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It’s almost that time of year again and, I may be biased, but there’s no better place to spend the festive season than at Liverpool Christmas Market.
Sure, it may not be as big as the Birmingham Christmas Market, or as famous as the Manchester Christmas Market, but that means the Christmas Market in Liverpool is a manageable size.
It’s not too overwhelmingly rammed with people, and has more than enough Christmas cheer to go around. What’s not to love?
If you’re planning a Christmas Markets trip to Liverpool this year, or if you live in Liverpool and just want a refresher on what to expect at this year’s festivities, you’re in the right place.
Here’s everything you need to know before you visit the Liverpool Christmas Market!
Table of Contents
Where Is The Liverpool Christmas Market?
The Liverpool Christmas Market has a brand-new location for 2023!
You’ll find it scattered along St Johns Gardens, William Brown Street, and the North Entrance of St George’s Hall.
Easily accessible, you can enter the market from both Lower and Upper William Brown Street, as well as via St Johns Lane.
With a spectacular backdrop of St George’s Plateau and William Brown Street, this is the perfect setting for a picturesque Christmas Market in the heart of the city.
Things to Do at Liverpool Christmas Market
So, now that you know where to find the Christmas Market this year, here’s what’ll keep you entertained while you’re there:
Eating and Drinking
Let’s be real – this is the true highlight of any Christmas Market, right? There’s something so Christmassy about devouring a huge German Bratwurst and washing it down with a massive wheat beer.
Or maybe that’s just me?
In any event, this year’s market, like every year, offers a quick culinary trip around the world, with all of your favourite festive Alpine-style foods, from German sausages to soft pretzels, on offer.
In an exciting 2023 twist, vegan options are also set to make an appearance, so your dietary restrictions don’t need to restrict you from getting into the Christmas spirit.
And let’s not forget those mouthwatering Yorkshire pudding wraps that bundle a steaming Liverpool roast dinner into a burrito-style wrap. They’re coming back for yet another year!
The Alpine Lodge is the centrepiece of the markets, and it’s here that you can head to get toasty and warm up over a glass of mulled wine after a chilly afternoon spent shopping for Christmas gifts.
Christmas Shopping
With over 40 stalls from four continents coming to the market this year, it’s going to be an absolute treasure trove for unique gifts and adorable Christmas trinkets.
Whether you’re seeking locally-made crafts, stunning Christmas tree baubles, or one-of-a-kind jewellery, there’s a gift for everyone on your list here.
And for those last-minute shoppers (or those who just want to squeeze every last drop out of the Christmas season) the market is open until 5.30 pm on Christmas Eve. Win!
Entertainment
Ready to meet up with your besties, let your hair down, and have some fun? Then try your hand (or voice!) at some karaoke in one of the alpine-themed hüttes.
This is definitely one of the most fun and hilarious things to do at the Liverpool Christmas Markets – especially if you’re visiting in a big group.
If you’re planning a holiday party, these karaoke lodges can accommodate up to 20 guests.
For a slightly more relaxing activity, clamber aboard the Christmas Market big wheel to capture beautiful holiday memories against Liverpool’s skyline, or take a tumble down the snow slide.
If you’re visiting the Liverpool Christmas Markets with kids, the Santa Land rides ensure that your children will never get bored.
Other Christmas Things to Do in Liverpool
Visit The Oldest Santa’s Grotto in the World
Here’s a cool Liverpool fact: it’s home to the world’s first Santa’s grotto, and you can still go and visit it inside St John’s Shopping Centre! It dates back to 1879 and is one of the very best family Christmas activities you can do in Liverpool.
Check out the Liverpool One Christmas Tree
Liverpool One goes hard for Christmas, and the festivities kick off on Friday 17 November this year with Liverpool ONE Christmas Live!
This fun-filled Christmas lights switch-on involves live music, performances from local groups, and plenty of festive cheer as you officially welcome the Christmas season to Liverpool.
As well as carol singing and Christmas lights as far as the eye can see, be sure to head to Chavasse Park to witness the magnificent 25-metre Christmas tree and snap a few photos with it. It’s one of the most important Christmas landmarks in the city!
This is the area where you’ll find some of the best Christmas lights in Liverpool, so don’t miss it.
Attend a Christmas Event at the Liverpool Philharmonic
The Liverpool Philharmonic just keeps giving and giving when it comes to festive events and Christmas shows in Liverpool.
You’ll need to check out their full schedule to find the perfect performance for you, but there’s so much to choose from!
The Albion Christmas Show will be returning yet again, marking over 20 years of Christmas entertainment, as well as the LIPA Christmas Show, the orchestra’s Spirit of Christmas performance, the family-oriented Santa and The Snowman, and… The list goes on!
Watch a Panto
At Christmastime, the M&S Bank Arena transforms into Panto heaven! This year, you’ll find performances of the classic panto Peter Pan, which is running on 2 and 3 December, and Sleeping Beauty, which runs from 16-30 December.
Oh, and if you fancy a change from panto, Home Alone in Concert is back! You’ll get to watch this Christmas classic on the big screen, accompanied by a full symphony orchestra and chorus. Talk about magical!
Over at The Everyman, the Rock ‘n’ Roll panto this year is Cinderella, which will run from 17 November 2023 – 20 January 2024. Christmas in Liverpool just isn’t Christmas without the Rock ‘n’ Roll panto!
Take Your Kids to Breakfast with Santa
For a great Christmas activity in Liverpool with kids, look no further than attending one of the many Breakfast with Santa events happening across Merseyside this December. It’s such a cute event!
Where to Stay in Liverpool on a Christmas Markets Trip
If you’re visiting Liverpool for a short break during the festive season, you need to book your accommodation, like, yesterday.
Seriously – the earlier you book, the more options, and the better deals you’ll be able to find.
Not all Liverpool hotels were created equally, though.
Here are my top picks for Liverpool hotels perfect for a Christmas Markets trip:
Best For: An Unforgettable Experience
When it comes to a gorgeous all-rounder, you can’t go wrong with this top-rated hotel. Rumour has it that this is where celebrities stay when they visit Liverpool, and if it’s good enough for them, it’s certainly good enough for us!
This is one of my favourite places to stay in Liverpool since it’s one of the few hotels in the city that has rooms with a balcony – an essential when it comes to watching all of Liverpool’s twinkling Christmas lights from your room during your Christmas markets getaway.
Oh, and if you’re really looking for an experience you’ll never forget, splurging for a room that has a hot tub on your balcony is definitely worth considering. 🥂
Click here to check prices for your dates!
Best For: Beatlemaniacs & Boutique Hotel Lovers
This is my personal favourite hotel in Liverpool, and that’s all down to one thing: it’s Beatles-themed!
Well, the Beatles theme is what got me to stay there the first time, but its kick-ass location in the heart of the city, and just a stone’s throw from the Cavern Club, is what keeps me coming back.
As well as the irresistible Beatles decor and memorabilia all over the hotel, a stay here is perfect if you’re on a Liverpool Christmas Markets trip since it’s such a short walk away from the Christmas Market and all of the Christmassy things to do in Liverpool.
Prices do shoot up on the weekend (like most Liverpool hotels, unfortunately), but I’ve found some really great midweek bargains here before, so that’s worth keeping in mind.
Click here to check prices for your dates!
Best For: Travellers on a Budget
Sometimes, you’re simply looking for a clean and safe place to rest your head after a long day of Christmas cheer. I’ve got you covered. This budget hotel is the best value for money in Liverpool city centre.
It’s clean, it’s very central, it’s cheap, and it’s functional. Like everywhere in Liverpool, prices can be higher at the weekend, but there are some midweek steals to be found here. I got a double room here for just £40 on a Monday night. It doesn’t get cheaper than that!
Click here to check prices for your dates!
Best For: Those Looking for a Home Away From Home
Travelling as a group, want more space, or just enjoy having a home away from home when you travel? Then these gorgeous apartments on Liverpool’s waterfront are the perfect accommodation option for your Christmas getaway to Liverpool.
Not only will you be able to save money on food and drink by making the most of having your own kitchen, but you’ll also get to stay in a prime location near the prettiest part of Liverpool (I’m biased, what can I say!) and still be within walking distance of all the Liverpool Christmas activities.
Liverpool has quite a few apartment hotels, but this is one of my favourites.
Click here to check prices for your dates!
FAQs About Christmas Markets in Liverpool
What Are The Liverpool Christmas Market Dates?
The Christmas markets in Liverpool start on Saturday 18 November 2023 and end on Sunday 24 December 2023.
Does Liverpool Have a Christmas Market?
Absolutely! Liverpool hosts a magical Christmas Market every year, with this year’s festivities taking place at St Johns Gardens, William Brown Street, and the North Entrance of George’s Hall.
When Do Liverpool Christmas Markets Start?
The Liverpool Christmas Markets start on Saturday, 18th November 2023 at 11am.
What Time Does Liverpool Christmas Market Close?
The Liverpool Christmas Market opens daily at 11am, but its closing time depends on the day of the week. From Monday-Wednesday, the Liverpool Christmas Market closes at 9pm, and from Thursday-Sunday, the market closes at 10pm.
Final Thoughts: Liverpool Christmas Markets & Christmas Things to Do
There’s no denying it: Liverpool truly comes alive during the Christmas season. It’s SO worth visiting!
With twinkling lights, aromatic treats, heartwarming carols, and a fabulous Liverpool Christmas Market, the city becomes a winter wonderland full of incredible Christmassy things to do.
If there’s one thing we’re certain of, it’s this: Christmas in Liverpool is an experience you don’t want to miss.
Cheers to a merry Liverpool Christmas!
