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.
23rd September 2026
Christmas in Bournemouth brings much more than a few strings of lights. The centre of town becomes a complete festive destination, with outdoor ice skating, illuminated gardens, wooden market chalets and family attractions stretching from The Square towards the seafront.
Several major dates for Christmas 2026 have already been confirmed, including SKATE Bournemouth, the Pavilion pantomime and family events at Littledown. Dates for Christmas Tree Wonderland and the main Bournemouth Christmas Market are still to be announced, so this guide will be updated as further details become available.
Dates: 12 November 2026-3 January 2027
Location: Lower Gardens, Bournemouth, BH2 5AU
The first major date in Bournemouth’s festive calendar has already been confirmed. SKATE Bournemouth returns to the Lower Gardens from Thursday 12 November 2026 until Sunday 3 January 2027.
The open-air real-ice rink sits beneath the lights in the heart of the town centre, creating one of Bournemouth’s most atmospheric Christmas experiences. Sessions are suitable for different ages and abilities, making it a popular choice for families, groups of friends and festive date nights.
Moguls Alpine Bar traditionally opens beside the rink, providing somewhere to stop for seasonal food and warming drinks before or after skating. Full information about the 2026 rink, themed sessions and additional attractions will be added when announced.
Advance booking is recommended, particularly for weekends and the Christmas school holidays.
Dates: 13 November 2026 to 4 January 2027
Location: The Square, Bournemouth, BH2 6ED
Bournemouth Christmas Market is returning for 2026, although its exact opening dates and hours have not yet been released.
The market traditionally fills The Square with Alpine-style wooden chalets offering Christmas gifts, decorations, clothing, jewellery and products from independent traders. Festive food and drink are also a major part of the experience, with previous markets featuring bratwurst, Yorkshire pudding wraps, churros, hot chocolate and mulled wine.
At the centre of the market, the Alpine Lodge usually offers covered seating, seasonal drinks and live entertainment. It is just as suited to meeting friends for an evening drink as it is to a daytime shopping trip.
Organisers are currently inviting applications from traders for the 2026 market. The stallholders and entertainment programme will be added when released.
Dates: 13 November 2026 to 4 January 2027
Location: Bournemouth Lower Gardens
Christmas Tree Wonderland is expected to illuminate Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens once again, creating a sparkling route between the town centre and seafront.
The main light trail is free to explore and traditionally features illuminated trees, animated installations and seasonal photo opportunities. Additional attractions associated with the wider Christmas in Bournemouth programme have previously included:
These individual attractions may carry separate charges, even though the main illuminated trail is free.
The organiser has confirmed that Christmas Tree Wonderland will return, but the dates and complete 2026 attraction programme are still awaited.
Dates: 5 December 2026-3 January 2027
Location: Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre, Westover Road, BH1 2BU
Christmas would not feel quite complete without a pantomime, and Bournemouth Pavilion has chosen Aladdin for its 2026 production.
Running from Saturday 5 December until Sunday 3 January, the show promises colourful staging, comedy, music and plenty of opportunities to cheer the heroes and boo the villains.
Noel Brodie returns for his 12th Bournemouth pantomime season, while Dante Nardone has been announced in the title role. Further cast information may be released before the production opens.
Tickets are already available, with daytime and evening performances scheduled throughout the run. Read our full guide to Aladdin at Bournemouth Pavilion 2026.
Date: Sunday 22 November 2026
Time: From 11am
Location: Littledown Centre
Littledown’s Christmas Market offers a smaller, community-focused alternative to the main town-centre market.
Visitors can browse stalls selling handmade gifts, jewellery, fused glass, local preserves, artisan food, Christmas decorations, cards, wreaths and hampers. Entertainment is expected to include festive music, while children can meet Giggles the Elf and have their faces painted.
The Terrace café will also be open for refreshments.
Admission costs £1 for adults, 50p for children aged five to 15 and is free for children under five. Advance booking is not required.
Selected dates: 4-24 December 2026
Location: Bournemouth Pier
Bournemouth Pier is preparing several festive experiences for December, offering families and groups the chance to celebrate Christmas beside the sea.
The announced programme includes:
The individual experiences require advance booking, and dates, availability and inclusions vary. Check the selected event carefully before purchasing tickets.
Date: Monday 21 December 2026
Location: Littledown Centre
Tickets: £7.50 per child
Children aged two-and-a-half to eight can dress in their best festive outfits for Littledown’s Christmas Disco.
Hosted by Get Up and Groove, the sessions will include party games, dancing, competitions and prizes for festive costumes. Three sessions are scheduled during the afternoon, lasting one hour each.
Tickets cost £7.50 per child, with one accompanying adult admitted free for each child. Places should be booked in advance.
Bournemouth’s festive programme will also include live music, comedy and seasonal performances at venues around the town.
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Christmas concerts are currently listed between 16 December 2026 and 1 January 2027, while the BIC, Pavilion Theatre and smaller venues are expected to announce additional December entertainment.
Because individual performances, venues and ticket prices vary, check the official event listing before booking. We will add the principal Christmas concerts to this guide as their full details are confirmed.
Spanish
Chinese (simplified)
Dutch
French
German
Italian
Norwegian
Polish
Romanian
Russian
