Liverpool city centre is preparing to sparkle this festive season as the Liverpool Christmas lights switch-on takes place on Thursday 12 November 2026, bringing festive cheer to streets across the city.
The celebrations will see Christmas lights and decorations illuminate some of Liverpool’s best-known shopping streets and neighbourhoods, with businesses investing £1.2 million over the past five years through Liverpool Business Improvement District (BID) to support the city’s festive displays and activities.
Liverpool ONE will begin its own festive celebrations earlier, with its Christmas lights switch-on taking place on Friday 6 November.
Liverpool Christmas lights to illuminate the city centre
Liverpool BID teams are busy preparing for the big switch-on, installing festive lights across the city centre to create a magical atmosphere for shoppers, residents and visitors.
The displays will stretch from the Waterfront through Lord Street, Church Street, Lime Street, St George’s Quarter, Bold Street, Hardman Street and Hope Street.
For the first time, the Christmas lights will also extend to Myrtle Street, bringing festive sparkle to another part of the city.
Two Christmas trees will take pride of place in Church Street and St Paul’s Square, with the Church Street tree set to be blessed and illuminated from Thursday 19 November.
Liverpool Christmas Toy Parade returns
The festive celebrations will continue on Saturday 14 November when Liverpool ONE’s popular Christmas Toy Parade returns.
Supported by Liverpool BID, this year’s parade will extend onto Church Street, bringing even more festive entertainment into the heart of Liverpool.
The spectacular parade is produced by Walk the Plank, one of the UK’s leading outdoor arts organisations, known for creating imaginative performances and large-scale public celebrations.
Liverpool BID will also support Royal Albert Dock Liverpool and the Lantern Company with a series of creative workshops as part of the waterfront’s festive activities.
Free Christmas travel and parking returns to Liverpool
Christmas shoppers will also be able to take advantage of free and discounted travel and parking through the return of Liverpool BID’s Get IN! Christmas initiative.
A total of 2,000 tickets will be available across four Sundays in the run-up to Christmas, with 500 tickets released for each date.
The scheme will operate on:
- Sunday 29 November
- Sunday 6 December
- Sunday 13 December
- Sunday 20 December
Tickets will be available to book from 10am on Friday 20 November through the Liverpool BID Company website.
Get IN! is funded by Liverpool BID in partnership with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Merseyrail, Stagecoach, Liverpool City Council, St Johns Shopping Centre and city centre car parks.
The initiative aims to make festive shopping more affordable while encouraging people to consider public transport, car sharing and active travel when visiting Liverpool city centre.
Christmas craft workshops and festive activities
For those looking to get creative this Christmas, a programme of festive craft workshops will take place at Bean in St Paul’s Square and Metquarter.
The workshops at Bean will be available to Liverpool BID levy payers, while Metquarter’s Crafty Club will welcome members of the public.
Activities will include bauble decorating and wreath making, offering visitors the chance to create their own festive decorations.
Bookings and further information about Metquarter’s workshops can be found on Eventbrite.
Christmas toy donations to support Alder Hey Children’s Hospital
Liverpool’s festive programme will also provide opportunities for people to give something back this Christmas.
Throughout the festive period, toy donation points will be available across the city centre, collecting gifts for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
Donation locations will include Citadines Hotel on Church Street, City Square, Tithebarn Street, Castle Chambers and 43 Castle Street.
The initiative will give residents, shoppers and businesses the opportunity to help spread some Christmas joy to children and families.
Christmas in Liverpool 2026
With sparkling lights, festive parades, Christmas workshops, charitable activities and discounted travel, Liverpool city centre is preparing for a busy and exciting festive season.
The celebrations will bring together businesses, attractions and organisations across the city, creating opportunities for families and visitors to enjoy Liverpool in the run-up to Christmas.
For more information about the Liverpool Christmas lights switch-on, festive events and the Get IN! travel and parking scheme, visit the Liverpool BID Company website.
