The magical season is upon us! The lead up to Christmas is such a special time of year and there are so many lovely experiences to share together as a family.
From events like light trails and a secret forest to shopping and visits to Father Christmas himself, there are lots of trips that can be planned from our feature starting on page eight. Plus, as the nights draw in, we can enjoy cosy nights at home in front of the tree lights too – a Christmas jigsaw puzzle is one of my family traditions that the children look forward to!
On page 12 we have a roundup of fantastic shows coming up, including several pantomimes in the area and some to plan for next year too –you could even gift tickets for Christmas. Finally, don’t miss our fantastic competition on page ten where we have a Family Ticket to Santa’s Secret Forest up for grabs!
Wishing all our schools and families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, from all of us at Primary Times Merseyside, and we look forward to bringing you more news and events in 2026!
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LOCAL NEWS
FEEL FESTIVE COMPETITION
SEASONAL SHOWS WOW BOX OFFICE
Local NEWS
A round up of news from across the county, including some education updates, information on important vaccines to consider this winter, and a local theatre school offering a free trial for their expanding classes.
Explore Post-School Options at Knowsley Community College
Knowsley Community College invites Year 10 and 11 pupils to attend one of its upcoming School Leaver Open Events on Wednesday 19th November and Wednesday 11th February from 5pm to 7pm. These events offer an excellent opportunity to explore a wide range of course options for September 2026 across the Main Campus and IAMTech Campus. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet tutors, tour facilities, and learn about student benefits, including free bus travel. Many parents find these events incredibly helpful when supporting their child with making decisions about what to do after school. Book now at www.knowsleycollege.ac.uk/sl-openevents
From 0 to 100 students – and they’re just getting started
Razzamataz Theatre
School Liverpool South has grown rapidly since opening in January 2025 –and they’re thrilled to be nearing 100 students training with them every Saturday morning! Their fun, high-energy classes in singing, dance, and drama have created a vibrant, welcoming community where children thrive. Due to their incredible growth, they are expanding in the new year with even more classes for all age groups – including an exciting Tots class for little ones aged 2-3yrs. Go and see what all the buzz is about! Book a FREE taster session today by messaging Gemma on 07778 525199.
Staywellforthemomentsthatmatterthiswinter
Flu can make children very unwell, and no one wants to miss out on the moments that matter – from festive fun and family gatherings to cosy days at home together. The flu vaccine helps protect your little one, and those around them, from getting seriously ill. Children aged 2-3 are eligible for a free flu vaccine nasal spray – now available at some local pharmacies as well as GP surgeries. Schoolaged children will be offered the vaccine in school.
It’s always your choice. You decide what’s right for you and those you love. Find out more at www.sthelens.gov.uk/staywellflu
Horrible Histories – The Concert at Liverpool Empire
Friday13th&Saturday14thFebruary
For the very first time, your favourite songs and actors from the award-winning Horrible Histories TV series will be appearing live on stage in Liverpool!
When William Shakespeare is asked to create the greatest show on earth, he has no idea how much trouble he’ll get from monstrous monarchs like King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria! Things hot up when Death appears – and now Boudica and Cleopatra want to take over!
Featuring a live band, led by the Horrible Histories song master Richie Webb, this is one show your family won’t want to miss! Visit the Liverpool Empire on 13th and 14th February for a singalong sensation! Book now via www.atgtickets.com/liverpool
Birkenhead School offers free transport for Liverpool families
It’s not too late to protect your child from flu
Flu cases increase in December and January and you can still get your child vaccinated. Flu is a very unpleasant illness in children as they suffer the same symptoms as adults and some may need to be treated in hospital.
Most children have the vaccine as a nasal spray. It’s quick, effective and painless. The vaccine has been used for over ten years in schools and GP practices in the UK, where millions of children have been vaccinated. All school aged children will be able to have the vaccine at school. Please return the consent form sent to you by school so your child can have the vaccine in school.
Children with certain long-term conditions will be invited by their GP practice and should take it up as soon as possible.
Children aged 2 and 3 will have been offered the flu nasal spray at their GP practice in September, and since October the vaccine has been available at participating pharmacies.
The nasal spray contains a small amount of gelatine (porcine gelatine). If you’d prefer your child to have the flu vaccine injection, which doesn’t contain gelatine, speak to your school Immunisation team or GP practice.
Birkenhead School, recently awarded North West Independent Secondary School of the Year 2025 by The Sunday Times, is breaking down barriers for Liverpool families with a new free transport initiative. Starting September, all primary pupils in Prep will enjoy complimentary bus travel throughout their primary years, while new Senior entrants (Year 7-Upper Sixth) will receive a year of free transport. Just 15 minutes from Liverpool city centre, the award-winning school already runs two dedicated South Liverpool routes, ensuring safe, convenient journeys. Discover how Birkenhead is making exceptional education more accessible at www.birkenheadschool.co.uk
Shaun the Sheep launches nationwide prize draw for schools that sign up for Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day
This year, Shaun the Sheep will return in his woolliest role yet – as Save the Children’s ‘Head of Wool’ for Christmas Jumper Day – and to celebrate his co-knit-ment to the charity fundraiser, he is launching a nationwide prize draw for schools.
Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day is taking place on Thursday 11th December and Shaun is encouraging Primary schools and Secondary schools up and down the country to ‘Be a sheep. Follow the herd. Join the flock’ by signing up to take part.
Schools that register by Monday 1st December will be in with the chance of winning a baa-rilliant prize thanks to Shaun the Sheep’s creators, Academy Award®-winning animation studio Aardman, and Save the Children.
• The winning Primary school will receive a day of Model Making Workshops, which includes 3 x 1 hr sessions with up to 60 children per session. The workshop will need to be hosted by the school and can take place any time up to 12 months from Christmas Jumper Day 2025.
• The winning Secondary school will receive a day of Animation Workshops, which includes 2 x 1.5hr sessions with up to 30 children per session. The workshop will need to be hosted by the school and can take place any time up to 12 months from Christmas Jumper Day 2025.
There will also be some fabulous runners-up prizes on offer, so sign up your school now to be in with a chance to win! Sign up now at www.christmasjumperday.org
Feel FESTIVE
The build up to Christmas is such a magical time of year! From visits to Father Christmas to light trails, family adventures, shopping trips and cosy nights in, we have lots of ideas of how you can feel festive this season.
Explore the magic of Santa’s Secret Forest – an immersive festive experience
Santa’s Secret Forest is a 40-acre Christmas wonderland filled with dazzling lights, festive scenes, and magical family memories. At its heart lies
Santa’s Christmas Hub – a onehour interactive walkthrough featuring 10 immersive rooms, including the Grand Lobby, Toy Workshop, Time Tunnel, Magic Elevator, North Pole Command, Sleigh Garage, and Tinsel Town Express. Families journey behind the scenes of Operation
Christmas before continuing the fun at Merrywood Market. Visitors can meet real reindeer, ride the Postal Express miniature train, and experience the excitement of a 4D VR Sleigh Ride –creating an unforgettable festive adventure for all ages in Orrell Hill Woods, Liverpool!
W: www.santassecretforest.co.uk
Enter the competition in this issue for your chance to win a Family Ticket!
Think Christmas, think Liverpool ONE
Liverpool ONE will once again transform into a festive wonderland this Christmas, with dazzling decorations, live entertainment and family fun throughout November and December! The celebrations begin with the Liverpool ONE Toy Parade on Saturday 15th November, the return of Bar Hütte, the FREE Christmas Trail, and weekly Festive Thursdays packed with seasonal surprises!
W: www.liverpool-one.com/christmas
Don’t miss the Indoor Funfair this Christmas break – all rides included
Held at Liverpool Exhibition Centre, Indoor Funfair returns from Saturday 20th December to Saturday 3rd January for your ultimate family day out! Over 30 jaw-dropping rides and attractions to enjoy for a full three hours. Unlimited access to the rides, with tickets from £10.99 online (plus booking fee). Quiet sessions are available for guests with sensory needs. All undercover with food stalls, baby changing and rides of all sizes – enjoy the fun of the fair! Book your tickets online now.
W: www.indoorfunfair.org
Blackstock Market is bursting with festive fun for the whole family
Every Saturday and Sunday from 22nd November to 23rd December, enjoy Blackstock Market’s Christmas Character Picnics, with a set menu for children and festive character visits.
From 22nd November to 28th December, Hot Water Comedy Club presents a Family Pantomime with a difference, unmissable Christmas shows full of laughter and cheer.
Plus, you can join the FREE Family Christmas Fundays every Sunday for magical celebrations featuring festive activities, face painting, hair braiding, mascots, live music, dancing, and plenty of seasonal surprises. Celebrate the festive season in style at Blackstock Market!
W: www.blackstockmarket.co.uk
The Storybarn’s Christmas Story Trail is perfect for families
The Reader’s festive family-friendly adventure through Liverpool’s Calderstones Park brings Jarvis’ magical book Mr Santa to life! Starting at The Reader Bookshop, a Storyhunter will give each child their map and pencil and set you off to discover activities throughout the park. At the end, return to tell the team about your wanderings and receive a copy of the book to take home. Make a day of it, and visit The Reader’s cosy cafes, Ice Cream Parlour, independent Bookshop and see the prehistoric Calder Stones or explore the history of the Mansion House.
W: www.thereader.org.uk
Chance To WIN
To enter this competition please email competitions@primarytimesmag.com. Good luck!
This 40-acre Christmas wonderland in Orrell Hill Woods, Liverpool is filled with dazzling lights, festive scenes, and magical family memories that will create an unforgettable adventure! At its heart lies Santa’s Christmas Hub – a one-hour interactive walkthrough featuring 10 immersive rooms. Families journey behind the scenes of Operation Christmas before continuing the fun at Merrywood Market. Visitors can meet real reindeer, ride the Postal Express miniature train, and experience the excitement of a 4D VR Sleigh Ride. We have a Family Ticket up for grabs!
To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize simply colour in this picture and email a copy titled Santa’s Secret Forest to be put in the prize draw. When you enter make sure you give us your name, address, email, child’s age and school.
Please note: Primary Times will only use your details to contact the competition winner. The Family Ticket is for four people with a minimum of one adult. The winner can choose which session to attend, subject to availability.
Closing date Sunday 30th November | T&C’s Apply
Experience Christmas at Gulliver’s
You’re in for a cracker of a time at Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts… the place to be for festive family adventures this Christmas. Explore a massive selection of indoor and outdoor activities, with a visit to Santa’s magical grotto, where children have the chance to choose their own gift, included in every theme park day package. Ring in 2026 with the New Year’s festivities at Gulliver’s – an alternative celebration designed for adventurous, fun-loving families.
And get ready to journey through spectacular dreamworlds filled with giant lanterns, dazzling light installations, and magical scenes at Land of Lights Lantern Festival, which returns to Milton Keynes and Warrington, and arrives in Rotherham for the first time this winter!
Book early to save more at www.gulliversfun.co.uk
Seasonal SHOWS
Pantomimes and on-stage shows are an annual Christmas tradition for lots of families! We have plenty in the area to choose from, and theatre tickets are also a great gift idea. Book your seats soon before they sell out!
Unwrap the Magic of Christmas at M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool
The festive season is just around the corner, and M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool has something for everyone. From musical delights to magical events and Premium experiences, there’s something to suit all ages. Whether it be something to celebrate the festive season or that perfect gift for a loved one.
FestiveTreats:
• A Fairytale for Christmas (30th November)
• Jimmy Carr (11th December)
• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs pantomime (12th-28th December)
ChristmasGifts:
Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour (5th-6th February)
The Bon Jovi Experience (14th February)
Michael Starring Ben (21st February)
Disney on Ice presents Into the Magic (26th February-1st March)
Live Forever (27th February)
Queenz: Drag Me To The Disco (28th February)
The Drifters (21st March)
Rick Astley (16 April)
Bluey’s Big Play (3rd-5th July)
André Rieu (12th September)
It’s not just a ticket. Create unforgettable memories at M&S Bank Arena this Christmas! For tickets visit www.mandsbankarena.com/christmas
Book now for The Atkinson’s festive line-up and panto fun
This Christmas at The Atkinson don’t miss Santa’s Christmas Party (15th November), a magical adventure full of festive songs and party games where children can meet Santa and receive a Christmas present. HO-HO-HO! A special ballet production of A Christmas Carol (20th November) features a beautiful musical score, breathtaking costumes, and stunning choreography. Then in December, Beauty and the Beast (5th-31st December) is The Atkinson’s Christmas Pantomime! With heartwarming romance, toe-tapping tunes and a few hairy surprises along the way, this panto is the perfect present for the whole family. Oh, yes it is! Plan your visit online at www.theatkinson.co.uk
Cinderella at The Epstein Theatre – the wait is over
Christmas Panto returns to The Epstein Theatre! For the first time since reopening, Liverpool’s favourite festive tradition is back where it belongs – and kicking off with Cinderella! Starring Coronation Street and Hollyoaks’ Katie McGlynn as Cinderella, BBC’s The One Show and Radio Merseyside’s Kevin Duala as Buttons, and Liverpool’s own Leanne Campbell as The Fairy Godmother. On stage from Friday 5th December until Sunday 4th January, get ready for dazzling costumes, belly laughs, magical moments, and that unmissable panto sparkle – all on The Epstein stage once again! Tickets from just £20. W: www.epsteintheatre.com
Dick Whittington – St Helens’ Christmas panto
St Helens Theatre Royal is set to dazzle audiences this Christmas with its first-ever production of Dick Whittington, marking a major milestone in Regal Entertainments’ 25-year history.
Get ready for an unforgettable festive experience, filled with larger-than-life characters, vibrant costumes, and an exhilarating, West End-inspired 3D underwater adventure!
The production stars Emmerdale’s Matthew Wolfenden as Dick Whittington, alongside St Helens favourites Lewis Devine as Idle Jack and Timothy Lucas as the villainous King Rat.
Directed by Chantelle Joseph, the show brings a fresh Regal twist to the beloved story of a poor but ambitious young man who travels to London with his loyal cat to seek his fortune, battling the dastardly King Rat along the way. With a magical fairy, a love story, and plenty of comedy, will Dick find his dreams come true?
The show is running from 28th November until 11th January and will be packed with musical numbers and dazzling choreography. With Regal Entertainments’ reputation for creating top-quality panto experiences, Dick Whittington is sure to be the purrfect Christmas treat for families in St Helens!
W: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com
WOW
What’s on Where in Merseyside
Details of What’s on Where across the county, all in date order to help you plan your weeks ahead. Don’t forget to mention that you saw it in Primary Times!
THIS WINTER
The Heritage Trail
Liverpool ONE
www.liverpool-one.com
Step back in time and uncover Liverpool’s rich history. This free and fully accessible self-guided tour takes you on a journey through over 300 years of Liverpool’s past. Download the Liverpool ONE app or pick up a printed map from the Information Centre on Wall Street.
Nature Trail
Liverpool ONE
www.liverpool-one.com
Perfect for mini explorers, the Nature Trail guides you through Liverpool ONE’s Chavasse Park, where you can learn about the vibrant plants and wildlife in the heart of the city. The free self-guided trail takes around 60 minutes and is available online or at the Information Centre on Wall Street.
New Classes
Razzamataz Theatre School
Liverpool South 07778 525199
Due to their incredible growth, they are expanding in the new year with even more classes for all age groups – including an exciting Tots class for little ones aged 2-3yrs. Book a FREE taster by messaging Gemma.
Bar Hütte on Chavasse Park
Liverpool ONE
www.liverpool-one.com
Back by popular demand, Bar Hütte and the festive family rides return to Chavasse Park, bringing cosy alpine vibes and plenty of festive cheer. Enjoy sing-along sessions in the famous karaoke huts, get creative at wreathmaking classes, or let the little ones join in the fun at the Santa Claus Club. And don’t forget your furry friends –Bark Hütte is back too, so even your pups can get in on the Christmas spirit! Open until 31st December.
Festive Cinema Releases
ODEON Liverpool ONE www.liverpool-one.com
Nothing quite beats a cosy night at the cinema! ODEON Liverpool ONE are streaming the biggest blockbusters, as well as festive favourites this Christmas. The question is... sweet or salted popcorn?!
The award-winning Land of Lights Lantern Festival returns to Warrington for a third season. Discover gigantic lanterns, mesmerizing light installations and festival vibes! Running on selected dates until the end of January.
Saturday 15th November
Festive Fun
The Strand Shopping Centre www.strandshoppingcentre.com
Don’t miss this fantastic day which includes a mini panto, face painting, inflatables, pop up grotto, Christmas crafts and more. There will even be a K Pop performance at 3pm! Lower Mall, 12noon-5pm
Toy Parade
Liverpool ONE www.liverpool-one.com
Get ready to kick start the countdown to Christmas! The season officially begins with the spectacular Liverpool ONE Toy Parade. Watch as giant festive props, dancers and Santa’s helpers fill the streets with colour and cheer. With music, surprises and plenty of selfie moments, it’s a magical day out for the whole family and the perfect way to kick off Christmas in the city. 3pm, 5pm and 7pm. Free.
From Saturday 15th November
Christmas Trail
Liverpool ONE www.liverpool-one.com
The free Christmas Trail is back – and it’s bigger and more magical than ever! Little explorers can set off on a festive adventure around Liverpool ONE, discovering cheeky characters hidden among the dazzling decorations and sparkling shop windows. With riddles to solve, games to play and surprises around every corner, it’s the perfect family activity to make your day out extra special!
Saturday 15th NovemberTuesday 23rd December
Yuletide: A Glittering
Garden Adventure
Tatton Park www.tattonpark.org.uk
Escape the ordinary and journey into a world of winter folklore at Yuletide.
We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip …or promise!
Saturday 15th NovemberWednesday 24th December
Christmas at Gulliver’s Gulliver’s World, WA5 9YZ www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk
All Christmas theme park packages include a visit to Santa’s Grotto with the opportunity for children to choose their own gift. If you want to extend the fun you can book a fantastic festive short break.
Sunday 16th NovemberSunday 28th December
Christmas Family Funday Blackstock Market
www.blackstockmarket.co.uk
A festive celebration packed with magical Christmasthemed activities, featuring face painting, hair braiding, mascots, live music, dancing, and plenty of seasonal surprises. Entry is completely free! This is a ticketless, walk-up only event, so early arrival is strongly recommended. Running on Sundays and Monday 21st & Tuesday 22nd December.
From Thursday 20th November
Festive Thursdays
Liverpool ONE www.liverpool-one.com
Thursday evenings in the run up to Christmas are set to sparkle this Christmas! Festive Thursdays will bring magical moments to Liverpool ONE every week – from giant illuminated penguins to carol-oke, pass the parcel and other magical surprises. It’s the perfect time to enjoy late-night shopping with a sprinkle of Christmas magic.
Friday 21st NovemberWednesday 24th December
Santa’s Secret Forest Orrell Hill Woods, Liverpool www.santassecretforest.co.uk
Don’t miss this immersive festive wonderland experience!
A 40-acre Christmas wonderland filled with dazzling lights, festive scenes, and magical family memories awaits. At its heart lies Santa’s Christmas Hub – a one-hour interactive walkthrough featuring 10 immersive rooms. Visitors can meet real reindeer, ride the Postal Express miniature train, and experience the excitement of a 4D VR Sleigh Ride.
Saturday 22nd NovemberSunday 28th December
Family Pantomime
Blackstock Market
www.blackstockmarket.co.uk
Hot Water Comedy Club presents a Family Pantomime with a difference! Unmissable Christmas shows full of laughter and cheer.
Friday 28th NovemberSunday 21st December
Christmas Incy Wincy
Rhymers
Enter the competition in this issue for your chance to win a Family Ticket!
Saturday 22nd NovemberTuesday 23rd December
Christmas Character Picnics
Blackstock Market
www.blackstockmarket.co.uk
Enjoy a delicious Christmas Picnic where little ones can choose from a special set menu filled with tasty favourites. While enjoying their meal, children will be surprised by special visits from Christmas characters. Running on selected dates.
Saturday 22nd NovemberWednesday 24th December
Santa Specials
East Lancashire Railway
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Your family will make enchanted memories to share as they take a trip through the magical Irwell Valley alongside colourful characters and surprises. Whilst travelling, Santa himself will visit your carriage with a gift for every little one, and there will be plenty of time to have a chat with him and take a Santa selfie or two. Running on selected dates and there are some Santa Special trains specially designed for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The Reader, Calderstones Park, Liverpool www.thereader.org.uk
Celebrate Christmas with your little ones at this festive Incy Wincy Rhymers specials this December. Sharing favourite Christmas stories, sing seasonal nursery rhymes and create a festive craft to take home. Best suited to children aged 1-4. Running on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Saturday 29th November
National Brick Events
Aintree Racecourse
www.nationalbrickevents.co.uk
After a sold-out show, National Brick Events is back in Liverpool! Don’t miss this amazing day of LEGO fun. It’s the perfect family day out with an incredible selection of displays, a huge variety of rare and retired LEGO sets for sale, and thousands of bricks for you to get hands-on with. Book your tickets and secure your spot today!
Construction Club
The Atkinson
www.theatkinson.co.uk
LEGO® Adventures at The Atkinson!
Unleash your imagination with a massive supply of LEGO® bricks. Admission is free, but spaces are limited, so please arrive in good time. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday 29th NovemberWednesday 31st December
Christmas Story Trail
The Reader Bookshop Calderstones Park, Liverpool www.thereader.org.uk
This year’s festive family trail brings to life the charming book Mr Santa by Jarvis. Dig out your Christmas jumpers and gather your loved ones for a Christmas adventure through Calderstones Park. The trail starts at The Reader Bookshop. Running on selected dates.
Sunday 30th NovemberSunday 21st December
Christmas at the Storybarn
The Reader, Calderstones Park, Liverpool www.thereader.org.uk
Cosy up in the magical Storybarn to explore your favourite festive stories, sing Christmas songs and create a beautiful keepsake craft to take home. Best suited to children aged 4-9. Running on weekends.
Monday 1st-Friday 12th December
Advent Calendar
Liverpool ONE www.liverpool-one.com
The famous Liverpool ONE Advent Calendar competition is back! One lucky winner a day will take home a prize worth £250 from one of Liverpool ONE’s brilliant brands – will it be you?! Free, online.
Friday 5th December
Father Christmas Storytelling
Norton Priory www.nortonpriory.org
A 60-minute show that includes a chance for every family to meet, greet and chat with Father Christmas, with the help of their cheeky Elf!
Sunday 7th December
Meet the Author: Jarvis
The Reader, Calderstones Park, Liverpool www.thereader.org.uk
Join award-winning children’s author Jarvis (The Boy with Flowers in His Hair, Follow Me, Flo!, Tropical Terry, Mrs Mole, I’m Home! and Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth) for a special reading and draw along inspired by his festive book Mr Santa – the inspiration behind this year’s Christmas Story Trail.
Sunday 14th & Sunday 21st December
Brunch with Mrs Claus The Reader, Calderstones Park, Liverpool www.thereader.org.uk
Join Mrs Claus as she shares the secret of what really happens up in the North Pole in December. Tuck into some delightfully snow dusted festive pancakes, and the Storyhunter elves are on hand to help Mrs Claus put on some holly jolly games, crafts and songs.
Saturday 20th DecemberSaturday 3rd January
Indoor Funfair
Liverpool Exhibition Centre www.indoorfunfair.org
Over 30 jaw-dropping rides and attractions to enjoy for a full three hours. Unlimited access to the rides, with tickets from £10.99 online (plus booking fee). Quiet sessions are available for guests with sensory needs. All undercover with food stalls, baby changing and rides of all sizes –enjoy the fun of the fair!
Friday 26th December
Mince Pie Special East Lancashire Railway www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Keen to find a way to unwind after a hectic Christmas? East Lancashire Railway have got you covered with their relaxing Mince Pie Train! Every visitor travelling on a heritage train along the Irwell Valley on this date will be given their very own mince pie, compliments of the ELR. One per customer, available whilst stocks last.
Join the New Year’s Eve adventure at Gulliver’s World… an alternative New Year celebration designed for adventurous, fun-loving families!
Box OFFICE
All the very best theatre and film near you! Choose a great show or concert for your family this festive season and heading into the new year.
The Atkinson www.theatkinson.co.uk
Saturday 15th November
SANTA’S CHRISTMAS PARTY
Santa’s Christmas Party is a 45-minute, interactive family show, particularly suitable for children aged 2-8, after which the adventure continues as each child gets the chance to receive a special present from Father Christmas in the popular meet, greet and treat!
Thursday 20th November
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
– BALLET THEATRE UK
Step into the heart of a traditional Victorian Christmas, where Charles Dickens’ timeless tale comes to life. Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three enchanting ghosts, guiding him on a journey that reveals the true joy of Christmas, beyond the pursuit of wealth. Features a beautiful musical score, breathtaking costumes, and stunning choreography.
Friday 5th-Wednesday 31st December
BEAUTY
AND THE BEAST
With heartwarming romance, toe-tapping tunes and a few hairy surprises along the way, this panto is the perfect present for the whole family. Oh, yes it is!
The Epstein Theatre www.epsteintheatre.com
Friday 5th DecemberSunday 4th January
CINDERELLA
Starring Coronation Street and Hollyoaks’ Katie McGlynn as Cinderella, BBC’s The One Show and Radio Merseyside’s Kevin Duala as Buttons, and Liverpool’s own Leanne Campbell as The Fairy Godmother. Get ready for dazzling costumes, belly laughs, magical moments, and that unmissable panto sparkle!
Liverpool Empire Theatre www.atgtickets.com/liverpool
Friday 13th & Saturday 14th February
HORRIBLE HISTORIES – THE CONCERT
For the very first time, your favourite songs and actors from the BAFTA Award-winning CBBC TV series will be appearing live (and dead!) on stage in a very special production! Featuring a live band, led by the Horrible Histories song master Richie Webb, and a bunch of Vikings they couldn’t stop barging through the stage door, this is one show you won’t want to miss. Take your singing voices for a truly Horrible show!
We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip …or promise!
M&S Bank Arena www.mandsbankarena.com
Sunday 30th November
A FAIRYTALE CHRISTMAS Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as talented singers, musicians and dancers perform dashing renditions of Yuletide favourites including ‘Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town’, ‘Step into Christmas’, ‘O Holy Night’ and ‘The Fairytale of New York’.
Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th December
ELF THE MUSICAL
Join Buddy the Elf on his hilarious adventure from the North Pole to New York as he spreads festive cheer, meets his real dad, and discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Packed with toe-tapping songs, dazzling sets, laugh-out-loud moments, and even Santa’s flying sleigh, this spectacular show is perfect for the whole family.
Friday 12th-Sunday 28th December
SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS
See the beautiful Snow White and her seven little friends from the enchanted forest as they attempt to defeat the evil Wicked Queen who is overcome with jealously when her magic mirror declares that Snow White is the fairest in all the land.
Thursday 5th-Friday 6th February
STRICTLY COME DANCING LIVE TOUR
Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour is back, and it promises to be bigger, brighter, and more brilliant than ever!
Shakespeare North Playhouse
www.shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk
Friday 21st November-
Saturday 10th January
CINDERELLA
This Christmas, Shakespeare North Playhouse bring you the most popular fairytale of them all, a spellbinding new production of Cinderella. It’s packed with magical moments, your favourite tunes, lots of laughter and a truly heartwarming message, this new production is the perfect family show for the festive season.
Wednesday 10th-
Saturday 13th December
WHERE DO THE NOSES GROW?
A magical show combining play and puppetry. One night Lucy is awoken by something strange bouncing around her bed. Could it be a crumpled piece of paper? The paper seems alive… but how can it be? Lucy decides to follow it to find out what it is… And so begins a fantastical journey through a thick forest, across the vast sea until she reaches the Land of Noses and climbs the mountain where the strange nose rose grows… So… Where do the Noses Grow? Go and see for yourself!
St Helens Theatre Royal www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com
Friday 28th NovemberSunday 11th January
DICK WHITTINGTON
Get ready for an unforgettable festive experience, filled with larger-than-life characters, vibrant costumes, and an exhilarating, West End-inspired 3D underwater adventure!
Monday 9th February
TALES FROM ACORN WOOD
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage for the first time in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience.
WHERE DO THE NOSES GROW? SHAKESPEARE NORTH PLAYHOUSE
