Bournemouth, Christchurch, Culture, Events & Entertainment, Poole | Posted on November 13th, 2025 | return to news

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to host a dazzling Christmas

Right across the conurbation, towns are offering a huge variety of Christmas events for people of all ages.

Several exciting Christmas events are taking place across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in the coming weeks.

People will be able to wander through enchanted gardens, explore historic gems like Highcliffe Castle and Poole Museum, indulge in a creamy hot chocolate and immerse themselves in storytelling and hands-on festive crafts.

Cllr Richard Herrett, portfolio holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations at BCP Council, said: “This Christmas, along with our partners, we’re bringing the magic to life. From twinkling trails and beautifully adorned heritage venues to joyful workshops and bustling markets, these experiences will bring people together. It’s a season to celebrate community, support local businesses and create magical moments across the three towns.”

In Bournemouth, soak up the festive glow of the revamped Christmas in Bournemouth, operated by Seventa Events and SKATE Bournemouth, and sponsored by Bournemouth Town Centre BID and Bournemouth Coastal BID.

Paul Kinvig, chief operating officer of Bournemouth Town Centre BID, said: “This new, revamped Christmas Tree Wonderland has something for all the family — not just in The Square and Lower Gardens but also with light installations in The Triangle, Westover Road, Beale Place, Horseshoe Common and Lansdowne. With the Town Centre BID funding the lamppost lights as well, it’s Christmas all across the town centre.”

Bournemouth’s largest-ever Christmas market is situated in the centre of the town. People can play mini golf after dark at the new Glow Golf evenings in the Snow and Glow Gardens Mini Golf, with glowing golf balls and sparkling lights, and unwind with a winter warmer at the cosy Alpine Lodge Bar.

Just around the corner, Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf gets a festive makeover, complete with glitter tattoos, competitions and a letter-writing station where children can send their Christmas wishes directly to Santa.

For those seeking a touch of tradition, the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum invites visitors to step into a Victorian Christmas, with festive trails, elegant afternoon teas and enchanting Candlelight Nights.

Over at Queen’s Park, the Woodpecker Café Bar will host a cosy festive roast and a lively Christmas quiz on 21 December.

There are also plenty of Christmas events taking place in Westbourne, Southbourne and Boscombe, all funded by Bournemouth Coastal BID.

Christchurch town centre’s Christmas lights switch-on will take place on 22 November, featuring live music, vibrant markets and unique gifts in Saxon Square. On 13 December, there will be a festive singalong with Christchurch Baptist Church’s band. The Living Advent Calendar will showcase local talent nightly at 6pm.

Louise Berkhauer, operations manager at Christchurch BID, said: “Christmas in Christchurch will be full of magic, with Christchurch Town Council’s Christmas light switch-on, festive carol singing and this year’s pantomime, ‘Beauty and the Beast’, showing at The Regent. Christchurch always feels fantastic at Christmas, with the beautifully decorated tree outside the Mayor’s Parlour and our shops, cafés and hospitality venues ready to welcome customers with their wonderful Christmas offerings. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Christchurch this Christmas.”

A host of festive events will be held at Highcliffe Castle, including the Christmas Market on 22–23 November and the Tree Festival running from 5–23 December.

In Poole, Scaplen’s Court at Poole Museum hosts Storytelling with Santa, complete with crafts, gifts and photo opportunities, while Upton Country Park delivers a full programme of seasonal activities. Highlights include the Ice and Snow Trail, Santa Paws for dog lovers, a Christmas market, wreath-making workshops, festive teas and the immersive Santa Experience on 20–21 December.

Poole’s town centre and quay will be illuminated with Christmas installations from 22 November to 1 January, with the Santa Parade and Light Switch-on kicking off the season in style. Expect music, fire shows and live performances to delight visitors of all ages, supported by Poole BID and BCP Council.

Bournemouth Pavilion and the BIC offer a line-up of festive shows, including ‘Cinderella’, ‘The Nutcracker’ and ‘Elf The Musical’, plus the return of the Cool Coast Ice Rink for seasonal fun.

Local BCP leisure centres are joining the celebrations with festive decorations, a 12 Days of Fitness challenge, and Play and Meet Santa sessions at Kings Park Leisure and Learning Centre.

For those looking to explore the outdoors, scenic walking trails are available via the Explore BCP website, and the BCP Family Information Directory offers a wide range of family-friendly Christmas activities.