'Shimmering spectacle' to light up Royal Albert Dock with cheeky elves, polar bear & snow queens

The free family-friendly event will bring a series of new illuminated installations to the city’s iconic destination, along with welcoming Alder Hey’s inaugural Santa Paddle.

The festive fun begins on Saturday (November 29), with a cast of interactive characters on stilts. From 1.00pm to 5.00pm, bubble-blowing candy canes and cheeky elves will roam around the inner quay.

Later in the evening, the waterfront will welcome Alder Hey Children's Charity first ever Santa Paddle.

Featuring a 2.5km parade of illuminated kayaks and canoes adorned in Christmas decorations, the fundraising event will begin at the Liverpool Watersports Centre at around 6.00pm and glide past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks — including the Albert Dock, the M&S Bank Arena, and the Royal Liver Building.

The parade will go from Queen’s Dock through Salthouse Dock and into the inner quay at approximately 6.30pm. The event is being championed by Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, as well as the Canal & River Trust who manage the waterways.

On the night, visitors can also enjoy a close encounter with a life-like animatronic polar bear, appearing for one evening only in 30-minute sessions at 5.15pm, 6.15pm and 7.15pm.

At the same time, a brass band will fill perform Christmas classics on the inner quay, alongside local Liverpool choir, Make Noise. From 4.00pm to 8.00pm, light-up snow queens on stilts will also take over the waterfront.

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A stunning projection will light-up the facade of the Maritime Museum to create a magical backdrop. An Alder Hey projection will be showcased on Saturday to coincide with the Santa Paddle, followed by the dock’s Christmas-themed animation running from Sunday (November 30) throughout December.

As Christmas draws closer, interactive characters will return from 1.00pm to 5.00pm on weekends December 6 to 14. Visitors can expect to see the return of the candy canes and elves in addition to drumming toy soldiers and classic gingerbread men.

Celebrations will conclude from December 21 to 23, when the dock will grant “one special wish 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.”

You can support Alder Hey’s Children's Charity and their Santa Paddle event here or text SANTAPADDLE to 70580 to donate £5. Texts cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.