The Royal Albert Dock festive wonderland is back for 2024 and more magical than ever

This winter, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool is set to transform into a magical, festive wonderland with the return of its much loved light trail, festive menus, unique gifts, and the launch of its brand new for this year, snowy Christmas Courtyard.

Located in the dock’s Anchor Courtyard and open on selected dates from 5-30th December, visitors can wander through the giant beautifully-dressed Christmas hearts to discover a secret market square, complete with 4 bespoke Scandinavian-inspired market stalls and 6 traditional wood cabins, along with a snowy, picture-perfect setting.

Offering a variety of seasonal food and drink specials and unique gifts, Christmas Courtyard will be the perfect spot to socialise with friends over a festive tipple, indulge in a sweet treat, or look for that perfect stocking filler for a loved one, with flurries of 10 minutes of snowfall every hour on the hour adding to the enchanting setting.

Pick up an Instagram-worthy Nutella hot chocolate from Francie’s Focaccia & Coffee, tuck into nachos washed down with a cranberry mulled wine from Madre or Bar Glue’s take on a winter Dark & Stormy, or indulge in a sweet treat from Revolucion de Cuba. Those looking to do some Christmas shopping can browse Nature’s Treasure for a beautiful Christmas crystal, or find that perfect gift for furry friends with Bodhi’s Pup-up from The Nest.

In partnership with Makers Market, visitors can also explore some of the North West’s finest independents, offering artisan spirits, homemade cakes, flavoursome street food, children’s books and much more.

To add to the Christmas setting, the square will be festively dressed with large illuminated Christmas trees, festoon lighting, and outdoor seating for visitors to relax and soak up the atmosphere.

To complete a festive experience, visitors can download a map here and embark on the dock’s stunning Light Trail, which will see its historic Colonnades illuminated with a collection of characters and nautical installations, offering the perfect free, family-friendly activity. 

A trip to the dock wouldn’t be complete without a feast of festive flavours. Indulge in Middle Eastern-inspired dishes at Maray, including turkey shawarma with braised red cabbage and sprouts with chestnut tahini. For a Caribbean Christmas, visit Revolucion de Cuba to enjoy pulled cajun turkey cubanos with cranberry chilli jam and pigs in blankets, or opt for a more traditional roast with all the trimmings at authentic Italian favourite, Gusto. 

For the perfect present to sit under the tree, head to Lost Soles for stylish streetwear and accessories, House of Spells for spell-binding gifts and merchandise, and Roly’s Fudge for a delicious sweet treat. 

The dock’s family-friendly attractions offer a memorable Christmas culture fix, including Beatles Story and the Merseyside Maritime Museum, and those wanting to make a weekend of it with a festive staycation can enjoy a relaxing overnight stay at Holiday Inn Express or Premier Inn to be in the heart of all the Christmas action. 

Whether it’s making the most of the festivities with a trip to the Christmas Courtyard or enjoying a waterfront wander exploring the light trail, Royal Albert Dock is set to become one of the city’s most magical spots this season. 

For more information, visit the Royal Albert Dock website here.

Find out what’s happening in Liverpool over Christmas here.