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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. I’ll try to keep the list up to date and add in any new markets I find out about. 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 2022: This post has now been updated with all the 2022 event dates and details.
Merry Christmas!
Map of all Bournemouth Christmas Events
5 Christmas Markets in Bournemouth
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland and Alpine Market
2022 Dates: 18th November – 2nd January 2023
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
2022 Dates: 27th November 2022
Time: 11-4pm
Location: BH Live Active Littledown, Bournemouth BH7 7DX
Tickets: £1 for adults, £0.50 for children (5 – 15)
More Info
The annual market event at the Littledown Centre in Bournemouth is one of Dorset’s largest indoor Christmas markets.
It’s great for gift inspiration! Browse and shop with a cup of mulled wine in hand – or just enjoy the festive fun and atmosphere.
“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.”
Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair at Upton Country Park
2022 Dates: 19th – 20th November
Location: Upton Country Park, Poole BH17 7BJ
Price: £3 an adult, under 16s free
More Info
Just down the road from Bournemouth, the beautiful estate of Upton Country Park is hosting numerous Christmas events. There’s a Christmas Woodland Adventure (17th December – 1st January, except Christmas and Boxing Day) and Wreath Making Workshops on 3rd and 4th December.
They’ll also be hosting a lovely Festive Arts and Crafts Fair within Upton House. The perfect place to pick up some unique and locally made gifts!
Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival
2022 Dates: 19th November – 2nd January 2023
Time: 10am– 5pm
Location: Poole Quay, High Street and Falkland Square
New for 2022, 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.”
Festive Thursdays Craft Fair, Lytchett Minster
2022 Dates: Every Thursday evening from 24th November
Time: 5pm-8pm
Location: The Courtyard Craft Centre, Huntick Road, Lytchett Minster
More Info
Head down to the Courtyard Craft Centre every Thursday evening in the run-up to Christmas for the fab festive Thursdays from Buttons and Bows.
“All our lovely little shops will be open selling authentic handmade and unique gifts”
The Cowshed Dorset will also be open, serving up delicious festive drinks and snacks – and there will be a face painter and children’s activities for the little ones.
Other Christmas Events in Bournemouth
SKATE Bournemouth
2022 Dates: 17th November – 3rd January 2023
Location: Lower Gardens, BH2 5AH
Tickets: £13.50 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.
Panto at Bournemouth Pavillion
2022 Dates: 3rd December – 2nd January 2023
Location: Bournemouth Pavilion, BH1 2BU
More Info
Get ready to laugh, boo, and “he’s behind you” at this year’s panto in Bournemouth: Beauty and the Beast!
Starring in the ‘tale as old as time’ are: EastEnders favourite Emma Barton as Fairy Bon Bon, Noel Brodie (Bournemouth’s favourite funny man) as Louis La Plonk, Jamie Steen as Polly La Plonk, Marcus Knibbs as Clement (Brookside, Jonathan Creek), Ellie Green as Belle, Mark Scott as Beast, and Travis Ross as Hugo.
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!
