This holiday season, the Bluecoat in Liverpool is transforming its iconic galleries into vibrant, festive hubs, brimming with creativity, local talent, and unique holiday gifts. From Saturday 7 December to Sunday 21 December, visitors can explore bustling makers markets featuring handmade crafts, artworks, and more from the Bluecoat’s talented Creative Community and regional artists.
Alongside the markets, the highly anticipated exhibition The Year That Was opens on Tuesday 3 December, celebrating 2024’s standout exhibitions and public artworks. Visitors will not only have the chance to marvel at the work of acclaimed artists such as Michelle Williams-Gamaker and Roxy Topia and Paddy Gould, but also purchase limited edition prints and original art - perfect for personal collections or thoughtful holiday gifts.
That’s not all—the Bluecoat’s festive programming offers much more than just shopping. For music enthusiasts, the Tomorrow’s Music Yesterday display opens on 15th November, showcasing the eclectic musical history of the Bluecoat with archival posters from legendary performances by Philip Glass, John Zorn, and others. Plus, starting on 30th November, visitors can enjoy a whimsical gingerbread-themed art trail in the Bluecoat’s garden, created by the inclusive Blue Room artists.
Workshops and Events for Everyone
Get hands-on this festive season with the Bluecoat’s exciting lineup of creative workshops. Whether you’re crafting a seasonal wreath with TV personality Gemma Longworth on 24 November or dancing your way through the Creative Christmas Disco on 1 December, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Families can get crafty together at the Christmas Print Party or adults can unwind with a relaxing Candlelit Sound Bath Meditation.
And when it’s time to refuel, treat yourself to a delicious two-course festive lunch, prepared by the Bluecoat’s new Head Chef, in the upstairs restaurant. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a day of festive fun and creativity.
Head along to the Bluecoat this winter and celebrate the magic of art, music, and community while supporting local artists.
Full list of the Bluecoat’s Christmas events below:
Tomorrow’s Music Yesterday
From Fri 15 Nov
Gingerbread Party People Trail by Blue Room
From Sat 30 Nov
The Year That Was
Tue 3 - Sat 21 Dec
WINTER MARKETS
Bluecoat Arts Market
Sat 7 Dec, 11am-4pm. Free entry
Find the perfect gift or treat yourself to a new piece of art, created by members from our creative community.
Bloom Makers Market
Sat 14 & Sun 15 Dec, 11am-4pm. Free entry
Still Out-of-Print Book Fair
Fri 20 & Sat 21 Dec, 11am-5pm. Free entry
Browse unique second hand and antique books to find the perfect Christmas present for the book lover in your life.
WORKSHOPS AND OTHER EVENTS
Mindful Glow: Candlelit Sound Bath Meditation
Sat 23 Nov, 10am, 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm
Tickets: from £25.95
Experience the powerful revitalising effects of sound bath therapy and meditation to reset your mind and body.
Festive Wreath Making
Sun 24 Nov, 1-3pm
£48, all materials included
Get into the festive spirit and create your very own seasonal wreath using fresh foliage and decorations.
Collage Christmas Cards
Thu 28 Nov, 6-7.30pm
Tickets: £3.50
Join us for a festive and creative session where you can personalise your own sustainable Christmas cards through collage.
Christmas Print Party
Sat 30 Nov , 11am - 12.30pm
For ages 4+ £15 per child, adults go free.
Get creative this festive season in this family friendly printmaking session. Children and their grown ups will create a pack of Christmas cards and make beautiful monoprinted decorations for your tree.
Makers + Shakers: A Creative Christmas Disco
Sun 1 Dec, 2 - 3.30pm
£15 per child | £26 for a 2 child bundle | Adults, carers and crawlers go free
Bring the whole family for a festive session of moving, making, and shaking. Create Christmas decorations with Bluecoat, and follow Santa’s trail around the globe in a joyful dance session led by artists from Movema.
Intro to Photopolymer Etching
Sat 8 Dec, 11am - 5pm
Tickets: £85
This exciting one-day course will take you through the digital and analogue process of making small edition, low toxic photogravure prints.
Intro to UV Screen Printing
Sat 9 Dec, 11am - 5pm
Tickets: £70
For more information, and to book tickets, visit www.thebluecoat.org.uk/whatson
