Christmas arrives in Liverpool
The markets are back and Liverpool ONE is lighting up!
Christmas has landed in Liverpool, as the festive markets make their return to the city centre, and Liverpool One officially lights up.
From today (Friday 12 November) to Thursday 23 December, around 40 stalls, festive rides and twinkly lights will transform St John’s Gardens, William Brown Street and the area around the North Entrance of St George’s Hall.
Stalls have returned offering food and drink such as Yorkshire pudding wraps, German sausages, dipped pretzels, siu mai, crêpes and hot chocolate.
Those after a festive tipple can also choose from a variety of festive themed bars including the iconic Windmill, Tepee tent and Barrel Bar, as well as the Alpine Lodge and its karaoke cable cars. For 2021 there is also the new addition of the Bavarian bar where visitors can try a selection of German beers or hot cider.
Sellers are also offering personalised decorations, glass baubles, photo prints and jewellery, and for the kids there's Santa's Village with a variety of festive rides including a big wheel and a giant Bavarian snow slide.
The market will be open Sunday to Wednesday 11am to 9pm and Thursday to Saturday 11am to 10pm.
Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:
“After the disappointment of not being able to host any Christmas markets in 2020, teams across the city council have been working behind the scenes for a number of months to look at bringing back some Christmas cheer to the city centre.
“We’re delighted with the market’s new home, and think it’s the perfect location to purchase some stocking fillers, indulge in a Christmas tipple, meet friends for food, or let youngsters enjoy some of the fairground rides.
Owner of Clark Events, Clarke Storey, said:
“We know that many markets have been cancelled again this year for a number of different reasons, so we wanted to let people know Christmas is definitely not cancelled in Liverpool.
“Start planning your festive calendars now and come down to join the fun, enjoy the delicious food and drink and support our fabulous local makers and crafters. Because quite frankly, together we really do make things better.”
Liverpool ONE is also transforming into a 'festive wonderland' with a little help from some life size squirrels, walking presents and live entertainment.
There'll be some panto-style performances with re-enactments of classics such as Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast, as well as shows from West End favourite Dream Girls, all taking place on South John Street bridge.
Radio City will be hosting music on Paradise Street to set the scene for Christmas shoppers and passers-by, while the walk-about acts, consisting of giant crackers and Christmas Belles, will be greeting visitors along the way. But the entertainment doesn’t stop there, as there will also be a festive choir serenading visitors on various street corners.
Liverpool ONE are also working with The Mersey Forest and Liverpool City Council to distribute mini Christmas trees to take home and plant in your garden, increasing the tree coverage of the region and country. You can pick one up from Upper South John Street on November 12th, 21st and 28th.
Much-loved favourites such as Bar Hutte – complete with festive ‘carol-oke’ – are also retuning underneath the Christmas tree on Paradise Street, offering live music and festive cocktails.
Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said:
“This time of year is always exciting as everyone starts to gear up for the festive season. With plenty of new additions to the retail line up this year, the offer is strong and we’re looking forward to welcoming festive shoppers to Liverpool ONE.
“And, while we are constantly abreast of any Government announcements, all indicators suggest people want to get out shopping and come together this season and we want to ensure this festive season is one which people will never forget – and for all of the right reasons.
“Our launch night is always filled with lots of surprises and has a real buzz in the air – this year is, of course, all the more special as we couldn’t hold such an event last year, so we’re really looking forward to kicking off Christmas with a whole lot of fun!”