FESTIVE DIARY

Christmas is always a special time of the year, but what makes it so magical is family time, festive activities and traditions that are enjoyed and live on. Create your own ways to celebrate by planning a visit to some of these twinkling destinations – all geared up to make this your merriest Christmas yet!

WILL CINDERELLA MEET THE HANDSOME PRINCE? FIND OUT AT ST HELENS THEATRE ROYAL!

With one wave of a magic wand, the audience will be whisked off to a glamorous ball this Christmas as Regal Entertainments present their spellbinding tale of Cinderella at St Helens Theatre Royal from 3rd December -8th January. Cinderella tells the story of a beautiful girl who is reduced to a life of servitude by her two ugly stepsisters, but that is all set to change when an invitation to a grand ball at the palace arrives! With real Shetland ponies, enchanted pumpkins and a sparkling fairy-tale carriage filled with festive fun, Cinderella promises to be the most lavish pantomime in all the land! Box Office T: 01744 756000 W: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

TIME TO PLAN A CRACKING GOOD CHRISTMAS AT VILLAGE HOTEL CLUB LIVERPOOL!

Shake your baubles and swing your tinsel – Village Hotel Club Liverpool has got an amazing line up of Christmas events for you! From big Christmas Parties with fabulous food & drink, festive dining in the Pub & Grill, family lunches and private parties to Christmas Day with all the trimmings and a New Year’s Eve extravaganza you won’t want to miss. Give them a call direct or book online today. W: village-hotels.co.uk/christmas

Copyright Luxmuralis

LIVERPOOL CATHEDRAL BRINGS THE NATIVITY STORY TO LIFE WITH STUNNING SOUND AND COLOUR

Liverpool Cathedral is ready to bring some extra sparkle to the city’s Christmas celebrations with an immersive experience bringing the Nativity story to life with a stunning display of lights, projections and sounds from the 2nd - 9th December. ‘The Light Before Christmas: The Angels Are Coming!’ tickets are from Ticket Quarter online or by calling 0344 8000. Sessions are from 4.30 pm. Tickets are £8.80 for adults and £6.60 for children aged from 3 to 16. Children under 3 are free when accompanied by an adult. Family tickets (two adults with three children) are available at £27.50. Prices include a booking fee. W: www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AT LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC

Liverpool Philharmonic is throwing the biggest Christmas party in town! First, there’s a Singalong with Santa from 17th -18th December. Containing all the magical ingredients for the perfect family celebration, expect festive favourites from ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’ to ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ plus a visit from Father Christmas! Then enjoy screenings of E.T. The Extra Terrestrial and family favourite The Gruffalo, accompanied by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra on the 30th December & 28th January. And for families with children aged 7 and above, don’t forget their festive extravaganza, Spirit of Christmas, featuring special guests alongside their Orchestra and Choirs from 17th -23rd December. Box Office T: 0151 709 3789 W: www.liverpoolphil.com

LIVERPOOL ALPINE VILLAGE BRINGS CHRISTMAS TO LIFE FOR ALL THE FAMILY

There’s a lot to feel jolly about when you head to Liverpool ONE this festive season! Visit the magical ski holiday-inspired alpine wonderland taking over Chavasse Park and enjoy karaoke, curling, shuffleboard, food and drink stalls and festive family events. On various dates from 27th November – 6th December, join delightful, friendly Wreath Making Workshops and create your very own Christmas wreath. And for little ones, on Sundays in December and the week leading up to Christmas, it’s the chance to meet Santa - this familyfriendly booking includes a karaoke hütte for one hour, free hot chocolate and colouring pads for the kids, plus the chance to get a picture with Santa Claus. Visit their website to book your chosen activities! W: www.liverpool-one.com/christmas/ SPECTACULAR SHOWS TO ENTERTAIN THE FAMILY THIS CHRISTMAS

Come Together this Christmas at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool as they have a magical array of shows for you and the family to enjoy all together. Join Aladdin and Jasmine in the Christmas pantomime, where all your wishes can come true, and laugh along to Elf - the arena spectacular as the Hollywood blockbuster is brought to life right in front of your eyes. Or prepare to be dazzled as Hot Wheels Monster Trucks light up the floor in a one-of-a-kind, high-energy Glow Party experience when the huge riproaring trucks soar into the arena in January 2023. Whatever you decide, you can be sure to make memories that last a lifetime. W: www.mandsbankarena.com

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR AT WAYFARERS

Santa is in the unique Victorian Wayfarers Arcade in Southport on the 19th, 26th November; 3rd, 10th, 17th December and those fun Frozen characters will be in residence from 21st – 24th December. For a donation of £10, children will receive a quality present they will love. A jingly fun Elf Party with dancing, games and much more will take place on Sunday 27th November and 4th, 11th, 18th December. Cost is £10 per child and booking is essential. For more information on how to sign up your child for an exceptional festive experience, visit them online. W: wayfarersarcade.co.uk

MAKE SURE LIVERPOOL INDOOR FUNFAIR IS ON YOUR CHRISTMAS TO-DO LIST!

Located at the Exhibition Centre on the Albert Docks, Liverpool Indoor Funfair is the ultimate family day out which is running from the 26th December to 3rd January. They have assembled a great mix of children’s rides and large rides for all age groups to enjoy, all at one great price! Rider’s tickets are £12.99 for a 3-hour session which includes unlimited access to all the rides. It truly is the ideal Christmas treat for all the family. So, what are you waiting for? Get your tickets now online and follow their Facebook page for giveaways! W: www.indoorfunfair.org

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, KNOWSLEY STYLE, COMES TO THE COCKPIT THEATRE!

Ebeneezer Scrooge is mean, no doubt about that. But, as Christmas approaches he’s going to get the fright of his life. Three mysterious Christmas visitors make him see that there is more to life than counting his pennies. What follows is an important tale of friendship, compassion and humanity. This Christmas, Shakespeare North Playhouse will recreate the classic play with a distinctly Knowsley feel. The result will be a slightly bonkers, fast and furious retelling of the original text with a host of musical instruments, some familiar local references and a sprinkling of pantomime fun! Performances from 25th November to 7th January at The Cockpit Theatre, tickets from £3 and suitable for all ages. W: shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk

FESTIVE FUN AND YOUR SHOPPING DONE

Blakemere feels magical at Christmas, you can explore its independent shops, relax in its cosy eateries, and enjoy festive activities. Take time to shop for unique Christmas gifts for the whole family, including artisan crafts, children’s toys, jewellery, homeware, fashion, antiques, collectables and festive houseplants. Blakemere is also brimming with seasonal events for the whole family to enjoy. Create lasting memories at the Magical Woodland, The Playbarn’s Christmas Party or Blakemere’s self-led Yule Ville Christmas Trail. For crafty types, Cheshire Craft Workshop and Crafts in the Corner are hosting several festive workshops. W: blakemerevillage.com

TINY REINDEER OUTDOOR STORY TRAIL – A HEART-WARMING ADVENTURE FOR LITTLE ONES

Join the team at Calderstones Park for some seasonal magic from the 26th November to 23rd December – where even the very smallest of us can do something BIG! This Christmas they’re wrapping up warm and going on a brand new outdoor festive adventure, based on the beautiful book Tiny Reindeer by Chris NaylorBallesteros. Their self-led trails are perfect for families with children aged 4-9, but everyone is welcome. Price is £12.99 per family (includes one copy of the book; and a map for every child). Tickets can be purchased on the day or online in advance. W: https://linktr.ee/thestorybarn

Illustrations © by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros, from ‘Tiny Reindeer’ published by Andersen Press, 2021

WILL CINDERELLA MEET THE HANDSOME PRINCE? FIND OUT AT ST HELENS THEATRE ROYAL!

With one wave of a magic wand, the audience will be whisked off to a glamorous ball this Christmas as Regal Entertainments present their spellbinding tale of Cinderella at St Helens Theatre Royal from 3rd December-8th January. Cinderella tells the story of a beautiful girl who is reduced to a life of servitude by her two ugly step-sisters, but that is all set to change when an invitation to a grand ball at the palace arrives! With real Shetland ponies, enchanted pumpkins and a sparkling fairy-tale carriage filled with festive fun, Cinderella promises to be the most lavish pantomime in all the land! Box Office T: 01744 756000 W: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com