Some posts on this site contain affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Take a look at my privacy policy for more information.
The festive season is upon us once again! And that means a whole host of Christmas markets and festive events in Bournemouth and the surrounding area.
Pick up unique gifts handmade by local artists and makers while you sip a steaming mug of mulled wine. Buy locally-made foodie treats for your Christmas parties – sampling everything as you go, of course! You could even stock up the drinks cupboard with Dorset-made beers, ciders, spirits and wines.
Below, you’ll find a list of Christmas markets in and near Bournemouth, plus some fun local Christmas events to add to your calendar. I’ll try to keep the list up to date and add in any new markets that pop up. If you know of one I’ve missed, leave a comment at the end of the post or get in touch and I’ll be sure to add it.
UPDATE Nov 2026: I’ve updated this page with all the latest dates and info.
Merry Christmas!
5 Christmas Markets in Bournemouth
Christmas in Bournemouth
2026 Dates: 12 Nov 2026 – Jan 3 2027
Location: Bournemouth Square
More Info
Bournemouth’s main Christmas market is run as part of the Christmas in Bournemouth event, alongside a Festive Trail and the SKATE Ice Rink. It’s a huge Alpine-style market, with wooden stalls, the two-storey Alpine Lodge bar (cosy downstairs, lively upstairs), and a full programme of live entertainment leading up to Christmas.
In the Lower Gardens, discover the Festive Trail; a free trail of festive-themed illuminations and decorations. There’s also an outdoor ice rink, Santa’s workshop, a Christmas tree maze, festive mini golf, and more!
Littledown Christmas Market
2026 Dates: 22 November
Time: 11am-4pm
Location: BH Live Active Littledown, Bournemouth BH7 7DX
Tickets: £1 for adults, £0.50 for children (5 – 15), under 5’s free.
More Info
The annual market event at the Littledown Centre in Bournemouth is one of Dorset’s largest indoor Christmas markets. You’ll find a wide range of stalls selling Christmas gifts, including handmade artisan gifts from talented crafters, jewellery, local preserves & chutneys, award-winning fudge, seasonal cakes, cheeses, and much more.
Upton House Christmas Craft Fair
2026 Dates: 5 – 6 December
Location: Upton Country Park, Poole
Price: Free
More Info
Get started on your Christmas shopping with a rare chance to explore the ground floor of the 200-year-old Upton House. Discover unique Christmas gifts and handmade treasures from a wonderful range of local makers, artisans and craftspeople.
Illuminate Poole
2026 Dates: 20 November – 3 January 2027
Location: Upton Country Park
Prices From: Adult £17.50, child £13.95
More Info
Experience Dorset’s newest winter light trail within Upton Country Park, Poole. Follow a magical 60 – 80 minute route through beautifully illuminated grounds, where captivating light installations will transform the estate into a glowing seasonal spectacle. As you explore the trail, you’ll discover different areas designed to showcase the landscape, surroundings, and festive atmosphere. Towards the end of the route, you’ll find a food and drinks court offering a delicious selection of sweet treats, hot food, and drinks,
Buttons and Bows Handmade Christmas Fairs (various locations)
2026 Dates: Various (see below)
Location: Various (see below)
Price: Free
More Info
Buttons and Bows are bringing their craft-tastic Handmade Christmas Fairs to a variety of locations this year:
- Handmade Christmas Verwood: 7 November 2026, 9.30am-12.30pm, Verwood Memorial Hall
- Handmade Christmas – Upton: 21 November 2026, 10am – 2pm, Upton Community Centre
- Handmade Christmas – Hamworthy: 28 November 2026, 12.30pm – 3.30pm, St Michael’s Church
- Festive Thursdays: Every Thursday leading up to Christmas (19 & 26 November and 3, 10 & 17 December), 5 – 8pm, The Courtyard Craft Centre, Huntick Road, Lytchett Minster
Other Christmas Events in Bournemouth
SKATE Bournemouth
2026 Dates: 12 November – 3 January 2027
Location: Lower Gardens, BH2 5AH
Tickets: Adults £16.50, child £14 (see website for full pricing).
More Info
This year, SKATE is coming back to Bournemouth – bringing a huge real ice rink and Moguls Alpine Bar to the town’s Lower Gardens. And it’s all surrounded by the magical lights and decorations of the Festive Trail.
READ MORE: All ice rinks in Bournemouth and the rest of Dorset this Christmas
Cool Coast Ice Rink at the BIC
2026 Dates: 28 November – 21 February 2027
Location: Bournemouth International Centre (BIC), Exeter Road, BH2 5BH
Tickets: Adults £14, child £12.50 (see website for full pricing).
More Info
Cool Coast Ice Rink is the largest indoor ice skating rink on the South Coast, located seasonally in Bournemouth International Centre. This hugely popular seasonal ice rink is a great way to get active during the winter months – no matter what the Great British weather is like!
Panto at Bournemouth Pavilion
2026 Dates: 5 Dec – 3 Jan 2027
Location: Bournemouth Pavilion, BH1 2BU
More Info
This Christmas, step into the magical world of Aladdin at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre, where adventure, laughter and festive sparkle come together in one unforgettable family pantomime.
Fresh from one of Coronation Street’s biggest and most talked-about storylines, James Cartwright stars as the wicked Abanazar – so get ready to bring your loudest boos! He joins Britain’s Got Talent Finalist Kristel Herrera and Princess Jasmine, Panto newcomer Dante Nardone as Aladdin, Jamie Steen as the gloriously outrageous Widow Twankey, and Bournemouth favourite Noel Brodie, returning for his incredible 12th year as Wishee Washee.
Candlelight Concert: Christmas Movie Soundtracks
2026 Dates: 19 Dec
Location: St Peter’s Church
More Info
This festive season, Candlelight® will transform St Peter’s Church with thousands of flickering candles to host an unforgettable performance featuring classic Christmas carols and festive holiday songs, performed by a talented local string quartet.
Map of all Bournemouth Christmas Events
Read More
25 Christmas Markets in Dorset this Season
The Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Dorset!
Dorset Festival Dates for your Diary
15 Best Things to do Near Bournemouth
If I’ve missed any Bournemouth Christmas markets from this list, please leave a comment below, and I’ll add it. Have a great Christmas, everyone!
Just had event cancelled, do you know if any craft fairs with table space still available in Bournmouth area November December ?
Hi Brenda, the only fairs I know of are the ones I’ve listed in this article – but I’m not sure which ones still have table space available. Hope you find somewhere 🙂