The Birkenhead Christmas Creative Trail invites you to explore a new journey, following the map on Saturday, December 13th, from Birkenhead Market to Hamilton Square and beyond.
This trail is fundamentally about connecting the dots—bridging venues and events that celebrate authentic, independent creation. It’s designed to ensure the vital creative heartbeat of the area is not overlooked and that visitors can easily find and support the wide array of local talent.
The trail originated from a commitment to collaboration and the value of unique, handcrafted goods. Surrounded by artists and makers at Make Hamilton, Ruth Timmins-Williams and her husband Matthew run their studio and business, Emulsional Support. “The idea of having a Christmas market in-house seemed obvious,” says Ruth. Upon learning of a youth market scheduled at Birkenhead Market on the same day, they chose collaboration over competition. “It made sense to be collaborative, share the marketing, and offer a powerful collective draw to the area.”
By reaching out to other studios and local businesses, the trail grew organically, transforming the Christmas shopping experience for both visitors seeking meaningful gifts and the traders who create them.
Venues: Supporting Authenticity and Craftsmanship
This trail champions established and new locations that showcase diverse, authentic work made by and directly supporting the Wirral creative community:
Birkenhead Market anchors the start of the trail with the Youth Market. This event provides an essential platform for young people to sell their work, fostering the next generation of independent creators and entrepreneurs.
Walking along Argyle Street, Future Yard has a brand new exhibition by Prints N Tha Collective – Pop Tarts featuring work by Glomoth, JoMo and Rhonda Davies.
At the corner of Argyle Street and Hinson Street is Make Hamilton, featuring the recently opened Blooming Skulls Cafe. The residents are hosting a Christmas Makers Fair, a unique opportunity to browse the work of 15 artists and makers in one convenient, festive location.
Further along Argyle Street, before Hamilton Square, Rathbone Studio presents a carefully curated collection of ceramics and artisanal crafts. These are sophisticated, original pieces—perfect gifts for the more discerning recipient who values quality and integrity in design.
From Hamilton Square, looking left into Price Street, you will find BirkenHack, a new makerspace focused on sustainable practice. Open from 11am – 1pm for festive crafting and a Christmas Jumper Swap with Circular Arts Network and Zero Fashion CIC This is your chance to find out more about their exciting plans for a Repair and Reuse initiative and Waedrobe Library in the new year.
Play Play Play, a risograph print studio, is a new addition nestled at the top edge of the map. If you appreciate the nostalgic quality of printing, Mark Simmonds will be demonstrating Riso printing in action and creating prints for you to take away.
Common Thread is a relaxed maker social at Birch Gallery, designed to bring people together over textiles, mending, and a sustainable approach to fashion. It’s a space to actively reconnect with your wardrobe, share essential skills, and meet others focused on mindful consumption. This special Christmas Edition joins the trail from its usual first Sunday of the month for some Festive Crafting.
Following their recent official Open Studios, some residents at No. 1 Hamilton Square will be opening their doors again for one day only. Explore original art, prints, textiles, and jewellery across three floors, featuring independent artists like Gweni-Louu, Landlines Studios, Elena Pratt, and Jane Bennett.
Last, but certainly not least, Green Jam Creatives offers a curated selection of quirky gifts from an ever-growing catalogue of local artists and makers. Opened earlier this year, this shop is dedicated to championing local talent and still finds time to host fun, inclusive making and drawing workshops.
Support Local. Buy Unique.
Venues
Youth Market
Supporting emerging local talent
Birkenhead Market, CH41 2YH, @birkenheadmarket_official
Pop Tarts Print Exhibition
Featuring work by Glomoth, JoMo and Rhonda Davies
Future Yard, 75 Argyle St, CH41 6AB, @printsntha
Christmas Makers Fair
Resident artists and makers
Make Hamilton + Bloomies, 69-71 Argyle St, CH41 6LQ, @make.cic
Pottery Open Studio
Hand-created, original ceramics
Rathbone Studio, 28 Argyle St, CH41 6AE, @circularartsnetworkLCR
Christmas Jumper Swap
Sustainable reuse with Zero Fashion CIC
BirkenHack, Brunswick Ct,
4-6 Price St, CH41 6LW
11 am – 1 pm, @circularartsnetworkLCR
Open Studio event
Explore risograph printing
Play Play Play, Unit 4, 106 Bridge Street, CH41 1AN, @play.play.play.press
Common Thread
Sewing Social Christmas Special – Festive crafting
Birch Gallery, No. 1 Hamilton Square, CH41 6AU, @marinad.designs / @zerofashionuk
1 pm – 5 pm
Open Studios event
Open Studios (Art, Prints, Jewellery)
Ground Floor – 2nd Floor,
1 Hamilton Square, CH41 6AU, @landlines_studio/ @gwenilouu, @birch.studios.gallery
Quirky Gifts and Workshops
Dedicated stockist of local maker
Green Jam Creatives, 50 Hamilton St CH41 5AE, @greenjamcreatives
Note: Most events run from 11 am – 4 pm unless otherwise stated. Please check individual venue social media channels for the latest information and updates.
Accessibility Notice for No. 1 Hamilton Square: The studios are situated across several floors in an old bank building, making them inaccessible for wheelchairs. We encourage direct contact with the studios or makers if you require assistance or wish to view their work online.