Stuck for something to do between the top two events of the winter (or year) that are Christmas and New Year? Well, this in-between time after Christmas and before New Year is known as Twixmas, and sadly it has nothing to do with the chocolate, although if you choose to spend it eating chocolate that’s perfectly fine. Derived from the word ‘betwixt’, meaning ‘between’, Twixmas is often an uneventful blur, filled with leftovers, binge watching TV, and not much else. However, we’ve put together a guide on how to spend Twixmas this year with some rather fun-filled things to do that will have you emerging from your little cocoon and will help stretch out the magic of the season that little bit longer.
1. Venture into Harry Potter: The Forbidden Forest Experience
Watching Harry Potter at Christmas is practically an age-old tradition now (it has been 20 years after all). During Twixmas, experience memorable moments from the movies yourself. Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience brings creatures from both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises to Arley Hall in Cheshire (less than an hour’s drive from Liverpool). Guests will be able to make their way through the magical winter trail, uncovering Hippogriffs, Centaurs, and even Aragog and his family, along the way. If that wasn’t all, there’s also a fantastic village at the end of the trail, where you can fill up on food and drink, too. Tickets are available here.
2. Snuggle up in the cinema with an epic film
Sit back and relax on the cosy sofas at Everyman Cinema in Liverpool’s Metquarter, where you can watch all the latest releases coming to the big screen. From well-known musical West Side Story and scandalous story House of Gucci to action-packed films like The Matrix: Resurrections and Spider-Man: No Way Home, there’s bound to be something that takes your fancy and gets you away from fighting for the remote back home with family or friends. Tuck into popcorn, pizza, hot dogs, burgers, sundaes or sharing plates of buttermilk fried chicken, chilli glazed ribs or tortilla chips and dips as you watch the plot unfold. You can also enjoy a range of tipples brought directly to your seat such as beer, cider, wine, cocktails, milkshakes and soft drinks.
3. Head up to the top of the Royal Liver Building for unbelievable views
After being cooped up inside over Christmas, it’s quite nice to stretch your legs and head out exploring for a change of scenery. Whether you’re a local or new to the city, why not venture up one of Liverpool’s tallest buildings and discover more about this amazing city this Twixmas? Start your journey at the Royal Liver Building‘s visitor centre, and learn about the building’s history as well as its place in local heritage, before heading up to the 10th and 15th floors for sweeping views of Merseyside and beyond, plus feel the sea breeze. Book your tickets here.
4. Say “cheers” to the end of the year with one of these festive cocktails
Cocktails are a winner all year round, and Twixmas is no exception. How better to spend this odd in-between time than by grabbing your nearest and dearest and heading over to one of Liverpool’s cosy bars for a drink or two? From gorgeous gingerbread espresso martinis at Gusto to boozy ‘Bombardinos’ at Bar Hütte, there’s bound to be a tipple in the city with your name on it and sure to warm you up. Simply round up all your friends and family and continue that party spirit through Twixmas then leave the bars to shake things up for you. Check out our pick of the best festive cocktails to try in Liverpool here.
5. Catch a panto before the season is over
Panto season may be almost done and dusted for another year, but there’s still time for one more “he’s behind you!” before the outrageous outfits are packed away until 2022. The raucous Horrible Histories Car Park Panto is coming to AJ Bell Stadium on December 29–30 and to Crewe Alexandra FC on December 31 for a comedic adventure, featuring Oliver Cromwell, Charles Dickens, King Henry VIII and St. Nicholas. What’s more, you needn’t worry about battling through chaotic panto crowds and searching sticky-floored theatres for a seat; you’ll be comfortably sat in your car for the show. So, grab a ticket and pack those Christmas Day leftovers for snacking.
6. Get your skates on at Liverpool Ice Festival
The highly-anticipated Liverpool Ice Festival has returned to the city and it’s bringing its biggest sheltered ice rink to-date. Taking place throughout December until January 3, the festival will be located at Pier Head and transport the region into a frozen winter wonderland. The festival will include a spectacular covered ice rink, to ensure the elements don’t hamper any Christmas spirits, as well as an alpine bar providing delicious hearty food and beverages and a place to shelter from the cold and a cosy up with a blanket. Plus, Liverpool Ice Festival has also introduced a cool new ice bar too.
7. Take cover in a cosy, outdoor winter lodge or hut
Searching for a cosy space for a festive tipple besides enjoying one at home? With a number of twinkling, cosy huts and lodges popping up across Liverpool this winter, how could we not resist? From twinkling lodges decked out with Christmassy decorations, to cosy huts providing shelter from the harsh temperatures – there are some toasty outdoor huts and lodges to snuggle up in during colder climes in Liverpool. Check out our pick of outdoor huts and lodges in Liverpool here.