Christmas in the north-west of England – Manchester, Liverpool and Chester

Festive football fever – stadium tours and seasonal games 

In the north-west of England, football runs deep – and your clients can experience it first-hand this winter. At Manchester United, they can walk the same tunnel as the legends at Old Trafford Stadium, explore the museum, and shop for gifts in the club’s mega store. At Manchester City, they can go pitch-side at the Etihad Stadium with an immersive audio-visual tour. In Liverpool, Everton’s Goodison Park – now home to Everton Women – offers a behind-the-scenes look at the historic club’s stadium. And of course, no football pilgrimage is complete without a tour of Anfield, where clients can explore Liverpool FC’s home turf and see the famous ‘This is Anfield’ sign. With a packed festive fixtures list throughout December, clients can combine tours with live matches. 

Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo, Chester 
13 November 2025 to 3 January 2026 

Step into a glowing winter wonderland with Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo, running from mid-November 2025 through early January 2026. This after-dark event does not include live animals but instead leads clients through glittering tunnels of light and colourful ribbons, and past immersive light installations such as a new Bubble Walk. Lifesize lantern animals and interactive puppet encounters bring festive storytelling to life. After the immersive walk-through, they can enjoy festive food and fairground rides. 

Christmas at Chester Cathedral, Chester 

Chester Cathedral sparkles through December with a rich variety of festive events in a Grade I listed Gothic setting. From 28 November 2025 until 4 January 2026, stroll among more than 80 community-decorated trees at the annual Christmas Tree Festival. Other highlights include themed Christmas concerts by candlelight on various dates, including ‘Rat Pack - A Swingin’ Christmas By Candlelight’ (27 December 2025) and multiple screenings of The Snowman (23 December 2025) with a live orchestra performing the score. For heavenly views, book a Tower Tour to see Chester’s Christmas lights from above – a 216-step climb through history and bell towers.  

Manchester Taxi Tours, Manchester 

Take in Manchester’s sparkling skyline and festive spirit from the back of a private black cab. These bespoke, guided Manchester Taxi Tours are run by John Consterdine, the city’s only fully qualified Black Cab Tour Guide and taxi driver, who doubles as tour guide, music historian and football buff. During Christmas, drive through illuminated streets, stopping at major landmarks as well as hidden gems. Tours can be tailored for a client’s interests, covering the city’s industrial, sporting and musical past. Expect plenty of stories, Mancunian humour, and photo ops under twinkling lights. The tours are wheelchair-friendly and weatherproof. 

Eat the City – Scranchester Food Tour, Manchester 

This Scranchester Food Tour is a flavour-packed, three-and-a-half-hour walking feast telling Manchester’s story through multiple tasting stops, from street food to cutting-edge kitchens. Learn about the region’s food history and explore the spice trade, the co-operative movement, the diet of a Mancunian millworker and the one-time largest covered market in Europe. Tour starts in central Manchester, but the start point and all the stops will be revealed upon booking. Group bookings and private tours are available.  

Manchester Museum, Manchester 

Since reopening in February 2023 after a grand makeover, Manchester Museum – a neo‑Gothic building designed by Alfred Waterhouse – houses more than 4.5 million objects spanning natural history, archaeology and anthropology. It is the UK’s largest university museum with highlights including Stan the T‑Rex, the UK’s first permanent South Asia Gallery (co-curated with the British Museum), a vivarium and Egyptian mummies. Entry is free, and visitors can round off their trip with a browse in the museum shop for unique gifts or a stop at the café for coffee and cake. 

Mackie Mayor, Manchester 

Housed in an 1858 Grade II-listed former meat market in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, Mackie Mayor is a bustling food hall and top spot for a winter warm-up. Home to a diverse mix of independent food and drinks vendors, it serves up everything from sourdough pizza and tacos to coffees and craft beers, all beneath a vaulted glass ceiling. Communal seating gives it a sociable vibe – ideal for group lunches or a casual evening out. Open Tuesdays to Sundays. 

Baltic Market, Liverpool  

Set in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle inside a former brewery, Baltic Market is a buzzing venue that brings together the city’s top independent food traders under one roof – from doughnuts and gourmet burgers to cocktails and craft ale. Live music and DJs keep the vibe upbeat, and long communal tables make it ideal for groups. During winter, expect mulled wine, and heaters to keep things cosy.  

The Beatles Story, Liverpool 

Clients can go on the ultimate Liverpool pilgrimage at The Beatles Story, the world’s largest permanent exhibition devoted to the Fab Four. Located on the historic Royal Albert Dock, it charts the rise of John, Paul, George and Ringo – from early gigs in The Cavern Club to global stardom. Original artifacts include George Harrison’s first guitar, Ringo’s drum kit, John’s glasses and handwritten lyrics. Audio guides are available in 12 languages, and there’s a Discovery Zone for younger fans. Expect immersive installations, and a gift shop bursting with Beatles-inspired Christmas presents.  

Liverpool museums, Liverpool 

Liverpool’s museum scene is varied and free. For local heritage and pop culture, your clients should head to the Museum of Liverpool, where the city’s social history takes centre stage. The Walker Art Gallery houses everything from Tudor portraits to contemporary installations, while the World Museum boasts ancient artefacts, an aquarium and planetarium. For clients travelling in winter, these indoor treasure troves offer a weatherproof mix of culture and cosiness. Many host festive family activities, seasonal exhibitions, and cafés for post-exploration refreshments. 

Santa’s Secret Forest, Liverpool  
21 November to 24 December 2025 

From late November to Christmas Eve, Liverpool’s Orrell Hill Woods transforms into a 16‑acre winter wonderland: Santa’s Secret Forest. Glittering light trails will lead into a festive Christmas Hub. Your clients can ride the Tinsel Town Express steam train, explore North Pole Command – Santa’s high-tech control room, post letters in Santa’s Mailroom, find out if they are on the Nice List via a magical elevator, and get a sneak peek of Santa’s brand-new sleigh. The journey finishes at Merrywood Market, a festive woodland courtyard with warm drinks, winter treats and Christmas stalls. 
 

Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool  

Towering over the city, Liverpool Cathedral is Britain’s largest – and it’s even more magnificent during the festive season. Designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, this neo-Gothic building offers soaring ceilings, England’s highest Gothic arches, and panoramic views from the tower (accessible by lift and 108 steps). Christmas carol concerts and candlelit services fill the space with seasonal spirit. With an on-site café and shop stocked with artisanal gifts, it offers a peaceful pause between market strolls and museum visits. 

Candlelight: Christmas Movie Soundtracks  
Liverpool: 13 December 2025 

Manchester: 21 December 2025  

This festive season, swap screen time for string quartets with Candlelight: Christmas Movie Soundtracks – a live, candlelit concert of music from holiday classics. From Love Actually to The Holiday, Home Alone to The Nightmare Before Christmas, these scores are performed by a string ensemble inside atmospheric venues, including St George’s Hall in Liverpool (13 December) and the Concorde Conference Centre in Manchester (21 December). Think glowing candles and 60 minutes of festive nostalgia. Book early, as these concerts tend to sell out fast. 

Christmas Lunch on the Northern Belle  
4 December 2025 (Crewe, Chester and Liverpool) and 20 December (Manchester, Huddersfield and Leeds) 

Step aboard the Northern Belle – a restored 1930s luxury train – for a day trip offering pure vintage glamour. Departing from select northern stations, including Liverpool (4 December 2025) and Manchester (20 December 2025), this festive journey includes Champagne, canapés and a multi-course Christmas lunch, all served in art deco Pullman carriages with plush upholstery and heritage décor. Expect top service, Christmas crackers and live entertainment along the way. It’s Downton Abbey meets the Polar Express – with lots of sparkle and scenic views of rolling hills and cityscapes. 

Chester Christmas Market, Chester 
19 November to 22 December 2025 

Set against Chester’s half-timbered buildings, Chester Christmas Market is full of character. Over 70 wooden stalls line the Town Hall Square, offering handmade gifts, local produce, and seasonal food and drink. With twinkling lights, historic backdrops and nearby attractions like Chester Cathedral and the Roman walls, it’s a festive treat for day-trippers. Continue Christmas shopping on Chester’s Rows, the world’s only elevated double-tiered galleries dating from the 13th century.  

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, Ellesmere Port 

Cheshire Oaks, the UK’s largest designer outlet with more than 140 stores across and 400,000 square feet of shopping space, transforms into a glittering festive destination each Christmas season. Browse luxury bargains, then warm up in one of 18 cafes and restaurants with a hot drink or a festive treat. With extended opening hours in December and sparkling festive décor, it’s a convenient place to shop, dine and soak up Christmas merriment. 

Liverpool Christmas Market, Liverpool 
15 November to 24 December 2025 

Framed by the neoclassical columns of St George’s Hall, Liverpool’s Christmas Market is a visual treat – and a delicious one too. Expect festive chalets selling artisan gifts, roasted nuts, and hot chocolate. Expect a Ferris wheel for panoramic views, vintage carousels, plus Bavarian-style bars serving beer and glühwein. It’s atmospheric, family-friendly, and walkable from most major attractions. Your clients can pair a visit to the market with a tour of St George’s Hall. 

Manchester Christmas Market, Manchester 
Dates will be announced soon 

Manchester Christmas Market is set to take over the city centre with more than 225 stalls spread across Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Street and beyond. Sip German glühwein, sample festive treats, pick up handmade crafts and soak up the scent of bratwurst and hog roast.   

Peaky Blinders Coach Tour of Liverpool  

Suit up and hop on board the Brit Movie Peaky Blinders Coach Tour – a four-hour journey through the real-life filming locations that brought the Shelby family’s Birmingham to life (much of it was filmed in Liverpool). Led by expert guides, your clients will visit sites like the Garrison pub and Tommy’s country mansion, with plenty of stories and behind-the-scenes trivia en route. The tour is available year-round but is enhanced when Liverpool is dressed up for Christmas.  

Manchester Town Hall  

Sherlock Holmes cracked cases here. Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman) rumbled through in Darkest Hour. And the Shelby clan of Peaky Blinders brooded under its gothic arches. Manchester Town Hall is a neo-Gothic marvel – completed in 1877 by architect Alfred Waterhouse – that was designed to showcase the city’s global status during the Industrial Revolution. With its dramatic spiral staircases, mosaic-clad corridors and towering clock tower (nicknamed ‘Big Abel’), it’s no surprise it’s become a screen-double for Westminster and beyond. While the building is closed for major restorations until 2027, its ornate façade makes it one of Manchester’s most cinematic sights. 

The Royal Liver Building, Liverpool 

At Christmas, Liverpool’s waterfront glows with lights – and one of its most iconic buildings has serious star power. The Royal Liver Building featured in The Batman (2022) as the rooftop of the Gotham City Police Department, where Batman makes a daring escape. This winter, clients can channel their inner superhero on the Royal Liver 360 Tour and enjoy panoramic views from the 15th-floor tower. With festive lights twinkling across the Mersey and nearby landmarks like St George’s Hall and the Walker Art Gallery (also used in the film), it’s a seasonal cityscape worthy of a superhero.