There’s a host of festive family events taking place right across Knowsley this winter with something for everyone to help get into the Christmas spirit. From twinkling Christmas light switch on events and Marvellous Markets, to theatre performances, carol concerts and art workshops and much, much more, so let it be Knowsley this Christmas!
What’s on
Friday 22 November – Saturday 11 January
Alice in Wonderland
Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prospero Place, Prescot
Follow the White Rabbit into the Cockpit Theatre this Christmas and be welcomed back to Wonderland! Everything is as Alice remembered… or is it?Let Shakespeare North whisk you away to Wonderland with this marvellously whimsical festive tale – a magical sequel to the cherished classic you know and love, Alice in Wonderland
Find out more and book tickets here
From Friday 29 November – Sunday 22 December (every Thursday to Sunday)
‘Christmas Town’ Festive Markets at Bowring Park
The festive markets at Bowring Park will bring the magic of the season to life, offering something for everyone to enjoy. There’ll be delicious festive food and drink, Artisan stalls selling unique gifts, handmade crafts and festive goodies from local vendors.
You can pick out the perfect Christmas tree at the Christmas Tree farm, enjoy family craft workshops and there’s even live entertainment on selected nights.
From 29 November (various dates and times)
Free Christmas Grotto
Unit 13, St Chad’s Parade, Kirkby
Come and meet Santa and his helpers and ensure you share your Christmas wish list with him in time for the big day. The Grotto is open:
Every Friday (Friday 29 November – Friday 20 December) 1pm – 5pm
Every Saturday (Saturday 30 November – 14 December) 11am-3pm
Saturday 21 December – Tuesday 24 December 11am-3pm
From Friday 29 November – Saturday 21 December (various dates)
The Glamour of Paris party nights
Knowsley Safari Park
Step into the glitz of Paris and head to the bar for a glass of prosecco or a classy cocktail. The vibe here is exclusive and exuding glamour, relax with the laid-back soundtrack and admire the awesome aerial performances.
Saturday 30 November – Monday 23 December
Enchanted
Knowsley Safari Park
This winter, Knowsley’s Foot Safari will once again transform into a magical wonderland, where you can wander among illuminated animals For the third year running, visitors can explore the Winter Village, stroll through the sparkling light tunnel, and catch Santa’s elves hard at work. While you’re there, you can post your Christmas wish list and enjoy the festive favourite activity of toasting marshmallows by the fire.
Want to add an extra bit of sparkle to your Enchanted evening? NEW for 2024, you can add on a trip to the Santa Panto, filled with songs, magic, and more jokes than a Christmas cracker!
Enchanted ticket prices start from just £10
Thursday 5 December
Arts in Prescot – Mayor of Prescot’s Charity Christmas Concert
Prescot Parish Church, 7pm-8.15pm
An evening of festive entertainment featuring Brassworks Brass Ensemble, St Mary & St Paul’s Primary School Choir, Prescot Parish Church Choir, ‘Prescot Loves to Sing’ Choir, Evelyn Community Primary School Choir, Liverpool Cathedral Junior Choir Knowsley, and Bluebell Park School Makaton Signing Choir.
Free entry with a raffle and retiring collection for the Mayor of Prescot’s Charities.
Friday 6 December
Oil Painting workshop with Harry Garner
Kirkby Gallery, 10.30 – 12.30pm
Join artist Harry Garner at Kirkby Gallery to develop your oil painting skills. This workshop is entitled ‘A Painting to Gift (Part 1)’ Part 2 of the workshop will take place on Friday 13 December. The workshop costs £20, all materials are provided, and beginners are welcome. Email galleries@knowsley.gov.uk to book.
Saturday 7 December
Marvellous Markets’ Artisan Christmas Market
Huyton Village Centre 9am – 3pm
Enjoy a festive-themed market with a range of unique festive gifts along with mince pies and mulled wine.
Saturday 7 December
Festive fun at Kirkby Market
Kirkby Market 10am to 4pm
Come along and get into the Christmas spirit with Olaf from Frozen, and The Grinch, as well as take part in Christmas craft workshops and face painting.
Saturday 7 December
Arts in Prescot – Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols plus Schubert’s Die Winterreise
Prescot Parish Church, 7pm
Performed by the Girl Choristers of Liverpool Cathedral, conducted by Stephen Mannings and accompanied by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra harpist Elizabeth McNulty. Tenor Damian McKeefe follows this with Franz Schubert’s Winterreise (‘Winter’s Journey’), with Stephen Mannings at the piano.
Tickets are £10 for adults and £6 for children, and can be bought in advance from Eventbrite.
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December
Cinderella
Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park, Huyton
Trio Entertainment return to Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park this Christmas with a rags-to-riches tale where dreams do come true… Thanks to a special invitation to the ball!
Cinderella is doomed to live un-happily ever after with her two horrible ugly sisters, but she manages with the help of her silly friend Buttons and a magical Fairy Godmother to make all her dreams come true.
Shows are on Saturday 7th December 2.00pm & 7.00pm, and Sunday 8th December 1pm & 5pm
Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 December
Waiting for…Snow
Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prospero Place, Prescot (various times)
Waiting for… Snow is an interactive and magical experience for you and your little ones! A space to play, explore, and discover the delights of Winter. Combining performance and creative play, Travelled Companions will guide you through this enchanting and joyful journey of waiting.
Friday 13 December
Oil Painting workshop with Harry Garner
Kirkby Gallery, 10.30 – 12.30pm
Join artist Harry Garner at Kirkby Gallery to develop your oil painting skills. This workshop is entitled ‘A Painting to Gift (Part 2)’. The workshop costs £20, all materials are provided, and beginners are welcome. Email galleries@knowsley.gov.uk to book.
Saturday 14 December
Christmas Crackers and King Brass Band
Kirkby Market, 10am – 4pm
Kirkby town centre will see the Christmas Crackers walkabout act as well as hear King Brass Band performing a range of festive tunes. There’s also a craft workshop and face painting.
Saturday 14 December
Christmas Fair with Friends of Ten Acre Pits
Ten Acre Pits, Acacia Avenue, Huyton, 1pm – 3pm
Come along for an afternoon of fun with crafts, glitter art, face painting, trail games, a tombola, a ukulele band and refreshments. There will also be a visit from Santa!
Saturday 14 December
Christmas at Court Farm Woods with St Nicholas and Grace Church, Halewood
Court Farm Woods, Halewood, 4pm – 7pm
Friday 20 – Tuesday 24 December
Little Penguins First Christmas
Shakespeare North Playhouse (various times)
An immersive, festive experience for babies aged 0-36 months and their grown-ups! Filled with puppetry, original music and sensory delights to stimulate and captivate, this show is a perfect first theatrical experience for your little one. Join Little Penguin in her winter wonderland as she discovers the magic of her first Christmas!
Saturday 21 December
Buddy the Elf and The Grinch Street Theatre
Kirkby Town Centre, 11am – 3pm
Back by popular demand, come along and meet your favourite characters from the iconic festive films Elf and The Grinch. Buddy will be spreading Christmas cheer in his own unique way whilst The Grinch will be causing his usual mischief.
Saturday 21 December
Marvellous Markets’ Artisan Christmas Market
Kirkby Town Centre, 10am – 5pm
Marvellous Markets will be returning on Saturday 21 December 2024 for a festive-themed market with a range of unique festive gifts just in time for Christmas, along with mince pies and mulled wine.
