Experience the charm of the holidays in Christchurch with our comprehensive holiday guide. For those who know Christchurch well and those just discovering it, our guide is your festive roadmap.
One highlight of the season is the Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland, where twinkling lights and beautifully decorated trees transform the town. This enchanting display offers a magical stroll through festive cheer. Christmas at the Russell-Cotes invites visitors to explore Victorian splendour adorned with festive decorations and seasonal exhibitions. And don't forget that Skate Bournemouth provides a delightful ice skating experience for all ages, perfect for creating special winter memories. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Christchurch
- Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland (Bournemouth)
- Christmas at the Russell-Cotes (Bournemouth)
- Alpine Christmas Market (Bournemouth)
- Skate Bournemouth (Bournemouth)
- Christmas Lights Cruise in Poole Harbour (Poole)
- Father Christmas at the Tank Museum (Bovington)
- Meet Father Christmas at Farmer Palmers (Poole)
- Sail with Santa around Poole Harbour (Poole)
- Santa's Grotto at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens (Abbotsbury)
- Christmas at Upton Country Park (Poole)
See these and even more events listed below!
Christchurch Holiday Light Displays
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland
What to Expect:
Dazzling light trail with replica Christmas trees and festive installations.
Description:
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland features a spectacular trail of glittering trees, replica Christmas trees from around the world, and enchanting illuminations. The event includes the Alpine Market and Alpine Lodge Bar, offering a great atmosphere and festive fare. Visitors can also skate under the stars in the Lower Gardens.
Where: Bournemouth | More Info: Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland
Christmas Lights Cruise in Poole Harbour
What to Expect:
30-minute festive boat tour with hot chocolate.
Description:
Embark on a 30-minute cruise through Poole Harbour, admiring the vibrant Christmas lights while enjoying hot chocolate and panoramic views of the picturesque coastline.
Where: Poole | More Info: Christmas Lights Cruise in Poole Harbour
Nutley Farm Christmas Lights & Reindeer Experience
What to Expect:
Interactive light trail with real-life reindeer.
Description:
Explore Nutley Farm's illuminated trail featuring 20 hidden reindeer characters and meet real-life magical reindeer like Rudolph, Prancer, Sprout, and Parsnip. Enjoy festive photo opportunities and seasonal snacks.
Where: Dorchester | More Info: Nutley Farm Christmas Lights & Reindeer Experience
Christchurch Holiday Markets and Shopping
Alpine Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Traditional festive food and drink vendors.
Description:
The Alpine Christmas Market in Bournemouth 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: Alpine Christmas Market
Father Christmas at the Tank Museum
What to Expect:
Santa arrives in a tank for festive fun.
Description:
Father Christmas at the Tank Museum features Santa arriving in a tank, local craft stalls, live entertainment, and festive food. Children can explore the Christmas trail and participate in the Frank on a Tank elf trail.
Where: Bovington | More Info: Father Christmas at the Tank Museum
Christchurch Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Spectacular at The Regent Centre
What to Expect:
High-energy festive show with show-stopping musical numbers and dazzling costumes.
Description:
The Christmas Spectacular at The Regent Centre in Christchurch features show-stopping musical numbers, delightful dancers, and dazzling costumes. The story follows Santa and his elves as they prepare for Christmas, but an unexpected visitor brings a spooky twist. This high-energy festive show is a treat for the whole family.
Where: Christchurch | More Info: Christmas Spectacular at The Regent Centre
Bournemouth Rock Choir
What to Expect:
Unique vocal versions of classic and current songs.
Description:
Join Bournemouth Rock Choir for an exciting and life-affirming journey of singing, community, and friendship. With no auditions or musical knowledge needed, you can enjoy weekly rehearsals, unique vocal versions of classic and current songs, and opportunities to perform at national venues like Wembley Arena. Rock Choir offers a supportive environment where you can build new friendships, increase personal confidence, and improve your general well-being.
Where: Bournemouth | More Info: Bournemouth Rock Choir
Christmas Movie Screenings at The Regent Centre
What to Expect:
Classic films in a historic venue.
Description:
The Regent Centre presents a variety of Christmas movie screenings, featuring classic films and modern favorites in a cozy and intimate setting.
Where: Christchurch | More Info: Christmas Movie Screenings at The Regent Centre
Christchurch Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at the Russell-Cotes
What to Expect:
Immersive Victorian Christmas experience with traditional crafts and carols.
Description:
Step back in time to experience authentic Victorian Christmas traditions at the Russell-Cotes, featuring craft activities, a Wishing Tree, and festive carols.
Where: Bournemouth | More Info: Christmas at the Russell-Cotes
Skate Bournemouth
What to Expect:
Real ice rink in a picturesque garden setting.
Description:
SKATE Bournemouth offers a real ice rink in Bournemouth's Lower Gardens, accompanied by the Moguls Alpine Bar. The event is perfect for all ages, from beginners to experienced skaters, providing a delightful winter experience.
Where: Bournemouth | More Info: Skate Bournemouth
Meet Father Christmas at Farmer Palmers
What to Expect:
Interactive farm experience with festive characters and gifts.
Description:
Meet Father Christmas at Farmer Palmers, where children can enjoy a farm-tastic time meeting the man in red and his festive friends in the Magical Christmas Barn. Each child receives a great gift from the Elves at Ye Olde Toy Shoppe.
Where: Poole | More Info: Meet Father Christmas at Farmer Palmers
Santa's Grotto at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
What to Expect:
Special Christmas visit with Father Christmas and a gift.
Description:
Meet Father Christmas in his cosy cabin at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens. Enjoy a special visit with a talk to Father Christmas and receive a gift. Explore the beautiful gardens after meeting Santa.
Where: Abbotsbury | More Info: Santa's Grotto at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Sail with Santa around Poole Harbour
What to Expect:
Santa meet-and-greet on a scenic harbour cruise.
Description:
Sail with Santa around Poole Harbour offers a delightful cruise where children can meet Santa Claus while enjoying the scenic views of Poole Harbour.
Where: Poole | More Info: Sail with Santa around Poole Harbour
Christmas at Upton Country Park
What to Expect:
Seasonal workshops and family-friendly activities in a picturesque setting.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Upton Country Park with festive activities, including family-friendly fun, crafts, and educational events. Enjoy the beautiful grounds and participate in seasonal workshops.
Where: Poole | More Info: Christmas at Upton Country Park
Moors Valley Christmas
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly wreath-making using locally sourced materials.
Description:
Create a beautiful, eco-friendly Christmas wreath using natural materials foraged from Moors Valley park. Enjoy individual tuition and a fun workshop experience.
Where: Ringwood | More Info: Moors Valley Christmas
FREE Christmas Event at Colin’s Nest Cafe
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa visit with elves and soft play activities.
Description:
Visit Colin's Nest Cafe for a Christmas Grotto featuring Santa, Giggles, and Dizzy the Elves, along with free Soft Play.
Where: Christchurch | More Info: FREE Christmas Event at Colin’s Nest Cafe
Victorian Christmas Weekend at Russell-Cotes
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed activities and shopping in a historic museum setting.
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 make a wish on the Wishing Tree. Enjoy a Christmas Trail, singing Christmas carols, and partake in some Christmas shopping. Book yourself a Christmas Afternoon Tea to make the weekend special.
Where: Bournemouth | More Info: Victorian Christmas Weekend 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!
- Bournemouth (4 miles)
- New Milton (5 miles)
- Poole (9 miles)
- Totton (18 miles)
- Hythe (19 miles)
- Southampton (20 miles)
- Cowes (21 miles)
- Newport (22 miles)
- Salisbury (23 miles)
- Eastleigh (25 miles)
- Ryde (27 miles)
- Fareham (27 miles)
- Sandown (28 miles)
- Gosport (29 miles)
- Winchester (30 miles)
- Portsmouth (30 miles)
- Weymouth (31 miles)
- Waterlooville (34 miles)
- Andover (35 miles)
- Havant (36 miles)
- Yeovil (40 miles)
- Frome (41 miles)
- Chichester (44 miles)
- Trowbridge (44 miles)