Royal Albert Dock unveils magical wish station for festive season

Royal Albert Dock Liverpool has announced the next event in its seasonal programme, with an enchanting wish station, Wish Upon a Dock. Designed to delight families and spread Christmas cheer, the wish station will be available from 21st to 23rd December, inviting children to post their dock-related Christmas wish, with one lucky wish to be granted.

From 1pm to 5pm, families are invited to visit the eye-catching wish station, complete with festive garlands and snowy flourishes, located outside The Nest on the inner quay. Friendly Christmas elves will be on hand to help little ones write their wishes to Santa on cards exclusively designed for the dock by local illustrator Matthew Storrow.

Royal Albert Dock unveils magical wish station for festive season

Whether it’s a magical shopping spree in the House of Spells or a year’s worth of pizza from Gusto, children can place their wish in a special post box and wait in anticipation until the 23rd December, when the winner will be announced on a spectacular projection on the facade of the Maritime Museum, via Dock Shorts.

Young visitors can also become honorary helpers, with elves handing out free elf hats and stickers, inviting children to ‘elf yourself’ and fully embrace the spirit of the season.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the dock’s Christmas Dock Shorts projection will continue to be shown each evening until 25th December. From 5pm to 10pm, the façade of the Maritime Museum will be brought to life with a joyful animation, offering a magical visual experience best viewed from the inner quay.

As the countdown to Christmas begins, the dock will welcome the return of a 15-foot-tall elf from 19th-21st December, helping to host a giant game of Elf on the Shelf in partnership with Liverpool BID Company. Visitors can snap a festive photo of the elf on his boat in the Albert Dock, before exploring a range of special family-friendly promotions available across selected dockside venues.

Families can enjoy a free dish of chocolate and churros with every child’s meal at Lunyalita, while City Sights Liverpool will offer a limited-time ‘Kids ride for £1’ promotion. Revolucion de Cuba and Revolution will both host a ‘Great Elf Draw’ competition, giving one lucky winner the chance to enjoy a free family meal for four in January 2026. Plus, Revolucion de Cuba will be acting as a toy drop-off point in partnership with Alder Hey throughout the weekend.

Whether it’s to pay a visit to the unique wish station, or to seek out the giant elf for an unforgettable Christmas photo opportunity, the dock is the perfect destination for making memories this festive season.