Liverpool ONE has unveiled an exciting programme of Christmas events and activities for 2026, featuring a spectacular new 30-metre Christmas tree, the return of its popular Toy Parade, festive entertainment and a brand-new shopping celebration called Wishmas.
The announcement comes as the city centre shopping and leisure destination celebrates a record-breaking milestone, having welcomed more than one million visitors in a single week for the first time since opening in 2008.
Liverpool ONE recorded its busiest-ever week during October half term, from 26 October to 1 November, building on a successful summer and setting the stage for what promises to be a busy festive shopping season.
Among the highlights of this year’s Christmas celebrations is Wishmas, a brand-new event taking place on Saturday 5 December. The one-day festive extravaganza will feature entertainment, giveaways and surprises, including the opportunity for shoppers to win up to £1,000 towards their Christmas shopping.
The much-loved Liverpool ONE Christmas Toy Parade will return on Saturday 14 November, bringing dancing toys, Santa Claus and magical characters to the streets of Liverpool city centre.
Created and produced by Walk the Plank, the parade will take place at 12.30pm, 3pm and 5pm, following an extended route across Liverpool ONE and Church Street through a partnership with Liverpool Business Improvement District.
Families can also look forward to the return of Festive Thursdays on 3, 10 and 17 December, with free seasonal entertainment including appearances from Inka the Polar Bear, Christmas karaoke with Niall O’Callaghan and a Santa band takeover.
Visitors to Liverpool ONE can already enjoy a dazzling collection of new Christmas decorations, with a spectacular 30-metre walk-through Christmas tree taking centre stage on Paradise Street.
The festive displays also include reindeer, a bubble arch, selfie wings and thousands of twinkling lights, creating plenty of opportunities for Christmas photographs.
Meanwhile, Chavasse Park is home to Stone’s Throw Social, a new festive entertainment venue offering curling, karaoke, shuffleboard, seasonal food and Christmas drinks.
Brendan Hattam, Centre Director at Liverpool ONE, said:
“Christmas is always a magical time at Liverpool ONE and this year is no exception. Alongside the return of many festive favourites, we have introduced plenty of new events and decorations this year, including a brand-new walk-through Christmas tree at the heart of our centre.
“We welcome our partnership with Liverpool Business Improvement District to expand the route of the Christmas Toy Parade into the wider retail area, demonstrating our close collaboration with city partners to deliver a joined-up Christmas experience in the city centre.
“From our new Christmas tree and ‘Festive Thursdays’ to the very first Wishmas event and our fantastic mix of brands, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained throughout the festive season. We can’t wait to welcome them all to Liverpool ONE.”
Katie Bentley, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Communications at Liverpool Business Improvement District, added:
“We are delighted to be supporting Liverpool ONE and Walk the Plank in bringing the Toy Parade into the Liverpool BID area on Church Street this Christmas.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring some extra festive magic into the city centre, creating a brilliant atmosphere for families and visitors while encouraging people to explore our high streets, support local businesses and enjoy everything Liverpool has to offer. Events like this really help bring the city to life and get everyone into the Christmas spirit.”
To help shoppers make the most of the festive season, Liverpool ONE will introduce extended shopping hours from Monday 14 December until Wednesday 23 December.
With festive shopping, family entertainment, Christmas attractions and seasonal celebrations taking place throughout November and December, Liverpool ONE is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors to the heart of the city.
For more information about Christmas events and activities, visit Liverpool ONE’s official Christmas website.
