This time of year is brilliant for keeping occupied and many fabulous events being organised all across the North West. Its so easy for the costs to mount up though, so I’ve researched a number of free events happening in Liverpool this Christmas. Lots of them do not need to be pre-booked, so if your plans go awry then you haven’t inconvenienced anyone or lost out on money. Following the success of the Eurovision Song Contest this summer, more and more pop up events seem to be happening.
I’ve included free upcoming events that are suitable for the whole family or simply turn up by yourself. Liverpool is a great place for finding someone to talk to wherever you go and the packed events calendar should provide something for everyone.
Many of the events are held in the city centre where public transport is easy to access but I have also included some excellent events in the surrounding areas that are well worth going to. You may also like to try some of the events listed in our Things to do in Liverpool on Christmas Eve post.
Do you follow me on Instagram? I post stories and posts over there when we visit events. I often don’t get the time to do a full write up of events over here so it’s well worth following for more tips. (I do have a 2 Adults 3 Children Insta profile but I’ll be honest, I use this one far more often!)
Festive Farmers Tractor Parade
(Provisional) Sunday 10th December around 6.00pm by Festive Farmers – Olly Harrison. This was such a lovely event last year – You basically stand by the side of the road and watch 150+ tractors decorated for Christmas process on their way to Alder Hey Hospital.
This is the brainchild of Olly Harrison from Water Farm in Knowsley, who arranges this every year to raise money for sick children at Alder Hey. The tractors leave the farm at 6pm, arriving at Alder Hey around 7.30pm. We got there at 6pm to make sure we could park off the main route and give us plenty of time to find the perfect place to stand.
It was absolutely freezing last year and raining and yet still a wonderful event to attend – even covered on BBC news. We were there for about an hour and saw all sorts of tractors, many of them playing music, all of them decorated and waving to the crowds. The police stop the traffic so it is safer but well worth going to. We parked up in Huyton at a major cross roads and had a brilliant view.
Tip: Take a travel cup of coffee to keep you warm!
What would make it better: If there was a collection at the roadside so spectators could also donate.
Brass Bands
There’s something so Christmassy about listening to a Brass Band playing Christmas Carols. Really takes me back to my childhood. In addition to a range of planned concerts, you can catch Maghull Wind and Brass Orchestra busking at the following Supermarkets this Christmas:
- Saturday 2nd December Asda, Aintree 10am-4pm
- Saturday 9th December Asda, Aintree 10am-4pm
- Saturday 16th December Tesco, Litherland 12pm-4pm
Heaven Sent Live Nativity
This special event truly celebrates the spirit of Christmas. Following the incredible feedback from last year, there is the opportunity to visit the Heaven Sent Live Nativity in Kirkby Christian Fellowship again in 2023. Perfect for fans of The Nativity, this is a really inclusive event – I’m hoping to pop down with my girls this year too for this fantastic free entry event. I hear that last year was busy but one of the most amazing events of the year.
The tour starts in the Church Hall, where visitors are served hot drinks before beginning the tour of the Church that has been transformed into Bethlehem. The tour takes weeks of preparation and attracts hundreds of visitors (now in its 20th year).
People are asked to drop in any time between 3pm & 6pm on the 9th/10th December. Guests will be taken on a tour of Bethlehem to meet some of its residents and hear their stories. No tickets needed and it is a free event that does not take donations. A lot of the tour is outdoors and there may be a queue so wrap up warm. Please park at All Saints High School on Roughwood Drive (L33 8XF).
Visit the Cathedrals
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral (The Catholic One)
Each Sunday throughout Advent, you can hear the Cathedral Choir sing a sublime selection of seasonal music designed to reflect the wonder and joy of Advent.
Entrance is free and no tickets are required. Join them each week for:
3rd December, 5pm
Advent Sequence
The Cathedral’s Advent wreath will be blessed during this service and the choir will sing a selection of music for the season.
101th December, 3pm
Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols
Benjamin Britten’s famous carol sequence will be sung following a shorter Evening Prayer.
17th December, 5pm
Festival Carol Service
A mix of seasonal music and readings as well as congregational carols.
Anglican Liverpool Cathedral (Metropolitan Cathedral Christ the King)
Lighting of the Tree and Blessing of the Crib
In this delightful service, the Christmas tree is lit and the crib scene is brought to life and then blessed for Christmas.
Join us for this family-friendly service at 15:00 on Sunday 10 December.
As we mark the second Sunday in Advent our Christmas tree is lit and our life-sized crib scene is brought to life. You’ll also encounter a festive spirit as our Cathedral Choir sing well-known Christmas carols and hymns.
Things to note about this event:
- This service is Family-friendly
- No booking required
- Limited paid-for parking is available
- You can find details of alternative parking nearby on the How to Find Us webpage.
- We expect this service to finish at 16:00
A Christmas Sequence of Carols with our Cathedral Choir
Family Carol Service
Enjoy a Christmas Sequence of Carols performed by our Cathedral Choir.
Join us on Saturday 16 December for a special Christmas Sequence of Carols.
The event will begin at 15:00 and will feature a festive programme of Carols performed by our Cathedral Choir, alongside an accompaniment of readings.
Things to note about this event:
- Everyone is invited
- No booking is required
- Limited paid-for parking is available
- You can find details of alternative parking nearby on the How to Find Us webpage.
- We expect this event to finish around 16:30
Carols for Christmas Eve
Join our Cathedral Choir singing seasonal carols on Christmas Eve.
2 services being held at 14:00 & 16.00 on Sunday 24 December, as we mark Christmas Eve by listening to our Cathedral Choir sing Carols.
Things to note about this service:
- Family-friendly
- This service will include British Sign Language Interpretation (BSL)
- Limited paid-for parking is available
- You can find details of alternative parking nearby on the How to Find Us webpage.
- The Carols for Christmas Eve Service lasts around an hour
Craft Events at The Palm House, Sefton Park
This beautiful place hosts a selection of free events, from craft activities to free talks throughout the year – Visit the website to see what’s on at The Palm House this Christmas. Events at one of the best locations in the city are free but donations are welcome.
Sunday 26th November & 3rd December: Craft Club
Families are welcome to come, make and create under the palms together. Artist led drop-in session as part of our programme of events funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Thursday 7th December – Create a Glass Light Catcher
As part of the Winter birdcage exhibition which is on at The Palm House throughout December, you will make fused glass hangings inspired by the shapes and patterns formed by the plants in the Palm House. These will be kiln fired after the class and returned so they can be displayed.
Boxing Day Dip
Did you know that people swim in The Albert Dock at 7am every morning? Yes, every single morning, no matter what the weather is.
On Boxing Day, there is the annual swim down Salthouse Dock – You can either swim the length of the dock or just get in for a quick dip. Wetsuits are optional (but advised) – last year, there were people swimming in bikinis! Brr! The swim costs £10 or the dip costs £5 which is donated to charity. Or you can cheer on everyone – they need it! Follow the Ivan Percival Facebook Page to find more information. My husband and middle daughter did the swim for the first time last Boxing Day and are so excited to do it again this year!
Dragon Boat Paddling Session – Liverpool Watersport Centre
For more water based fun, join in with this Free Dragon Boat Paddling Session on Tuesdays, Thursday and Sundays throughtout November and December. We absolutely love Liverpool Water Sports Centre and have attended their paddleboarding sessions and inflatable party sessions. (I also love the cafe!) 6PM arrival for a safety briefing ahead of a 6.30pm start until 8.30pm. (9.30am Sundays).
Book to reserve your spot.
Dragon boating is the fastest growing sport in the world and this will be a really fun session to get involved with. It involves paddling a large canoe style boat with 20 other people in the same boat, together. In just under an hour we will teach you the basics of paddling a dragon boat while enjoying being out on the water of the Liverpool Docks, experiencing the fantastic views from the water. Over 16’s only – no group bookings.
What you will need to bring to your first session: (No wetsuits)
- gym kit/sports kit including footwear such as trainers( you don’t mind getting a little wet)
- a waterproof coat or jacket and long sleeve top/hat/ warm layers for the cooler months.
- a towel and change of clothes
- a drink/snack for afterwards.
Free Walking Tours
Liverpool offers a selection of free walking tours throughout the year. From tours introducing you to the history of the city to visits to the Cavern Club and the Pier Head, you should find something for everyone. Alongside the wonderful Scouse humour, you will get to see the most iconic objects in the best of the uk cities.
Many walks are available in other European languages – A cash tip is common at the end of the tour but not compulsory.
Guru Tours offer a selection of walks where you can decide how many minute walk you would like.
Beatles Tour
Where better to undertake a music tour than Liverpool, the home of live music? Fridays throughout November and December.
Go on an hour long Beatles Tour of the City through Strawberry Tours. Booking essential.
Tips welcome at the end of the tour but not expected.
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Step into Stories at The Mansion House, Calderstones Park
Drop in sessions: 3rd December 2023 10am-4pm
What to expect at Step into Stories: Step into the Mansion House for a day of festive activities, where visitors will be able to add a decoration to the community Christmas tree, create their own wrapping paper, and attend a literary tour of the Mansion House. Thanks to the generosity of publishers Walker Books and Penguin Random House you can also pick up a beautiful new book in exchange for an optional donation.
Liverpool Museums
All of Liverpool Museums are free to visit and well worth doing – There are several to choose from:
The Museum of Liverpool
Visit the Blacklers Santa in the entrance hall on your way to see the Ken Dodd Story. Right on the Pier Head with views overlooking the Mersey and Wirral, this is an experience not to miss.
The World Museum
They are not having Christmas specific displays at The World Museum, Liverpool this year but there’s still plenty to see. From displays on Ancient Egypt to the incredible Planatarium. You can spend a whole day in here (I have! Make sure you visit the cafe).
Walker Art Gallery
Featuring a selection of Art exhibitions, including the John Moores Art Prize for 2023/4 – Members of the Walker Art Gallery go free, Liverpool residents are £2.50 and full paying adults are only £5 – Other concessions apply.
Liverpool Docks
You really cannot beat a simple walk down the docks for passing time either. We often potter around the Royal Albert Dock, Salthouse Docks and now Bramley Moore Docks where we see our fantastic new Everton stadium coming to life. You will see the wonderful Liverpool landscapes stretched far and wide. Marvel at the Three Graces, or bring your skateboard and join in with the cool kids outside the Liver Building.
Liverpool Central Library
At the time of writing, there are no published free Christmas Events scheduled for Liverpool libraries which is a great shame. Its definitely worth popping in for a visit though to see that phenomenal building.
Travel
Did you know buses are free in the Mersey Tunnel on Christmas Day? A brilliant way of helping people get about and encouraging people to be together on Christmas Day. Both tunnels will remain toll free between 10pm Christmas Eve and 6am Boxing Day.
Coco Cola Holidays are Coming Truck
One of the iconic ways to welcome in the festive season is by seeing the Coca Cola Truck. Rumoured to be returning to Liverpool this year but as yet no details confirmed.
These are just a few of the many events on offer in this wonderful city over Christmas. If you visit, you will also find so much more going on and really experience the culture Liverpool has to offer. Please let me know if you do manage to attend any of these events – especially the Boxing Day dip – I’ll be the one standing there in my winter coat with a cuppa!
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