Discover a range of activities to engage with in Liverpool City Region this festive break. From exhibitions and museum visits to theatre shows, festive trails and refreshing walks, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep you occupied.
Liverpool City Region Guides
Be sure to check out our features on the various city regions below and keep reading for specific exhibitions, museums and more to explore this Winter.
- Things To Do In Birkenhead
- Things To Do In St Helens
- Things To Do In Knowsley
- Things To Do In Runcorn and Widnes
- Things To Do In Ormskirk
- Things To Do In Southport
Exhibitions
Embracing the spirit of the season, visiting an art gallery during the Christmas break adds a touch of cultural warmth to the festivities. Whether you’re after an escape from the winter chill or a way to appreciate creativity, exploring an art gallery offers a relaxing and inspiring experience.
John Moores Painting Prize (Walker Art Gallery)
Immerse yourself in art this festive season at Walker Art Gallery! Lose yourself in the John Moores Painting Prize exhibition, where they bring the best in contemporary British painting under one roof and provide a platform for artists to inspire, disrupt, and challenge the British art scene today.
Check out the Walker Art Gallery’s Christmas opening hours here.
Photie Man (Walker Art Gallery)
Be sure not to miss the Photie Man exhibition at Walker Art Gallery, a lively exhibition bursting with memories and experiences. The retrospective exhibition brings the work of internationally-acclaimed Irish artist Tom Wood to light, bringing together work across decades to encapsulate Liverpool City Region over the decades.
Check out the Walker Art Gallery’s Christmas opening hours here.
Lady Lever Art Gallery
Lady Lever Art Gallery is home to an unique group of key paintings from some of the greatest Victorian painters, the finest collection of Wedgwood jasperware in the world and numerous ancient roman and greek vases and sculptures.
Check out their opening hours here.
Jenkin Van Zyl (FACT)
Jenkin Van Zyl questions ideas of individuality and collectivity within his work. The exhibition features a film, Surrender (2023), bringing viewers into Jenkin’s hallucinatory film-world, centred around a gruelling endurance dance marathon and the cryptic lore of the ‘rat king’. The exhibition explores the common anxieties of our society, and how they may be influencing the culture of our present and our future.
Check out FACT’s opening hours here.
Uma Breakdown (FACT)
Go on a journey through the gothic genre and its relation to horror in Uma Breakdown’s exhibition at FACT. It delves into their creative relationships to time, space, identity, and social relation.
Check out FACT’s opening hours here.
Museums
Amidst the holiday hustle and bustle, the museum offers a haven of knowledge and reflection. Whether you’re seeking a break from the festive frenzy or aiming to infuse your holidays with a dash of intellectual curiosity, a museum excursion provides a peaceful retreat. Step into a world of artifacts and exhibits, where the past unfolds its stories, creating a perfect blend of festive spirit and insightful exploration.
Museum of Liverpool
The Museum of Liverpool showcases Liverpool’s pop culture and history. Its rich in art and culture, showcasing a diverse range of collections iconic to Liverpool such as the Beatles collection, a regional archaeology collection, and social and community history.
Check out their opening hours here.
Return of the Gods (World Museum)
The Return of the Gods exhibition at the World Museum is not one to be missed this winter! This exciting exhibition delves into Ancient Greek and Roman mythology to expose the original ancient characters of the heroes and heroines of our time. Step into the stories, relive the myths, and learn how these stories impacted the lives of mere mortals.
Check out their opening hours here.
Audio Universe: Tour of our Solar System (World Museum)
If you’re looking for something a bit different to do this festive season, or you’re a space inthusiast, join the planetarium show at the World Museum. This free tour of our Solar System can be enjoyed irrespective of level of vision, and a great way to try something new in 2023!
This event runs on the last Saturday of every month, book your free tickets here.
Theatre
The Wizard of Oz (Liverpool Empire)
Get wisked away down the yellow brick road with Aston Merrygold as the Tin Man, and The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West in their production of The Wizard of Oz! This spectacular production is a truly magical experience for all the family, and it will definitely have you mesmorised.
The Woman In Black (Playhouse Theatre)
The legendary production of Susan Hill’s chilling ghost story The Woman In Black returns to Liverpool, direct from London’s West End, after an incredible 33 year run at the Fortune Theatre. Obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a Woman in Black, Arthur Kipps engages a sceptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul.
Aladdin (St Helens Theatre Royal)
Take a magic carpet ride this Christmas and be transported to pantoland with a production of Aladdin. See Emmerdale star Liam Fox star make his panto debut as Abanazer, and Leanne Campbell star as a magical ‘Genie of the Mirror’. Their dazzling costumes, gorgeous sets and laugh-out-loud moments will most certainly leave you entertained.
Liverpool City Region Pantos
For our rundown of this year’s pantos check out our feature here.
Walks
A winter walk is sure to get you in the festive spirit! There’s nothing better than getting back to the great outdoors after a busy Christmas, the air takes on a refreshing crispness, and there’s an undeniable sense of snug comfort. The city slows down significantly, encouraging exploration without the usual hustle and bustle. So, layer up, savor the brisk air, and embark on a leisurely stroll through one of Liverpool City Regions parks and green areas.
Christmas Trail at Liverpool ONE
Enjoy a free Christmas trail for the whole family at Liverpool ONE. Embark on a journey following clues to discover lots of magical installations this festive period! With illuminated reindeers, angel wings, Christmas trees and festive characters to be found, your little ones will be occupied for hours.
Memory Walk (Museum of Liverpool)
Memory walks are dementia-friendly guided visits in the Museum of Liverpool, which connect people through conversations about Liverpool’s past. Each walk is led by a friendly member if the dementia awareness trained team in the Museum of Liverpool, who use the displays to start conversations and help you to reminisce about life in the city. This is definitely a great way to round off the year.
Party Animals Garden Trail (Bluecoat)
Discover a menagerie of festive characters hidden in Bluecoat’s secret garden with the Party Animals Garden Trail. Pick up your free trail sheet from the Children’s Corner and see how many Party Animals you can spot this festive season!
Nature Walks
Have a read of our Autumnal Walks around the Liverpool City Region feature to find out more about all of the wonderful green spaces the city region has to offer.
Cinema screenings
Heading to the cinema during the festive season adds a touch of magic to the chilly air. There’s something special about the cozy warmth of the theatre, the scent of buttery popcorn filling the air, and the anticipation of escaping into captivating stories on the big screen.
At FACT Picturehouse you can view a variety of films over the festive period.
We hope you’re feeling inspired to experience some of the wonderful happenings in Liverpool City Region this festive break.