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LIVERPOOL ’ S BRIGHTEST LIGHT TRAIL RETURNS TO THE DOCK
This Christmas , Royal Albert Dock Liverpool has been illuminated with the return of the much loved Light Trail around its historic colonnades and shining a spotlight on Liverpool ’ s Brightest independents with their festive menus , unique gifts and the dock ' s world-class attractions .
Visitors can download the Light Trail map from the albertdock . com / christmas along with a specially curated Royal Albert Dock Christmas Spotify playlist , and embark on a magical waterfront walk with a hot chocolate or mulled wine , to seek out nautical characters from Liverpool ’ s coat of arms , designed by MK Illumination .
Taking place across the whole estate , the Light Trail starts at the dock ’ s entrance gates with Neptune and Triton standing tall and leading the way underneath the curtain of blue lights along Salthouse Quay . Next , wander past the festively-lit trees which lead up to Hartley Quay passing the International Slavery and Merseyside Maritime Museum , with a perfect photo spot on Hartley Bridge with the dock ’ s illuminated backdrop , or a stone ’ s throw away with the colourful Liverpool Mountain .
From here , stroll past Tate Liverpool along the inner quay which has each of its 86 red columns wrapped in over 1 million twinkling lights , lighting up the walkway of gift shops and cafes , leading on to Britannia Pavilion which is home to some of Liverpool ’ s best independent restaurants .
To complete the Light Talk , take the exit to The Beatles Story to be greeted with Bella , one half of the Liverbird duo who casts her watchful eye over the port to ensure the boats arrive safely , whilst her other half , Bertie , stands proudly outside Anchor Courtyard to keep watch on the city and the people of Liverpool .
A Christmas trip to the dock wouldn ' t be complete without sampling the festive food and drink on offer , from turkey tacos at Madre to brie & cranberry toasties at One O ’ Clock Gun , and even a whole roasted sharing duck at Lerpwl for the ultimate festive indulgence . Christmas cocktails are aplenty too , including a gingerbread Espresso Martini at Gusto , a nostalgic ‘ Love ‘ Daiq ’ tually ’ from Revolucion de Cuba , or a Toblerone inspired cocktail at Maray .
The dock ’ s variety of independent retailers make it the perfect spot for Christmas shopping , from creative finds at The Nest to limited edition hoodies at Lost Soles or luxury activewear from the dock ’ s newest retailer , Red Run Activewear , which is set to open this November . For an iconic Liverpool souvenir pick up a colourful Lambanana from With Love from Liverpool or scenic panoramic print from Liverpool Pictures , whilst Harbour Accessories is bursting with secret Santa goodies and Nature ’ s Treasure is a must for a sparkly Christmas crystal .
Visitors looking for a Christmas culture fix can pay a visit to the Merseyside Maritime Museum to see the fascinating Seized exhibition which delves into the hidden world of fake goods , or head to Tate Liverpool to see Lucy McKenzie ’ s exhibition of largescale architectural paintings , illusionistic works as well as fashion and design .
Whether it ' s to embark on the Light Trail , feast with friends , or stay , shop and explore , it ' s all here at Liverpool ' s Brightest destination .
16 merseylife . com