Families across Knowsley can enjoy a packed programme of free Christmas entertainment as Huyton, Kirkby and Prescot prepare to host their annual Christmas light switch-ons and festive fun days.
The Knowsley Christmas events 2026 programme includes live music, appearances from Father Christmas, festive characters, roaming entertainers, children’s activities and Santa’s grottos throughout November and December.
The celebrations begin with Christmas light switch-on events in Huyton and Prescot, followed by Kirkby’s festive launch and a series of family fun days across all three town centres.
Huyton Christmas Light Switch On – Friday 13 November
Huyton’s Christmas celebrations take place on Friday 13 November, from 3pm to 7pm, with live performances from Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Royle, Dua Lipa tribute act Duaphoria and professional opera singer Lynne Kenning.
Families can also meet Father Christmas and enjoy appearances from The Grinch, Buddy the Elf, Arctic Explorers and other festive characters.
Entertainment will include stilt walkers, disco ball head performers and a festive train ride before the Christmas lights are switched on.
Prescot Christmas Light Switch On – Saturday 14 November
Prescot will host its Christmas light switch-on event on Saturday 14 November, from 3pm to 7pm.
The entertainment line-up includes Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Andrew Curphey, Taylor Swift and K-Pop tribute acts, and opera singer Lynne Kenning.
Father Christmas will also make an appearance alongside Naughty & Nice the Elves, The Grinch, Hodman & Sally, LED stilt walkers and disco ball head performers.
Visitors can also enjoy a festive sleigh ride as Prescot gets into the Christmas spirit.
Kirkby Christmas Light Switch On – Friday 20 November
Kirkby’s annual Christmas Light Switch On takes place on Friday 20 November, from 4.30pm to 7.30pm.
The event will feature performances from Tony Mortimer, Ian Van Dahl, Max Sarre, Lois Brooks and Liam Halewood, alongside local community groups.
Marvellous Markets will also be taking place through St Chad’s Parade, adding to the festive atmosphere in Kirkby town centre.
Kirkby Festive Fun Day and Santa’s Grotto – Saturday 5 December
Kirkby’s Festive Fun Day takes place on Saturday 5 December, with Christmas-themed performers, entertainment and a children’s craft workshop.
Young visitors can also take part in a special letter-writing activity to send their Christmas wishes to Santa.
Santa’s Grotto will open at Unit 26, St Chad’s Parade, formerly LiverPrint, from Saturday 5 December.
The grotto will also open on 11, 12, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23 and 24 December.
Dedicated SEN sessions, funded by Kirkby Neighbourhood Board, will take place on 6, 13 and 20 December, offering an accessible festive experience for children and families.
Prescot Festive Fun Day – Saturday 5 December
Prescot’s free Festive Fun Day takes place on Saturday 5 December, from 11am to 3pm.
Families can visit Santa’s Grotto at The Arc2 on Eccleston Street, where Father Christmas and his elves will be welcoming visitors.
The town centre will also feature Talking Christmas Trees, a Gingerbread Mascot and Gingerbread Lady, Anna and Elsa, Buddy the Elf and stilt-walking Nutcrackers with drums.
Other activities include an inflatable snow globe, face painting, a free craft workshop at The Arc2 and an Elf Trail.
No booking is required for the craft workshop, while Elf Trail forms will be available from The Dance Shop at 69–71 Eccleston Street.
Huyton Festive Fun Day – Saturday 12 December
Huyton’s Festive Fun Day takes place on Saturday 12 December, from 11am to 3pm, bringing another afternoon of free family entertainment to the town centre.
Children can meet Father Christmas and his elves at Santa’s Grotto in Huyton Village Green, Unit 1, Cavendish Walk.
Festive characters and performers will include Snow Queen Stilt Walkers, a Naughty Elf, Hodman & Sally, Singing Snow Fairies and a Roller Skating Elf.
Families can also enjoy face painting, an inflatable snow globe, a free craft workshop at Village Green and an Elf Trail, with trail forms available from Huyton Village Green.
Free festive entertainment for families across Knowsley
Cllr Tony Brennan, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said:
“Our Christmas events are a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to come together, enjoy some festive fun and make lasting memories. With a fantastic range of free activities, entertainment and special Christmas characters, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
“We hope residents and visitors also take the opportunity to support local businesses and do a spot of Christmas shopping in our town centres.”
The Christmas light switch-on events and festive fun days are free to attend, providing opportunities for families to celebrate the festive season while supporting shops and businesses across Knowsley’s town centres.
From live performances and Christmas characters to festive crafts and Santa’s grottos, the programme offers plenty of ways to enjoy Christmas in Huyton, Kirkby and Prescot.
