Christmas is all about cherished traditions. For His & Hers that means we visit The Royal Albert Dock at Christmas time (and other times too). We follow the Light Trail and we browse the shops, get a bite to eat and visit Tate Liverpool. The illuminations are always stunning: the shopping is fun and the choice of restaurants is awesome.
Feature by Jean Hill
Christmas Courtyard is a free entry, snowy, market destination, new for 2024. Visitors can enjoy falling snow for 10 minutes every hour on the hour. The experience is complete with wooden luxe market stalls, illuminated Christmas trees, festive decor and a Christmas selfie spot.
Christmas Courtyard is open on selected dates from December 5-30, including Thursday-Friday (excluding Boxing Day) from 4pm-8pm. Saturday-Sunday from 12-8pm, plus 23rd, 27th & 30th from 12pm-8pm.
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 and unique gifts. Add to this the launch of its brand new for this year, snowy Christmas Courtyard.
Located in the dock’s Anchor Courtyard and ((open on selected dates), visitors can wander through the giant beautifully-dressed Christmas hearts to discover a secret square. This is complete with 4 bespoke Scandinavian-inspired market stalls and 6 traditional wood cabins in a snowy, picture-perfect setting.
The Courtyard offers 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. Expect flurries with 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.
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 from: https://albertdock.com/christmas-2024/
Then embark on the dock’s stunning Light Trail, with historic Colonnades illuminated with a collection of characters and nautical installations, offering the perfect free, family-friendly activity.
A trip to the dock would not 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 perfect present to place under the tree, head to Lost Soles for stylish streetwear and accessories. House of Spells, as you might expect is the place 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. Those wanting to indulge in a weekend with a festive staycation can enjoy a relaxing overnight stay at Holiday Inn Express or Premier Inn.
Make the most of the festivities with a trip to the Christmas Courtyard or enjoy a waterfront wander exploring the Light Trail. The Royal Albert Dock is destined to become one of the city’s most magical spots this season.
https://albertdock.com/christmas-2024/
From the archives: Royal Albert Dock art trail at the heart of Tate family activity this autumn.
