Royal Albert Dock Liverpool is set to shine brighter than ever this festive season, as it unveils ‘Light Up Your Christmas’, a joyful programme of free family activities, dazzling new light installations, and the dock’s support for Alder Hey’s inaugural Santa Paddle.
Festivities begin on Friday 29 November, when the dock bursts into life with a cast of larger-than-life, interactive characters. From 1pm to 5pm, bubble-blowing candy canes and mischievous elves will explore the inner quay, greeting families and bringing an extra dose of festive cheer to the waterfront.
As night falls, attention turns to a spectacular waterside moment: Alder Hey Children’s Charity’s first-ever Santa Paddle. Proudly supported by Royal Albert Dock, the illuminated parade will see a flotilla of kayaks and canoes decorated in twinkling Christmas lights take on a 2.5km route from Queen’s Dock to Salthouse Dock, arriving into the inner quay at around 6.30pm. The Canal & River Trust, custodians of the waterways, are also championing the event, which promises to be one of the season’s most magical sights.
Visitors on the evening will also be treated to a rare encounter with a life-like animatronic polar bear, appearing for one night only in 30-minute sessions at 5:15pm, 6:15pm and 7:15pm. A festive brass band will fill the waterfront with Christmas classics, while Liverpool choir Make Noise adds a magical soundtrack. From 4pm to 8pm, light-up snow queens on stilts will wander the quayside, adding sparkle to the celebrations.
As part of the Dock Shorts campaign, the façade of the Merseyside Maritime Museum will be transformed into a giant canvas for festive projection shows. An Alder Hey-themed projection will debut on 29 November in honour of the Santa Paddle, before switching to a Christmas animation from 30 November and continuing throughout December. New decorative lights installed around the dock will also add warmth and wonder to this year’s celebrations.
The festive fun continues into December, with interactive characters returning to the dock every weekend from 6–14 December, between 1pm and 5pm. Families can look forward to seeing the popular candy canes and elves once more, joined this time by drumming toy soldiers and picture-perfect gingerbread men. The celebrations will culminate from 21–23 December, when one lucky child will have a special wish granted by the dock; details to be shared soon.
Visitors can also enjoy seasonal flavours across the dock’s restaurants and bars. Highlights include Maray’s Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as Turkey Kofta and the celebrated Maray Sprouts with chestnut tahini and cranberry. Over at Gusto, traditional Christmas favourites like Turkey Involtini and classic Christmas pudding take centre stage. Guests can also toast the season with limited-edition cocktails at Revolution, or enjoy expertly mixed creations at Bar Glue, one of the UK’s Top 50 Cocktail Bars.
For those hunting for the perfect gift, the dock’s independent retailers offer plenty of inspiration. From unique men’s fashion at Lost Soles and magical film and TV collectables at House of Spells, to crystals and accessories at Nature’s Treasure and handcrafted homeware at The Nest, the dock is brimming with one-of-a-kind Christmas finds.
Sean Morrison, Estate Manager at Royal Albert Dock, says:
“Christmas is always a special time at the dock, and this year we’re excited to make it our most magical yet. Light Up Your Christmas brings families, local partners and the wider community together to showcase the true spirit of the season. We can’t wait to welcome visitors and see the dock filled with festive cheer.”
Andrew Goudie, North West Harbour Manager at Canal & River Trust, added:
“Our charity is extremely proud to support and host the first-ever Santa Paddle at the docks. It promises to be a magical experience for everyone attending the festivities that will light up the waterfront, which is always extra special at this time of year.”
Experience the magic of the season at Royal Albert Dock, where family-friendly experiences, illuminated installations and festive dining come together to Light Up Your Christmas, with more information to be announced.
For more information, please visit the website here.
To support Alder Hey’s Children’s Charity and their Santa Paddle event, text SANTAPADDLE to 70580 to donate £5. Texts cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.
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