Liverpool Christmas Guide Part 2: Festive Film and Theatre

The festive season in Liverpool is in full swing and we couldn’t be more excited! There’s so much to see and do and the thought of the best nights out in December and all the festive food on offer is making us giddy! Festive film and theatre is one of the best bits of the yuletide season, cosying up to a Christmas film is perfect as the weather gets colder.

Liverpool is the cultural epicentre of the north and the Christmas season is no different, with some of the most iconic locations and theatres holding special festive events to ring in the season.

To help you make sure you’re getting the best out of Christmas in Liverpool, we’ve creating a three-part guide on how to make the most out of all Liverpool has to offer. Take a look at all the festive film and theatre for the family in Liverpool

Festive Film Screenings in Liverpool

There’s nothing quite like a Christmas film. Spreading joy and yuletide magic is best done through the silver screen and there are some incredible classics! If you’re looking for a cosy way to enjoy festive film and theatre in Liverpool, get yourself a seat at some of these festive film screenings and do things a little differently this year.

Sefton Park Palm House

When: 20^th – 22^nd December

The stunning Palm House in on of Liverpool’s best parks is opening its doors to spread a little Christmas magic this December.

The pop-up cinema is running a three-night festive film extravaganza that’s perfect for the whole family. Afternoon showings begin at 4.30pm and evening performances at 8pm.

Wednesday 20^th December’s afternoon treat is a family showing of Elf, starring Will Ferrell as the iconic Buddy the Elf, while the evening will run seasonal romcom The Holiday.

Thursday 21^st December features an appearance from Jim Carrey’s Grinch in the afternoon and the ultimate Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life.

The final evening of festive films will include Muppet’s Christmas Carol and the hugely popular White Christmas from 1954.

to see when the next batch of tickets are available.

Philharmonic Hall

When: 11^th & 24^th December

The iconic and stunning Philharmonic Hall on Hope Street will put on two very special performances this Christmas season.

The modern Christmas classic Love Actually stole millions of hearts when it was released in 2003, creating an interwoven web of heart-warming love stories.

On Monday 11^th December, The Novello Orchestra will perform Craig Armstrong’s evocative score to the well-loved seasonal favourite.

For a Christmas Eve with a difference, visit The Philharmonic for their Christmas Eve viewing of It’s A Wonderful Life, shown at 11am and 2pm. The ultimate Christmas classic in Liverpool’s premier performance hall is not one to be missed.

St George’s Hall

When: 21^st & 22^nd December

St George’s Plateau has been transformed into a winter wonderland now that Liverpool’s Christmas market has found its home on the cobbles there.

The iconic landmark is set to get even more festive as Christmas approaches as the weekend before the big day.

Everyone’s favourite unlucky child Kevin McAllister will be taking to the screen at 2pm on the 21^st December, while Jingle All The Way will be delighting the audience at 6pm.

While some people may be celebrating Mad Friday in Liverpool on the 22^nd December, St George’s has a much cosier event in mind. Will Ferrell’s Elf will be shown in the hall at 2pm and Dr Seuss’ Grinch will be terrorising Whoville at 6pm.

The Anglican Cathedral

When: 23^rd December

The Anglican Cathedral is bringing back Carrot Productions’ performance of The Snowman, following the sell-out tour last year.

The performance will even include a solo by a local, young singer of the iconic and spine-tingling ‘Walking in the Air.’

Christmas Theatre and Panto in Liverpool

It’s the season for the best performances of the year… pantomimes! Yes, it’s the time of year to take the kids along for a bit of immersive theatre. You’ll be shouting ‘he’s behind you!’ in no time!

Liverpool’s theatre are beautiful and plentiful and there’s plenty of options for where the take the little ones (or the big ones!) this Christmas

Cinderella

When: 16^th December – 7^th January

Where: The Empire Theatre

Audiences in Liverpool this festive season. Watch the age-old tale of from rags to riches unfold as Cinderella outwits her ugly sisters with the help of best friend Buttons and the magical fairy godmother. Starring Blue’s Duncan James as Prince Charming and Jodie Prenger as the Fairy Godmother, it’s not one to be missed this Christmas!

Aladdin

When: 15^th December – 24^th December

Where: Echo Arena

Radio City’s Leanne Campbell takes on a starring role in Aladdin at the imposing Echo Arena on Liverpool’s waterfront. Join her as she teams up with Britain’s Got Talent Stars Michael Auger and Ruby Murry (as Aladdin and Widow Twankey) to take on the evil Abanazar, played by Dean Sullivan.

This is a panto for the big leagues, with a star-studded lineup and the theatrics to match. Make sure you get your tickets before it’s too late!

Rock ‘n’ Roll Little Mermaid

When: 25^th November – 20^th January

Where: Everyman Theatre

The festivities may have already started at The Everyman Theatre, but it’s never too late to get into the spirit of Christmas. The Rock ‘n’ Roll panto claims another willing victim as the well-loved Little Mermaid undergoes a makeover.

There’s a live band, plenty of laughs and more than a few surprises to get you in the Christmas mood. Dame Francis Tucker and Adam Keast join the cast to perform a panto you’ll never forget this festive season.

Peter Pan

When: 9^th December – 1^st January

Where: The Epstein Theatre

The well-known tale takes to the stage as Peter Pan flies into the Epstein Theatre. Starring 90’s boyband superstar Dane Bowers as the formidable Captain Hook and Radio City’s Claire Simmo as Tinkerbell, you’re in for a barrel of laughs and an incredible time at the famous Hanover Street Theatre.

It’s the classic children’s book with a festive twist and is the perfect performance to be merry and bright this year.

The Scouse Nativity

When: 24^th November – 13^th January

Where: The Royal Court

This is a truly Scouse performance that’s the best thing to see in Liverpool this Christmas. Whether you’ve been born and bred in Merseyside or have joined us from further afar, there’ll be a little bit of Liverpool you recognise in every scene.

The show has a 16+ advisory notice due to strong language and adult themes, but it’s a side-splitting experience for those who love a laugh. It’s the ultimate Liverpool telling of the nativity and if there’s one theatre performance to see this year, make sure it’s the Scouse Nativity.

Liverpool at Christmas

There’s plenty of amazing things to do in Liverpool this Christmas to keep you entertained. The city comes alive when the temperatures drop and there’s no better place to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year than in one of the best cities in the North.

Planning your Christmas night out? Take a look at our best nights out in December in Liverpool guide and keep an eye out for part three of our Christmas guide!