Liverpool climbed above Bolton to third in the Premiership after a superb second-half performance at Anfield.
Peter Crouch grabbed the first, the striker majestically volleying in from eight yards after fine approach play from Dirk Kuyt and Jermaine Pennant.
Kuyt was again involved two minutes later as Steven Gerrard brilliantly volleyed in the Dutchman's cross.
After Jussi Jaaskelainen saved well from Sami Hyypia, Kuyt got his goal by drilling under the Bolton goalkeeper.
The second-half drubbing was largely what Bolton deserved for an apathetic display during which they failed to muster a single shot on target.
Unbeaten at home in the league for 27 games now, their best run since 1981, Liverpool kicked off 2007 in lively fashion as they surged at Bolton from the start.
With plenty of width provided by Mark Gonzalez and Pennant they tested Bolton's defence early on, Gerrard lashing wide and Kuyt's goalbound volley bravely blocked by Abdoulaye Faye.
Bolton did not want to give third place up easily and they soon settled into their customary rhythm of breaking up the play, though they never looked like creating much.
To Liverpool's credit they matched their opponents' physical ability and continued to probe for an opening, with Pennant a constant threat down the right.
The little winger was linking up well with Steve Finnan and after one move the right-back fired in a shot from 20 yards that Jaaskelainen did well to parry on to the bar.
Another impressive passing move lead to the ball falling at Xabi Alonso's feet 20 yards out, but the Spaniard's side-footed effort curled away from goal and narrowly wide of the target.
It was a different story after the break, as two goals in as many minutes got the home fans rocking.
Just after the hour mark Crouch conjured up a goal right out of the top drawer, acrobatically volleying in from eight yards after brilliant work from Kuyt and Pennant down the right.
Only 83 seconds later it was game over, as more fine approach play from Kuyt ended with the Dutchman crossing for Gerrard to superbly volley into the top corner.
Stunned by the suddenness of their demise, Bolton fell apart.
Crouch fired at Jaaskelainen then headed over when he should have scored, before Sami Hyypia forced a wonder save from his fellow Finn with a header from a corner.
Bolton's reprieve was short-lived, as Kuyt got the goal his all-action display deserved by latching on to Luis Garcia's pass and firing under Jaaskelainen into the far corner.
Top of the Premiership's form table, Liverpool have started the new year just as they ended the last one.
Kuyt was again involved two minutes later as Steven Gerrard brilliantly volleyed in the Dutchman's cross.
