As one of England’s greatest cities, you’ll never be short of things to do in Liverpool. Some cultural highlights include theatre, music and comedy events, art galleries and museums. In winter, you won’t want to miss the Liverpool Christmas Market, a fun event to experience with family and friends.
In this guide, you’ll find the latest event information, including confirmed dates, opening times and locations for 2023.
The Christmas market is located in front of St George’s Hall. An absolutely stunning example of neoclassical architecture, it’s a wonderful backdrop to the festive events at its door. Visit inside the building if you get the chance.
Liverpool Christmas Market 2023
The Christmas market in Liverpool includes more than 40 traditional timber stalls showcasing an assortment of handmade crafts, unique jewellery, and artisan food from around the globe.
A highlight are the Windmill and Alpine Bars, which serve seasonal drinks such as mulled wine, hot chocolate and classic German bratwurst.
The Christmas chalets provide a great opportunity to shop for Christmas decorations and handmade gifts. Expect to find locally made gifts, international products, delicious snacks and Christmas specialties. You’ll find a full list of specialties further below.
Kids can meet Santa at Santa Land, and they might enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel.
Dates and Location
Liverpool Christmas Market dates: 18th November to 24th December 2023.
Location: St George’s Plateau in front of St George’s Hall.
Opening times: 11am to 10pm.
Christmas Eve: 11am to 5pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Payments: The event is mostly cashless.
Christmas lights: No switch on date.
Santa: Yes, at Santa Land. Tickets available at the event.
Ice skating: No.
Ferris wheel: Yes. Tickets available at the event.
Other attractions: Karaoke Ski Lifts, Alpine Bar and a carousel.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes. However, there are cobblestones in the square.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended.
Public transport: Lime Street Station.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Some of Liverpool’s best artisan will have chalets plus loads of different bars including the Windmill bar and Bavarian bar. The karaoke ski lifts are also back this year.
Recommended tour: Guided city walking tour.
Specialities: Yorkshire pudding wraps are one of the most popular snacks, along with chargrilled sausages, pretzels and crepes as well as mulled wine of course.
Where to stay: Delta Hotels by Marriott is located just opposite the Christmas markets.
Hotels near Liverpool Christmas Market
Liverpool is a big city with many interesting and diverse neighbourhoods. But if you want to stay near the Christmas market, I suggest staying somewhere between St George’s Quarter (the Christmas market location) and Liverpool Waterfront.
I recommend staying at the Hard Days Night Hotel. Yes, this is a Beatles-themed hotel, but it’s done well, and the memorabilia is not intrusive at all. Generally, I recommend it for its central location, close to many sights and places to eat out.
Location of Liverpool Christmas Market
City and Christmas Tours
Exploring Liverpool through a city tour is a brilliant way to immerse yourself in the city’s abundant history and culture. Despite the winter chill, Liverpool, adorned with its picturesque waterfront, vibrant buildings and impressive architecture, remains an ideal destination.
This particular city tour of Liverpool is a value-for-money opportunity to discover many of the city’s highlights guided by a local expert, making it a top choice for those visiting for the first time.
During a city tour, you’ll likely be taken to some of Liverpool’s most renowned landmarks and attractions, such as the beautiful Albert Dock and the monumental Anglican Cathedral.
For more information on the UK Christmas markets, read my Christmas markets 2023 UK guide. Discover where to go, things to do and the best ways to experience UK food, history and culture.
Christmas in Liverpool
Visit Liverpool has information regarding events and the best ways to experience Liverpool at Christmas.
Food at the Christmas Market
Mulled Wine: A staple at most Christmas markets, mulled wine is a must-try at Liverpool’s market. Spiced and heated to the perfect temperature, this drink embodies the festive spirit and helps ward off the winter chill.
Hot Chocolate: To add a bit of sweetness to your evening, you might like to grab a cup of creamy hot chocolate. It’s a delicious treat for all ages topped with marshmallows or whipped cream.
Bratwurst: An international favourite you’ll find at the Liverpool Christmas Market, bratwurst is a type of German sausage made from pork, beef, or veal. It’s a hearty snack to fuel your market exploration, often served in a bun with a generous dollop of mustard or ketchup.
Roasted Chestnuts: Evocative of a traditional Christmas scene, roasted chestnuts are a much-loved treat. They are carefully roasted over an open fire and sold in paper cones, offering a warm, filling snack that’s perfect for those cold December evenings.
Mince Pies: Nothing screams Christmas in Britain quite like mince pies. The rich, sweet filling of mixed fruits and spices is encased in a delicate, crumbly pastry, making these bite-sized pies an irresistible treat.
Yorkshire Pudding Wraps: A modern twist on a traditional Sunday roast, these wraps contain all the elements of a classic roast dinner, including meat, vegetables and gravy, all wrapped up in a large Yorkshire pudding.
Fudge: In a variety of flavours, from classic vanilla to more adventurous ones like rum and raisin, fudge is a sweet treat you shouldn’t miss. It’s rich, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet, ideal for satisfying your festive sweet tooth.
Toffee Apples: A nostalgic treat for many, toffee apples are whole apples covered in a hard toffee shell. The contrast between the tart apple and sweet, crunchy coating is a combination that can’t be beaten.
What to Buy
Liverpool Ornaments: Featuring iconic landmarks of the city, such as The Beatles Statue and Liverpool Cathedral, these ornaments make a wonderful memento of your visit or a thoughtful gift for a loved one. Each piece is crafted with care and showcases Liverpool’s unique culture and heritage.
Local Artwork: Artists from across the region gather at the market to sell their beautiful creations. There’s something to suit every taste, from prints and paintings to ceramics and glasswork.
Scouse Gin: Distilled locally, this gin pays homage to the city’s maritime history with a blend of botanicals inspired by global trade routes. It’s an excellent gift for gin lovers and an opportunity to take a taste of Liverpool home with you.
British Woollen Goods: Traditional woollen items, including scarves, hats and gloves, are a staple of any Christmas market in the UK. These products are stylish, incredibly warm and durable, made from high-quality British wool.
Jewellery: You’ll find a wide range of unique, handcrafted jewellery pieces at the Christmas markets in Liverpool. From silver earrings to beaded bracelets, each piece is made by skilled local artisans, making them truly one-of-a-kind.
Chutneys and Preserves: Crafted using traditional recipes, these homemade chutneys and preserves come in various flavours. They are perfect for pairing with cheeses or meats during the festive feasting or for gifting foodie friends and family.
Locally-made Candles: Offering a range of scents from cinnamon and apple to pine and eucalyptus, these candles capture the essence of Christmas. They are handmade in Liverpool, ensuring you’re supporting local businesses with your purchase.
Sustainable Travel Tips
Our choices have an environmental and social impact on the places we visit. Try to implement these responsible travel measures when visiting Liverpool at Christmas.
Choose Accommodations with a Green Policy: Several hotels in Liverpool have committed to sustainable practices. They prioritise energy-efficient appliances, use renewable energy where possible, and limit air conditioning and heating use.
Reduce Food Waste: Be mindful of the amount of food you order at the Christmas stalls, and consider sharing meals to avoid waste.
Shop Locally and Ethically: When shopping at the Christmas market, prioritise vendors selling locally made or fair-trade products. This supports the local economy and reduces the environmental impact of transportation.
Sustainable Diet Choices: Consider trying vegetarian or vegan options at food stalls and restaurants to support more sustainable consumption.
Walk, Cycle, or Use Public Transport: Liverpool city centre is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, consider renting a Citybike or using public transport. The Merseyrail network is an efficient way to get around the city and beyond, reducing your reliance on taxis or rented cars.
Visit Green Spaces: While in Liverpool, take the time to visit green spaces like Sefton Park or the Botanic Gardens. These areas help offset carbon emissions, and your visit supports their upkeep and conservation.
FAQ
The Christmas markets in Liverpool are in front of St George’s Hall and along William Brown Street.
Liverpool Christmas Market dates are from 18th November to 24th December 2023.
The Christmas markets in Liverpool are open from 11am to 10pm.
If you want to leave a review of Liverpool Xmas Market, feel free to comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Liverpool, UK. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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