Christmas in Bournemouth

Coastal Villages

In addition to all of the illuminations for Christmas Tree Wonderland, the coastal villages are also beginning to look a lot like Christmas, lighting up in readiness for the festivities and providing a programme of entertainment that extends out to many locations.

Southbourne and Westbourne are going to be a feast for the eyes this Christmas with shops running window display competitions. Santa is getting busy in Boscombe with selected dates in his grotto at the Sovereign Centre. All of these lovely locations are also festooning for the season.

But if it’s lights on a big scale we’re talking, Freddy the giant friendly teddy has arrived bringing festive cheer to Westbourne, sitting at the entrance to the arcade.

For the ho ho ho wow factor, come and see the giant 4-metre lit-up Santa in Tuckton, in the carpark at the Riverside!

There’s also a cheeky giant squirrel on the cliff – maybe he’s come to say hi to the famous grazing cliff goats!

Keep your eyes on our social channels this season and you’ll discover where to see a whole lot more including reindeer, donkeys and a magical sprinkling of sparkle and joy!

Christmas Shopping 

Away from the Christmas markets and festivities, Bournemouth's shops will be brimming with amzing gift ideas for loved ones this year. 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 costal villages, such as Westbourne, Southbourne and Boscombe. Remember that you can enjoy late night Christmas shopping in Bournemouth and free parking in the town centre on the following days - 

• Thursdays 2, 9, 16 and 23 December, 4pm to 10pm
• Sundays 28 November, 5, 12 and 19 December, 10am to 6pm

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! For some family friendly competition how about a voucher for Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf.

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

Bus offers

• Morebus – purchase a Christmas Group Dayrider ticket giving unlimited travel for up to five people for just £5! It's valid after 5:30pm on Thursday late night shopping nights and on Sundays on the run up to Christmas, enabling you to hop on and off buses and get all your Christmas shopping done! 

• Yellow Buses – Buster’s Christmas Cracker ticket offers unlimited evening travel for £3.50 across the whole Yellow Buses network. Tickets are available every day for the duration of Christmas Tree Wonderland and can be purchased direct from drivers after 4:30pm.

Beryl Bikes

Beryl Bikes in partnership with us are offering free bike rides on the following dates: 

• Thursdays 2, 9 16 and 23 December after 5:30pm to support late night shopping
• Sundays 5, 12 & 19 December all day

Two free rides up to 30 minutes can be claimed per person per day, giving residents plenty of time to get to the shops and purchase those festive gifts while supporting the local high street.

Free Festive Parking

There is free late night parking in the following Bournemouth town centre car parks on Thursday 2, 9, 16 and 23 December from 4-10pm and on Sunday 28 November as well as Sunday 5, 12, 19 December from 10am-6pm: Richmond Gardens, Eden Glen, Central. Richmond Hill, Winter Garden, Braidley Road Bridge, West Hill, Town Hall Forecourt, Town Hall Extension, Town Hall Annexe and Avenue Road.

Details of parking offers in Christchurch, Poole and other locations across the BCP area including some Saturday offers can be found here.

For more information about these car parks please visit the find a car park page on the BCP council website.