There’s something rather lovely about letting someone else take care of Christmas dinner.
No peeling mountains of potatoes, no juggling oven temperatures and certainly no washing up after several courses. Instead, imagine arriving at a beautifully decorated restaurant, settling into a comfortable velvet booth and enjoying a glass of Champagne while someone else handles the cooking.
Liverpool has no shortage of wonderful restaurants, but Christmas is when some of the city’s grandest dining rooms really come into their own.
From the sophisticated surroundings of The Ivy on Castle Street to the historic grandeur of The Municipal Hotel and the spectacular views from Panoramic 34, there are plenty of places to consider for a special festive meal.
And for those who fancy escaping the city altogether, we’ve included some beautiful hotels within driving distance of Liverpool where you can turn Christmas into a luxurious overnight stay.
Whether you’re planning Christmas Day dinner in Liverpool, a festive family gathering, an elegant Christmas Eve meal or a romantic December staycation, these are the restaurants and hotels worth considering for Christmas 2026.
Luxury Restaurants for Christmas Dinner in Liverpool
1. The Ivy Liverpool Brasserie, Castle Street
Best for: Elegant Christmas lunches, celebrations and festive dining with family.
There are few restaurants in Liverpool quite as beautifully suited to Christmas as The Ivy (read about our festive feast at The Ivy Liverpool).
Situated on Castle Street, The Ivy Liverpool Brasserie combines colourful interiors, statement lighting, plush velvet seating and the sort of atmosphere that makes an ordinary lunch feel like an occasion.
It is an especially appealing choice for families who enjoy dressing up for Christmas, couples planning a festive date or groups of friends getting together before the holidays.
For Christmas 2026, The Ivy is promoting a seasonal set menu featuring both traditional Christmas favourites and some of its signature dishes.
Guests can begin with dishes such as prawn cocktail or cured smoked salmon before choosing from festive options including turkey ballotine, duck and The Ivy’s celebrated shepherd’s pie.
Desserts include Christmas pudding, The Ivy Chocolate Bombe and a special Santa-themed creation.
Having recently visited The Ivy Liverpool ourselves, we particularly appreciated the combination of elegant surroundings and a welcoming atmosphere for families with babies. Comfortable booth seating and a spacious dining room made our visit feel relaxed without compromising on the occasion.
Christmas 2026: Festive set menu advertised. Christmas Day opening has not been confirmed by the information reviewed.
Explore The Ivy Liverpool Christmas Menu
2. The Municipal Hotel Liverpool, Dale Street
Best for: Grand interiors, Champagne and a luxury Christmas experience.
If your ideal Christmas involves chandeliers, beautifully dressed tables and a little old-fashioned glamour, The Municipal Hotel is worth considering.
Occupying Liverpool’s former Municipal Buildings on Dale Street, this five-star hotel is one of the city’s most impressive architectural transformations.
Its historic interiors provide a particularly fitting backdrop for festive celebrations, with grand public spaces, sophisticated bars and luxury accommodation.
For an intimate Christmas celebration, the hotel’s dining and bar spaces make it an appealing destination for couples or smaller groups. Larger celebrations may be better suited to its private event facilities.
There is also the possibility of turning a festive dinner into a city-centre staycation, perhaps with a spa treatment the following morning.
Christmas 2026: Specific festive menus, prices and Christmas Day dining arrangements need to be confirmed directly with the hotel.
3. Titanic Hotel Liverpool, Stanley Dock
Best for: Atmospheric Christmas dining and an overnight stay.
There is something especially inviting about Titanic Hotel as winter arrives.
Situated within a beautifully restored nineteenth-century warehouse at Stanley Dock, the hotel combines exposed brickwork, enormous windows and industrial heritage with luxurious contemporary interiors.
Its restaurant, Stanley’s Bar and Grill, offers a warm and welcoming setting for a festive meal, while the Rum Bar provides somewhere to enjoy drinks before or after dinner.
Unlike some of Liverpool’s more formal restaurants, Titanic has a distinctive atmosphere that feels particularly suited to winter. Think softly lit interiors, generous dining spaces and the opportunity to linger over another drink rather than rushing home.
For a special occasion, consider booking an overnight stay and making use of the hotel’s Maya Blue Wellness facilities.
Christmas 2026: Confirm the availability of festive menus, Christmas Day dining and accommodation packages directly with the hotel.
4. The Art School Restaurant, Sugnall Street
Best for: Fine dining, Champagne and an exceptional festive menu.
For those who take Christmas dining seriously, The Art School Restaurant deserves a place near the top of the list.
Situated on Sugnall Street, close to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, the restaurant is known for its refined approach to British cuisine, seasonal ingredients and carefully considered presentation.
Chef Paul Askew’s restaurant provides an intimate alternative to larger hotel dining rooms, making it particularly appealing for couples and smaller groups celebrating something special.
The restaurant has already published its Christmas 2026 menus, giving diners several options.
Christmas 2026 menus include:
- Festive Prix Fixe: £49 per person for three courses.
- Festive Menu Excellence: £115 per person.
- Festive Tasting Menu: £140 per person.
- Christmas Eve Celebration Menu: £135 per person, served on 24 December.
The festive menus begin at the end of November, making The Art School an excellent choice for an early Christmas celebration as well as a special meal closer to the big day.
For an additional touch of occasion, begin with a drink in The Art School Cellars before heading upstairs for dinner.
Christmas Day: The published festive programme includes Christmas Eve dining but does not establish Christmas Day service.
The Art School Christmas 2026 Menus
5. Panoramic 34, West Tower
Best for: Romantic Christmas dining and spectacular views.
Few restaurants can compete with the setting of Panoramic 34.
Situated on the 34th floor of West Tower, the restaurant offers extraordinary views across Liverpool, the River Mersey and beyond.
During December, when the city begins to sparkle after dark, the setting becomes particularly special.
It is an excellent choice for couples planning a romantic Christmas meal, an anniversary celebration or an elegant festive gathering with friends.
The restaurant’s contemporary British dining style, sophisticated presentation and extensive views make it feel suitably removed from the bustle of Christmas shopping below.
For the most atmospheric experience, consider booking a table around sunset and watching Liverpool’s lights appear across the skyline.
Christmas 2026: Festive menu details and Christmas Day availability should be confirmed directly with the restaurant.
6. San Carlo Liverpool, Castle Street
Best for: Glamorous Italian Christmas celebrations.
For those who prefer Italian cuisine to a traditional roast turkey dinner, San Carlo is an excellent choice.
Situated on Castle Street, the restaurant has long been associated with stylish dining, celebrations and an extensive menu of Italian favourites.
The restaurant’s elegant interiors and lively atmosphere make it particularly appealing for Christmas gatherings with friends, couples and families who enjoy a more vibrant dining experience.
For 2026, San Carlo has announced that festive menus will return to participating restaurants from 16 November.
The seasonal selection includes Italian classics alongside festive dishes such as turkey with chestnut stuffing, beef ragù pasta and panettone bread and butter pudding.
Christmas Day dining is available at selected San Carlo restaurants, but availability at the Liverpool branch should be checked before making plans.
7. Hawksmoor Liverpool, India Buildings
Best for: Steak lovers and sophisticated Christmas gatherings.
For a Christmas celebration centred around exceptional food rather than traditional festive entertainment, Hawksmoor is a particularly appealing choice.
Situated within the magnificent India Buildings on Brunswick Street, the restaurant combines historic architecture with understated luxury.
The dining room feels suitably grand without being overly formal, making it ideal for celebrations with friends, colleagues or family.
Hawksmoor’s reputation is built around its steaks, seafood and classic British dishes, accompanied by an excellent wine and cocktail selection.
For Christmas 2026, festive sharing menus are listed from 23 November to 31 December, with three-course options priced between £60 and £93 per person for groups of eight or more.
This is particularly well suited to larger celebrations where everyone wants to enjoy a leisurely meal together.
Christmas Day opening has not been confirmed.
8. Gino D’Acampo Liverpool
Best for: Italian Christmas dining and celebrations with friends.
For something festive but a little less traditional, Gino D’Acampo Liverpool offers Italian-inspired Christmas dining.
The restaurant’s 2026 festive menus include a Christmas Fayre lunch priced at £32.50 for two courses or £39.50 for three, alongside a more extensive festive menu at £49.50 per person.
Dishes include Italian favourites such as calamari, burrata, bruschetta and tiramisu.
The restaurant is also advertising a Christmas Day menu priced at £100 per person, including Champagne and a canapé on arrival.
It is a good option for those who want the occasion of Christmas dining without necessarily choosing a traditional British roast.
Gino D’Acampo Liverpool Christmas Menus
Restaurants Open for Christmas Day Dinner in Liverpool 2026
If you’re specifically looking for somewhere to eat on Friday 25 December 2026, it is important to distinguish Christmas Day dining from festive menus served throughout December.
Of the restaurants in this guide, the following have published Christmas Day offerings:
The Municipal Hotel Liverpool: Seaforth Restaurant is offering a six-course Christmas Day menu priced at £225 per adult and £122.50 per child. Four sittings are advertised, beginning at 12.30pm and continuing through to 2pm. A deposit of £20 per person is required, with full payment due by 1 December. (Municipal Hotel Liverpool)
Gino D’Acampo Liverpool: A Christmas Day menu is advertised at £100 per person, including Champagne and a canapé on arrival. (Gino D’Acampo Restaurants)
Other restaurants featured above offer attractive festive dining experiences, but Christmas Day opening should not be assumed unless explicitly confirmed.
Festive Hotel Stays Within a Drive From Liverpool
Sometimes the nicest Christmas present is the opportunity to escape somewhere beautiful for a few days.
Fortunately, Liverpool is within easy reach of some extraordinary country house hotels, luxury spa resorts and romantic castles.
From Cheshire’s elegant lakeside retreats to the grand hotels of the Lake District, these are some of our favourite places to consider for a festive staycation.
1. Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere
Location: Knutsford, Cheshire
Drive from Liverpool: Approximately 50 minutes
Best for: Luxury Christmas dining, spa stays and family celebrations.
Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere is one of the most luxurious destinations in the region for a Christmas escape.
Set beside The Mere Lake in the Cheshire countryside, the resort combines beautiful surroundings with elegant dining, spa facilities and sophisticated accommodation.
Its Christmas 2026 programme includes festive afternoon tea, Santa Sunday lunches, party nights, Christmas Day dining and a New Year’s Eve celebration.
For Christmas Day, guests can choose between two dining experiences.
Gordon Ramsay at The Mere is offering a specially curated festive menu, while The Grand Ballroom will host a six-course Christmas lunch with Prestige Cuvée Champagne on arrival, seasonal entertainment and festive treats.
For families, the Santa Sunday Lunch includes three courses, live entertainment, character appearances, face painting, a pantomime performance and a gift for each child.
Prices for Santa Sunday Lunch are advertised at £60 per adult, £40 per child aged one to 12 and £10 for infants aged up to one.
For a romantic winter escape, consider combining dinner with an overnight stay and time to unwind at the spa.
Fairmont Cheshire Christmas 2026
2. Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa, Wirral
Location: Thornton Hough, Wirral
Drive from Liverpool: Approximately 35 minutes
Best for: Christmas Day dining, spa experiences and family gatherings.
For those who want to escape the city without travelling particularly far, Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa is an excellent choice.
Situated in the picturesque village of Thornton Hough, the hotel combines traditional country house charm with contemporary spa facilities and several dining spaces.
The hotel’s Christmas 2026 programme is already open for bookings.
Christmas Day dining is available in The Dining Room and Cristal Suite, while larger family gatherings can be accommodated in the Torintone Suite.
Throughout December, the hotel is also hosting festive family lunches, Breakfast with Santa, Christmas party nights and private dining experiences.
For couples, a festive spa stay could be particularly appealing, combining an overnight break with dining and time in the spa.
For larger families, the hotel’s different dining rooms provide flexibility depending on the type of celebration you’re planning.
3. Peckforton Castle, Cheshire
Location: Tarporley, Cheshire
Drive from Liverpool: Approximately 55 minutes
Best for: A fairytale Christmas in a castle.
If Christmas in a castle sounds like something from a storybook, Peckforton Castle deserves serious consideration.
Surrounded by woodland in the Cheshire countryside, this magnificent nineteenth-century castle offers turrets, imposing stone walls, grand interiors and the opportunity to spend Christmas somewhere genuinely extraordinary.
For 2026, Peckforton has announced an extensive festive programme.
Christmas Day dining includes a traditional four-course lunch in The Drawing Room or a more refined adults-only dining experience at the award-winning 1851 Restaurant.
Throughout December, guests can also enjoy festive afternoon tea and special lunches with Father Christmas.
The castle is offering two-night Christmas residential packages from £1,010 per couple, covering Christmas Eve through Boxing Day.
Three-night packages begin at £1,350 per couple.
Festive afternoon tea is priced at £34 per person, with Champagne afternoon tea available for £44.
There are also special Father Christmas lunches on selected December dates, priced at £40 per adult and £25 per child.
For a truly memorable Christmas staycation within an hour of Liverpool, this is one of the most enchanting options.
Peckforton Castle Christmas 2026
4. Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa, Lake District
Location: Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick
Drive from Liverpool: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes
Best for: A traditional luxury Christmas with roaring fires and beautiful scenery.
Few places capture the atmosphere of an English country house Christmas quite like Armathwaite Hall.
Overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake, the hotel combines grand interiors, beautiful grounds, fine dining and spa facilities with spectacular Lake District scenery.
Its Christmas 2026 residential programme begins on Christmas Eve, with cocktails, canapés, entertainment and a celebration dinner.
On Christmas Day, guests can enjoy a six-course festive meal before spending the afternoon relaxing, exploring the grounds or enjoying the hotel’s entertainment.
Boxing Day brings guided walks, a bird of prey display and a black-tie dinner followed by casino-style entertainment.
Christmas residential packages start from £1,500 per person, covering 24 to 26 December.
For those who don’t want to stay overnight, the hotel also advertises Christmas Day lunch in its Broadwater Suite at £125 per adult and £75 per child.
This is one of the stronger choices for families wanting a traditional Christmas house-party atmosphere with plenty of activities.
Armathwaite Hall Christmas Breaks
5. Langdale Chase Hotel, Lake Windermere
Location: Windermere, Lake District
Drive from Liverpool: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
Best for: Romantic Christmas stays and lakeside luxury.
For something a little more intimate, Langdale Chase offers a beautifully refined Christmas experience overlooking Lake Windermere.
The historic hotel is known for its magnificent lakeside setting, elegant interiors and peaceful atmosphere.
Christmas here is less about elaborate entertainment and more about slowing down.
Imagine arriving on Christmas Eve, enjoying mulled wine beside the fire, taking a winter walk along the lake and returning for Champagne and dinner.
The hotel’s Christmas programme includes a four-course Christmas Eve dinner accompanied by live festive music.
Guests can also enjoy seasonal dining, relaxed moments in the hotel’s lounges and beautiful views across Windermere.
For couples looking for somewhere romantic to spend Christmas, Langdale Chase is particularly appealing.
6. Lakeside Hotel & Spa, Newby Bridge
Location: Newby Bridge, Lake Windermere
Drive from Liverpool: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes
Best for: Family Christmas breaks overlooking the lake.
Situated at the southern end of Lake Windermere, Lakeside Hotel & Spa provides a wonderfully scenic setting for a festive escape.
The hotel’s Christmas 2026 programme includes three, four and five-night residential packages.
Guests arriving on 23 December will be welcomed with festive drinks and canapés, accompanied by traditional bagpipe music.
Christmas Eve includes a private cruise on Lake Windermere, complete with mulled wine and festive food, followed by a three-course dinner and live music.
On Christmas Day, guests can enjoy a traditional festive lunch before relaxing in the hotel’s beautiful lakeside surroundings.
Boxing Day brings further dining and entertainment, including a casino-themed evening.
For families who want to spend Christmas somewhere peaceful but still enjoy an organised festive programme, Lakeside is a lovely option.
Where Should You Spend Christmas 2026?
For fine dining in Liverpool, The Art School Restaurant is one of the strongest choices, particularly for its festive tasting menus and Christmas Eve celebration.
For elegant Christmas dining with family, The Ivy Liverpool offers beautiful interiors and a festive menu that combines traditional dishes with restaurant favourites.
For Christmas Day in Liverpool, The Municipal Hotel provides a confirmed six-course experience in luxurious surroundings.
For romantic Christmas dining, Panoramic 34’s extraordinary views make it particularly appealing.
For a Christmas spa escape close to Liverpool, Thornton Hall and Fairmont Cheshire are excellent options.
For a fairytale Christmas, Peckforton Castle offers the chance to celebrate inside a magnificent historic building.
And for a traditional country house Christmas in the Lake District, Armathwaite Hall, Langdale Chase and Lakeside Hotel provide beautiful settings for a longer festive break.
Before Booking Christmas Dinner in Liverpool
Christmas dining is one of the busiest periods of the year for Liverpool’s restaurants and hotels.
Many venues require deposits, pre-orders or full payment well in advance, particularly for Christmas Day itself.
It is also important to check whether the advertised menu applies to Christmas Day, Christmas Eve or festive dining throughout December.
Some restaurants close on 25 December despite offering Christmas menus during the preceding weeks.
Prices, menus, availability and booking conditions can change, so always confirm the latest details directly with the restaurant or hotel.
Make Christmas 2026 Something Special
Whether you’re planning an elegant lunch on Castle Street, Christmas Day dinner in a grand Liverpool hotel or a few nights beside a frozen-looking Lake District landscape, there are some wonderful ways to celebrate Christmas without having to host it yourself.
Perhaps the greatest luxury is simply having the time to enjoy it.
No rushing between the kitchen and dining room, no worrying about whether the turkey is ready and no enormous pile of washing up waiting at the end.
Just beautiful surroundings, exceptional food and the people you most want to spend Christmas with.
And that sounds like a rather lovely way to celebrate.
Planning more festive outings? See our guides to Christmas markets in Liverpool & nearby and the best Liverpool pantomimes for 2026, or treat yourself with our pick of the best spa hotels in Liverpool.