The best events happening in Merseyside this month
LIGHT TRAIL | ROYAL ALBERT DOCK | UNTIL JANUARY
This festive period, Albert Dock is pulling out all the stops with an exciting programme of free, family-friendly events offering a series of magical workshops, plus the return of the light trail with two brand new nautical additions. Joining the illuminated characters of Triton, Neptune, Bella and Bertie is a giant yellow submarine located next to The Beatles Story and a twinkling jellyfish duo in-front of the Martin Luther King Jr. building.
The Colonnades, Liverpool L3 4AA (Free entry, download a copy of the trail at Royal Albert Dock.)
RED RIDING HOOD | EVERYMAN THEATRE | 25 NOV - 14 JAN
You might think you know the story of Red Riding Hood, but this is the tale told Everyman style! This year’s iconic rock ‘n’ roll panto features an ensemble of exceptional performers ready to sing, play, dance and sparkle in Red Riding Hood. Expect the most magical, musical Christmas with plenty of songs and silliness ahead.
5-11 Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BH (Tickets priced £16 to £41, with group and child discounts at selected performances, from The Everyman Theatre.)
ART OF THE TERRACES | WALKER ART GALLERY | 5 NOVEMBER - 12 MARCH 2023
A ground-breaking new exhibition combining fashion, football and art, as told from the terraces of the stadiums in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Art of the Terraces considers the culture of football ‘casuals’, which began on Britain’s football terraces in the late 1970s. Visitors will see artwork by leading contemporary artists such as Leo Fitzmaurice, Turner Prize winners Mark Leckey and Mark Wallinger, Pete McKee, Lucy McKenzie, Ross Muir and Dave White.
William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EL (Pay what you think; more info at National Museums Liverpool)
THE LIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS | LIVERPOOL CATHEDRAL | 2-9 DECEMBER
An immersive experience, which will take visitors on a journey through the Nativity story. ‘The Light Before Christmas: The Angels Are Coming!’ sees the magnificent Gothic interior of the cathedral as a canvas for a sequence of light and sound artworks. A contemporary twist on the opening scenes of the Nativity, the captivating yuletide experience will see angels guide the way through a special display of twinkling lights, mesmerising projections and beautiful music, inspired by the first Christmas.
St James Mount, Liverpool L1 7AZ (Tickets £5.50/£6.60/£8.80, under threes go free, from TicketQuarter.)
CHRISTMAS NIGHT MARKET | UNITY THEATRE | SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER
Come in from the cold to enjoy an evening of local makers, crafts, artists and musicians. Celebrating and supporting local artists and businesses, Unity Theatre is transforming into a Winter Wonderland for one night only, packed full of shopping, dining and live entertainment. Highlights include special drink offers from everyone’s favourite local brewers including Love Lane, 92 Degrees, Neptune, Big Bog and more.
1 Hope Place, Liverpool L1 9BG (Free entry, 5.30pm-10pm, more info at Unity Theatre.)
ARTISANS IN THE CITY WINTER MARKET | METQUARTER | SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER
This new event from Art Quarter will take place on Metquarter’s upper level and showcase the work of a raft of local artists. Pick up one-of-a-kind gifts, cards, decorations and artworks. Stallholders at the event include By Maggie Naturally, creator of beautiful handprinted silk scarves; Bee Shack, a Liverpool beekeeper who will sell locally made honey; Lazy Kate Textiles, textile specialists who run workshops across the city and jam experts, The Liverpool Jam Company.
35 Whitechapel, Liverpool L1 6DA (11am-5pm, free entry. More info at Metquarter.)
SIX THE MUSICAL | LIVERPOOL PLAYHOUSE | 6 DECEMBER - 8 JANUARY
Reigning on Broadway and in the West End, the international smash hit musical SIX makes a royal return to Liverpool Playhouse. From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. We can’t wait to welcome back the Queens.
Williamson Square, Liverpool L1 1EL (Tickets £10-£45 from The Everyman.)
GREMLINS | THE PLAZA | THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER
The latest Plaza 80s special is a Christmas screening of the classic film Gremlins. A young man inadvertently breaks three important rules concerning his new pet and unleashes a horde of malevolent mischievous monsters on a small town during the festive season. DJ and promoter Nick Gartland will be on hand playing all those 80s tunes from early doors. Watch out for more Plaza specials in 2023...
13 Crosby Rd N, Waterloo, Liverpool L22 0LD (Doors 6.45pm, tickets £7 from the Plaza box office - no booking fee - and Eventbrite.)
GOLDILOCKS | THE EPSTEIN THEATRE | 9 DECEMBER - 1 JANUARY
Audiences are in for a tasty treat that’s "just right" this Christmas. The spectacular show from leading panto producers Regal Entertainments promises Liverpool audiences madcap comedy capers and all the fun of the circus – including circus skills and stunts performed by cast members.
85 Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 3DZ (Tickets from £18 at Epstein Theatre)
LUNA CINEMA | ST GEORGE’S HALL | 10 - 23 DECEMBER
Two weeks of feel-good festive films come to the big screen at St George’s Hall, complete with giant Christmas trees, beautiful twinkly lights, and of course a sprinkling of snow. The line-up includes Love Actually, The Holiday, and It's A Wonderful Life, as well as family favourites such as Home Alone, Elf and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
St George's Place, Liverpool L1 1JJ (Tickets from £13.50. For the list of films and to purchase tickets, visit Luna Cinema)
MANCHESTER COLLECTIVE | TUNG AUDITORIUM | SUNDAY 11 DECEMBER
Known for their experimental programming and daring collaborations, Manchester Collective perform a combination of cutting-edge contemporary music, classical masterpieces and staged work in spaces ranging from concert halls to warehouses, nightclubs to festivals. At the heart of this adventurous programme for string ensemble is a new commission by Oliver Leith – the voice of a new generation of British composers.
60 Oxford St, Liverpool L7 3NY (4pm, tickets PWYF £10/£20 from The Tung Auditorium)
MAKERS' MARKET | LEAF BOLD STREET | WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER
The Makers’ Market is bringing together over 20 independent designers, creatives and artisans and all of their festive goodies at LEAF Bold Street for a special afternoon of shopping upstairs in the beautiful venue. Just in time for last-minute Christmas gifts, inspirations and stocking fillers and with live music from Mike Blue and perhaps a winter-warming beverage.
65-67 Bold St, Liverpool L1 4EZ (From 3pm, free entry. More info at LEAF)
NASHER’S MERRY QUIZMAS | THE BME | WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER
A special Christmas edition of the popular monthly BME quiz night with a very special guest host, Brian ‘Nasher’ Nash of Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Taking place inside the museum, the Christmas Quiz is bigger, brasher and bolder - featuring some favourite rounds plus interactive questions on the big screen. There will be spot prizes and bonus points from mystery questions, as well as a prize for the winning team. Maximum team size is 8, so get your friends together and put your thinking (Santa) hats on.
Cunard Building, Liverpool L3 1DS (7.30pm, tickets £10 including a free drink, from the British Music Experience.)
DOGGY BRUNCH | NOVA SCOTIA | SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER
Santa Paws is coming to town. The debut Doggy Brunch set tongues and tails wagging and now the canine celebration of all creatures great and dog-like is back with a festive special. Each paying adult receives a breakfast brioche and warm drink whilst their pooch is served a doggie breakfast and pupachino - all dogs eat and drink for free.
25a Mann Island, Liverpool L3 1BP (8.30am start, tickets £10. Booking essential via Nova Scotia or email hello@novascotialiverpool.co.uk)
ALPINE VILLAGE | LIVERPOOL ONE | UNTIL 31 DECEMBER
Liverpool ONE has a brand new 18-metre neon Christmas tree for this year and is the focal point for the "Alpine Village", presented by popular Christmas pop-up Bar Hütte. Expect a wide range of activities from curling, "prosecco pong" and shuffleboard, to live music, market stalls and even wreath-making classes. The much-loved karaoke will also be returning. God help us.
Thomas Steers Way, Liverpool L1 8LW (For Alpine Village bookings, visit Liverpool ONE)
TURNER PRIZE | TATE LIVERPOOL | UNTIL 19 MARCH 2023
This year’s Turner Prize is back in Liverpool for the first time in 15 years. Four outstanding artists - Heather Phillipson, Ingrid Pollard, Veronica Ryan and Sin Wai Kin - are showing their work at Tate Liverpool in this free exhibition ahead of the winner announced in December.
Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4BB (Free entry, tickets from Tate Liverpool)
JAZZ SATURDAYS CHRISTMAS SPECIAL | MA BOYLE'S | SATURDAY 24 DECEMBER
A spectrum of jazz innovators, stars and collectives have made Jazz Saturdays their own at Ma Boyle’s, hand-picked by Parrjazz to enrapture guests, with all shows free to attend. Ma’s Jazz Brunch is a festive tradition on Christmas Eve. This year’s special guest Rob Stringer sings all the favourite Christmas classics to fill the intimate space with a warm festive glow.
7 Tower Gardens, Liverpool L3 1LG (12noon - 5pm, free entry. Bookings at Ma Boyle's)
NEW YEARS EVE | CAINS BREWERY | SATURDAY 31 DECEMBER
Access all areas to four venues for one night only. In Demand radio take over Punch Tarmeys, while there’s unlimited video gaming at Arcains, plus beers and live music at Cains Brewery and the Courtyard. DJs include Steve Weaver, Steve Cocky, Sie Austin, Tommy Mc, Billie Clements, plus live music from Jack Bennett and more TBC. £10 wristband includes four venues under one roof.
39 Stanhope Street, Cains Brewery Village L8 5RE (5pm - 3am, tickets £10 from TicketTailor)
MEGALOPOLIS | INVISIBLE WIND FACTORY | SATURDAY 31 DECEMBER
Another madcap event concept from the creative team at IWF, in collaboration with Keep It Cryptic, Social Hours and Sisu. Megalopolis is an expansive place of music and culture, sprawling across rooms and stages and taking the audience on a journey of both familiarity and new discovery. With bands, DJs, games, secret worlds, and the option to arrive early (limited availability) for some food and an intimate gig before it all ramps up, Megalopolis is where it’s at this NYE. Line-up includes Galaxians, bop kaballa, dowd and dmc.
3 Regent Rd, Liverpool L3 7DS (Tickets from £25+bf at Skiddle.)
LOST NYE CARNIVAL | CAMP & FURNACE | SATURDAY 31 DECEMBER
It’s time to get LOST at the Carnival. Camp & Furnace presents its biggest venue transformation to date with two rooms of music, circus performers, and loads more. House & Tech comes from DJs Dan Fresco and Riley, while room 2 has a hip-hop / grime / DnB vibe from Dan Hills. Last Entry 12am.
67 Greenland Street, Liverpool, L1 0BY (9pm-4am, tickets from £9+bf at Skiddle.)
Read next: Liverpool's top dining deals and eating out offers: December 2022
Read again: The hottest new restaurants and bars to visit in Liverpool
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