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.
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 Southport
1. Museums and Galleries
Things to Do: Explore Museums and Galleries in Liverpool City Region this Festive Season.
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
Explore the worlds of Cosmotechnics, an exhibition that delves into the relationship between culture and technology through the lens of four Latin American artists and collectives. Using sculpture, video, and sound to create immersive installations, their works reveal how local ways of thinking and sensing can lead to new ways of embracing art and culture and offer multiple perspectives of technology.
Additionally, FACT’s upstairs gallery has been transformed into a space dedicated to showcasing artists’ games and works made using AI technologies. At Art Plays Games you can experience new forms of storytelling with games and playable artworks made by a range of international artists and indie game developers.
Check FACT’s festive opening hours
Bluecoat
Step into the sonic past with Tomorrow’s Music Yesterday, an archival display that journeys through decades of music presented at the Bluecoat. This collection of posters, selected from the venue’s archives, highlights its legacy of hosting experimental and eclectic music.
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.
Their events include Little Liverpool Christmas Special, a Christmas special for children aged up to 5 years, with sessions running until 29th December on various mornings and afternoons. These sessions offer things to do for the whole family to enjoy, making it a perfect festive outing for everyone.
Additionally, there’s the brilliant The Holly Johnson Story exhibition. Produced by Homotopia, DuoVision Arts, and National Museums Liverpool, celebrates Holly Johnson’s rise to fame as an LGBTQ+ icon during Britain’s 1980s cultural revolution, highlighting his personal and public struggles, including his HIV+ diagnosis, against a backdrop of synth-pop and new wave music.
There’s also the Sweet: The Taverners Story exhibition which celebrates Taveners’ history in the confectionery industry, featuring highlights like their iconic sweets, famous factory visitors, and cherished staff events such as the annual picnics and Candy Queen contest.
Check National Museums Liverpool’s festive opening hours
World Museum
If you’ve not yet had the chance to see Bees: a Story of Survival at the World Museum, now is your time. Using sculptural sound and light environments, the exhibition provides visitors with a real-time connection to bees within their natural habitat, revealing and expressing an ever changing picture of their activity.
If you’re looking for something a bit different to do this festive season, or you’re a space enthusiast, join the planetarium show, Audio Universe: Tour of our Solar System, on 28 December.
The Planetarium also offers relaxed screenings with adjustments for visitors with sensory needs, including low lighting, lower volume, reduced capacity, and more seating options. These sessions allow for talking or responding during the show, and sensory toys are available on request. The next relaxed screening day is 9 January 2025.
Check National Museums Liverpool’s festive opening hours
Walker Art Gallery
Conversations is an ambitious exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery, showcasing the work of around 40 leading Black women and non-binary artists who are transforming contemporary British art. The exhibition features paintings, sculptures, and videos from the last decade, asking poignant questions about the present and celebrating the artists’ contributions.
While you’re at the Walker, Stitching Souls: Threads of Silence is a powerful installation by British Trinidadian artist Karen McLean. The exhibition, displayed at the Walker Art Gallery, comprises 132 heads made with authentic African fabrics using traditional quilting techniques3. It serves as a poignant memorial to the victims of the tragic Zong Massacre and reflects on Liverpool’s colonial legacies.
Check National Museums Liverpool’s festive opening hours
2. Theatre
Things to Do: Experience the Vibrant Theatre Scene in Liverpool City Region.
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
Disney’s Aladdin takes you on a magical journey through Agrabah with dazzling choreography, unforgettable songs, and breathtaking special effects in a spectacular family production.
The Atkinson
Sleeping Beauty enchants with stunning sets, captivating music, and mesmerising dance routines, bringing the timeless fairy tale to life for the entire family.
Everyman & Playhouse Theatres
The Rocky Horror Show offers a time-warping adventure with Brad, Janet, and Dr. Frank-N-Furter in a cult classic filled with outrageous costumes, catchy tunes, and sheer entertainment.
The Spare Rib Burlesque New Years Sleaze promises a dazzling night of burlesque, drag, and cabaret, featuring unforgettable performances by Nova Storm, Frisky Whispers, and Miss Rosetta Rodeo.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto 2024 Rapunzel reimagines the classic tale with rock-and-roll music, hilarious antics, and a fun-filled performance for all ages.
Hope Street Theatre
Don’t miss the spellbinding tale of Sleeping Beauty at the Hope Street Theatre this winter. With sparkling sets and dazzling costumes, there’s even a visit from Santa at the end of selected shows.
Liverpool’s Royal Court
The Scouse Red Riding Hood offers a lively and hilarious twist on the classic fairy tale, packed with local flair and scouse wit, for adults only.
M&S Bank Arena
Join Peter and his fairy sidekick, Tink, in The Magical Adventures of Peter Pan, starring Kai Widdrington, featuring live music, dazzling dance routines, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes, and amazing 3D effects, for an unforgettable experience in Neverland filled with pirates, fairies, and the villainous Captain Hook.
3. Concerts
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
Ring in the New Year 70s-style with Mamma Mia: Happy New Year at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. Sip vintage cocktails, enjoy retro canapés, and groove to ABBA’s greatest hits. Dress in your best bell bottoms and platforms, and strike a pose in the ABBA-themed photo booth.
4. Walks
Things to Do: Enjoy a Winter Walk in Liverpool City Region.
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
Things to Do: Cinema Experiences in Liverpool City Region this Festive Season.
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.
FACT Picturehouse
At the Picturehouse at FACT you can watch a variety of films over the festive period including:
- Fargo (26 & 27 December)
- Misery (28 & 29 December)
- Anatomy of a Fall (30 & 31 December)
- When Harry Met Sally (31 December)
We hope you’re feeling inspired to experience the wonderful happenings in Liverpool City Region this festive break. From cultural enrichment at museums and galleries to magical theatre performances and scenic walks in parks, there’s something for everyone. Embrace the festive atmosphere, create lasting memories with family and friends, and enjoy all that the Liverpool city region has to offer during this special time of year.
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.