The Reader Unveils A New Season of Events For Christmas 2025 In Calderstones Park
Liverpool-based charity The Reader has announced its biggest ever Christmas programme in Calderstones Park, bringing festive joy for families, book lovers, and culture seekers alike.
This year’s celebrations include the much-loved Christmas Story Trail, festive workshops, live music, theatre, and even a brand-new Twilight Quartet. Whether you’re looking for family fun or seasonal relaxation, The Reader’s Mansion House and Storybarn will be buzzing with holiday cheer.
Family favourites return
At the heart of the programme is the return of the Christmas Family Story Trail, running every weekend from 29 November – 31 December. Inspired by Jarvis’ picture book Mr Santa, families can follow a magical self-led adventure through Calderstones Park, filled with activities and festive surprises. Each ticket includes a copy of the book to take home.
For younger visitors, there’s also a Mini-Christmas Trail every Friday for under 4s, while cosy Bookshop Bedtime Stories invite families to snuggle up in pyjamas for festive storytelling on 12 & 19 December.
Other highlights include:
- Brunch with Mrs Claus – Sunday 14 & 21 December
- Christmas at the Storybarn – weekends from 29 November
- Christmas Incy Wincy Rhymers – Fridays and weekends from 28 November
- Family theatre: Robin Hood by Altru Drama (22 Dec) and All in a Mouse’s Night by Goofus Theatre (28 Dec).
Children will also have the chance to Meet the Author – Jarvis himself – for a special reading and draw-along on Sunday 7 December.
New events for 2025
This year sees the launch of brand-new events designed to add sparkle to the season:
- Twilight Quartet – Thursday 18 December, live music and poetry under fairy lights.
- Winter Spoken Word & Music – Tuesday 16 December, with performances by The Simashgu String Quartet.
- Bronte Christmas Afternoon – Saturday 6 December, exploring Victorian Christmas traditions through Charlotte Brontë’s writing.
- Festive Shopping Evening – Thursday 11 December, 4–7pm. Expect 20% off books, local makers, live music, mulled wine and mince pies.
Creative workshops and literary deep dives
For those who like to get hands-on, Booker Flowers return with popular Wreath Making Workshops (4, 6 & 13 December). There’s also a Winter Poetry Masterclass with Reader founder Dr Jane Davis (7 Dec), a three-week Deep Read of Claire Keegan’s Small Things Like These (Fridays in December), and a Winter Wellbeing Workshop (13 Dec).
Makers, music and more
The final Makers at the Mansion market of the year takes place 29–30 November, with independent stalls, festive food and The Reader’s own version of Iceland’s “Christmas Book Flood” – offering brand new books in exchange for optional donations.
The Mansion House is also open for Christmas parties, with spaces for groups of 8–80, as well as weekly guided tours and exhibitions of the historic Calder Stones.
Opening the season
The festivities begin with The Reader’s first-ever fundraising Christmas Quiz on Sunday 23 November, complete with food, drinks, and a welcome drink included in the ticket price. Proceeds from all events will support The Reader’s charitable work in bringing Shared Reading to communities across Liverpool and beyond.
Booking opens today for Calderstones Members, with priority booking and discounts. General sale starts Monday 15 September.
Full details and tickets: thereader.org.uk/christmas2025
