The Palm House in Sefton Park has announced its festive programme, with events to suit young minds, party animals, super shoppers, festive foodies and music lovers alike, from story time with Father Christmas to party time with friends and colleagues.
The the iconic venue marks its 130th anniversary next year and remains a focal point for free community programmes and ticketed events.
Kate Johnson, CEO of Sefton Park Palm House said: “Christmas at the Palm House is something really special as our huge conservatory brings the outside in, allowing visitors to enjoy December’s beautiful wintery weather and the mental benefits of being surrounded by plants and greenery, while being safe and dry indoors. It really is unique.
“We have worked with our local partners to put together a programme of wonderful free events this December, along with some not-to-be-missed ticketed events to give people some great opportunities to celebrate Christmas with friends, families and colleagues. These include our Christmas Party and Disco Nights and musical evenings with a variety of renowned choirs, with all proceeds going towards supporting the Palm House and our ongoing community work.”
As a charity run by Sefton Park Palm House Charitable Trust, buying tickets to any paid for event supports the free community programme, the preservation of the botanical collection and keeping the building open and accessible year-round, for free. As a gift to the City of Liverpool nearly 130 years ago, the Palm House has been bringing joy to visitors ever since, and is the perfect gift this Christmas, either for yourself, or another.
Ticketed events – booking now
Christmas Concert with Wavertree Community Gospel Choir | Thursday 11 December
£14 + booking fee – book here
Come and join Hayli Kincade and The Wavertree Community Gospel Choir for a festive evening of Christmas carols, uplifting pop and soulful gospel. Directed by Hayli, the choir are renowned for their infectious energy, vibrant community spirit and genuine passion for music. Welcoming people of all backgrounds, ages and faiths, their diversity is reflected in their set list, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Come along to listen and sing along with your favourite Christmas classics and be swept up in the joy of Christmas.
Christmas Party Nights | Friday 12 & Friday 19 December
£75 + booking fee – book here
The Palm House is renowned for its weddings and events, but this Christmas you don’t need the excuse of a wedding to enjoy an evening of celebration in this unique and beautiful building. Bring friends and family together or make this a colleague Christmas night out to remember at one of the exclusive party nights in this iconic venue. Featuring a sumptuous, bespoke three-course festive meal crafted by Dine and after-dinner music and dancing, you can create lasting memories set against the backdrop of the beautiful botanical collection and twinkling lights.
Dress to impress and make the most of the ample photo opportunities the Palm House has to offer, knowing that every ticket supports the venue’s ongoing community work, helping to keep the beautiful venue accessible and free for all. Groups should ensure all tickets are booked at the same time to ensure seating together on a shared table.
Disco Christmas Party Night | Saturday 13 December
£15 + booking fee – book here
Get ready to boogie the night away at a Christmas party like no other. Dance along to disco classics like Night Fever, Boogie Nights and I Will Survive for a night of groovy tunes, funky moves and ultimate festive fun. The Palm House bar will be open, and Saturday Night (festive) Fever will be in full swing so book now, because this one’s going to be popular! (standing event)
Festive Afternoon Tea | Sunday 14 December (12:30pm & 3:30pm)
£39.78 – book here
An afternoon tea in the Palm House is the ultimate in decadence and splendour, and a festive twist to this wonderful tradition, is the icing on the Christmas cake for your December celebrations. With a beautiful selection of freshly-made seasonal sandwiches and savoury options along with delectable sweets from local suppliers, a musical accompaniment will also be provided by pianist Lizzie Watts. This is surely the most beautiful of ways to spend time with loved-ones and treat them to a Christmas catch up, and there will be plenty of fizz available from the Palm House bar to add some extra sparkle to a glorious afternoon. Group tickets should be booked at the same time to ensure seating together.
Christmas concert with Hope Street Harmonies | Thursday 18 December
£14 + booking fee – book here
Join Hope Street Harmonies for an evening of festive favourites, winter warmers and a joyful Christmas sing-along. This Liverpool-based a cappella community choir perform regularly at a range of events and know exactly how to bring the house down with their eclectic repertoire of songs. If it’s Christmas spirit you want, this is the best possible way to start your week’s countdown to Christmas Day with family and friends and the power of music.
Free Community Events
Christmas Jazz Afternoon | Tuesday 2 December | 2pm – 4pm
Free – donations appreciated
The Savoy Jazzmen are back with a Christmas-inspired jazz session, creating the perfect atmosphere for foot tapping and the occasional dance if the mood strikes. Featuring revivalist and classical jazz tunes, come along to hear the Palm House filled with great music, and an opportunity to mingle and socialise with other visitors and wonderful volunteers.
Your Voice Your Choice Christmas Concert | Wednesday 3 December | 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Free – donations appreciated
Your Voice Your Choice are an inclusive community choir made up of adults with additional needs and autism. They bring their own style to some of their favourite tunes made up of an eclectic mix of popular songs, this time with a festive twist. Their love of singing and entertaining together shines through, and the joy they’ll spread this Christmastime is not to be missed.
Christmas Tea Dance | Tuesday 9 December | 2pm – 4pm
Free – donations appreciated
The Palm House holds regular tea dances throughout the year, and December’s event will provide a special opportunity to dance to some wonderful Christmas classics under the palms. Bring yourself and your dancing shoes – you don’t need any experience, and you’ll always find kindred spirits happy to join you to share and enjoy the magic of dance. This special gathering is a wonderful chance for older visitors to relive treasured traditions, make new friends, and enjoy the community spirit of the Palm House at its best.
Christmas Sing-along | Tuesday 16 December | 2 – 4pm
Free – donations appreciated
Come along for a joyful Christmas Sing-along at the Palm House. As part of the sing-along series of events, this will be a heart-warming and relaxed afternoon, where people can come together to sing-along to seasonal favourites, from classic carols to modern Christmas hits. Everyone is welcome come and enjoy some festive cheer and magic at this friendly and welcoming event.
Story Time with Father Christmas | Sunday 7 December and Tuesday 23 December | 11am – 12:15pm / 1pm – 2:15pm / 3pm – 4:15pm
Donate what you can afford on the day
Join Father Christmas and his Palm House helpers for a joyful session filled with festive fun. Children and their families are invited to come along to listen to Christmas stories, sing-along to much-loved seasonal songs and get creative with Christmas crafts. The Palm House sets the perfect scene for this heartwarming experience at the most magical time of year; wrap up warm for a little wander through Sefton Park, meet the man himself among the beautiful botanical collection, and grab a hot choccy from the café afterwards, creating memories to cherish for years to come. This event is being held for free to ensure all children can see Father Christmas. A suggested donation of £10 per child is welcomed from families who can afford to donate, to help cover the costs of the event. (Suitable for under 7s)
Little Frost Fair | Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 December | 12 noon – 7pm
Free – donations appreciated
If you’re looking for some last-minute Christmas gifts, head to Sefton Park to buy something special and unique from a range of local independent makers, bakers and shakers. Whether you’re hunting for gifts or just fancy immersing yourself in the Christmas spirit, you’ll find a variety of stalls to browse, all while enjoying live music from talented local artists and bands. It’s the perfect opportunity to shop, savour delicious food and get your mulled wine or hot chocolate fix! Come along to soak up the atmosphere and kick start the Christmas hols in style.
Christmas Eve sing-along with Holistic Harmonies | Wednesday 24 December | 11am – 12 noon / 12:15pm – 1:15pm / 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Free – donations appreciated
With one day until Christmas, Holistic Harmonies will be hosting a special series of festive sing-alongs this Christmas Eve, led by Rachel. Visitors of all ages are invited to join in with the joy of communal singing, celebrating with a selection of beloved carols and timeless Christmas classics. With three sessions available, everyone has the chance to get involved, so come on your own, or with family and friends for a warm welcome, with singing and dancing together encouraged. Make wonderful memories as you count down the final hours to Christmas Day.
Christmas Crafts | Sunday 28 December | 1pm – 3pm
Free – donations appreciated
The Palm House is renowned for its lovely crafting events and this one will be no different, as participants are invited to join a local artist to make and create. If you’ve been hunkered down at home celebrating Christmas, this will be the perfect way to leave the house and get your ‘Twixmas’ creativity flowing (family friendly event).
For more information on what’s going on this festive season at the Palm House, visit www.palmhouse.org.uk/whats-on/
