Christmas In Bournemouth – Experience the Magic of Bournemouth This Christmas

Explore the Magic of Bournemouth’s Christmas Market

Back for its biggest year yet, get ready to soak up the festive spirit at the Bournemouth Christmas Market, where twinkling lights and the scent of mulled wine fill the air. Wander through charming wooden chalet stalls brimming with handmade gifts, local crafts, and one-of-a-kind treasures, it’s perfect for ticking off your Christmas shopping list or treating yourself.

The food stalls are so tempting with seasonal favourites like the famous Yorkshire pudding wrap, succulent hog roast, or an indulgent luxury hot chocolate piled high with cream and marshmallows. The place to be is the Alpine Lodge, a place for fun with friends, a festive night out filled with live music, quiz nights, and plenty of booze.

Some of our local choirs will be filling the air with festive songs and carols so there really is something for everyone.

From November 13th to 31st December and open daily from 11am ‘til late — Market stalls close at 8pm (7pm on Sundays), while food stalls stay open until 10pm, and the Alpine Lodge keeps the festive fun going until 11pm your Christmas in Bournemouth is fully covered.

Image credit Christmas in Bournemouth

SKATE Bournemouth: Bigger, Brighter, and Cooler Than Ever!

Get you skates on – SKATE Bournemouth is back in the heart of the lower gardens for another unforgettable festive season! Our very own dancing on ice in Bournemouth

New for 2025, the rink has had an incredible glow-up and now stretches an impressive 70 metres, making it the longest open-air ice rink in the UK! Set beneath sparkling lights and festive canopies, it’s the perfect winter experience for everyone, from family fun and school trips to after-work celebrations and late-night skating to weekend DJs.

This year’s makeover includes dedicated skate-hire marquee with its own toilets and queuing area to keep things smooth and stress-free, plus a spacious viewing platform where you can cheer on friends or just soak up the atmosphere.

And when it’s time to take a break? Head to the brand-new rink-side bar for a cosy drink or relax on the outdoor terrace, the perfect spot to watch the twinkling lights and enjoy the festive buzz.

From November 13th to January 4th Tickets cost  £13.50 for children and £16 for adults & can be booked online. 

Bournemouth’s Christmas Tree Wonderland Is a Must-See This Year

This year, Bournemouth’s famous light trail Christmas Tree Wonderland has been completely transformed into Christmas in Bournemouth, a brand-new, reimagined festive lights trail for everyone to enjoy as unlike most light trails entry is completely FREE!

Step into the beautifully illuminated Lower Gardens, where every corner has been redesigned to create an enchanting, interactive experience bursting with colour, sparkle, and festive cheer.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Dazzling light installations and the perfect photo opportunities to capture your Christmas memories.
• A magical real Christmas Tree walkway and an enchanting maze to explore.
• Festive Mini Golf fun for the whole family!
• The UK’s longest open-air ice rink, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive music.
• A brand-new Santa’s Workshop and Sleigh Simulator Ride for little elves (and big kids, too!).
• The Christmas Train and a traditional Helter Skelter ride with stunning sea views.

Find details here with a map of where everything is located.

Image credit Christmas Tree Wonderland

Cinderella – Pantomime at The Pavilion Theatre Bournemouth

Get ready for the ultimate festive treat as Cinderella bursts onto the Bournemouth Pavilion stage in a glittering pantomime spectacular from UK Productions Ltd. Packed with dazzling magic, laugh-out-loud comedy, and West End glamour, this is Bournemouth’s must-see family show of the season.

Expect breathtaking sets, sparkling costumes, sensational choreography, and show-stopping performances that will leave everyone spellbound.

Leading the all-star cast is Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey), sprinkling her trademark warmth and Welsh charm as the Fairy Godmother. Bournemouth favourite Noel Brodie returns for his 11th year with his signature high-energy humour and quick wit, joined by Olivia Birchenough from Milkshake! bringing sunshine and sparkle to the stage.

Adding even more laughter and glitter are the outrageously fabulous dames Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph, alongside West End star Jack Wilcox (Crazy For You, Singin’ in the Rain) as the dashing Prince Charming.

This is panto magic at its finest – a sparkling, joy-filled adventure for all ages!

Book your tickets here.

Image credit Pavilion Theatre

A Christmas Ball at Kingston Lacy

Step into a magical Christmas ball at Kingston Lacy, with a festive twist you won’t see coming!

This Christmas, the grand halls of Kingston Lacy are transformed for a glittering woodland-themed ball. From the moment you enter, the house sparkles with seasonal festivities and the air is filled with excitement & music.

But amidst the glamour, there’s another story unfolding… Follow the newest kitchen servant as she shares her behind-the-scenes glimpse into the preparations, the guests, and the secrets whispered in the corridors. Peek into the kitchens, admire the lavish festive feasts, and even have the chance to dress up and join the celebrations yourself.

It’s a Christmas experience where history, storytelling, and festive magic come together

Outside you can explore the Laundry Courtyard filled with twinkling lights and decorated with Christmas trees to bring the garden to life. Get your wish list ready and write and post your letter to Santa, and if you’re feeling creative join in the Christmas craft activities.

Storytelling with Santa

“This festive season, let your children enjoy an adventure to find Santa in his hidden storybook nook for a cosy Christmas tale, an early gift and a photo with the man himself. Bring your child on a fantastical journey before snuggling up for an extra special story time that will live in their imaginations forever.”

Tickets cost £15.50 per child (up to age 12) with one accompanying adult and normal admission applies. Book here.

Image credit National Trust Kingston Lacy

If you’re here for a day or a weekend or a local, Bournemouth at Christmas offers the perfect mix of seaside magic, festive fun, and cosy coastal charm. Wrap up warm, bring your camera, & make this Christmas one to remember! If you want other things to do here in Bournemouth all year round then check out my blog post here.  

Hop aboard the Christmas Magical Tour – back and bigger for 2025!

After last year’s success, the Christmas Magical Tour is back for its second year, and it’s had a festive transformation The 2025 tour brings a brand-new route, a new pick-up point right next to the Bournemouth Christmas Market, and even more dazzling sights and sounds to enjoy from the comfort of a cosy, closed-top single-decker bus.

Departing from Avenue Road (outside Boots, Bournemouth), this magical 75–90 minute journey will whisk you through the most festive streets of Bournemouth and Christchurch, including Harewood Avenue, River Way, and Southbourne. Along the way, you’ll take in twinkling lights, joyful decorations, and plenty of Christmas cheer.

The bus itself is a festive wonder, decked out with tinsel, twinkling lights, and Christmas tunes to get everyone in the spirit. It’s the perfect family night out or a fun, feel-good way to celebrate the season with friends.

2025 Tour Highlights:

• Festively decorated single-decker bus with lights, tinsel, and Christmas music
• A chocolate treat for every passenger before departure
• 75–90 minutes of festive fun through Bournemouth and Christchurch

From 4th to 31st December £10.25 pp with under 4’s free – special SEN tour available on 19th December – book here.

Christmas on Bournemouth Pier

The pier is one of the areas that makes Bournemouth famous so of course the pier s ready for Christmas from 14th November Bournemouth Pier & Key West is being transformed into a winter wonderland some of the many exciting events on are:

• Breakfast with Santa – all you can eat buffet with a gift for the under 12’s
• Scrooge: ‘A Grave Tale of Things Yet to Come’ – a 3 course immersive Christmas Dining Experience on Friday 28th November
• New Years eve – celebrate in style with Abba’s angels

Info and tickets here.

A fairytale for Christmas at the BIC

“‘Tis the season to be jolly as the ultimate Irish Christmas concert is back for 2025!

After four back-to-back sell-out tours, and successful runs in the USA and Europe, A Fairytale for Christmas has gained thousands of festive fans across the globe – and is now back in town.

From the producers of Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of The Dubliners, immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as talented singers, musicians and dancers perform dashing renditions of Yuletide favourites including “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town”, “Step into Christmas”, “O Holy Night” and “The Fairytale of New York”.

Book here.

Christmas at Moors Valley

Right on my doorstep is the wonderful Moors Valley which is bursting with festive activities to bring some outdoor fun to add to your Christmas in Bournemouth memories.

Join the Christmas Quest where “Ranger the Elf has been up to festive mischief. Using her elf magic, she’s played a cheeky prank on Santa by stealing names from his Nice List and hiding them around Moors Valley. Now Santa needs your help.

Complete the fun challenges and uncover the missing names to restore the list before it’s too late. It’s a magical adventure for the whole family full of festive fun, mystery, and a sprinkle of elf magic” packs cost £2

Santa Specials – on weekends from 29th November to 21st December hop on board sone of the Santa Specials & be transported to a “Winter Wonderland. As Christmas approaches, the railway transforms into a spectacular Winter Wonderland. Enjoy an unforgettable heartwarming experience surrounded by twinkling lights, family laughter, and festive cheer”  Tickets must be pre booked

Image credit Moors Valley

Pinocchio Family Theatre

11th December-  “The Travelling Players return with their unique brand of quirky storytelling to bring the tale of Pinocchio to life.

Follow the wooden puppet on his magical journey to become a real boy, with mischief, adventure, and heartwarming lessons along the way. Expect laughter, surprises, and a sprinkle of festive magic.

Doors open at 5.30pm, light refreshments available to purchase before the performance.

This performance will take place inside the Visitor Centre, feel free to bring cushions and blankets for comfort”

You can also make wreaths, book a festive breakfast and enjoy the year round activities such as go ape, pitch and put and the play areas and woodland trails.

By Sarah Bourne

Other images – Sarah Bourne & Dreamstime