Christmas Markets in and Near Liverpool 2025 – The Best Festive Days Out Across the North West
There’s no better way to embrace the festive season than with a trip to a Christmas market. From the sparkling stalls of St George’s Hall to the charming countryside fairs of Lancashire and the seaside magic of Blackpool, the North West comes alive with festive cheer each winter.
Whether you’re hunting for handmade gifts, sipping mulled wine under the lights, or planning a cosy weekend day out, here’s your guide to the best Christmas markets in and near Liverpool for 2025 — all bursting with local charm, festive food and plenty of seasonal spirit.
Liverpool Christmas Market
Location: St George’s Plateau, Liverpool
Dates: 15 November – 24 December 2025
Opening Times: Mon – Sun 11:00 – 22:00
The heart of Liverpool transforms into a winter wonderland once again, as the Liverpool Christmas Market returns outside the stunning St George’s Hall. Wooden chalets line the Plateau, filled with artisan gifts, handmade decorations, and irresistible festive street food — from Yorkshire pudding wraps to German sausages and sweet churros.
There’s also a cosy tipi bar serving mulled wine, hot chocolate and cocktails, alongside fairground rides and plenty of photo opportunities under the city’s sparkling lights.
Getting there:
Directly opposite Liverpool Lime Street Station. Car parking nearby at St John’s, Queen Square or Mount Pleasant.
Chester Christmas Market
Location: Town Hall Square, Chester
Dates: 19 November – 22 December 2025
Opening Times: Sun – Weds: 10:30am – 6:30pm & Thurs – Sat: 10:30am – 8pm
With its half-timbered buildings, cobbled streets and glowing lights, Chester is made for Christmas. Around 70 wooden chalets fill the Town Hall Square for Chester Christmas Market, selling everything from handmade jewellery to festive food and drink. It’s a smaller market, but packed with charm — and looks especially beautiful after dark.
Getting there:
Regular trains run from Liverpool Lime Street to Chester (around 50 minutes). The market is just a 10-minute walk from the station.
Manchester Christmas Markets
Location: Various locations across Manchester city centre
Dates: 7 November – 22 December 2025
(Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens remain open until 4 January 2026)
Opening Times: Mon – Sun 10:00 – 21:00
Now in their 27th year, Manchester’s Christmas Markets are some of the most famous in the UK, attracting millions each winter. Spread across nine city-centre locations — including Albert Square, St Ann’s Square, King Street and Cathedral Gardens — the markets feature over 200 stalls offering festive food, handmade gifts, and seasonal drinks.
Getting there:
Trains run regularly from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly (around 50 minutes). By car, it’s roughly an hour’s drive via the M62, with several city-centre car parks nearby with the nearest being Piccadilly Plaza and Chorlton Street.
Christmas By The Sea, Blackpool
Location: Tower Festival Headland, Blackpool
Dates: 21 November – 4 January ’26
Opening Times: Mon – Sun 12:00 – 21:00
Blackpool’s famous seafront gets a festive glow-up with Christmas by the Sea, featuring an ice rink, fairground rides, market stalls and the spectacular Illuminations. The scent of waffles and mulled wine drifts along the promenade while Christmas music sets the mood — it’s seaside nostalgia meets winter magic.
Getting there:
Around 90 minutes by car from Liverpool via the M58 and M6, or take the train to Blackpool North (usually via Preston).
Christmas Fair at Haydock Park
Location: Haydock Park Racecourse, Newton-le-Willows
Dates: 6 – 9 November 2025
Opening Times: Thurs 6, Fri 7 & Sun 9 Nov: 10:00 – 16:00 & Sat 8 Nov: 10:00 – 17:00
For those who like to get their Christmas shopping started early, this four-day fair by Living North is a must. Set inside the impressive Haydock Park Racecourse, it brings together over 200 independent makers and traders offering everything from festive food and homeware to fashion, gifts and local delicacies.
It’s one of the biggest Christmas shopping events in the North West — ideal for ticking off your gift list while supporting small businesses.
Getting there:
Just off Junction 23 of the M6. There’s free parking on site, or take the train to St Helens Central or Newton-le-Willows and take a short taxi ride.
