A giant ice sculpture packed with hidden prizes is coming to Liverpool city centre this Saturday, and shoppers are being invited to pick up a tool and chip away at it themselves. The top prize? Unlimited ice skating and fairground rides for the whole season at Liverpool Christmas Wonderland, which opens at the Pier Head on Friday 20th November.
Giant ice sculpture on Church Street: what’s happening?
On Saturday 14th November, from 11am until 4pm, a 1.5-metre ice sculpture will be installed outside NEXT on Church Street. Frozen inside it are illuminated postcards, each one hiding a festive prize, and anyone passing by can have a go at breaking through the ice to see what they uncover.
It’s free to take part and it’s a one-day-only event, so if you’re in town doing a bit of early Christmas shopping, it’s well worth a detour. For more ideas this month, see our guide to what’s on in Liverpool in November 2026.
What can you win?
There are plenty of festive prizes hidden in the ice, but the one everyone will be hoping for is the chance to win five season passes for Liverpool Christmas Wonderland. That’s unlimited skating and fairground rides for a family or group of friends, right through to January.
Richard Elmer, Director at Liverpool Christmas Wonderland, said: “We wanted to do something really exciting to celebrate the countdown to Liverpool Christmas Wonderland, and what better way than bringing a giant ice sculpture filled with hidden prizes right into the heart of the city?
“We’re inviting shoppers to come down to Church Street, pick up a tool and chip away at the ice themselves to see what they can uncover. There are some brilliant prizes up for grabs, but the ultimate has to be the chance to win unlimited skating and rides for the whole season.”
What to expect at Liverpool Christmas Wonderland 2026
The giveaway lands six days before Liverpool Christmas Wonderland takes over the Pier Head, with 36 attractions, a covered ice rink and 28 food and drink units set against the Three Graces. Entry to the site is free, so you can wander in, soak up the atmosphere and grab something to eat, with skating, rides and other attractions paid for separately.
Covered ice rink
The real-ice rink is fully covered, so you can skate whatever the Liverpool weather decides to do.
Rides and family attractions
Thrill-seekers can take on the 85-metre Star Flyer, a first for the city, along with The Yeti, Avalanche, Ice Twister and an ice maze. There are children’s rides and Santa experiences for younger visitors too. If you’re planning more festive days out with the kids, take a look at our round-up of Liverpool pantomimes for 2026.
Food, drink and the Winter Club
The 28 food and drink units cover stone-baked pizzas, loaded Yorkshire puddings, burgers and Greek food, plus churros, crêpes, mini pancakes, roasted marshmallows, warm crumble and custard, and hot chocolates. The heated Alpine-style Winter Club is the spot for festive drinks overlooking the waterfront. After a sit-down festive meal instead? Here’s our guide to Christmas dinner in Liverpool.
Liverpool Christmas Wonderland dates, opening times and prices
- Location: Pier Head, Liverpool Waterfront
- Dates: Friday 20th November 2026 to Sunday 3rd January 2027
- Opening hours: 11am to 9pm daily (closed Christmas Day)
- Entry: Free to enter the site
- Ice skating: from £12.50 for children and £15.50 for adults at off-peak sessions, with family tickets from £49, including skate hire
- Tickets: book at liverpoolchristmaswonderland.com
Ice sculpture giveaway: key details
- Date: Saturday 14th November 2026
- Time: 11am to 4pm
- Location: Outside NEXT, Church Street, Liverpool
- Cost: Free to take part
- Top prize: Five season passes for unlimited skating and fairground rides
More Christmas in Liverpool
Planning your festive season? Have a read of our guide to the best Christmas markets in Liverpool and nearby, pick up some present ideas from Unlock Liverpool’s Christmas Gift Guide 2026, or browse everything in our Christmas in Liverpool section.