Our Experience at Liverpool Christmas Market
Our very first European Christmas Market experience was the Liverpool Christmas Market—and it didn’t disappoint! We weren’t entirely sure what to expect, but from the moment we stepped onto the grounds of St. George’s Hall, the twinkling lights, festive music, and cozy food scents completely pulled us in. It was cold, magical, and wonderfully overwhelming in the best way.
Looking for all of the information about this market? Check out our Complete Guide to Liverpool Christmas Market Here!
The market is compact but well thought out. While it may not have dozens of craft stalls, there’s a nice balance between food, drinks, games, and rides. It’s definitely more entertainment-focused than a traditional market, but it works for Liverpool’s vibe.
Crowds were moderate when we visited—busy, but not shoulder-to-shoulder. The lighting was beautiful, the music was upbeat, and even though not every vendor was filled with holiday cheer, the setting still felt festive and fun.
One slightly odd (and kind of hilarious) memory: we ended up having a mini dance party with the security staff while eating our dinner. It’s not every day you break into a jig next to a bratwurst stand!
The staff at the rides weren’t exactly full of holiday cheer, but we didn’t let that ruin the mood.
Liverpool Christmas Market is laid out in a wide U-shape surrounding the front of St. George’s Hall, one of the city’s most iconic buildings. The dramatic neoclassical columns lit up with colorful lights make for the perfect backdrop to a wintery evening stroll. It’s not massive, which was perfect for our little one—and our sanity! You can easily walk from one end to the other without needing a game plan.
As we entered, we were welcomed by a mix of handmade goods, sweet treats, and a much-needed hot cocoa stand. One kid’s hot chocolate for our daughter, and amaretto hot cocoa for mom and dad—cheers to festive multitasking!
The food was, hands down, the highlight for us. The bratwurst stand alone could have convinced us to stay all night. The smoky aroma drifting through the market was impossible to ignore.
But instead of going for the obvious, we tried something different: The Crispy Pig’s roast ham bap with all the trimmings. Steaming, hearty, and absolutely delicious—it warmed us right up. (And for those unfamiliar, a bap is a sandwich, but better.)
We also spotted plenty of global flavors: Greek gyros, halloumi fries, souvlaki, salt and pepper chicken, Chinese noodles, Yorkshire pudding wraps, and even vegan-friendly options. It felt more like a street food festival with Christmas decorations, which we loved.
There were a few beer tents and cozy tipi bars with heaters where you could sit, sip, and warm up. One standout was the Windmill Bar, which had a great atmosphere, twinkly lights, and a welcoming crowd.
One thing we really appreciated was how kid-friendly the market was. There’s an entire section with rides that cater to various age groups. Our 4-year-old was in carousel heaven! She rode every single one she could, each with a huge grin on her face.
The rides are classic carnival style, a little dated but well-maintained and running smoothly. You can pay directly at each ride, and while most vendors accepted card, we did run into one that was cash only.
Pro tip: if you need an ATM, there’s one right across the street inside the shopping mall—but don’t wait until the last minute like we did; it closes early!
The carnival-style games were also a hit. Some stalls offered a prize every time (a lifesaver when traveling with a small child), and our daughter was thrilled to “win” a pink elephant.
Yes—if you’re in the area. It’s festive, fun, and a great market for families. It’s not the most traditional Christmas market you’ll ever visit, but it’s a fantastic introduction to the European Christmas scene.
We spent about two hours here, which was just enough to eat, drink, ride a few rides, and walk the whole market. We spent around £20-£30 per adult, which was reasonable given the food and fun. Would we go again? If we’re in Liverpool during the holidays—absolutely! Would we go out of our way just for this market? Probably not. But for a first experience, it gave us all the sparkle and holiday magic we could have hoped for.
Tea, tips, and travel tales—our UK page has everything you need for your next British adventure.
What other Christmas Markets in the UK should we visit next time?
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2 Responses
how much are the rides, particularly the mini roller coaster and ring doughnut slide? thanks
Hi Jen,
The rides ranged from £2-£5. Our daughter did ride the mini roller coaster and some of the smaller rides which were all £5 or less. Since she’s only 4 years old, we did not go on some of the larger rides like the Ferris Wheel so those could be slightly above that £5 mark but we can’t say for sure. We would love to hear about your visit and feel free to share any specific pricing so we can update our article accordingly.
Thank you and we hope you have a great experience. Remember, bring cash since some of the rides/attractions were cash only. All of the food and drinks we ordered did accept card.
Happy Holidays!
Cheers,
Atlas Adventured