Tuesday 29th November 2016 by BASE Serviced Apartments
It’s almost time for Christmas!
While some might be looking towards 2017, we are looking firmly at the Christmas period in Liverpool.
As such, the city is turning into quite the winter wonderland this December; with great festive fun and fabulous winter attractions coming to Liverpool.
This might be the most wonderful time of the year, however, few city’s do Christmas quite like Liverpool.
We’ve spoken previously about why serviced apartments make for great winter accommodation, however, BASE has created this blog to help persuade you: “Why you need to visit Liverpool this December”.
Festive Fun
Winter Arts Market
Saturday 3rd December
Liverpool Cathedral
Merseyside’s largest arts and crafts market will be returning for the eighth time this December.
Staged in the breath-taking surroundings of Liverpool Cathedral, the Winter Arts Market will feature work from more than 200 of the region’s best artists, designers and makers.
Additionally, there will also be a vintage fair located downstairs as well as a selection of festive treats to choose from.
Further information is available online.
Liverpool’s Christmas Vintage Fair
Saturday 3rd December
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
While over at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, visitors can sample a fair of another kind.
The UK’s favourite vintage fair will be getting a festive makeover for December. Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair has events throughout the year but it’s Christmas event promises to be something special.
Featuring over 35 of the nation’s leading vintage traders, you can find winter vintage outfits alongside unique, quirky Christmas gifts.
Further information is available online.
Santa Dash
Sunday 4th December
Liverpool City Centre
A firm favourite leading up to Christmas in Liverpool is the Santa Dash!
Back for a 13th event, witness thousands of Santa’s taking to the streets of Liverpool City Centre for the jolliest fun run of the year. Furthermore, Liverpool will once again be going head to head with Las Vegas in a transatlantic cross-city competition.
Whether you want to join in the fun or simply spectate, be sure to get involved with this fantastic event!
Further information is available online.
Independent Liverpool’s Christmas Festival
Thursday 8th – Sunday 11th December
The Great Baltic Warehouse, Liverpool
Independent Liverpool is putting on a winter festival fit for Santa Claus himself!
Bringing yet another fantastic event to Liverpool this December, their Winter Festival will feature the best Independent food and drink vendors the city has to offer.
More importantly, revellers can expect great local arts and crafts stalls, chocolatiers, cheese mongers, illustrators, a grown up grotto and most of all, live entertainment. Whichever way you choose to enjoy the festival, you’ll be glad you’re there.
This event will sell out, so be sure to get your tickets while you can.
Aladdin
Thursday 8th December – Sunday 8th January
The Epstein Theatre, Liverpool
Notably kicking off Panto season in Liverpool’s is Aladdin!
Headlined by Natasha Hamilton (of Atomic Kitten fame), a fresh adaption of this classic story comes to The Epstein Theatre for a month-long run.
Packed with plenty of charm as well as a sprinkling of Scouse style, get ready to make your family’s wish come true with Liverpool’s most magical carpet ride!
Further information is available online.
Snow White
Saturday 10th – Saturday 31st December
Liverpool Empire Theatre
Additionally, there will be a star-studded production of Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs!
Featuring a colourful cast including TV’s Jorgie Porter (of Hollyoaks fame), this festive family favourite will surely be a highlight of December. Liverpool Empire Theatre has become the home for great pantomime over the years and this one looks to be no exception.
Another great show packed with character and personality, you’ll be spoilt for choice for which one to choose!
Further information is available online.
Cinderella
Friday 16th – Saturday 24th December
Liverpool Echo Arena
Alternatively, you can head to the Echo Arena and experience the timeless classic Cinderella.
Rounding off Liverpool’s great Panto season, this age-old tale features local celebrity Ray Quinn in one of the lead roles.
So what are you waiting for; grab your glass slippers and get ready for a heartwarming festive pantomime!
Further information is available online.
Radio City Christmas Live
Saturday 17th December
Liverpool Echo Arena
Radio City is bringing Liverpool’s Biggest Christmas Party to the Echo Arena!
Featuring a host of great artists including Clean Bandit, Craig David and The Vamps – Radio City Christmas Live can’t be missed. With some of the biggest names in pop music under one roof, this will prove to be a popular event.
If you’re looking for a great evening out this December, then this is the event for you.
Further information is available online.
Carols by Candlelight
Monday 19th December
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Celebrate the holidays in the most elegant style with Carols by Candlelight
Enjoy an exquisite concert of carols and seasonal classics staged in full 18th-Century costume in an evocative candle-lit Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Incidentally, while there are a number of great festive themed events aimed at classical music fans, this is our pick of the punch!
There will be few evenings in Liverpool this December as sophisticated as this.
Further information is available online.
Christmas Cinema at The Palm House
Monday 19th – Friday 23rd December
The Palm House, Sefton Park
Independent Liverpool will be hosting a very special festive cinema at The Palm House this December!
From the 19th to 23rd of December, you can enjoy a host of Christmas flicks from It’s A Wonderful Life to Muppets Christmas Carol. Whether you interested in attending as a family or as a group of friends, there are films aimed specifically at all age groups.
In addition to including a range of great food and drink, all late shows will feature swing singer and all round charmer Alan Cross, adding an extra classy touch to the proceedings.
Further information is available online.
Winter Attractions
Snowflake Trail
Friday 1st December – Tuesday 3rd January
Liverpool City Centre
Liverpool City Centre will be transformed into a festive spectacle by the return of the Snowflake Trail.
Explore the streets of Liverpool and discover giant sculptural snowflakes decorated by twelve of the region’s most exciting visual artists.
This winter festival of spectacular light and sound will capture the imagination of the young and old alike. See local landmarks transformed by dazzling lights, swirling soundscapes and interactive illustrations this December.
Further information is available online.
Santa’s Magical Grotto
Various dates across December (Saturday 3rd, Sunday 4th, Saturday 10th, Sunday 11th, Friday 16th & Friday 23rd)
Liverpool Town Hall
It won’t be Christmas without a trip to Santa’s Grotto!
Santa Claus will be bringing his magical Grotto to Liverpool Town Hall and is looking forward to meeting all the boys and girls who have been good this year.
The Grotto will be open from 10am to 5pm on the dates listed above and if you’ve been good, you’ll get an early Christmas present!
Further information is available online.
Albert Dock Dazzling Light Display
Saturday 3rd December – Monday 2nd January
Albert Dock, Liverpool
Liverpool’s most visited free tourist attraction is set to undergo a festive transformation this December.
Crucial FX and National Museums Liverpool will be turning Albert Dock into a canvas for the city’s most magical 4D projection mapping spectacular yet. More importantly, visitors get to experience this fantastic attraction until early next year!
Showcasing a fantastically festive illuminated display every night this month from 3rd December, this promises to be an unmissable attraction.
Further information is available online.
The Coca-Cola Truck
Sunday 4th December
Williamson Square, Liverpool City Centre
It wouldn’t be Christmas in Liverpool without an appearance from the iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Truck!
Star of the legendary Coca-Cola “Holidays are Coming” TV advertisements, the much loved Christmas truck will be arriving on 4th December. As this is always a popular attraction in the city centre, make sure you get there early to avoid the crowds.
Experience the magic of Christmas when the famous Coca-Cola truck stops to spread some Christmas cheer.
Further information is available online.
Storytime with Santa
Until Saturday 24th December
St George’s Hall, Liverpool
Whereas over at St George’s Hall, you can get a winter time story from Santa himself!
From Saturday 3rd December, this interactive family event lets your little one experience an intimate audience with Father Christmas filled with story and song.
Don’t forget to bring a camera so you can capture all those perfect memories!
Further information is available online.
Fantastic Events
Richard Ashcroft
Wednesday 7th December
Liverpool Echo Arena
Making a much-awaited return to Liverpool this December is songwriter Richard Ashcroft.
Founder of legendary Britpop band The Verve, Richard is now an established solo artist in his own right.
Having released his first album in four years earlier this year, Richard looks to be capping off a successful 2016 with a memorable performance at Liverpool Echo Arena.
Further information is available online.
Roy Wood
Friday 9th December
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Appropriately, Roy Wood be live in Liverpool this December.
The man who brought the world the classic Christmas song “I Wish It Would Be Christmas Everyday” brings his Rock ‘n’ Roll band to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.
In addition to co-founding Wizzard, Roy was also the co-founder of Electric Light Orchestra (along with Jeff Lynne) and The Move.
Further information is available online.
James and the Charlatans
Saturday 10th December
Liverpool Echo Arena
Two heavyweights of the Madchester music scene of the 1990’s are coming together for a special one-off show.
James & The Charlatans will be performing under the same roof this December at Liverpool Echo Arena.
This looks to be an unforgettable evening and a real treat for fans of British music.
Further information is available online.
Katherine Jenkins
Monday 12th December
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
One of the countries most beloved voices comes to Liverpool this December.
The record-breaking Katherine Jenkins has become a national treasure, captivating the hearts of the UK and beyond.
The mezzo-soprano will be live in concert at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.
Further information is available online.
The Human League
Wednesday 14th December
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Journey back to the 1980’s this December with The Human League.
The new wave darlings are back with A Very British Synthesizer Group: The Anthology Tour.
Perhaps best known for their hit single “Don’t You Want Me”, The Human League were one of the seminal electro-pop bands of the 80’s.
Due to popular demand, this concert is now sold out.
Andre Rieu
Thursday 15th December
Liverpool Echo Arena
One of the best artists in classical music, Andre Rieu is coming back to Liverpool this December.
Andre will be accompanied by his 60 piece Johann Strauss Orchestra; the largest private orchestra in the world.
Classical music fans can look forward to a colourful new programme spanning the most beautiful melodies of musical, opera and beyond.
Further information is available online.
25 Years of Reeves & Mortimer
Friday 16th December
Liverpool Echo Arena
One of the UK’s most beloved comedy duos is heading out on the road this December.
Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer have entertained the British public for years and have stood the test of time as a double act.
Reeves and Mortimer will be celebrating 25 years together with their critically acclaimed The Poignant Moments Show.
Further information is available online.
Rod Stewart
Sunday 18th December
Liverpool Echo Arena
After a successful show in Liverpool last month, Rod Stewart is back again for round 2!
Due to overwhelming demand, the musical legend has announced a second Liverpool date to his ‘From Gasoline Alley to Another Country’ UK arena tour.
In this final addition to the tour, Rod Stewart will be returning to Liverpool Echo Arena on Sunday 18th December.
Further information is available online.
Status Quo
Friday 23rd December
Liverpool Echo Arena
Legendary feel-good rockers Status Quo are playing the final full on electric shows this month.
The last date of their “The Last Night Of The Electrics” tour will be at none other than Liverpool’s Echo Arena – therefore making attendance a must.
Support will come from very special guests REO Speedwagon.
Further information is available.
Ken Dodd: The Happiness Show 25th Anniversary
Wednesday 28th – Thursday 29th December
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
There are few Liverpool faces as famous as Ken Dodd.
Dodd is a comedian of unrivalled status who has been entertaining audiences for a quarter of a century.
To mark the not inconsiderable milestone of 25 years, he brings “The Happiness Show” to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall this December.
Further information is available online.
December Football
Both Liverpool and Everton will be playing home fixtures during December including The Merseyside Derby!
The bitter rivals will meet at Goodison Park on Monday 19th December with an 8pm kick off.
In addition to this much-anticipated fixture, other games for December include:
Liverpool v West Ham
Sunday 11th December (16:30 KO)
Liverpool v Stoke City
Tuesday 27th December (17:15 KO)
Liverpool v Manchester City
Saturday 31st December (17:30 KO)
Further information regarding ticket availability can be found online.
Everton v Manchester United
Sunday 4th December (16:00 KO)
Everton v Arsenal
Tuesday 13th December (19:45 KO)
Further information regarding ticket availability can be found online.
Don’t forget about:
Dreamworks Lights
All December
St George’s Hall, Liverpool
A new winter attraction in Liverpool is DreamWorks Lights.
Part of the expansive One Magical City project, this illuminating lantern experience arrived in the UK for the very first time last weekend. What’s more, visitors can take advantage of this attraction throughout December.
So come down and meet all your favourite DreamWorks characters including Shrek, Alex Po and much more!
Further information is available online.
Last chance to check out:
ENB Nutcracker
Until Saturday 3rd December
Liverpool Empire Theatre
If you didn’t catch the English National Ballet’s production of Nutcracker, now is the time!
See over 100 dancers and musicians bring this timeless classic to life at Liverpool Empire Theatre.
Read more about this event in our November Preview Blog.
Disney on Ice Presents: Frozen
Until Sunday 4th December
Liverpool Echo Arena
Similarly, it’s your last chance to catch Disney On Ice Presents: Frozen.
Featuring dazzling special effects and astonishing skating, your little one’s will surely fall in love with this charming show!
Read more about this event in our November Preview Blog.
Liverpool Christmas Market
Until Thursday 22nd December
St George’s Hall Plateau, Liverpool
Finally, we have Liverpool’s wonderful Christmas Market!
Having moved to a brand new location at St George’s Hall Plateau, visitors can treat themselves to a range of festive goodies from mulled wine to delicious bratwurst. Afterwards, why not enjoy Dreamworks Lights?
Considering we have two great attractions in the same location it would be a shame not to experience the best of both.
Read more about this event in our November Preview Blog.
“Winter Special” – experience our serviced apartments for less!
Coincidentally, should you need another great reason to visit Liverpool, we are in the final month of our Winter Special promotion!
Over the past few months, this discount has allowed visitors to experience BASE Serviced Apartments for less during the final months of 2016.
With just a month left, now is the perfect to experience what Liverpool has to offer!
All bookings until the end of 2016 will receive a promotional discount of 10% of the regular price (*promotion applies to all available accommodation).
This offer can only be claimed via booking directly with BASE. Therefore, in order to claim your discount please call our reservations team directly on 0151 702 9222 and inform us about the nature of your stay.
Whether you want to treat the family to a winter escape, travelling on business or enjoying a last minute city break with friends; we are the real alternative to hotel living!
BASE Serviced Apartments offers an unrivalled service for those looking to stay in a fabulously contemporary yet homely property, within spectacular city environments.
Choose from our range of one, two and three bedroom properties within the heart of Liverpool or Chester.
All apartments are fully-furnished and fully-equipped providing you with your own environment to entertain guests or simply to switch off and unwind.
We are the real alternative to hotel living!
Book your next getaway with us now! For families, we would recommend our Duke Street and The Docks apartments. For leisure breaks, we would advise looking at our Sir Thomas Street or Cumberland Street apartments.
If you’re heading to Chester, check out our range of properties available at City Road.
Categorised in: Attractions, Christmas, Christmas Activities, Events, Family activities, Football, Leisure Activities, Preview, Travel tips