Discover the best Christmas activities for kids in Wirral & Liverpool 2026. Santa grottos, pantomimes, Christmas markets, and indoor play for festive family fun.
The most magical time of the year is just around the corner, and if you’re a parent in Wirral or Liverpool, you’re probably already thinking about how to fill the festive weeks with unforgettable family fun. From Santa grottos and pantomimes to Christmas markets and indoor play, there’s no shortage of Christmas activities for kids across Merseyside in 2026.
We’ve pulled together this bumper guide to help you plan your family’s festive season. Whether you’ve got toddlers, primary schoolers, or a mix of ages, there’s something here for everyone.
Santa Grottos in Wirral & Liverpool
No Christmas is complete without a visit to Father Christmas! Here are some of the best Santa grotto experiences near you in 2026.
Speke Hall Santa’s Grotto
This stunning National Trust property near Liverpool transforms into a winter wonderland each December. Children can meet Santa in the beautifully decorated Tudor manor house, enjoy festive craft activities, and explore the magical gardens. The experience typically includes a gift for each child and seasonal refreshments.
Best For: Families who love a traditional, atmospheric setting Top Tip: Book early as slots sell out fast, especially at weekends.
Port Sunlight Village Santa Experience
The charming heritage village in Bebington puts on a lovely festive event each year. Little ones can enjoy meeting Father Christmas, festive storytelling, and crafts in this beautiful setting. It’s a wonderfully calm alternative to busier city centre grottos.
Best For: Younger children who might feel overwhelmed by larger events Location: Just minutes from Bromborough and Birkenhead
Church Farm in Thurstaston
A firm favourite with Wirral families, Church Farm’s Christmas experience combines a visit to Santa with the chance to see the farm animals and enjoy the outdoor play areas. It’s a wholesome, feel-good outing that children absolutely love.
Best For: Animal-loving kids, ages 2-8
Christmas Markets & Festive Events
Liverpool Christmas Market
Liverpool’s city centre comes alive each November and December with a brilliant Christmas market stretching along St George’s Plateau and beyond. Browse handmade gifts, enjoy warming mulled drinks (for the grown-ups!) and hot chocolate for the kids, and soak up the festive atmosphere. There’s often a small fairground and carousel for younger visitors too.
Don’t Miss: The stunning Christmas tree outside St George’s Hall, perfect for family photos.
Port Sunlight Festive Market
A smaller, more relaxed market experience with local artisan stalls, carol singing, and a lovely community atmosphere. Ideal if you want to avoid the bustle of the city centre.
Chester Christmas Market
A short drive from Wirral, Chester’s famous Christmas market is one of the best in the North West. Set against the backdrop of the medieval city walls and the Cathedral, it’s absolutely magical. The kids will love the fairground rides and sweet treats, while parents can browse over 70 stalls of unique gifts and handmade crafts.
Perfect For: A full family day out combining shopping, sightseeing, and festive fun
Pantomimes & Christmas Shows
Liverpool Empire Theatre
The Empire’s annual pantomime is a Merseyside institution. Expect a star-studded cast, spectacular sets, and plenty of “he’s behind you!” moments. The 2026 panto is always one of the hottest tickets in town, so book your seats as early as you can.
Ages: 3+ (babes in arms welcome at certain performances)
Floral Pavilion, New Brighton
Right on Wirral’s doorstep, the Floral Pavilion puts on a fantastic family pantomime each year. It’s a slightly more intimate venue than the Empire, which can be lovely for younger children experiencing their very first panto.
Pro Tip: Look out for relaxed performances designed for children with sensory needs or additional requirements.
Storyhouse, Chester
Chester’s Storyhouse theatre is known for its creative, high-quality Christmas productions. Whether it’s a classic fairy tale or a fresh new adaptation, the shows here are always beautifully staged and genuinely engaging for both children and adults.
Ice Skating
Liverpool Ice Festival
Liverpool’s outdoor ice rink typically returns to Pier Head each winter, offering stunning waterfront views while you skate. It’s a truly magical experience for families, with smaller rinks or penguin skating aids usually available for younger children.
What to Know: Sessions are timed, so book in advance. Wrap up warm and bring gloves!
Southport Winter Gardens
Southport often hosts seasonal skating and festive activities during December. It’s well worth checking their programme for 2026, especially if you’re coming from Formby, Crosby, or Maghull.
Indoor Play: The Perfect Christmas Holiday Activity
Let’s be honest: by the time Christmas week arrives, the little ones are bursting with excitement and energy. After days of chocolate, presents, and late bedtimes, they need somewhere to run, climb, and let off steam. That’s where indoor play becomes an absolute lifesaver.
Bubbles World of Play - Your Festive Energy Solution
When the kids are bouncing off the walls (sometimes literally!) during the Christmas holidays, Bubbles World of Play is the perfect place to let them burn off all that festive energy. With over 30 themed play zones, it’s one of the biggest indoor play centres in the UK, and it’s right here in New Brighton.
Why Families Love Bubbles at Christmas:
- Space to play for 2+ hours - plenty of time for the kids to exhaust themselves while you enjoy a well-earned coffee
- Dedicated baby and toddler areas - so your littlest ones can play safely away from the bigger kids
- Over 30 themed zones - from dinosaur land to Wild West ball cannons, the Northern Lights zone and beyond
- 5-star rated kitchen - treat the family to a hot meal or festive snack without leaving the venue
- FREE ride-on toys - just ask for tokens at reception
- Comfortable seating with CCTV coverage - relax knowing you can see your children playing safely
Top Tip: The Christmas holidays are our busiest time of year. Book your admission tickets in advance to guarantee your slot and avoid disappointment.
Combine Bubbles with a Festive Day Out
One of the best things about Bubbles’ location in New Brighton is how easy it is to combine a play session with other festive activities nearby. Here’s a sample day plan:
- Morning: Visit a local Santa grotto or take a festive walk along New Brighton promenade
- Lunchtime: Head to Bubbles for a play session and a hot lunch from our kitchen
- Afternoon: Let the kids play themselves out while you relax with a cuppa
It’s the kind of day that creates brilliant Christmas memories without breaking the bank.
Christmas Party Bookings at Bubbles
If your child has a December birthday (or you simply want to celebrate the festive season with friends), why not book a Christmas party at Bubbles? Our party packages take all the stress out of organising, with dedicated party rooms, a party host, food, and unlimited play included.
What’s Included in a Bubbles Party:
- Private party room with a dedicated host
- Hot or cold food options for all guests
- Unlimited play in all zones
- Invitations and party bags
December parties book up incredibly quickly, so if you’re thinking about it, get in touch sooner rather than later. Head to our parties page for full details and to check availability.
The Perfect Christmas Gift: Bubbles Gift Vouchers
Stuck for Christmas present ideas? We know the feeling. Toys get forgotten, clothes get outgrown, but experiences create memories that last. A Bubbles World of Play gift voucher is a brilliant Christmas gift for any child (or grandchild!) aged 0-11.
Why Gift Vouchers Make Great Presents:
- Grandparents love them - a thoughtful gift that gives quality time together
- No clutter - no more toys gathering dust after Boxing Day
- Flexible - recipients can book a visit whenever suits them
- Available to buy online - perfect for last-minute shoppers
Buy a gift voucher here and give the gift of play this Christmas.
Free & Budget-Friendly Christmas Activities
Christmas can be expensive, so here are some lovely low-cost and free festive activities for families across Wirral and Liverpool.
Festive Nature Walks
Wrap up warm and head to one of Wirral’s beautiful parks for a winter walk. Royden Park in Thurstaston, Birkenhead Park, and Eastham Country Park are all gorgeous spots for a family stroll. Bring a flask of hot chocolate and look for robin redbreasts and winter wildlife along the way.
Christmas Crafts at Home
Gather the kids around the kitchen table for an afternoon of homemade Christmas decorations. Salt dough ornaments, paper snowflakes, and hand-painted baubles are all easy, inexpensive, and create lovely keepsakes.
Carol Services and Nativity Plays
Many churches across Liverpool, Wirral, and Chester hold free carol services and nativity plays during December. They’re a wonderful way to enjoy the true spirit of Christmas with the whole family.
Library Christmas Events
Local libraries in Birkenhead, West Kirby, Wallasey, and across Liverpool often run free festive storytelling sessions, craft workshops, and Christmas-themed reading events for children. Check your local library’s programme from late November.
Planning Your Festive Season: A Quick Checklist
To help you get organised, here’s a handy checklist for your family’s Christmas 2026:
- November: Book pantomime tickets and Santa grotto visits
- Early December: Plan your Christmas market trips and ice skating sessions
- Mid-December: Book Bubbles admission tickets for the school holidays
- December birthdays: Book a party at Bubbles well in advance
- Christmas gift shopping: Pick up Bubbles gift vouchers for the kids on your list
- Christmas week: Alternate between outdoor adventures and indoor play to keep everyone happy (and sane!)
Make It a Christmas to Remember
The festive season in Wirral and Liverpool really is something special. Between the Santa grottos, the pantomimes, the markets, and all the wonderful local events, there’s more than enough to fill every day of the Christmas holidays with joy and excitement.
And when the kids need to let off steam after one too many mince pies, you know where to find us. Book your visit to Bubbles World of Play and give your family the gift of play this Christmas.
Wishing you and your family a truly magical Christmas 2026!
