Page Last Updated November 27th 2023
Bournemouth is the perfect destination to visit, stay and get into the festive spirit. With it's popular Christmas Tree Trail, Alpine market, ice rink and events around the town, why not spend Christmas by the sea?
For a magical Christmas experience visit Bournemouth’s Christmas Tree Wonderland. Plan a day trip or treat yourself and stay for a short break in Bournemouth this winter as we delight and amaze with this Christmas spectacular!
An atmosphere of good cheer is all around with a range of entertainment, dazzling light displays, sweet treats and so much more from 17 November 2023 – 1 January 2024.
Follow the Christmas tree trail across the town, or head to the town centre where Bournemouth Square, the Lower Gardens and the seafront host a fabulous range of activities.
The trail to view the beautiful trees is a free Christmas event for all the family to enjoy. Access the displays from various points throughout the gardens and there are no tickets to purchase to see the lights.
New for 2023, enjoy a ride on the Santa Express in the Lower Gardens during Christmas Tree Wonderland. Situated near the bandstand, this new attraction will delight families and little ones as the train rumbles in a loop around the giant lit-up Santa (purchase tickets on the day).
We guarantee that there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
In Bournemouth Square, we'll be welcoming back traders for the wonderful Christmas market and alpine bar for festive shopping and good cheer!
SKATE's ice rink is back in Bournemouths lower gardens, and ready for skaters of all ages and abilities to enjoy the Christmas festivities. You can also warm up and enjoy a festive tipple (or two!) whilst watching the skaters at Moguls Bar.
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 Bournemouth International Centre just 5 minutes walk from the lower gardens and Square.
Our coastal villages are interesting places with eclectic shops to find gifts, cosy coffee shops to enjoy passing time and a chat with friends and to marvel at the lights.
With a full lineup of events and entertainment throughout the period there’s something for all the family at The Westbourne Christmas Festival - December 2nd through to December 23rd.
10:30am – 11:30am Story telling
10:30pm – 4:00pm Choir + Live Music around Westbourne
10:00am – 3:00pm Bournemouth East Cliff Goats, Outside M&S
11:00am –2:00pm Santa Walk Around the Arcade
11:30am – 12:15pm & 12.45pm – 1.30pm Christmas Choir
12:30pm – 4:00pm Live Music around Westbourne
4:30pm - Christmas Tree Light Switch on
5:00pm – 7:00pm - Late Night Shopping, Live Music, Mulled Wine, Popcorn Stand
Celebrate the festive period at Southbourne Christmas on the Green!
When? 9th December from 10am.
Meet the Bournemouth GOATS! Get ready to meet Santa on the green!
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 brillant 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 with a wonderful Christmas pop up offering creative and unusual goodies. Find them on the first floor.
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.
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! For some family friendly competition how about a voucher for Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf.
Nearer to Christmas head to our special offers pages for some great deals.
In the festive season we like to spread the cheer with travel and public transport offers:
Fiver for a Fiver Group Ticket (Save £9 on usual price of £14!)
Morebus are offering a special £5 group ticket for up to five people (adults and children) when travelling together. This gives you the freedom to hop on and off buses as you please in the Zone A area (including anywhere in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole).
These reduced priced tickets are available via the morebus app. They can be used anytime on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 December to 24 December, as well as after 5.30pm on Thursday late night shopping nights on the 7, 14 and 21 December 2023.
For more details visit https://www.morebus.co.uk/5-go-ps5-christmas
There are two great offers available from Beryl this Christmas:-
Download the Beryl App now to access over 1000 bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters available at over 400 parking bays across the BCP area.
For more information about car parks please visit the find a car park page on the BCP council website.
Merry Christmas from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Tourism!
Bournemouth's iconic winter destination is back this Christmas with an even bigger ice rink and…
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