The Light Before Christmas : The Manger

After the huge success of last year's event, The Light Before Christmas is returning to Liverpool Cathedral for Christmas 2023.

Enjoy the most wonderful time of year as the magnificent Gothic interior of the iconic building becomes a canvas for a sequence of dazzling light and sound artworks from 1st - 8th December.

Last year's sell-out event wowed audiences and became a "must-visit" Christmas event.

This year, award-winning artistic collaboration Luxmuralis are back with 'Light Before Christmas: The Manger',  the second of The Light Before Christmas series. 

This beautiful, immersive experience will take visitors on an incredible journey through the Nativity story celebrating the true magic of Christmas.

Find out more and book your slot here

Watch this video from last years 'The Light Before Christmas : The Angels are Coming'

What is a Son-et-Lumiere?

From the French which literally translated means sound and light, a Son-et-Lumiere is a show of multicoloured lights of changing intensity directed usually against the outside of a historic building or ruin. The changes of light are synchronised with a soundtrack (relayed through loudspeakers) carrying music and the dramatised story of the site. Usually, no live participants appear. 

 

Who are Luxmuralis?

Sculptor Peter Walker and composer David Harper make up the artistic collaboration Luxmuralis. The team produces large-scale light and sound shows, many of which are known as a Son-et-Lumiere. Previously Luxmuralis has produced Angel Wings and Space, The Universe and Everything for Liverpool Cathedral. 

Things to note about The Light Before Christmas Light Show

 

Sessions start from 4:30 pm and last for around 40 minutes with tickets costing £9.90 for adults and £7.70 for children aged from 3 to 16. Entry for children under 3 is free when accompanied by an adult but you must book a ticket. Family tickets (2 adults and 3 children) are £28.60 . This year there will also be two sensory shows, where sound will be reduced and each show lasts just 15 minutes.

 

Food & Drink

Festive food will be available to purchase from The Welsford Bistro throughout the event.

 

Accessibility
  • The entrance to the show is from the Sir Giles Gilbert Scott Suite doors on the car park side of the Cathedral and is at ground floor level.  There are lifts to take you to the Cathedral's main floor from the Sir Giles Gilbert Scott Suite. 
  • The majority of the show route is on one level on the main floor of the Cathedral.  While there are steps down to The Well, you can still experience the show from the area around The Well.  
  • Accessible toilets are next to the lift on the main Cathedral floor. 
How to get here and Parking