Liverpool Christmas Market: The Complete Guide
Liverpool is a gem that is hidden in the northwestern United Kingdom. It is a wonderful place for tourists to visit and take in the breathtaking architecture and cultural history. There are a variety of attractions to see and activities to do, especially near Christmastime when the city comes alive with twinkling lights, bright decorations, and festive markets.
Come meet St. Nick, whether you have been naughty or nice, sip hot cider, do a little shopping, and enjoy the merriment of a Liverpool Christmas Market. The magic of the season will seep into your soul giving you a whole new outlook and feeling a sense of belonging as you stroll through the streets of Liverpool.
Before you visit a Christmas market, leave your bags at a Bounce location so you will be able to carry all the marvelous things you will buy. Expect to find something for everyone on your list, even that one person who is impossible to shop for!
Liverpool Christmas Market
One of the biggest Christmas markets in Europe is in Liverpool and is appropriately named Liverpool's Christmas Market. This market is held from November 17th to December 23rd in St. John's Gardens at the corner of the North Entrance of St. Georges Hall and Upper William Brown Street. The ice rink is a big draw for families and the souvenir photo with the towering Christmas tree is the perfect memento.
There are food stalls where you will find holiday classics such as Yorkshire pudding wraps, dipped pretzels, and German sausages. If you do not try anything else, visit the Yorkshire Pud wrap stall. Search out stalls selling Christmas gifts for family and friends such as glass ornaments, personalized decorations, photo prints, handicrafts, jewelry, and handmade toys. There is a little bit of everything in this market.
What to do near Liverpool Christmas Market
After exploring the Liverpool Christmas Market and St. Johns Gardens William Brown Street, take a stroll where you will find Central Library, the World Museum, Walker Art Gallery, and of course, St. George’s Hall.
The Steble Fountain, Hillsborough Monument, and Wellington’s Column are nearby to Upper William Brown Street, and a stroll to the Queensway Tunnel to check out its art deco entrance is a good way to top off the day. Visit the Windmill Bar on St. Johns Lane before heading home from a fun day at the Christmas markets in Liverpool.
Aintree Christmas Market
Find Aintree Christmas Market located in Aintree Racecourse at the Princess Royal Stand on November 30th to December 1st. While this may be a smaller market with about 50 different vendors, you will still find plenty of fun, interesting, and unique gift ideas for Christmas. The festive décor of the market makes it the ideal place to spend an afternoon browsing through stalls selling Christmas gifts.
Snack on homemade cakes and treats, pick up jams and chutneys, handmade wreaths and candles, and even adorable toys for children of all ages. As you meander through the booths, stop and watch local dancers perform. Local artists offer personalized decorations. Take the kids on a few of the carnival rides, visit Santa's village, and then dine on delicious street food.
What to do near Aintree Christmas Market
While you are visiting the Aintree Racecourse you will want to check out some of the other amazing attractions nearby. The Rampworx Skatepark is a fun way to spend an evening or stroll through St. Johns Gardens. Flipout Aintree is just down the street from the racecourse as is Urban Calm Aintree. If you have kids in tow, spend some time at Acorn Farm.
Granby Street Christmas Market
One of the best places to find bargains is the Granby Street Christmas Market. Quality items are available at lower prices, making your Christmas budget stretch a bit further. With economies struggling and the rising cost of living, finding great deals is always a pleasant surprise.
The Granby Street Market is a recurring market and is held on the first Saturday of the month. The Christmas market is held the first weekend of December from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and draws a lot of vendors as well as shoppers. Bring along some empty bags to tote home all your loot. There are several carnival rides and face painting to keep the kids entertained.
There really is a wide range of items available for sale including vintage clothing, arts and crafts, handmade lotions and soaps, and memorabilia. Street food is available so you can spend the entire day at the Granby Street Christmas Market. Find a vendor with a traditional swing grill selling tasty dishes you will love.
What to do near Granby Street Christmas Market
If you get bored at the market, there are plenty of attractions in the vicinity that you might find fascinating. The Al Rahma Mosque is beautifully constructed and is a popular attraction in Liverpool. The Garstang Museum of Archaeology is another draw for tourists. But the Penny Lane Emporium is really the hidden gem of the area.
Christmas at Baltic Market
Located on Stanhope Street, the Baltic Market is a huge tourist attraction year-round but you definitely have to visit during the Christmas season. Sip on mulled red wine as you stroll through the vendors looking for the perfect gifts for friends and family. You will find everything from arts and crafts to personalized clothing.
Yuletide gatherings at Baltic Market bring out everyone's festive spirit. The Baltic Market offers several special festivals and markets in December including gift markets, farmers’ markets, and special dogs’ markets. Starting December 1st, the market remains open five days a week from Wednesday to Sunday.
Vendors offer delicious street food and special Christmas treats. Food vendors offer everything from halloumi fries, Spanish-style tapas, bubble waffles, and wood-fired pizzas. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy your food or take it to go after you have explored the market.
Check out these extra special festivals held at Baltic Market: December 8th from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Santa Paws Is Coming To Town and December 15th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Winter Gift Market takes place.
What to do near Baltic Market
While you are in the area near Stanhope Street, you may want to do a little sightseeing and check out some rather interesting memorials and museums. The Great Eastern Railway War Memorial and the Bank of England Museum are interesting places to spend a few hours. Stroll past the Bow Bells and The Scalpel, both are unique places to see.
Bring in the season with Christmas markets in Liverpool
Christmastime always puts people in a festive spirit and visiting Christmas markets in Liverpool is the perfect way to get to know the locals better, celebrate the season, and find inexpensive gifts for loved ones. For more incredible shopping visit Liverpool ONE, an open-air shopping center of over 42 acres.
Now you are ready to enjoy the Christmas Markets in Liverpool. For more things to do in Liverpool, check out these other guides.
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