Christmas in Liverpool: The Real Student's Guide to Seasonal Fun

Christmas is a season of light, giving, and enjoying the vibes in destinations across the country. December in Liverpool is no exception to this! The city is packed with students looking to make the most of their time and experience everything the banks of the River Mersey have to offer at this time of year.

To truly understand what Christmas in Liverpool feels like from the inside, I sat down with two people who have experienced it over the years. Abby Humphreys, the site manager at Paddington Park House, and Usha, a postgraduate student living in the building who is planning on staying in Liverpool during the festive period.

The Interview

So, Abby, when you think about Christmas in Liverpool, what stands out most for students in the city? 

“Liverpool at Christmas is great for students. There is so much variety within the city centre and Liverpool One. There are pop-up bars and street vendors, or if you fancy a walk around the Christmas Markets, you can. There are also pantomimes and shows in the Empire Theatre and Liverpool Philharmonic. I think [the city] caters for everyone’s culture”.

Students often look for low-cost events, group outings, and places that feel cosy during the festive season. Liverpool offers all of these things without the need for long travel times.

The Must-Visit Spots in Liverpool

If a student wants to plan a great festive day out in Liverpool, where should they try out first? 

There a some great places in the city worth visiting. The Baltic Market and Boxpark are both vibrant throughout the year, but especially at Christmas. The Baltic has a ‘Big Fat Christmas Quiz’ taking place on the 12th December. You can buy tickets on their website. From here [Paddington Park House] it is a short journey by taxi or public transport. There is something for everyone thanks to the range of food stalls there”.

“Boxpark has the ‘Big Office Party’ with Rain Costello this December and a family festive day the same week. That’s the perfect thing to do if your family is visiting Liverpool”.

And the Christmas Market? 

“Oh yes, that is always busy. Students love it for the food, the stalls, and the atmosphere”.

You can check full details of Liverpool’s Christmas Markets on the Visit Liverpool website. 

The Student View on Christmas in Liverpool

While at Paddington Park House, I also had the pleasure of speaking to Usha. She is planning on staying in Liverpool this winter and is looking forward to exploring more of the surrounding areas.

“I went to the Christmas fair at the Albert Dock and went on all the rides. They were amazing, and it was a very fun experience. My friends and I also want to visit the Lake District because it is so pretty. The place has lakes, mountains, and gardens that give a nice countryside feel”.

Many students suggest the docks as a great place to visit inside the city, but the Lake District is a fantastic idea for anyone wanting to experience a picturesque day in nature away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

What do Homes for Students Offer for Students at Christmas?

Lots of students remain in student accommodation over Christmas. At Homes for Students, we see this as an opportunity to celebrate with our residents and give them the best experience possible at their home away from home.

“[At Paddington Park House] we are kicking things off on the 15th December with a Christmas movie day. Then, students will have the chance to wrap presents and send cards home. On Christmas Eve, there is going to be a goodbye or hello party, so we know who will be here [on Christmas Day]. From the 29th onwards, there is an event every day, so any students who are staying have something to look forward to.”

How Easy is it to travel around Liverpool at Christmas?

Travelling can be difficult during the holidays. How are things in Liverpool at this time of year? 

“Travel is quite positive here. We are a short walk from Edge Hill train station, which means you can reach Manchester Airport directly. If you are staying in the city, check the Merseytravel website. It shows all the buses and trains running to and from the city centre. Buses run on Christmas Day for students who want to take a trip out”.

Where Else Can Students Explore?

If a student wants a change of scenery this December, where should they go? 

“You could go to Chester. There is a direct train or bus. Their Christmas markets are more intimate if you want something smaller than Liverpool. Or, you can head to Manchester. They have huge Christmas Markets and big events.”

Liverpool: A City for All

Well, there you have it! The most up-to-date guide to Christmas in Liverpool a student could hope for. A huge thanks to the staff and students of Paddington Park House for contributing their thoughts to this post. We hope it inspires more students to get out and about this festive period.

Whether you’re planning on heading to the markets or for a day trip further afield, we hope you have the best time.

Explore our Liverpool city page for a closer look at what student life on the banks of the Mersey looks like throughout the year!