Liverpool is gearing up for its brightest festive season yet, with the city set to host its most ambitious Christmas programme to date.
From sparkling ice rinks and magical grottos to artisan markets and fairground thrills, Liverpool is shaping up to be themust-visit Christmas destination for 2025.
At the heart of the celebrations is the Liverpool Winter Festival, transforming the iconic Pier Head from Saturday 22 November to Sunday 4 January. Families can look forward to an impressive 18m x 30m ice rink, enchanting meet-and-greets and story times with Santa, an elf village, children’s rides, thrill attractions, adventure golf, a giant snow globe photo spot, and a wide choice of food and drink stalls.
Opening Times
Saturday 22 November – Friday 19 December 2025
• Monday to Friday: 1:00pm – 10:30pm
• Saturday & Sunday: 11:00am – 10:30pm
Saturday 20 December 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026
• Monday to Sunday: 11:00am – 10:30pm
Please note: the festival is closed on Christmas Day.
For tickets and further information, visit the Liverpool Winter Festival website.
Elsewhere in the city, the much-loved Liverpool Christmas Markets are now open at St George’s Hall, having returned on Saturday 15 November. Running daily until Wednesday 24 December (closing at 5:00pm on Christmas Eve), the markets offer a bustling mix of festive gift stalls, handmade crafts, delicious treats, a giant Ferris wheel, vintage carousel, thrilling snow slide, and the ever-popular Alpine Bar and karaoke ski lifts. Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment and a tempting selection of seasonal dishes.
Liverpool’s historic venues are also joining the festivities, with Liverpool Town Hall, Croxteth Hall, and St George’s Hall all presenting a packed programme of Christmas events. Expect candlelit concerts, cosy Story Time with Santa sessions, a heart-warming carol concert, two silent discos (one family-friendly and one for adults), and even a Santa Paws grotto for four-legged visitors.
Full event listings and ticket details are available on the Liverpool City Halls website.
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:
“This year’s Christmas programme is our biggest and most exciting yet – and against the backdrops of the stunning Three Graces or one of our City Halls, it will really set Liverpool apart from what others are doing across the country.
“It feels like a real celebration of everything that makes Liverpool magical during the festive season and each offer complements the other, encouraging people to stay longer, explore more, and as a result, make lasting memories.
“Whether you’re a resident looking to enjoy your city in a new way, or a visitor discovering Liverpool’s festive charm for the first time, there’s something here for everyone. Without a doubt, Liverpool is this place to be this Christmas.”
Alex and Kennedy Crow, Managing Directors of Crow Leisure Group, said:
“Liverpool Winter Festival is a brand-new addition to the city’s festive calendar, set against one of the most iconic backdrops in the country.
“With real ice skating available at family-friendly prices starting from just £9.99, Santa’s Grotto, fairground rides, food, drink and live entertainment, it’s been created to bring people together and celebrate everything that makes this time of year so special.”
More information on all the festive activities across the city can be found here.
READ MORE: Liverpool’s Pier Head to be transformed for a major new Christmas festival
