Christmas is expected to be different this year, but there are still ways to enjoy the festive fun in Liverpool. JMU Journalism has compiled five of the best socially distanced things going on to get you in the spirit.
1. Visit the Baltic Market for the return of live music
This year at the Baltic Market, festivities are still going ahead. Although the usual gift markets, farmers markets, dog markets and NYE events won’t be available, the market is open for business from Wednesday December 2.
Festive specials will be in abundance such as halloumi in blankets, Christmas sandwiches with dipping gravy, vegan Christmas burgers, mulled wine, mulled, cider and themed cocktails such as the snowball. The 8000sqft market will be laden with Christmas decorations and the iconic “scouse snowman” is making his reappearance. David Williams, Co-founder of the Baltic Market said: “The market will be super Covid-safe and live music will return which we are very excited about! Obviously, music has to be kept to a certain level so there will be acoustic sessions on Sunday afternoons, Sunday nights”
“If people don’t feel comfortable being inside, we have lots of outdoor seating too which is heated and the only time you’ll need to leave the table is for the toilet which is a one-way system. All our tables are more than 2 metres apart and tables are cleaned after every use.”
2. Christmas sho
pping in Liverpool ONE
pping in Liverpool ONELiverpool ONE is the perfect place to do some Christmas shopping. With over 170 shops, you’ll be sure to find gifts for everyone.
Liverpool ONE cancelled their annual lights switch on event. However, you’ll still be able to find the iconic lit up Christmas tree made of Love hearts but unfortunately Bar Hutte will not be reopening during the festive period.
3. Take a walk to the docks to see the Christmas lights
Head to Albert Docks with a hot drink, where you can embark on a magical Christmas light trail. You will find the Docks have had a festive makeover with beautiful light instillations, lit up statues and enchanted trees. The variety of instillations are made up of almost three million lights, and you can find a downloadable map of where to find everything HERE .
4. Attend an outdoor pantomime
John Lennon Airport is hosting a drive in winter festival experience from the 9-13th of December, where you can watch a pantomime classic of Cinderella. The production will bring some much needed cheer and will be streamed live onto two 40 foot screens, encouraging audience participation.
Organisers say the event is completely contactless with everyone attending in their vehicles and pre-booking tickets beforehand. There are other socially distanced panto-productions taking place this year, such as Beauty and the Beast at the M&S Area which is set to run from (Friday 18th – Sunday the 27th) with safety measures in place to follow Covid-19 guidelines.
5. Visit Santa’s Grotto
Santa will be coming to town this year, and you can find him in Speke’s garden centre, Dobbies. There will be fun for all the family and the little ones can meet Santa in his grotto and receive a special gift.
The event is ticketed and requires you to pre-book your visit with Santa. If meeting Santa doesn’t tickle your fancy you can enjoy some festive shopping in the garden centre and maybe get a new decoration or two.