Skip to content

7 Christmas Markets and Events in Bournemouth for 2023

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.

Wooden christmas tree shaped decorations hanging from a market stall with fairy lights out of focus behind. Bournemouth Christmas Markets

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.

Map of all Bournemouth Christmas Events

Bournemouth Christmas Markets Map
Green = Christmas Markets, Red = Other Events

5 Christmas Markets in Bournemouth

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.

Night scene in a park with three large christmas trees lit up brightly, two in green and the bigges tin bright blue topped with a snowflake. there is a white ferris wheel behind lit up brightly against the night. Christmas Tree Wonderland in Bournemouth.
Christmas Tree Wonderland

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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:

Other Christmas Events in 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

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

8 Escape Rooms in Bournemouth

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!

9 Christmas Markets in Bournemouth - poster with the title written over a photo of a christmas tree branch with fairy lights and a red bauble

2 thoughts on “7 Christmas Markets and Events in Bournemouth for 2023”

  1. Just had event cancelled, do you know if any craft fairs with table space still available in Bournmouth area November December ?

    1. 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 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *