Bournemouth is the perfect destination to visit, stay and get into the festive spirit. With the all new Bournemouth Christmas Market, ice rink and events around the town, why not spend Christmas by the sea?
Festivities kick off on November 15th.
Feel the wonder at Bournemouth’s unique, free festive trail at Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland from 15 Nov 2019 until 2 Jan 2020. Experience the magical, mystical and memorable spectacle of over 100 glittering trees and illuminations. Explore the Alpine Market and skate in the enchanting Victorian Lower Gardens. Enjoy live music, entertainment and magical illuminations across the town.
Take a look at the brand new Christmas Trail map here
This year, the wonderful alpine market will transform the town centre into a winter wonderland. The streets will be lined with boutique stalls serving up tasty treats from local suppliers and quirky stocking ideas. Head down to the two-storey alpine lodge in the square and you’ll be met with the mouth-watering aroma of spiced mulled wine. Stay for a tipple, tuck into sharing platters of charcuterie meats and cheese boards, or simply soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the entertainment.
You can even have a festive round at Bournemouth’s new 18 hole Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf complete with its own sparking illuminations.
Bournemouth’s Grade II listed Victorian gardens will twinkle and glow with fairy lights on the trees and illuminations among the flora and fauna. Skate in the heart of the resort’s historic gardens on real ice under the stars. Cosy up under blankets in the The Alpine Bar and enjoy winter warmers like hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream.
For the little ones, don’t miss out on Aladdin Pantomime at Bournemouth’s Art Deco Pavilion with performances taking place from the 7th December until 5th January.
Late night shopping makes it easy to pick up last minute gifts and there's also free parking in selected car parks across the town on the following days in the run up to Christmas.
More information coming soon...
Free Parking
Thank you to BCP Council for providing free parking during certain hours in December:
Thursday evenings after 4pm
5, 12 and 19 December
Sundays anytime
1, 8, 15, 22 December
For car park locations and more information head to the BCP council website.
Santa's Grotto
Join us for an unforgettable Christmas experience with Santa’s Grotto at Beales Department store in Bournemouth. Meet the big man himself and receive a special early Christmas gift! Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the Christmas magic. Santa’s Grotto is brought to you in association with Christmas Tree Wonderland and Bournemouth Town Centre BID.
Secure your time slot. Cost is £9 per child, parents and guardians can accompany free of charge. Book your time slot today!
Christmas in the coastal villages
Spreading the festive cheer across the destination, there’s also a host of events in the surrounding coastal villages – Boscombe, Southbourne and Westbourne. You’ll find fun filled Christmas activities and opportunities to visit Santa in his grotto, see the magical lights and enjoy a different festive experience from village to village.
Have a Family Fun Christmas in Southbourne
Southbourne revisits Christmases past with a vintage theme and traditional fun for all the family. Always popular, Santa’s Letterbox in Southbourne will once again be filled with children’s hopes for Christmas morning and to be sure of a reply, don’t forget to tell him where you live. As well as a spectacular switch-on, Christmas on the Green where you can meet elves and win prizes, and a Nativity Parade featuring angels, donkeys and other animals, there’s also a Christmas Tree Festival, carols and a nativity service at Immanuel Church.
Experience Christmas in Boscombe
Boscombe is renowned as a creative hub where artists and designers live and work. It also has a bustling, bohemian vibe celebrating different cultures and world cuisine. There’ll be a mesmerising 15-metre tree at the heart of the community decorated with locally designed gift boxes and a series of celebrations in the run-up to the big day. There’s also the popular Christmas Parade and the Rotary brings back its renowned Santa’s Grotto.
Encounter Christmas in Westbourne
Westbourne will be bustling over the festive period. More information coming soon!
Free Parking
For designated free parking days in the coastal villages visit the BCP council website.
For more details on Christmas in Bournemouth, visit christmasinbournemouth.co.uk
