A popular Christmas attraction that draws tens of thousands of visitors annually has confirmed it will return to Liverpool Cathedral for its fourth consecutive year. The immersive light and sound experience, 'The Light Before Christmas', will run from November 28 to December 6, 2025, with a brand new theme titled 'The Gift'.
Produced by the acclaimed artistic team at Luxmuralis, the event is set to transform the iconic landmark into a canvas of vibrant projections and soundscapes. This year's theme aims to celebrate warmth, wonder, and the joy of togetherness, continuing a tradition that has become a festive staple for many families across the region.
Key Takeaways
- Event Confirmed: 'The Light Before Christmas' returns to Liverpool Cathedral for its fourth year.
- Dates: The show will run from November 28 to December 6, 2025.
- New Theme: This year's theme is 'The Gift', focusing on peace, joy, and community.
- Organizer: The event is designed and produced by the world-renowned immersive art collective, Luxmuralis.
- Visitor Experience: A family-friendly event featuring light projections and soundscapes, with festive food available at the Welsford Bistro.
A Cherished Festive Tradition in Liverpool
For the past three years, 'The Light Before Christmas' has established itself as a cornerstone of Liverpool's festive calendar. The event has consistently sold out, attracting large crowds who come to witness the grand architecture of the Cathedral transformed by state-of-the-art projections.
Each year, the show offers a different narrative and visual experience, ensuring that returning visitors have something new to discover. The event's success has made it one of the most anticipated holiday attractions in the city, providing a unique way for families to begin their Christmas celebrations.
About Luxmuralis
Luxmuralis is a collaborative team of artists known for creating large-scale, immersive sound and light installations. Their work often uses historic buildings as a canvas, bringing architecture to life through intricate projection mapping. The team has produced shows at cathedrals and landmarks across the UK and internationally.
The collaboration between Luxmuralis and Liverpool Cathedral has been particularly successful, leveraging the vast interior space of the building to create what has been described as one of the largest immersive experiences of its kind. The scale of the Grade I listed building provides an unparalleled backdrop for the intricate light and sound work.
Exploring the 2025 Theme 'The Gift'
The theme for the 2025 show, 'The Gift', has been carefully selected to resonate with the spirit of the Christmas season and the history of the Cathedral itself. Organizers have explained that the theme encompasses several layers of meaning.
Primarily, it reflects the traditional gifts of Christmas and the gift of peace. It also serves as a tribute to Liverpool Cathedral's own story, as the building was a gift to the city from the people who funded and built it over many decades. The show will guide visitors on a journey that explores these concepts through light and sound.
Visitors can expect to be enveloped in stunning projections that move across the walls and ceilings of the vast building, accompanied by a specially composed soundscape. The experience is designed to be contemplative and uplifting, encouraging people to connect with the festive atmosphere and with each other.
"This marks our fourth year returning to Liverpool Cathedral, and it has truly become a highlight of our calendar," said Peter Walker, Sculptor and Creative Director at Luxmuralis.
Walker emphasized the rewarding nature of the project. "The joy on families’ faces when they see the show is one of the most rewarding moments for me, and it’s now an essential part of my own Christmas tradition. I’m thrilled to see Light Before Christmas return this year."
A Cathedral Perspective on the Event
Leaders at Liverpool Cathedral have expressed their excitement for the event's return, highlighting its importance for the community and its alignment with the Cathedral's mission.
The Very Revd Dr Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool, noted the event's role in the city's festive season. "For many, the true start of Christmas begins with a visit to the Cathedral and Light Before Christmas, so I am delighted to see it return for its fourth year," she stated.
She also connected the theme directly to the Cathedral's heritage. "Liverpool Cathedral was built by the people, for the people, and this year’s theme: The Gift, is the perfect reflection of that."
The Dean added, "Light Before Christmas provides families with the opportunity to experience the Cathedral like they have never seen it before, and I look forward to welcoming them and sharing the gift of peace and joy this Christmas.”
Event Details at a Glance
- What: The Light Before Christmas: The Gift
- Where: Liverpool Cathedral, St James' Mt, Liverpool L1 7AZ
- When: November 28 - December 6, 2025
- Who: An immersive experience by Luxmuralis suitable for all ages.
Commitment to Enhancing the Experience
The event's continued success is also a result of the ongoing effort to innovate and improve the visitor experience each year. The team behind the show is dedicated to making each iteration more memorable than the last.
Alissa Koopal, Director of Enterprise at Liverpool Cathedral, spoke about this commitment. "Over the years, Light Before Christmas has become a beloved holiday tradition for families across the city and beyond," she said.
"That’s why we continue to elevate the experience year after year, and this year’s show promises to be even more memorable than the last," Koopal concluded.
Planning Your Visit
As a consistently sold-out event, those interested in attending are typically advised to book tickets in advance once they become available. The immersive walk-through experience is suitable for all ages, making it a popular outing for multi-generational family groups.
To complement the visual spectacle, the Welsford Bistro located within the Cathedral will be open during the event. It will feature a special menu inspired by Christmas markets, allowing visitors to enjoy festive food and drinks to complete their evening.
This combination of a world-class artistic installation within one of Liverpool's most significant buildings ensures that 'The Light Before Christmas' will once again be a highlight of the city's cultural and festive offerings for 2025.