It all starts with Liverpool’s annual light festival River of Light on 27 October before we welcome award-winning actors to The Depot for Macbeth and then head into Christmas with pantos, light trails and markets. We’ve rounded up a list of events not to miss across Liverpool before 2023 comes to an end.
River of Light
27 October – 5 November
Liverpool Waterfront
Eurovision magic will be sprinkled across this year’s River of Light as the outdoor illuminated gallery returns to Liverpool this autumn. 12 brand-new installations from local, national and international artists will make up the free to visit 2km walking trail, with three of the installations having a nod to Eurovision.
visitliverpool.com/riveroflight
Shakespeare’s Macbeth
18 November – 20 December
The Depot
Liverpool film studio, The Depot will be getting a theatrical make-over as it prepares to welcome Simon Godwin’s production of Macbeth. Featuring award-winning actor Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma, the custom built theatre will host the adaptation for over 20 nights in Liverpool.
Liverpool Christmas Markets
18 November – 24 December
St George’s Plateau
Located at the iconic St George’s Plateau and William Brown Street, the Liverpool Christmas Markets will return with festive food offers, crafters and makers stalls, the famous Windmill bar and rides and attractions for the whole family to enjoy.
The Wizard of Oz
13 December 2023 – 7 January 2024
Liverpool Empire
Direct from The London Palladium, the sensational new production of The Wizard of Oz arrives at The Liverpool Empire this Christmas. Starring JLS sensation Aston Merrygold as The Tin Man and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne as the Wicked Witch of the West – it will be a truly magical experience for the whole family.
atgtickets.com/shows/the-wizard-of-oz/liverpool-empire
The Light Before Christmas
1 – 8 December 2023
Liverpool Cathedral
Following last year’s sell out event, Luxmuralis are returning to Liverpool Cathedral for Christmas 2023 with a beautiful immersive experience that takes you on an incredible journey through the Nativity story. The iconic building becomes a canvas for a sequence of dazzling light and sound artworks for this ‘must-visit’ Christmas event.
liverpoolcathedral.org.uk/events-calendar/the-light-before-christmas-the-manger
Lanterns and Light
17 November – 31 December 2023
Chester Zoo
Explore new captivating light installations and be transported into enchanting lands filled with colour and festivity at Chester Zoo. Meet orangutans, lions and woolly mammoths as you make your way along the light trail into the land of Lanterns and Light.
chesterzoo.org/lanterns-and-light
Enchanted
18 November – 30 December 2023
Knowsley Safari
Discover the enchantment of the stunning Christmas lights extravaganza at Knowsley Safari as they transform their wildlife safari into an illuminated wonderland. With animal installations, a winter village, rainbow road and lots of toasted marshmallows, it’s the perfect day out for the whole family.
knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk/events/enchanted
Christmas at Liverpool ONE
17 November – 31 December 2023
Liverpool ONE
Liverpool ONE will be welcoming Christmas to their open air shopping centre with Liverpool ONE Christmas LIVE! on 17 November bringing the festive fun to the retail and entertainment destination. Bar Hutte will also be making its return under the giant neon Christmas tree alongside festive lights, events and lots of Christmas shopping.
The Scouse Dick Whittington
10 November 2023 – 20 January 2024
Royal Court Liverpool
The World famous, record breaking, side splitting Royal Court Christmas show is back with a live band and lots of laughs. Leave the kids at home for this one and have an alternative festive night out at the Royal Court.
liverpoolsroyalcourt.com/whats-on/the-scouse-dick-whittington/
Everyman Rock ‘N’ Roll Panto Cinderella
17 November 2023 – 20 January 2024
Everyman Theatre
The iconic Everyman Rock ‘n’ Roll panto is back and this year they are telling the story of Cinderella – with a bit of a twist. Bursting with banging pop and rock tunes, this show will have you singing and dancing along.
everymanplayhouse.com/whats-on/the-rock-n-roll-panto-cinderella
Peter Pan
2-3 December
M&S Bank Arena
M&S Bank Arena are welcoming Boy George as he makes his debut as Captain Hook in Peter Pan this festive season. The big budget extravaganza adaptation of J.M Barrie’s much-loved tale flies into Liverpool for a spin on the timeless classic.
mandsbankarena.com/whats-on/peter-pan/
Christmas at Royal Albert Dock
17 November – 31 December
Royal Albert Dock
This Christmas, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool will be illuminated once again with the return of its popular light trail from Friday 17 November. Taking place across the estate with over 1 million twinkling lights, embark on an enchanting waterfront wander. Enjoy a selection of characters from Liverpool’s coat of arms alongside nautical installations representing the dock’s rich maritime history, offering a fun and free activity for families during the festive period.
