickets cost £5, under-16s free, available from Eventbrite)
MAKE WINTER ARKADE | Invisible Wind Factory | Sunday 12 December
Make North Docks and Invisible Wind Factory are collaborating once more to bring you this alternative and unique festive shopping experience. Visitors to this wintry shopping wonderland can expect an abundance of independent stall holders, warming mulls, activities for the whole family, themed craft workshops, and of course music and entertainment throughout the whole day. Complete your Christmas shopping lists and support the independent scene of crafters, local brewers, doers, makers and bakers all congregating for a seasonal indoor market-party.
34 Regent Street, Liverpool L3 7BN (11am - 4pm, more info at www.makecic.org)
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