Liverpool City Council has unveiled plans for the city’s 2026 festive season, including two major outdoor Christmas attractions, seasonal markets and a packed programme of family events.
A new open-air ice-skating experience, Skate St George’s, will be introduced outside St George’s Hall, while Liverpool Christmas Wonderland @ Pier Head will feature a covered ice rink, thrill rides, games and other festive activities beneath the Three Graces.
The two attractions will be delivered by Underbelly and Icebox Live following a competitive tender process.
Both operators are also expected to work with community groups across Liverpool on creative projects and initiatives focused on social impact and sustainability. Further details will be announced at a later date.
Skate St George’s will complement the festive programme taking place inside Liverpool’s City Halls, which will include A Christmas Carol, Story Time with Santa and the popular Carols by Lantern Light.
A series of pop-up Christmas markets will also take place at city centre locations including Basnett Street and the Cunard Building on selected dates.
The markets will feature a range of local and independent traders, giving visitors the opportunity to shop for seasonal food, drinks and gifts.
Liverpool’s Christmas Markets attract more than 500,000 visitors each year and have become one of the city’s biggest seasonal attractions.
The council said the festive programme helps increase footfall and hotel stays, supports local businesses and provides a significant economic boost to the city during the winter months.
Dates, opening times and ticket information for Liverpool’s 2026 Christmas attractions are expected to be announced closer to the festive season.
Traders who are interested in exploring opportunities at St George’s Hall should engage directly with the operator, for more information visit their website.
For more information on the Liverpool Christmas Wonderland at the Pier Head, visit the website here.
Local businesses or traders who are interested in operating at the pop-up seasonal markets, or at one of Liverpool City Council’s year-round market locations, should visit you can on the councils website. Dates for Basnett Street and Cunard Building markets will be announced shortly.
For more information on the wider festive event programme at Liverpool City Halls, visit the Liverpool City Halls website.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said:
“Liverpool’s Christmas Markets are a hugely important part of our festive offer, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors and helping to showcase everything that makes our city special at Christmas.
“We’re delighted to expand our offer this year as part of our ambition to make Christmas in Liverpool bigger and better than ever, building on our reputation as one of the UK’s leading festive destinations and creating a magical experience for everyone who lives in or visits our city this winter.”
Ed Bartlam, co-founder of Underbelly, said:
“We’re delighted to be bringing Skate St George’s to Liverpool this Christmas. Having spent years producing some of the UK’s best-loved festive experiences, we wanted to bring that same quality and care to Liverpool, adding something new to what is already a brilliant Christmas city.
“Set against the magnificent backdrop of St George’s Hall, we’re looking forward to working with the local community to create a new seasonal highlight that complements Liverpool’s festive calendar.”
Richard Elmer, Founder of Icebox Live, said:
“It’s a great honour to be operating in Liverpool for the festive season once again, having first began on Pier Head in 2016.
“Having created and run Liverpool’s biggest Christmas event at Pier Head on the waterfront for many years, we’re delighted to be lighting up the Three Graces for all to see once more.
“Steeped in the city’s history, Pier Head is a truly spectacular setting – and working hand in hand with Liverpool’s local operators, we’re proud to create an event for the whole of the city, and its visitors, to enjoy for many years to come.”
READ MORE: Royal Albert Dock lights up Liverpool waterfront for 180th anniversary
