Free family-friendly events and activities, Light Up Your Christmas, are coming to the Royal Albert Dock this November and December, including a series of new illuminated installations by the waterfront, as well as welcoming Alder Hey’s inaugural Santa Paddle on top of more experiences.
The activities and experiences kick off on November 29 between 1pm and 5pm, with interactive characters on stilts, bubble-blowing candy canes and cheeky elves wandering the inner quay to greet children and spread festive cheer.
Once the sun sets and darkness kicks in, Alder Hey Children’s Charity fundraising event will take centre stage from 6:30pm – the inaugural Santa Paddle. The 2.5km parade features illuminated kayaks and canoes decked in Christmas decorations, setting off from Queen’s Dock through Salthouse Dock and into the inner quay.
What is more, opening night will also feature an animatronic polar bear, where visitors can witness the spectacle for one evening only in 30-minute sessions – at 5:15pm, 6:15pm and 7:15pm. There will also be a brass band and local Liverpool choir, Make Noise, creating an enchanting soundtrack. And from 4pm to 8pm, light-up snow queens on stilts will also bring a shimmering show to the Royal Albert Dock as part of the Light Up Your Christmas events.
Plus, guests can also witness a lovely projection on the facade of the Maritime Museum as part of Dock Shorts, with a Christmas-themed animation running throughout December.
December is set to be an exciting one this year at the Royal Albert Dock, with interactive characters returning during the weekends between December 6 and 14 (between 1pm and 5pm), and the celebrations will conclude between December 21 and 23, with one special wish will be granted for a lucky child, with more information to be announced soon.
Sean Morrison, Estate Manager at Royal Albert Dock, said: “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.”
To find out more, head to the Royal Albert Dock website.