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The Reader’s Christmas Cinema: Festive Film Magic Comes to Calderstones Park

Editor17/10/2025

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Get ready for some festive film magic in one of Liverpool’s most picturesque settings — The Reader has announced a brand-new Christmas Cinema season, transforming Calderstones Park’s historic Mansion House into a winter wonderland of classic Christmas movies.

Running from Friday 19 December to Wednesday 24 December 2025, this special festive pop-up will see nine unforgettable films screened under a cosy heated canopy, complete with fairy lights, festive food and drink, and the joyful atmosphere of the season.

Following the huge success of The Reader’s summer open-air cinema and spooky Halloween screenings, this new Christmas edition promises to be one of Liverpool’s most heartwarming events of the winter. All profits raised from the cinema will support The Reader’s charitable mission — transforming lives through the power of literature and Shared Reading.

“Christmas is a traditional time to snuggle up with the people you love and watch a film,” said Jen Chapman, Associate Director of Marketing, Communications & Digital at The Reader.

“After the success of our summer open-air cinema and spooky season, we’ve decided to create another season of unforgettable festive film magic. Our cosy, heated canopy will glow with fairy lights, and we’ll have gorgeous festive food and drinks and music. We hope this will be a new Christmas tradition for families, couples and friends!”

The Reader’s Christmas Cinema at Calderstones Park

Mini-Movies

Short and sweet screenings for the littlest cinema lovers, shown inside the Mansion House Theatre Room.

The Gruffalo’s Child (U)
Friday 19 December & Tuesday 23 December – 11.30am (27 mins)

“Aha! Oho! A trail in the snow…”
One wild and windy night, the Gruffalo’s child tiptoes out into the snow in search of the Big Bad Mouse. A magical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved picture book.

Stick Man (U)
Saturday 20 December & Wednesday 24 December – 11.30am (27 min)

“Stick Man, oh Stick Man! You excellent friend!”
Stick Man drifts far from the family tree and takes an epic journey to make it home in time for Christmas in this charming adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s festive favourite.

Christmas Cinema (Garden) Screenings

Under the heated canopy in the Mansion House Garden — where festive lights, music and mulled treats create the perfect Christmas movie setting.

Die Hard (15)
Friday 19 December – 7.30pm

“Yippee-ki-yay!”
Bruce Willis stars as New York cop John McClane in this action-packed Christmas Eve thriller. Explosive, edge-of-your-seat festive fun.

Home Alone (PG)
Saturday 20 December – 3.30pm & Sunday 21 December – 7.30pm

“I made my family disappear!”
Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister defends his family home against two bungling burglars in this all-time Christmas classic. Packed with heart and hilarious antics.

Love Actually (15)
Saturday 20 December – 7.30pm

“I’ve got a sneaky feeling that love actually is all around.”
The quintessential British Christmas rom-com with an unforgettable ensemble cast — equal parts heartwarming, funny and tear-jerking.

Elf (PG)
Sunday 21 December – 3.30pm & Tuesday 23 December – 7.30pm

“There’s room for everyone on the nice list!”
Buddy the Elf’s journey from the North Pole to New York City is pure Christmas joy — syrupy sweetness and silliness guaranteed.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (U)
Monday 22 December – 3.30pm

“All Our Pens Have Turned To Inkcicles!”
Michael Caine stars alongside the Muppets in this musical reimagining of Dickens’ classic tale. Hilarious, heartwarming, and full of festive spirit.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas (PG)
Tuesday 23 December – 3.30pm

“Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more.”
Jim Carrey delivers a show-stopping performance as the Grinch in this colourful adaptation of Dr Seuss’ timeless story.

It’s a Wonderful Life (U)
Wednesday 24 December – 3.30pm

“No man is a failure who has friends.”
Frank Capra’s 1946 classic is a nostalgic, heartwarming Christmas staple that reminds us of the true meaning of kindness and community.