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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.
A Christmas market is always a great way to get yourself in the spirit of the season!
And there are tons of great ones popping up across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area. From the big one in the town centre to smaller one-off events for a more intimate feel.
Below, you’ll find a list of all the Christmas markets in and near Bournemouth, as well as some fun local Christmas events to add to your calendar. We’ll try to keep the list up to date and add in any new markets that pop up. If you know of one we’ve missed, leave a comment at the end of the post or get in touch and we’ll be sure to add it.
Update Nov 2023: We’ve now updated this post with all the 2023 event dates and details.
Merry Christmas!
Map of all Bournemouth Christmas Events
5 Christmas Markets in Bournemouth
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland and Alpine Market
2023 Dates: 17 November – 1 January 2024
Location: Lower Gardens and the Town Square (for the Alpine Market)
More Info
The biggest and best-known of the Christmas markets in Bournemouth is the Alpine Market, which takes over the Town Square as part of the huge Christmas Tree Wonderland event each year.
The Wonderland is a free trail of festive-themed illuminations throughout the Lower Gardens in the town centre. This year, the centrepiece will once again be the 60ft walk-through Bournemouth Wonderland Tree, situated in the centre of the Lower Gardens.
Amongst all these magical lights and decorations, there’s also a traditional Christmas market, the fantastic pop-up Alpine Lodge Bar, and an outdoor ice rink.
This year, the Gardens and the wider town will play host to a variety of lighting features and installations stretching all the way from the Seafront, through the Square, and up to the Triangle, Beale Place, Horseshoe Common and the Lansdowne roundabout.
Littledown Christmas Market
2023 Dates: 26 November
Time: 11-4pm
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.
“There is a wide range of stalls selling Christmas gifts including handmade artisan gifts made by talented crafters, jewellery, fused glass, local preserves, chutneys, award-winning fudge, seasonal cakes, chestnuts, cheeses and much more.
“As well as Christmas decorations, Christmas cards, wrapping paper, wreaths, artisan food and hampers. Plus art from local artists and photographers.”
Upton House Christmas Craft Fair
2023 Dates: 25-26 November
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. Soak up the festive atmosphere with performances from the Dorset Community Choir performing 2pm – 3.45pm on Saturday, and Quayside Choir at 2pm – 3.45pm on Sunday.
Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival
2023 Dates: 25 November – 2 January 2024
Location: Poole Quay, High Street and Falkland Square
More Info
Back for its second year, the Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival will be taking over the town centre with festive fun – including a fab Christmas Market, plus rides, food, and a flotilla of lights.
“Be prepared to be dazzled as thousands of twinkling lights take you on a nautical journey that starts at the gateways to Poole; the Twin Sails Bridge, Hunger Hill and The Lighthouse.”
Buttons and Bows Handmade Christmas Fairs (various locations)
2023 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:
- Ashley Cross Christmas Musical Makers Market: 11 November 2023, 10am – 4pm, Ashley Cross Green
- Handmade Christmas Fair – Hamworthy: 25 November 2023, 12:30pm – 3:30pm, St. Michael’s Church Hamworthy
- Handmade Christmas Fair – Parkstone: 26 November 2023, 10am – 2pm, Parkstone Grammar School
- Broadstone Musical Christmas Market: 2 December 2023, 10am – 3pm, Toast Rack Broadstone
Other Christmas Events in Bournemouth
SKATE Bournemouth
2023 Dates: 16 November – 3 January
Location: Lower Gardens, BH2 5AH
Tickets: from £14.50 adults
More Info
This year, SKATE are coming back to Bournemouth – bringing their 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 Christmas Tree Wonderland.
READ MORE: All ice rinks in Bournemouth and the rest of Dorset this Christmas
Panto at Bournemouth Pavillion
2023 Dates: 2 – 31 December
Location: Bournemouth Pavilion, BH1 2BU
More Info
Get ready to laugh, boo, and “he’s behind you” at this year’s panto in Bournemouth: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Starring in the classic fairytale are: the legendary Su Pollard as the Wicked Queen, Noel Brodie (Bournemouth’s favourite funny man) as Muddles, and fabulous Dame extraordinaire Jamie Steen as Nursie.
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 fab Bournemouth Christmas markets from this list, please leave a comment below and I’ll be sure to 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 🙂