Top Christmas activities in Liverpool

Sure, you could stay home, put on a playlist, and order another Deliveroo. Or you could get out there and do Christmas properly. Liverpool knows how to go big for the festive season, with wild parties, atmospheric shows, and twinkling lights by the waterfront. Whether you’re here for the markets, the mulled wine, or the mayhem, here are ten Christmas activities in Liverpool to make December actually fun.

1. Spend a night in the cells at Alcotraz

You don’t have to be nice in Liverpool at Christmas. Why not be naughty? Alcotraz Liverpool is an immersive prison cocktail bar where you and your crew smuggle in your own liquor and let the inmate bartenders mix it into bespoke festive drinks. It’s part theatre, part bar, and completely chaotic in the best way. Perfect for a mates’ Liverpool Christmas do, an office party with a twist, or just seeing your other half behind bars. Orange jumpsuits are miles clear of ugly Christmas jumpers – trust us.

2. Brave Liverpool Christmas Markets at their very busiest

Located on St George’s Plateau, just outside the iconic St George’s Hall, Liverpool’s Christmas Market is open daily from 11am to 10pm between 15 November and 24 December. Think bratwursts, mulled wine, handmade gifts, and a big wheel that makes your phone photos look better than they should. It’s classic festive chaos with the bonus of being central enough to wander into after work or before heading out somewhere more… unhinged.

3. Explore the Royal Albert Dock light trail

From the 17th of November to the 22nd of December, the Royal Albert Dock is turning the charm all the way up with over a million lights twinkling across its light trail. Perfect for a hand-holding waterfront stroll or that Instagram post with your breath misting in the cold. You’ll find installations glowing against the water, and the whole place feels like Liverpool’s own Christmas card set. Perfect for date night.

4. See a Christmas Carol at St. George’s Hall

Charles Dickens’ ghost-packed festive classic is back at St George’s Hall, this time inside the grand Great Hall itself. GINIFICENT’s new production of A Christmas Carol blends atmosphere with drama, giving you the kind of Christmas theatre experience that puts another evening of Netflix to shame. It’s proper Christmas fare.

5. Enjoy panto at Everyman Theatre

If your ideal Christmas night out involves loud jokes, dodgy accents and great tunes, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto at the Everyman Theatre should be on your list. Running from the 15th of November to the 17th of January 2026, Jack & the Beanstalk gets the festive glam treatment with a live band, chaotic costumes, and no shortage of double entendres. Throw in party packages and gift vouchers and you’ve got everything from a mates’ night to a date night covered.

6. Get a head start on your New Year’s Resolution at Liverpool Santa Dash

The Liverpool Santa Dash is one of the biggest events of its kind in the world, not that there’s much competition for everybody-wearing-a-Santa-suit fun runs. Anyone can enter (even kids), with full-sized Santa suits for adults and mini ones for ages 5-14. There’s also a 1K mini dash if you want the picture at the end but you’re waiting for your New Year’s Resolution to start on the cardio.

7. Indulge with Winter Secret Garden Christmas parties at Knowsley Safari Park

Perfect for a work do, the Winter Secret Garden parties at Knowsley Safari Park are full-blown immersive events with aerialists, live dancers, cocktail bars and a starlit ceiling. There’s a three-course dinner from award-winning caterers, music that’s actually good, and even a silent disco if that’s more your thing. 

8. Dodge the Sheriff Moonshine Saloon Liverpool

If you loved Alcotraz, you’ll love Moonshine Saloon Liverpool too. Set in the Wild West, this immersive drinking den – and if you have tried Alcotraz, this will be familiar – lets you smuggle in your own liquor, play cards with shady locals, and drink like outlaws while ducking the Sheriff. It’s dusty, dramatic, and just as theatrical as its prison-themed sibling. 

9. Eat Christmas dinner on the Mersey

If you like your gravy served in a boat, on a boat, The Floating Grace runs Christmas-themed dinner cruises throughout December, serving traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings as you sail down the Mersey. Cooked fresh on board by their head chef, the food’s good and the views are even better. Perfect for couples who don’t want to argue over who peels the sprouts and small groups looking for a different way to enjoy Christmas dinner Liverpool-style.

10. Enjoy classic soundtracks at Candlelight Concerts

Nothing says Christmas like hearing the Home Alone soundtrack performed by a string quartet under a ceiling full of candles. Candlelight Concerts take over St. George’s Hall with movie soundtracks like you’ve never heard them before. Beats watching the same old things on TV, anyway!

Why have your Christmas party at Alcotraz?

Because it’s not a party until someone’s been thrown in jail. If you’re planning a personal bash or a work Christmas party, Alcotraz takes the usual Christmas night out and flips it on its head. No set menu, no forced small talk, no awkward seating plans, just a genuinely unique good time. Give it a go. You won’t regret it!