Christmas in Bournemouth 2026 begins on 12 November, with the return of the Festive Trail, Christmas Market and SKATE Bournemouth in the Lower Gardens. Families can also look forward to a Christmas Tree Maze, Santa’s Express, Story Time with Santa, festive mini golf and the Big Wheel, with celebrations continuing into January 2027.
SKATE Bournemouth returns to the Lower Gardens from 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, bringing festive ice skating to the heart of the town centre. Enjoy a real-ice rink surrounded by Christmas lights, with dedicated sessions including toddler time, student nights and experienced-skater sessions. Moguls Alpine Bar offers somewhere to warm up afterwards, while the nearby Christmas Market and Festive Trail make it easy to combine skating with a festive day out.
Moguls Alpine Bar returns to Bournemouth's Lower Gardens from 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, bringing cosy après-ski atmosphere, festive cocktails, mulled drinks and luxury hot chocolates to SKATE Bournemouth. Located beside the outdoor ice rink, the spacious undercover bar offers comfortable seating, rink-side views and weekend DJs. On Fridays and Saturdays, the bar becomes over-18s only from 6pm. With free entry for non-skaters and party packages available, it's a lovely place to enjoy the festive atmosphere in Bournemouth this winter.
Planning a Christmas party in Bournemouth for 2026? From festive dinners and boutique hotel party nights to a black tie masquerade ball and Baubles Bingo, these six Bournemouth venues offer different ways to celebrate with friends, colleagues or family. Discover Christmas party options at THE NICI, The Green House, The Connaught, Hotel Collingwood, The Hermitage and Marsham Court.
Aladdin comes to Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre from 5 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, bringing festive magic, music, comedy and spectacular staging to the town. The star-studded cast includes Coronation Street's James Cartwright, Bournemouth favourite Noel Brodie, Jamie Steen, Britain's Got Talent singer Kristel Herrera and West End performers Morgan Jackson and Bree Smith, alongside Dante Nardone in the title role. Tickets start from £18, with family and group discounts, school performances, captioned and relaxed performances available. Discover the full cast, show times and booking information.
Bournemouth Christmas Market returns to The Square from 12 November to 31 December 2026, bringing Alpine-style wooden chalets, independent traders, Christmas gifts, festive street food and the popular Alpine Lodge Bar. Entry is free, with market stalls open daily and food traders serving until 10pm. Visitors can also explore the Festive Trail, enjoy live entertainment and visit SKATE Bournemouth in the nearby Lower Gardens.
Littledown Christmas Market is one of the biggest indoor markets in Dorset, boasting over 85 stalls selling handmade artisan crafts, jewellery, fused glass, local preserves, chutneys, award-winning fudge, seasonal cakes, cheeses, games and sustainable homeware and lifestyle produce. Kids can meet Giggles and Dizzy the cheeky elves while festive music from Sing-People-Sing fills the air.
Discover Christmas events in Bournemouth for 2026, including SKATE Bournemouth, the Christmas Market, Christmas Tree Wonderland, Aladdin at the Pavilion, Santa experiences and family activities. Some of the town’s biggest attractions have already confirmed their dates, while further details are still being announced. We will continue updating this guide with new events, prices and booking information as Bournemouth’s complete 2026 Christmas programme is released.
Christmas Tree Wonderland Bournemouth returns, filling the Lower Gardens with illuminated trees, interactive displays and festive photo opportunities. The main light trail is free to explore, while optional attractions are expected to include Santa’s Workshop, the Christmas Tree Maze, festive mini golf and Santa’s Express. Located beside Bournemouth Christmas Market and SKATE Bournemouth, it forms the centrepiece of Christmas in Bournemouth.
The Alpine Lodge returns to Bournemouth's Christmas Market from 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, bringing festive drinks, live entertainment and an après-ski atmosphere to The Square. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine, winter cocktails, themed nights, karaoke, quizzes and live music inside the Bavarian-inspired lodge. Open daily from 11am, with extended opening until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, The Alpine Lodge also offers bookable tables, booths and ski gondola experiences for Christmas parties and group celebrations.
Cool Coast Ice Rink returns to Bournemouth International Centre from 28 November 2026 to 21 February 2027, bringing indoor ice skating to the BIC's Purbeck Hall throughout the winter season. The South Coast's largest indoor seasonal ice rink welcomes families, beginners and experienced skaters, with 60-minute sessions, skate hire included and tickets starting from £12.50 for children and £14 for adults. With skating available whatever the weather, it's a popular choice for festive days out and February half-term activities.
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