The signs are starting to appear that Christmas is on its way, but you might not want to start thinking about it yet.
We all know what it means when Strictly Come Dancing is back on the TV and huge boxes of Quality Street start appearing in the supermarkets - like it or not, the festive season will be here before you know it.
And even if you’re not ready to start buying presents yet, there are some things you might want to get done to avoid disappointment by the time Christmas is in full swing.
Tickets for these events are on sale now and tend to sell out fast - so get booking.
Michael Buble at M&S Bank Arena
Mr Christmas himself is putting on a festive show in Liverpool this December.
‘An Evening with Michael Buble’ will see the singer perform with a 32 piece band.
The Grammy-award winner has become synonymous with Christmas since the 2011 release of his festive album, which features covers of classic carols and yuletide favourites including Silent Night, Jingle Bells and Santa Claus is Coming to Town.
Buble will perform at the M&S Bank Arena on Tuesday, December 3.
Tickets are priced at £96.45, £70, £50 and go on sale at 9am on June 7.
To book tickets go to Ticketmaster, https://www.mandsbankarena.com/buble or call the M&S Bank Arena Box Office on 0344 8000 400.
Christmas pantomimes
Pantomimes are Christmas tradition for many families and a great way for all ages to celebrate the festive season.
And there are plenty to choose from across Liverpool and Merseyside.
- Peter Pan at the Empire
- Snow White at the M&S Bank Arena
- Rock ‘n’ Roll panto Sleeping Beauty at the Everyman
- Cinderella at the Epstein Theatre
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Floral Pavillion in New Brighton
- Aladdin at St Helens Theatre Royal
- Jack and the Beanstalk at Southport Theatre.
This year, family attraction Otterspool Adventure is also hosting a panto for the first time. Cinderella will star Mia Malloy in the title role and Britain’s Got Talent star Lewis Pryor as Buttons.
The Lanterns at Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo's lantern event is back for Christmas and tickets are on sale now.
The Lanterns at Chester Zoo is a magical experience for all the family and has become a much loved occasion on the festive calendar.
Wander past animal inspired illuminations and journey through clouds and stars in the Night Sky Adventure - and don’t forget to keep an eye out for Father Christmas.
The Chester Lanterns events take place on selected nights from Friday, November 22 to Monday, December 23.
Tickets are from £5.50 per child to £10.50 per adult. To book tickets go to chesterzoo.org
Miracle on 34th Street at the Playhouse
If a traditional panto isn’t your thing, this festive production is sure to warm the heart.
When we announced earlier this year that this was coming to Liverpool for Christmas there was a huge reaction on our social media page, with many people excited for the show.
The magical film by George Seaton is being adapted for the stage by Meredith Willson’s and directed Everyman & Playhouse artistic director Gemma Bodinetz.
Featuring timeless festive songs like 'It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas' the musical is set to be a seasonal treat for the whole family.
For more information visit www.everymanplayhouse.com/whats-on or call Box Office on 0151 709 4776.
Christmas films at Woolton Picture house
Step back in time and enjoy a festive date night at this 1920s cinema in the picturesque village of Woolton.
With only one screen its Christmas films sell out fast, so be sure to book well ahead to avoid disappointment.
In fact, the screenings are so popular they went on sale in March.
This year, its festive film schedule includes Love Actually, Gremlins, Elf, The Muppet Christmas Carol, It’s A Wonderful Life, Home Alone and White Christmas.
Book via the Woolton Picture House website.
The Snowman at Liverpool Cathedral
Families can experience The Snowman with a live orchestra at Liverpool Cathedral this year.
A live, professional orchestra will play the original score along to the film shown on a large screen.
The special screening will of course feature the much loved ‘Walking in the Air’, bringing the tale to life in a way that leaves you feeling all warm and cosy inside.
The event also includes a second animation, A Donkey’s Tale, which tells the heartwarming story of Dillon, an “ordinary donkey with an extraordinary dream”, that takes him on a life-changing journey.
For more information and to book visit www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk
Christmas at Speke Hall
In the run up to Christmas, visitors to Speke Hall can enjoy a festive experience full of Victorian traditions, including carol singing, sugar mice making and Christmas trails inside and out.
The National Trust property will be decorated with huge handmade green garlands and a towering Christmas tree.
Speke Hall's Christmas Past event takes place on the following weekends: November 30 and December 1, December 7 and 8, December 14 and 15.
Visits to the Speke Hall Christmas grotto will take place on these dates between 10.45am and 4pm and must be pre-booked.
Grotto entrance is £4 per child and normal entry prices to Speke Hall also apply.
Tickets to the grotto often sell out fast, so book ahead here to avoid disappointment.
Elf: A Christmas Spectacular at M&S Bank Arena
It’s become one of the most popular Christmas films in recent years, and now Elf is coming to the stage.
The musical version of the festival tale features a 30 foot-tall Christmas tree that audience members get to decorate, a flying sleigh, and high octane stunts.
Tam Ryan stars as Buddy and Coronation Street’s Kym Marsh plays his love interest Jovie.
The show is on at the M&S Bank Arena on December 7-8.
To purchase discounted tickets go to wowcher.co.uk or for standard adult tickets go to ticketmaster.co.uk.
Christmas Carol at St George’s Hall
A stage adaptation of the festive tale A Christmas Carol is once again being performed at St George’s Hall.
The stunning concert room is the setting for the show - a stage Dickens graced numerous times himself to recite his books. With its ornate gold columns and glistening chandelier you will feel like you have stepped back in time.
The show has been a sell out in the past and is expected to be popular again this year.
The event runs from December 19 to 23, and there will be festive carols and mulled wine to enjoy in the bar area ahead of each show.
Visit the St George's Hall website to buy tickets.
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