Liverpool Christmas Market set for return with Underbelly as 2026 festive programme revealed

Liverpool City Council has unveiled its plans for the 2026 festive season in the city.

From festive events including Story Time with Santa and Carols by Lantern Light, to two large-scale outdoor Christmas activations and a series of pop-up seasonal markets, there is something for everyone in Liverpool this winter.

Following a competitive tender process resulting in contracts being awarded to Underbelly and Icebox Live, 2026 will see two new offers at St George’s Hall and Pier Head. Both operators plan to work closely with local community groups on creative, social impact, and sustainability initiatives, with details to be announced shortly.

A new outdoor ice-skating experience, ‘Skate St George’s’, will bring a stunning addition to the iconic city-centre landmark, whilst the iconic Three Graces on the waterfront will overlook ‘Liverpool Christmas Wonderland @ Pier Head’ – a covered ice-skating rink along with thrill rides, games, and experiences.

A series of seasonal pop-up markets, featuring a wide range of local and independent businesses, will also take place at city centre locations including Basnett Street and Cunard Building on selected dates.

‘Skate St George’s’ will complement Liverpool City Halls’ festive programme, which has a packed line-up of events including A Christmas Carol and the much-loved Carols by Lantern Light.

Liverpool’s Christmas Markets attract more than 500,000 visitors each year and have become one of the city’s most significant seasonal attractions, helping to increase footfall and hotel stays, support local businesses, and enhance the overall visitor experience during the festive period, delivering a significant economic boost to the city.

Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said: “Liverpool’s Christmas Markets are a hugely important part of our festive offer, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors and helping to showcase everything that makes our city special at Christmas. We’re delighted to expand our offer this year as part of our ambition to make Christmas in Liverpool bigger and better than ever, building on our reputation as one of the UK’s leading festive destinations and creating a magical experience for everyone who lives in or visits our city this winter.”

Ed Bartlam, co-founder of Underbelly, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing Skate St George’s to Liverpool this Christmas. Having spent years producing some of the UK’s best-loved festive experiences, we wanted to bring that same quality and care to Liverpool, adding something new to what is already a brilliant Christmas city. Set against the magnificent backdrop of St George’s Hall, we’re looking forward to working with the local community to create a new seasonal highlight that complements Liverpool’s festive calendar.”

Richard Elmer, Founder of Icebox Live, said: “It’s a great honour to be operating in Liverpool for the festive season once again, as we have since our very first year here in 2012. Having created and run Liverpool’s biggest Christmas event at Pier Head on the waterfront for many years, we’re delighted to be lighting up the Three Graces for all to see once more. Steeped in the city’s history, Pier Head is a truly spectacular setting – and working hand in hand with Liverpool’s local operators, we’re proud to create an event for the whole of the city, and its visitors, to enjoy for many years to come.”