Huge ice skating rink, Christmas markets and grottos coming to Liverpool waterfront

A new Christmas festival is coming to Liverpool, bringing ice skating, live entertainment, rides, markets and more to the waterfront.

The Liverpool Winter Festival will run from November 21 until January 5, transforming one of the city’s most famous landmarks into a festive village.

Created by Crow Leisure Group, the event will feature everything from street food and local traders to large-scale rides, live music and seasonal drinks. Highlights include a 6,500 sq ft real ice rink, a 65 metre Star Flyer and two themed grottos.

The festival will be free to enter, with ice skating starting from £9.99 per person and the grottos starting at £22.99 per person.

Alex and Kennedy Crow, managing directors of Crow Leisure Group, said: "Liverpool’s waterfront has always been the city’s stage, and this winter we want to bring it to life in a way that feels exciting, welcoming and unmistakably Liverpool.

"As parents ourselves, we know how much families value experiences like this, but we’ve created the festival for everyone, from couples and groups of friends to visitors who just want to soak up the atmosphere."

They added: "This is a big moment for Liverpool. The Pier Head is already a place people are proud of, and this gives it a new life for Christmas.

"We want it to feel inclusive and full of character - somewhere people of all ages can enjoy, come back to and make part of their own Christmas traditions."

The Liverpool Winter Festival will be open from 1.00pm to 10.30pm Monday to Friday and 11.00am to 10.30pm Saturday and Sunday. From December 19, it will open daily from 11.00am to 10.30pm.