Page last updated 31st December 2020
In line with the latest Government announcement following the nationwide lockdown, the town will provide a festive backdrop for those venturing into the town centre for some Christmas shopping.
Traditional carnival rides are based at the Square alongside the illuminated Bethlehem Tree and Nativity scene and Reindeer. The long-standing Bratwurst Christmas Tree stand has returned as well as a decorated food corner selling delectable churros and crepes.
Existing lampposts have been transformed with conical lighting resembling elevated Christmas trees and further lighting installations in the form of a sparkling igloo and polar bear are also on display to offer some festive cheer. The Square also features a 5m Christmas tree in the shape of a stack of illuminated presents. The seasonal lighting continues through the gardens and at Lansdowne.
A stunning Reindeer installation stands tall in Beale Place. At Horseshoe Common trees have been decorated with drop lighting and the Triangle showcases an illuminated 3D Merry Christmas installation.
Coastal villages across the conurbation have been lit up in readiness for the festivities. Westbourne, Southbourne and Boscombe have been adorned with miniature dressed trees and dazzling lights.
Cllr Philip Broadhead, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning and Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “It is with great pleasure that we can now move forward and offer this Christmas experience for local residents to be able to rediscover their local high streets safely.
None of these offerings would have been possible were it not for the support from the Bournemouth Town Centre BID, Coastal BID and CityFibre. It is essential that we do all we can to boost revenue – where safe and appropriate to do so – for local businesses and we hope this sprinkling of Christmas cheer will help to do just that."
Visit our Home Delivery & Online Services and Support Local pages for some ideas and inspiration.
Thank you to our amazing Christmas sponsors:
Festive Events
Many of our partner businesses are gearing up to offer some holiday cheer in the lead up to Christmas. Scroll down to see the full list of Christmas events.
Enjoy a festive day out with the family at one of our local attractions. Adventure Wonderland are hosting a magical, musical Santa Show as part of their Christmas experience. Plans are in place to bring some farm-tastic festive magic to Farmer Palmers this year and Paulton Park will be hosting a Celebration of Christmas with a range of seasonal delights to enjoy.
Step back in time and discover the magic of a traditional Victorian Christmas at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. The museum will be beautifully decorated and we will be hosting a truly delicious Christmas afternoon tea that you can pre-book.
If you are looking for some live entertainment BH Live are hosting a selection of socially distanced shows during the month of December, including a Christmas Spectacular show offering dancing elves, Santa Claus and a whole host of festive magic!
At Upton Country Park they are excited to launch their easy festive trails around the Country Park. There's two to choose from - or why not try both! Don't forget to tag yourselves in your photos - they would love to see you are enjoying your visit!
With the conclusion of another decade, we want to send 2020 of with a bang! Celebrate into the New Year at Hotel Collingwood. Visit the website for the New Year's Break Package Price.
Many of the local hotels will be offering celebration evenings, including popular tribute nights. Scroll down to find a selection below.
Gift Vouchers
With Christmas just around the corner, why not 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.
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the golfer in your life? Queen's Park Golf Club have a range of golfing vouchers available from their gift shop!
Brewhouse & Kitchen located in Bournemouth Town Centre, Southbourne and Poole offer experience days, including Gin Masterclasses and Beer Masterclasses which can be purchased with a gift card.
For a unique one-off gift why not adopt a monkey from Monkey World or a Heavy Horse from the Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park.
Special Offers
Head to our special offers pages for some great deals.
Transport and Christmas Parking Information
BCP Council is offering car users a series of free parking offers across the conurbation: on both Thursday evenings and Sundays in the main town centre car parks, and within other districts on Saturday afternoons. Free parking will be available as follows:
Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch Town Centres:
- Thursdays 3, 10, 17 and 24 December, 4pm to 10pm
- Sundays 6, 13 and 20 December, 10am to 6pm.
District car parks - Boscombe; Southbourne; Westbourne; Winton; Highcliffe; Ashley Road, Poole; Broadstone; Penn Hill, Poole; Canford Cliffs and Ashley Cross:
- Saturdays only, 5, 12 and 19 December, Midday to 6pm.
The specific car parks included in this scheme can be found below and online on the latest news section of the website.
To ensure car parks can be used safely, contactless payment methods are available in almost all of these facilities and anyone queuing should stay two metres apart. Face coverings are mandatory in all multi-story car parks.
Bus passengers will receive an early Christmas present from both Yellow Buses and Morebus in the form of a ticket that permits from two to five people to travel together on any number of journeys in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area for just £5 - a saving of £7 on the normal price.
The discounted tickets, purchased from the driver, will be available throughout the day each Sunday prior to Christmas (6, 13 and 20 December) and from 5.30pm to midnight every Thursday (3, 10 and 17 December). Tickets will be valid only for the operator from whom they are purchased (T&Cs apply).
It has been a tough year for everyone. May your Christmas be blessed with love, fun, peace, joy and happiness.
Merry Christmas from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Tourism.
