Christmas arrives in Liverpool today as the city is lit up for the festive season.
The Christmas lights will come on across Liverpool this afternoon as the sun goes down, and there’s an evening of festive fun planned in Liverpool ONE.
Today also sees the return of the Liverpool Christmas Market, with stalls opening from 11am selling Bratwurst, mulled wine, decorations and sweet treats.
READ MORE: Liverpool Christmas Market 2021: Dates, location and parking
In Williamson Square, the 16 metre high LED Christmas tree is back and people can find Two Be An Angel Selfie Stations on Castle Street and at Clayton Square. The neon angels will make the perfect backdrop for festive photos.
This year, people heading out in Liverpool’s Commercial District will see a new 16 metre artificial tree on Old Hall Street.
Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool BID Company: “We’ve seen people steadily return to the city centre over the course of the past quarter and it bodes well for the festive season. We are delighted to be working with Open Culture, Liverpool City Council, along with our partners, on shining a spotlight on our city’s artists, performers and creatives who will be turning our city’s streets into a stage for celebration.
“We work with Open Culture on LightNight each year, so we know they will bring plenty of joy to everyone across the city centre as we countdown to Christmas”.
Jennina O’Neill, chair of Retail & Leisure BID and centre manager at Metquarter said: “The run up to Christmas represents up to 50% of annual trading in the retail and hospitality sectors, so festive animation is not just important for creating festive cheer, it’s part of making the city welcoming, and a place people want to spend their time. It has been a tough year for all of our businesses, as well as the city. Christmas is a time to come together, to spread a little joy.”
Tonight’s Christmas event in Liverpool ONE includes pop up pantos, a festive choir and a singalong led by Santa and Mrs Claus. There will also be elves in attendance keeping an eye on who’s naughty and nice, plus walkabout characters including tap dancing turkeys, giant crackers and Christmas Belles.
Over at the Liverpool Christmas Market, people can enjoy drinks at the Windmill bar, Teepee tent, Barrel Bar or Alpine lodge, which returns with its karaoke cable cars. There will be 40 stalls to browse, plus festive rides, with the market open until 10pm Thursday to Saturday and until 9pm Sunday to Wednesday, right up until December 23.
With road works still in place on Lime Street, the market is this year being held in St John’s Gardens, William Brown Street and the North Entrance of St George’s Hall.
Tonight also sees the return of the Albert Dock’s Light Trail, with light sculptures including Liver Birds Bella and Bertie.
But people will have to wait a little longer to see the city’s traditional Christmas tree lit up on Church Street. The lights will be switched on from November 25, though there is no official event to mark the occasion.
In December, a series of 12 pop up events created by Paperwork Theatre will see a real life Advent Calendar come to life. Taking place at 6pm each evening from Thursday, December 1, the street events will bring music, dance, theatre, flash mobs and festive joy to the people of the city. Over 60 artists will take part in the events until Thursday, December 23.
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