Page Last Updated 28th November, 2025
Experience Christmas in Bournemouth 2025: Christmas Tree Wonderland, Markets & Coastal Festive Magic
Bournemouth is the perfect destination to visit, stay, and get into the festive spirit. With its famous Christmas Tree Trail, traditional Alpine market, and two ice rinks, why not spend Christmas by the sea?
Christmas Tree Wonderland
For a truly magical experience, visit Christmas Tree Wonderland - the heart of Christmas in Bournemouth. Plan a day trip or treat yourself to a short break this winter as we delight and amaze with this spectacular display.
An atmosphere of good cheer is all around with dazzling light displays, entertainment, and sweet treats from 13th November 2025 – 4th January 2026.
- The Route: Our top route follows the Christmas tree trail starting from the Alpine Market in Bournemouth Square (opening 13th Nov), winding through the Lower Gardens, and finishing at the seafront.
- New Locations: This year, the festive glow spreads further with illuminations lighting up The Triangle, Beale Place, Horseshoe Common, and Lansdowne.
- Ticket Information: The trail is a free Christmas event for all the family. Access the displays from various points throughout the gardens and town centre with no tickets required.
Christmas Market, Ice-Skating & New Attractions
There is something for everyone to enjoy this year, with brand new attractions joining our classic festive favourites.
Bournemouth Christmas Market (Ends 31st Dec)
In Bournemouth Square, we are welcoming back traders for the wonderful Christmas Market and Alpine Lodge Bar. It is the ultimate spot for festive shopping, featuring hand-made gifts and mouth-watering treats - from luxury hot chocolates to the famous Yorkshire Pudding wraps.
- Note: While the seasonal festivities run until January, the market traders finish on 31st December.
SKATE Bournemouth & Moguls Bar
SKATE’s Ice rink is back in Bournemouth's Lower Gardens with a brand new look! Returning from 13th November 2025 – 4th January 2026, this is a must-do activity for skaters of all ages and abilities.
- Glide & Dine: Warm up and enjoy a festive tipple (or two!) whilst watching the skaters at the rink-side Moguls Bar.
New for 2025: Golf, Workshops & Mazes!
This year features exciting new interactive zones for the family:
- Snow and Glow Gardens Mini Golf: Located in the Lower Gardens, this new attraction lights up the night with glowing golf balls and illuminated obstacles.
- Santa’s Workshop: Step inside a world of magic with this new immersive experience.
- The Christmas Tree Maze: A fun, festive labyrinth perfect for little explorers.
Cool Coast Ice Rink (Indoor)
Did you know we have not one, but two ice rinks? Cool Coast Ice Rink is the largest indoor ice skating rink on the South Coast. Located seasonally in the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC), it is just a 5-minute walk from the Lower Gardens and Square—perfect for rain-proof festive fun.
Christmas Shopping
Away from the Christmas market and festivities, Bournemouth's shops are brimming with gift ideas. You will find plenty of mainstream shopping on the high street and a mixture of brilliant independent shops found in town and in the surrounding coastal villages, such as Westbourne, Southbourne and Boscombe. Bobby's in the square plays host to a huge variety of local makers offering creative and unusual goodies. Find them in their new home for 2025 on the lower ground floor.
Gift Vouchers
Why not get ahead and treat your loved one to a gift voucher for a local attraction, theatre, restaurant or even a weekend away in one of our fabulous hotels.
