Liverpool’s Pier Head to be transformed for a major new Christmas festival

Liverpool’s Pier Head will take centre stage this winter as a major new Christmas festival brings ice skating, live entertainment, rides, markets and festive attractions to the waterfront.

The Liverpool Winter Festival will run from Friday, November 21st until Monday, January 5th, transforming one of the city’s most famous landmarks into a free-to-enter festive village. Visitors can enjoy the lights, markets and atmosphere at no cost, with skating sessions and grotto visits available to book in advance.

Created by Crow Leisure Group, the family run team behind some of the UK’s biggest festive attractions, the event will feature everything from street food and local traders to large-scale rides, live music and seasonal drinks. The 600 square metre real ice rink and 65 metre Star Flyer are expected to be standout highlights, alongside two themed grottos – Santa’s Storytime Grotto and the GRINCHMAS Grotto Takeover.

Alex and Kennedy Crow, Managing Directors of Crow Leisure Group, said:

“Liverpool’s waterfront has always been the city’s stage, and this winter we want to bring it to life in a way that feels exciting, welcoming and unmistakably Liverpool.

“As parents ourselves, we know how much families value experiences like this, but we’ve created the festival for everyone, from couples and groups of friends to visitors who just want to soak up the atmosphere. You can come down for a walk and a drink, go skating, or bring the kids to see Santa. It’s about creating something the whole city can enjoy together.”

The festival will be fully accessible and dog friendly, with a line-up of local traders, food and drink stalls, tipis to relax in, and live music across the season.

Liverpool Winter Festival runs from Friday, November 21st until Monday, January 5th at the Pier Head. The festival will open from 1pm until 10.30pm Monday to Friday and from 11am until 10.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Between Friday, December 19th and Thursday, January 1st, it will be open daily from 11am until 10.30pm, closing only on Christmas Day.

Kennedy added:

“This is a big moment for Liverpool. The Pier Head is already a place people are proud of, and this gives it a new life for Christmas. We want it to feel inclusive and full of character – somewhere people of all ages can enjoy, come back to and make part of their own Christmas traditions.”

Find out more or book grotto and skating tickets here.