We all know that Christmas can be the most wonderful, yet most expensive, time of year. With presents to buy, children to entertain, and good food to try, costs can add up quickly.
To help you celebrate the season without going over budget, we’ve rounded up some affordable Christmas activities and events happening in Liverpool and across Merseyside.
Visit a Christmas Market
There are many Christmas markets taking place across Merseyside and beyond, and with free entry, markets can be a great way to get in the festive spirit without having to spend a penny.
- The Makers Market is running throughout November and December at locations all across the North West, including the iconic Bombed-Out Church, Croxteth Hall, and in other areas such as Chester, Ormskirk, and Warrington. Browse local artists, bakers, and businesses while enjoying live music and crafts. You might find that perfect handmade gift for a loved one!
- The Good Market, Liverpool’s independent market, is at Penny Lane Church in Allerton on 5th The markets will run from 11am-4pm, showcasing handmade products, and entry is free.
- Liverpool’s Christmas Market is running from 21st November until 3rd January 2027 near St George’s Hall. It’s open from 11am to 10pm, and you can soak up the festive atmosphere, music and lights for free. Whilst admission is free, there are additional charges for attractions such as ice skating, with prices starting at £11.
- Little Frost Fair at Sefton Park’s Palm House is taking place on the 12th and 13th December from 12pm-7pm. If you’re looking to shop local this season, you’ll find a fantastic line up of Merseyside’s independent makers.
This list isn’t exhaustive – check for when your local Christmas market may be taking place!
Concerts and Carol Services
Fancy a Christmas singsong? There are many free or low-cost Christmas concerts and services taking place across Liverpool, suitable for every member of the family.
- Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral are hosting free events and concerts throughout the Christmas season. From their relaxed ‘Coffee and Carols’ afternoons to their sparkling Christmas Eve Carol Service, there’s something for everyone.
- The Tung Auditorium host free lunchtime concerts every Wednesday, along with affordable evening concerts throughout the week. Concerts range from festive classical choirs and orchestras to more contemporary performances.
- Throughout December, The Reader at Calderstones Park is hosting Christmas Concert Evenings and Community Christmas Choir Concerts. Tickets range from £3-£15. Enjoy feel-good favourites to get you in the festive spirit!
- This time of year, local churches often host free festive events, such as Christingles and carol services. Contact your local church for more information!
Check out local Christmas lights
Nothing says Christmas is on its way quite like watching the festive lights sparkle into life.
- Wandering around your local area in search of Christmas lights can be one of the most magical activities you can do with your children, without paying a penny! If you walk, make sure to wrap up warm, and take a hot chocolate with you for a magical touch. If you go for a drive, blast some Christmas music and wear your festive pyjamas to make it a memory worth remembering.
- Albert Dock’s famous Christmas Light Trail returns late November – bring a hot drink with you and enjoy the sparkling displays for free.
- Many town centres or neighbourhoods put on incredible light displays. Below are some official Christmas light switch on dates – if your town isn’t included, make sure to search for the date.
In Huyton, the Christmas lights switch-on takes place in the village centre on Friday 12th November from 3pm to 7pm.
Prescot’s lights switch-on will take place in the town centre on Saturday 14th November from 3pm to 7pm.
Kirkby’s lights switch-on will take place in the town centre on Friday 20th November from 4:30pm to 7:30pm.
Watch a cosy Christmas movie
Watching a movie with your friends and family can be a great, cheap way to get in the Christmas spirit together.
- Cosy up on your sofa with blankets and Christmas-themed snacks and pick your favourite movie to enjoy or find a new one to watch this year.
- Enjoy a winter wonderland backdrop whilst watching timeless Christmas classics at The Reader’s Outdoor Christmas Cinema. Snuggle up in a deckchair in a heated tent under twinkling lights, and with prices starting at just £8.50, what’s not to love?
- Check out your local cinema’s deals over the festive period. Many cinemas will replay Christmas fan-favourites at low prices. If you have a Tesco Clubcard, take advantage of Tesco Tuesdays at Cineworld for £5 cinema tickets. Turn an ordinary Tuesday into a movie night for the whole family to enjoy.
Go for a winter walk
Getting outdoors is a great way to make magical memories as a family, and Liverpool has plenty of free winter adventures to enjoy.
- Take a crisp seasonal walk through one of Liverpool’s many green spaces. Why not turn it into a scavenger hunt, and search for items like a red leaf, holly, a robin or animal footprints? On your wintery walk, collect natural materials such as pinecones to make your own Christmas decorations. Make your walk extra special by bringing your favourite festive treat or hot drink.
- Some country parks host free seasonal trails, so check before you visit your local park.
- The Bluecoat, Liverpool’s contemporary arts centre, are running their Winter Garden Trail until the 3rd January 2027. Based in their city centre urban garden and suitable for all ages, you can explore for free.
Meet Santa in his Grotto
Meeting Santa is a magical Christmas tradition for many families, and it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
- Visiting Santa can often be pricey. However, many garden and shopping centres, pubs, libraries, schools or community centres offer affordable alternatives. Smaller venues often host meet-and-greet Santa experiences cheaply, or even for free. Browse online to see what’s on offer near you.
- Dobbie’s Garden Centre in Speke is hosting a free community event, Santa’s Arrival, on Thursday 26 November 2026, 5–8pm. You’re invited to welcome Santa in style as he makes his grand entrance. Enjoy live performances, special festive treats for the whole family, and the chance to snap photos with Santa himself. From the 28th of November until the 24th December, Dobbies is also hosting breakfast with Santa, with prices starting from £9 for adults.
Other magical activities
- Liverpool One Toy Parade is on Saturday 14th November, a free event that brings Liverpool’s streets alive with handmade toys. Parade times are 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. Other activities at Liverpool One include a Christmas Trail and Festive Fun Thursdays.
- The Reader at Calderstones Park have a range of affordable events for children of all ages. From Christmas at the Storybarn to Elf Discos, there’s plenty to choose from.
- Sefton Park’s Palm House is hosting many free festive events throughout the winter months. Activities include Christmas sing songs, Family Yoga Drop Ins and Christmas Crafts.
Make this Christmas magical, without breaking the bank
Liverpool is full of festive cheer, and you don’t need to spend a fortune for your family to enjoy it. We hope you can make the most of these free and affordable events this holiday season!
Top tips:
- Book ahead: Many of these events are free, but some require booking – check official websites for details.
- Bring your own drinks and snacks to avoid extra costs.
- Bundle up: Make sure you dress warmly, so that you can enjoy outdoor activities for longer.
- Invite your friends: Fun often comes from who we’re with rather than what we do. Invite your loved ones along to make memories together.
- Keep it local: Local events are more likely be cheaper than those at bigger venues – see what’s on offer near you.
- Save your reward points: Reward schemes like Tesco Clubcard can be a great way to enjoy days out and meals for free – collect all year for festive fun in December that won’t cost a penny!
