Christmas is officially underway in Liverpool
The illumination of Liverpool ONE’s iconic Christmas tree marks the start of a fantastic festive season in the city

The festive season has officially started in Liverpool following the city’s magical Christmas light switch-on.

The illumination of Liverpool ONE’s iconic Christmas tree, believed to be the biggest in the UK, marks the beginning of a wonderful few weeks ahead.

Taking pride of place on Paradise Street, the tree, which towers 30 metres in the air, was brought to life this year amid a fanfare of music, dance, snow, special effects and pyrotechnics.

Santa Claus made an appearance on the roof of John Lewis before joining local schoolchildren from the Liverpool Empire Theatre’s Choir to sing a piece especially created for the evening, ‘Waiting for Christmas to arrive,’ by Paul Lawton.

In addition to the grand and unforgettable light switch-on moment, created by the Liverpool Empire Theatre’s Creative Learning Team, the streets of Liverpool ONE were filled with fun-loving festive characters and entertainment to really bring the Christmas spirit alive.

Some of these acts included stilt-walking Christmas belles, roller-skating snowmen, tap-dancing turkeys and even elf flash mobs!

The stars of Liverpool’s festive performances also joined the evening’s entertainment, with a special appearance from Dane Bowers who is appearing as Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the city’s Epstein Theatre.

Donna Howitt, Marketing Director at Liverpool ONE, said: “It was wonderful to see everyone coming together to mark the start of Christmas.

“Liverpool has a great festive season ahead. There are new stores and restaurants to visit and magical experiences to be had both at Liverpool ONE and popular attractions such as the Albert Dock and the arena.

“Every year we pull out all of the stops to create memorable moments for all of our visitors and events like this make me truly believe there is no better place to visit this Christmas than Liverpool.”

This year, Liverpool’s Christmas event calendar is filled to the brim with activities in the run up to December 25th.

As well as the iconic tree returning for its third year, Bar Hutte is back. Located beneath the tree, Bar Hutte features a range of yuletide drinks and bookable wooden huts, perfect for those still looking for the perfect party venue.

On Chavasse Park, there is plenty for the whole family to enjoy. For the youngest visitors, experience traditional fairground rides and attractions – and after a day filled with magical moments, swing by the various food stalls for a festive tipple or a bite to eat.

Visitors are being encouraged to share their experience of the build up to Christmas at Liverpool ONE on social media by using the hashtag #GetChristmassy - and there are prizes up for grabs for the best experiences which are shared.

For more information about Christmas at Liverpool ONE, visit: www.liverpool-one.com/christmas.

Liverpool ONE’s enchanting Christmas is part of One Magical City, a programme of festive activity which takes place across Liverpool, from its waterfront to the retail heart and historical areas.

For a full programme of all of the enchanting events across the city visit: www.onemagicalcity.co.uk.