Things to Do in Liverpool and the City Region this Festive Season: Exhibitions, Museums, Theatre & More.
This festive season, Liverpool City Region is brimming with exciting things to do, offering something for everyone. From captivating exhibitions showcasing inspiring artwork to fascinating museums where history comes to life, there’s plenty to explore. For those seeking live entertainment, the vibrant theatre scene promises dazzling performances and unforgettable shows. If you’re after some fresh air, take a relaxing stroll on one of the many scenic walks through the city’s beautiful parks and waterfronts. And when the weather calls for a cosy escape, head to the cinema for a film screening. Whatever your interests, the Liverpool city region offers a wealth of activities to make this festive season extra special.
1. Museums and Galleries
Amidst the holiday hustle and bustle, visiting a museum is one of the best things to do in Liverpool City Region for a peaceful retreat. Whether you’re seeking a break from the festive frenzy or looking to add a dash of intellectual curiosity to your holidays, a museum excursion offers the perfect blend of reflection and exploration. Step into a world of fascinating artifacts and exhibits, where the past unfolds its stories, making for a unique and enriching experience during the festive season.
FACT
FACT have a number of immersive exhibitions currently on display. assam Issa Al-Sabah unveils dreamlike animations and sculptures exploring resistance and queer possibility, while Nina Davies blurs fact and fiction in a futuristic sci-fi installation shaped by lived experiences of cancer. Completing the programme, Symoné’s Highway to Infinity offers a 20-minute bio-digital game that guides players through a surreal journey of memory, identity and self-reflection.
Check FACT’s festive opening hours
Bluecoat
Bluecoat’s winter exhibitions offer playful, tactile and thought-provoking experiences for all ages. Lou Miller: We Dream of Our Freedom invites visitors into an interactive installation created with local schoolchildren, exploring young people’s visions of what freedom means today. Alongside it, Just Browsing transforms the gallery into a touchable, wearable art space, featuring textiles, ceramics, scent and sculptural works that audiences can physically engage with. Part of Bluecoat’s Felt season, the show brings together a vibrant group of artists and celebrates art you can truly get hands-on with.
Check Bluecoat’s festive opening hours
Museum of Liverpool
The Museum of Liverpool features iconic collections like the Beatles collection, regional archaeology, and social and community history. From fascinating exhibitions to family-friendly displays, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxed day out during the festive break.
Check National Museums Liverpool’s festive opening hours
World Museum
A trip to World Museum is a perfect festive break activity, with plenty to explore for all ages. You can wander through the fascinating Ancient Egypt gallery, get up close to marine life in the Aquarium, and experience the wonders of the universe in the Planetarium — all under one roof, and ideal for a winter day out between Christmas and New Year.
Check National Museums Liverpool’s festive opening hours
Walker Art Gallery
The Walker Art Gallery is a must-visit between Christmas and New Year, with two standout exhibitions to explore. Turner: Always Contemporary celebrates 250 years of J. M. W. Turner by pairing his iconic landscapes with modern and contemporary works, revealing how his legacy continues to inspire artists today. Alongside it, the John Moores Painting Prize 2025 showcases the very best of contemporary British painting, offering a vibrant snapshot of today’s most exciting artistic talent.
Check National Museums Liverpool’s festive opening hours
2. Theatre
Experience the vibrant world of theatre, where there’s something for everyone. From dazzling musicals and captivating dramas to hilarious comedies and enchanting pantomimes, the region’s theatre scene offers unforgettable live performances. Enjoy the magic of talented actors, stunning productions, and the excitement of being part of the action. Whether you’re a seasoned theatre-goer or just seeking fun things to do for a night out, the Liverpool city region’s diverse theatre scene promises entertainment for all ages.
Liverpool Empire
Catch Matilda The Musical at the Liverpool Empire this festive break — a magical, award-winning show based on the cherished novel by Roald Dahl, brought to life with songs by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly. The story follows the brilliant, brave young girl Matilda — full of wit, imagination, and a little bit of magic — as she stands up to unfairness and finds her own path. It’s bursting with humour, heart, and high-energy musical numbers, making it a perfect festive outing for families or anyone young at heart. It’s on at the Empire until 4 January 2026.
The Atkinson
Beauty & the Beast brings festive magic to The Atkinson with a charming, laugh-filled pantomime packed with music, dazzling costumes and heartwarming storytelling. Perfect for all ages, this enchanting production from KD Theatre Productions is a sparkling family treat for the Christmas season. Running until 31 December.
Everyman & Playhouse Theatres
The Everyman’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto 2025 brings a high-energy twist to Jack and the Beanstalk, combining fairy-tale fun with live music, cheeky humour, and outrageous costumes. Perfect for ages 3 to 103, it’s a musical adventure full of soaring solos, giant-sized laughs, and festive fun for the whole family.
Liverpool’s Royal Court
The Royal Court’s The Scouse Christmas Carol is a grown-up festive treat, packed with cheeky humour, live music, and a uniquely Liverpool twist on Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Expect outrageous jokes, a mischievous Scrooge, and plenty of festive chaos — the city’s biggest Christmas night out!
M&S Bank Arena
Experience the magic of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the M&S Bank Arena, starring Helen Flanagan as the Wicked Queen and a star-studded cast bringing the classic tale to life. Packed with live music, dazzling dance, stunning sets, and spectacular effects, this festive pantomime is a fun-filled adventure for the whole family.
3. Music
Future Yard’s Gig Panto: Hoodstock ’25
Get ready for the first-ever Future Yard Gig Panto: Hoodstock ’25, an irreverent, gig-style festive adventure where Robin Hood must save live music from an AI-controlled industry. Running from 22–31 December, this alternative panto combines festive hijinks with a full live band playing hits from Talking Heads, The Zutons, CMAT, Fontaines D.C, Pulp, and classic Yuletide favourites — perfect for music lovers looking for a hilarious, high-energy night out.
Mersey Dub Club
Mersey Dub Club returns on 27 December 2025 for a night of pure soundsystem culture, bringing together Equity Hi-Fi and Sugar Shack Sound System under one roof. Expect an evening of roots, dub, rocksteady, reggae, and steppa, delivered on vinyl and digital, celebrating unity, good vibes, and Merseyside’s rich musical heritage — perfect for lovers of deep, immersive sound.
4. Walks
A winter walk is one of the best things to do after the hustle of Christmas, the crisp air and peaceful comfort of the outdoors offer a refreshing break. The city slows down, making it the perfect time for exploration without the usual bustle. Layer up, savour the brisk air, and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the region’s beautiful parks and green areas for a truly serene experience this winter.
Albert Dock Art Trail
Join Tate Liverpool’s art-loving cat, Mildred, on a fun and creative adventure, on Mildred’s Albert Dock Art Trail. This free, family-friendly activity is perfect for children aged 7-11. Collect a free Art Trail booklet from Tate Liverpool + RIBA North at Mann Island, and follow the map to find six hidden artworks around the inner quay of the Royal Albert Dock. Along the way, children can create their own amazing art and solve word games by rearranging letters found near the artwork. It’s a wonderful way for families to explore the waterfront, get creative, and enjoy some quality time together.
5. Cinema Screenings
For cinema lovers, there are plenty of things to do in Liverpool City Region this festive season. Heading to the cinema during the holidays adds a touch of magic to the chilly air. There’s something uniquely special about the cosy warmth of the theatre, the scent of buttery popcorn, and the anticipation of immersing yourself in captivating stories on the big screen. Whether you’re in the mood for a holiday classic or a new release, the festive season offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy some cinematic escapism.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
Experience the thrill of Jurassic Park like never before at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall this festive season. Between Christmas and New Year, audiences can enjoy the blockbuster classic projected in HD while the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra performs John Williams’ legendary score live. It’s an epic cinematic adventure — complete with prehistoric predators, breathtaking visuals, and heart-pounding music — perfect for a memorable winter outing.
FACT Picturehouse
At the Picturehouse at FACT you can watch a variety of films over the festive period including:
- Rocky (27 December)
- The Shining – 45th Anniversary (28 & 29 December)
- Eyes Wide Shut (29 December)
- Phanton Thread (31 December)
Shakespeare North Playhouse
Shakespeare North Playhouse offers a brilliant festive cinema programme, including its family-friendly Wee Cinema Club, where children can enjoy free creative activities before screenings like The Legend of Ochi. Film fans can also catch a special showing of The End (2024) paired with a North West short film, making it a great spot for both magical family mornings and thought-provoking cinema experiences.
Keep an Eye Out for More Things to Do in Our What’s On Section!
Looking for even more exciting activities? Be sure to check out our What’s On section for a full list of things to do across the Liverpool City Region. From festive events and live performances to unique exhibitions and hidden gems, there’s always something new and exciting happening.