Christmas Tree Wonderland set to arrive in Bournemouth

The unique trail featuring more than 100 glittering trees and illuminations, will be opening on 16 November and running until the beginning of January. The free Christmas Tree Wonderland trail will start with an illuminated big wheel at the resort’s award-winning seafront, before weaving through the historic Lower Gardens. It will and feature iconic themed trees from cities around the world including Bethlehem, Moscow, Seattle and Warsaw, as well as a Tree of Light and canopy of cascading lights over Pine Tree Walk.

The centrepiece will be the Bournemouth Wonderland Tree – a 60ft LED spectacle comprising 30,000 individual lights programmed for regular sound and light shows.

Enchanting illuminations including a giant teddy bear, gingerbread people and a giant bauble, will be dotted around Bournemouth, as well as animated polar bears, a snow lion, fairies and elves.

In a partnership supported by Bournemouth’s Town Centre and Coastal Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), as well as Bournemouth Borough Council, the attraction represents a four-year investment in the town. Delivered by the team behind the town’s award-winning international air festival, the Christmas Tree Wonderland will also include a magical Santa’s grotto along the trail in the Lower Gardens.

Martin Davis, Town Centre BID chairman, said, “Bournemouth’s profile has been raised enormously in recent years and Christmas Tree Wonderland represents another giant leap forward for increasing the town’s appeal among residents and visitors alike. Town centre businesses are seizing this fantastic opportunity to create something truly magical in the heart of the resort.”

Yellow Buses has jumped on board as Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland’s exclusive bus transport provider to help residents and visitors travel around the destination.

David Squire, Yellow Buses managing director, said the company was very pleased to support Christmas Tree Wonderland. “Weather permitting, we intend to run an open-top bus decorated with lights to link the Christmas markets in Boscombe and Westbourne with the town centre so that customers can immerse themselves in the complete experience,” he said.

There will also be a traditional alpine market – with a two-storey lodge-style bar.

Jon Weaver, head of resort marketing and events, said, “We’re all very excited about the arrival of the Christmas Tree Wonderland. It’s an awesome undertaking for the team and promises to be a fantastic attraction as well as a memorable addition to Bournemouth’s year-round events calendar, building on our status as a truly eventful destination.”