Holiday excitement is here, Bournemouth! Check out our guide for all the top festive happenings. For Bournemouth connoisseurs and novices alike, this guide is your passport to festive fun.
Popular Events: One highlight is the Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland, where sparkling lights and beautifully decorated trees create a charming atmosphere for all. Guests can also enjoy the enchanting experience of Christmas at the Russell-Cotes, featuring seasonal arts and crafts that bring unique cultural flair to the holidays. And the outdoor ice skating at Skate Bournemouth is something you definitely don't want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Bournemouth
- Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland
- Christmas at the Russell-Cotes
- Bournemouth Christmas Market
- Skate Bournemouth
- Outdoor Ice Rink
- Alpine Lodge Bar
- Father Christmas at Russell-Cotes
- Candlelight Night at Russell-Cotes
- Victorian Christmas Weekend at Russell-Cotes
- Christmas Lights Switch On in Poole (Poole)
See these and even more events listed below!
Bournemouth Holiday Light Displays
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland
What to Expect:
3D walkthrough tree with 30,000 individually programmed lights.
Description:
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland features hundreds of glittering trees, an Alpine Market, and festive illuminations along a pine-scented walkway.
Where: Bournemouth | More Info: Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland
Christmas Lights Switch On in Poole
What to Expect:
Nautical-themed light installations along a festive trail.
Description:
Poole's Christmas Maritime Light Trail features thousands of twinkling lights on a nautical journey through Falkland Square, High Street, and Poole Quay. The trail includes impressive light installations like a galleon, walk-through lantern, and a 13-meter blue sealife tree.
Where: Poole | More Info: Christmas Lights Switch On in Poole
Christmas Lights Switch On in Weymouth
What to Expect:
Dorset's Largest Elf Parade with marching band and Santa.
Description:
Weymouth's Christmas Lights Switch On features an elf-themed extravaganza with hat-making, gingerbread decorating, and Dorset's Largest Elf Parade. The event includes entertainment on the main stage, with fun japes, naughty elves, Panto cast, local schools' dance groups, and street performers. The town's Christmas lights, trees, and Christmas Elf will be officially switched on at 5 PM in New Bond Street.
Where: Weymouth | More Info: Christmas Lights Switch On in Weymouth
Bournemouth Holiday Markets and Shopping
Bournemouth Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local food, crafts, and festive atmosphere.
Description:
Bournemouth Christmas Market offers a variety of festive food and drink traders, local craftsmen selling Christmas gifts, and a range of products and culinary delights for everyone to enjoy.
Where: Bournemouth | More Info: Bournemouth Christmas Market
Bournemouth Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Alpine Lodge Bar
What to Expect:
Cozy, festive atmosphere with live music and interactive activities.
Description:
The Alpine Lodge Bar offers a cozy, two-story setting with fully festive decor, steins, beer towers, and mulled wine. Enjoy stunning views of the Bournemouth Christmas Market and Christmas Tree Wonderland. The bar features interactive speed quizzes, karaoke, live music, and festive activities like cookie decorating and face painting.
Where: Bournemouth | More Info: Alpine Lodge Bar
Candlelight Night at Russell-Cotes
What to Expect:
Candlelit Christmas concert with classical music and Victorian decorations.
Description:
La Nova Singers will perform a candlelit Christmas concert at Russell-Cotes Museum, featuring Sir John Rutter's music and festive tunes amidst a sumptuous Victorian Christmas setting.
Where: Bournemouth | More Info: Candlelight Night at Russell-Cotes
Bournemouth Rock Choir
What to Expect:
Community-based singing group with professional leaders.
Description:
Join Bournemouth Rock Choir for an exciting journey of singing, community, and life-changing experiences. With no auditions or musical knowledge needed, you can enjoy fun weekly rehearsals, unique vocal versions of classic and current songs, and opportunities to perform at local and national events.
Where: Bournemouth | More Info: Bournemouth Rock Choir
Elves, Elsa & the Christmas Fairy
What to Expect:
Meet your favorite Christmas characters at the market.
Description:
Elves, Elsa, and the Christmas Fairy are making their way around the Bournemouth Christmas Market, bringing joy and whimsy to children's Christmas celebrations.
Where: Bournemouth | More Info: Elves, Elsa & the Christmas Fairy
Christmas with The Big Band at 1812
What to Expect:
Big Band performance with a Christmas DJ set.
Description:
Join Elite Living at the 1812 Lounge Bar for an unforgettable evening of timeless sounds inspired by Frank Sinatra and the golden era of swing and jazz. Enjoy classic 20th-century tunes mixed with contemporary soul and pop, creating a perfect blend of old and new. The night will feature a Christmas DJ set by local legend Jay Rachet, keeping the dance floor flowing with all the Christmas classics.
Where: Bournemouth | More Info: Christmas with The Big Band at 1812
Wonky Plonky and a little Christmas Donkey
What to Expect:
"Decadent cabaret experience with burlesque and drag performances."
Description:
Madame Mojos Cabaret Club offers a unique blend of burlesque, comedy, and drag performances in an elegant and decadent setting. The club features a variety of talented artists, including burlesque beauties, quirky comics, and outrageous drag queens. Each night promises a different mix of sexy, sultry humor and classic cabaret.
Where: Bournemouth | More Info: Wonky Plonky and a little Christmas Donkey
Bournemouth Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at the Russell-Cotes
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed holiday activities and crafts.
Description:
Step back in time to experience authentic Victorian Christmas traditions at the Russell-Cotes. Meet the Victorians, engage in craft activities, and enjoy festive activities like Stirring Figgy Pudding and singing Christmas carols. Explore the museum's unique collection items and participate in a Christmas Trail. The event also features a Wishing Tree and offers a range of unique gifts in the on-site shop.
Where: Bournemouth | More Info: Christmas at the Russell-Cotes
Skate Bournemouth
What to Expect:
Real ice rink with festive drinks.
Description:
SKATE Bournemouth offers a real ice rink and Moguls Alpine Bar in Bournemouth's Lower Gardens. The event features a genuine ice rink and a variety of festive drinks, making it an ideal spot for both seasoned skaters and newcomers alike.
Where: Bournemouth | More Info: Skate Bournemouth
Outdoor Ice Rink
What to Expect:
Real ice skating in a historic garden setting.
Description:
Bournemouth's outdoor ice rink returns to Lower Gardens, offering real ice skating for all levels, from beginners to champions. The rink is set within the canopies of the historic gardens, providing a unique and enjoyable experience.
Where: Bournemouth | More Info: Outdoor Ice Rink
Victorian Christmas Weekend at Russell-Cotes
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed activities and crafts.
Description:
Step back in time to a Victorian Christmas at Russell-Cotes, where you can meet the Victorians, participate in craft activities, stir figgy pudding, and enjoy a Christmas Trail with singing Christmas carols. The event offers a family-friendly opportunity to explore the museum and feel festive, with unique gifts available for purchase and the option to book a Christmas Afternoon Tea.
Where: Bournemouth | More Info: Victorian Christmas Weekend at Russell-Cotes
Father Christmas at Russell-Cotes
What to Expect:
Personalized holiday visit with Father Christmas.
Description:
Visit Father Christmas in a beautifully festive historic house for a lovely personalized conversation.
Where: Bournemouth | More Info: Father Christmas at Russell-Cotes
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Christchurch (4 miles)
- Poole (5 miles)
- New Milton (10 miles)
- Totton (22 miles)
- Hythe (23 miles)
- Southampton (24 miles)
- Salisbury (24 miles)
- Cowes (26 miles)
- Newport (26 miles)
- Weymouth (26 miles)
- Eastleigh (29 miles)
- Ryde (31 miles)
- Sandown (32 miles)
- Fareham (32 miles)
- Gosport (33 miles)
- Winchester (34 miles)
- Portsmouth (35 miles)
- Yeovil (36 miles)
- Andover (38 miles)
- Waterlooville (39 miles)
- Frome (40 miles)
- Havant (40 miles)
- Trowbridge (44 miles)