The bright yellow and green coloured attraction caught my eye as I visited the markets
Courtney Eales at Liverpool Christmas Markets(Image: Courtney Eales)
Liverpool’s Christmas markets have returned for another year as festive activities get underway across the city ahead of December 25. The annual market attracts thousands of visitors each year and will run until Christmas Eve. The markets, which have been held at St George’s Plateau since 2016, offer something for everyone.
I visited the Christmas markets on Monday evening, November 17, to see what it had to offer compared to previous years. I am aware that the reputation of all Christmas markets can be that they’re overpriced for what’s on offer, but it certainly wouldn’t feel like Christmas without them and as a city, I think we do well to embrace them.
Of course, Christmas markets aren’t all about food and drink and there are other stalls selling ornaments, candles, decorations as well as other handcrafted festive bits. Most of my visits to Liverpool Christmas markets have been short but enjoyable, just soaking up the atmosphere and stopping for a drink or two.
Liverpool Christmas Markets at St Georges Hall Plateau and gardens(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
There are also plenty of other activities to take part in if you haven’t visited with the intention of eating or drinking. The markets have fairground-themed games and rides for not only children, but adults too. One of the most popular attractions each year is the Ferris Wheel, offering spectacular views across St George’s Hall and beyond.
Other children’s rides include the Mini Waltzer, Polar Express Train, Fire Trucks and Rockin’ Tug Ice Breaker. One attraction I was intrigued by on my recent visit to St George’s Plateau was the Bavarian Fun House.
A bright yellow and green coloured attraction, covered with neon lights and three floors to gaze up at, it was certainly among the most unique attractions throughout the market. At a price of £4 per person, it wasn’t as expensive as other rides and attractions I had seen and was ultimately worth the money, in my opinion.
If you are a fan of the 1978 classic movie Grease, you will most likely enjoy the experience of being in a fun house. It reminded me of when Danny (John Travolta) and Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) danced in the famous scene at the end of the Hollywood hit to You’re The One That I Want.
Bavarian Fun House at Liverpool Christmas Market(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
The Liverpool fun house gave a nod to the movie as You’re The One That I Want was played over the speakers, but sadly the vision of Danny and Sandy making the experience seem like plain sailing as their happy-ending love story came to a close, was not my reality.
Instead, it was a cold Monday in Liverpool Christmas Markets, being surrounded by the tricks and illusions that created a disorienting experience. I promise it was much more fun than it sounds. I mean, there were children putting me and my friend to shame with how quickly they were navigating it.
Moving floorboards, narrow planks, spinning wheels on the ground, a human hamster wheel, climbing poles and water features were among the obstacles. Designed to entertain and amuse visitors of all ages, I perhaps took matters too far when I attempted to make it it a whole 360 degree spin, holding the floor and ceiling of a human hamster wheel.
I tried my best to stay upright in the human hamster wheel and failed miserably(Image: Courtney Eales)
Despite the bruises I discovered on my legs the next day, all my own fault, I didn’t regret the £4 I spent and enjoyed the views of the Christmas Markets on the upper levels of the fun house. It was a different festive experience and one more entertaining than the usual hook the duck or darts throwing games typically found at festive markets.
If the Christmas Market isn’t for you, there are plenty of other festive activities happening in the city in the lead up to Christmas Day. The Royal Albert Dock has announced a ‘Light Up Your Christmas’ event featuring festive characters, new experiences and a series of new illuminated installations.
The attractions begin on Saturday, November 29 when visitors can enjoy stilt walkers, bubble-blowing candy canes and roaming elves from 1pm to 5pm.