Page Last Updated 18 September, 2025
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?
Christmas Tree Wonderland
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 13th November 2025 - 4th January 2026.
Our top route is to follow the Christmas tree trail starting from the festive market in Bournemouth Square which opens on 13 November, into the Lower Gardens and down to the seafront!
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.
We guarantee that there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Christmas market, Ice-skating and more!
In Bournemouth Square, we're 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.
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.
