Bournemouth transforms into a Christmas Tree Wonderland

Opening on 16 November and running through until the beginning of January, Bournemouth’s unique, free, festival trail will start with an illuminated big wheel at the resort’s award-winning seafront, before weaving through the historic Lower Gardens – and features iconic themed trees from cities around the world including Moscow, St Petersburg, Bethlehem, Seattle and Warsaw, as well as a Tree of Light and canopy of cascading lights over Pine Tree Walk.

The centrepiece of the attraction will be the Bournemouth Wonderland Tree. At the same height as the Angel of the North, this 60ft LED spectacle comprises 30,000 individual lights programmed for regular sound and light shows.

A famously family-friendly resort, kids will be entertained with a series of enchanting illuminations dotted around Bournemouth – including a giant teddy bear, gingerbread people and a giant bauble, as well as animated polar bears, a snow lion, fairies and elves.

There will also be a magical Santa’s grotto along the trail in the Lower Gardens, each little visitor will receive a magical gift and treasured family photo. Plus, enjoy entertainment across the resort at specific periods.

Visitors can also explore the Alpine Market, which is packed with gifts and food to get revellers into the Christmas spirit. To help celebrate the joyous occasion even more, the two-storey Alpine Lodge is back offering a selection of festive hot and cold drinks, with indoor and outdoor seating.

As well as sponsoring the core offer in the centre of the resort, the support of the Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) guarantees added festive fun, as the magical experiences extend to the Triangle, Horseshoe Common and Lansdowne, plus in the coastal villages Westbourne, Southbourne and Boscombe.