BCP Council, the organisers of Bournemouth’s Christmas Tree Wonderland and Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival, has announced that over 4.4 million people visited the two towns between 18 November and 4 December 2022 based on a new method of tracking footfall, and they say thousands more are expected to enjoy the attractions over the festive season.

In Bournemouth, Christmas Tree Wonderland features a huge variety of impressive light installations including numerous replica Christmas Trees from around the world. New for 2022 is the stunning blue and yellow Kyiv tree which has received positive and supportive reviews.

In Poole the light installations take on a maritime focus to celebrate the town’s important nautical history, with the sparkling giant anchor on Poole Quay being one of the focal points on the trail.

Both these Christmas festivals are organised by BCP Council with partnership funding from the Council and the local Business Improvement Districts. (BIDs). These are the Bournemouth Town Centre and Coastal BIDs for Christmas Tree Wonderland while the Christmas Maritime Light Festival is supported by Poole BID. Other event sponsors include South Western Railway, Morebus and Wave 105.

Jon Weaver, head of Destination and Events at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council commented: “Our Christmas offering this year is bigger than ever before, with two light trails that weave through each town as well as the Yuletide Festival in Christchurch, organised and funded by Christchurch BID.

“These events are free to visit and as our footfall data shows, they bring residents and visitors from far and wide to our area, enjoying everything that is on offer.  Both festivals help to support our local economy and maintain and raise the profile of the three towns at a really important time of the year.”

Bournemouth’s popular Christmas Tree Wonderland runs for six weeks and features a multitude of sparkling light installations in a festive light trail through the town centre, Lower Gardens and onto Pier Approach. A Christmas market selling a variety of gifts and festive food, a two-storey Alpine Bar and SKATE ice rink have also helped to draw in the crowds to enjoy some festive cheer.

In Poole, the brand-new Christmas Maritime Light Festival, has attracted people to Poole to enjoy the nautical-themed light installations which include a five-metre tall ship, a walk through bauble and some festive Christmas trees with maritime-themed decorations and Christmas choirs.

The free-to-attend Christmas light festivals will be on display until 2 January 2023 so there is still plenty of time to visit.