The Liverpool Christmas Market is a festive highlight that sees thousands visit the city
Liverpool Christmas Market at St Georges Hall(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
The Liverpool Christmas Market returns in November for another festive shopping experience. The highly anticipated market is a winter highlight across the city and it will soon be returning to St George’s Plateau for 2025.
The annual market attracts thousands of visitors every year and with the event running up until Christmas Eve shoppers have plenty of time to visit and experience it. The markets have been held at St George’s Plateau since they moved from Church Street in 2016 and have been a huge success in this location.
Last year’s Christmas market attracted more than 500,000 throughout its six-week run, with an increase in overnight stays. This built on 2023 when 25% of visitors were from outside the north west, and 18% stayed overnight.
To meet demand, the City Council’s Markets team also introduced some new experiences, including a Winter Artisan Market inside St Georges Hall, a festive offering at Stanley Park, an artisan and creator’s market on Basnett Street and also an offer in Exchange Flags.
The dates for this year’s market have been posted on organiser Clarke Events’ website, along with opening times. The Liverpool Christmas Market is scheduled to return from Saturday, November 15 until Wednesday, December 24, from 11am to 10pm every day.
An aerial view of the Christmas market outside St Georges Hall in Liverpool(Image: PA)
The Liverpool Christmas Market typically boasts dozens of independent traders offering continental cuisine, places to drink, fun fair rides and entertainment, alongside merchants offering unique gifts and items for shoppers.
The Culture Liverpool team invited expressions of interest from experienced event organisers to create an additional festive offer at the Pier Head, complementing the existing markets.
Proposals were asked to include a standout feature – such as an ice rink, grotto, or another ticketed festive focal point – that enhances the city’s seasonal charm.
Liverpool Christmas Market at St Georges Hall(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Some of the other requirements included:
- Make sure it’s an inclusive experience – including wheelchair access, sensory-friendly areas, clear signage, and diverse activities for all ages.
- Considering décor which complements the Pier Head.
- Ensure there are high quality food and drink stalls on offer.
- Facilitate small and local independent makers and artisans on a “pop up” basis
- Use environmentally friendly consumables and power solutions.
- Recruit an independent Safety Officer and Event Manager who should be involved throughout the planning, implementation, operation and de-rig.
A full line-up of traders, events and activities for this year’s Liverpool Christmas Market, alongside the potential new addition to the Pier Head, are yet to be revealed.
You can take a look at some of the best photos and moments for the Liverpool Christmas Market 2024 in our photo gallery here.