Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 and Tree Wonderland

Not many seaside towns can pull off a winter season, but the Bournemouth Christmas Market pairs its Alpine-style stalls with a free illuminated tree trail through the Victorian Lower Gardens that stretches all the way down to the seafront. It’s one of the south coast’s biggest seasonal events, running from mid-November well into January.

Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026

Dates and Location

Status: Expected, based on previous years
Christmas Market Dates: 12th November to 31st December 2026
Christmas Tree Wonderland: 12th November to 4th January 2027
Last checked: July 2026
Source: Event organiser

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Location: Bournemouth Square.
Opening times: 11am to 10pm.
Admission: Free.
Payments: Vendors accept cash, contactless and card.

Christmas Tree Wonderland: Lower Gardens – Santa’s Workshop, Christmas Tree Maze, and light installation. Plan your visit.
Skate Bournemouth: Lower Gardens. Book online.
Alpine Lodge: Beer steins, towers and mulled wine at Bournemouth Square. Reserve a table.

Vegetarian: Yes, many options.
Vegan: Yes, many options, including pizza and vegan wieners.
Gluten free: Yes, including gluten free bratwurst.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Public transport:
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: The light trail that includes 100 illuminated trees.
Specialities: Hog roast, loaded hot chocolate, Swiss-style raclette, vegan wieners, Yorkshire pudding wraps.
Where to stay: Hampton by Hilton is 3 minutes from the square.

Convenient Hotels

Most hotels are located a short distance away from here, in the Town Centre, and near Bournemouth Pier. The Hampton by Hilton is the closest hotel to the event, situated near many of the city’s major attractions.

Read our complete guide to the Christmas markets in the UK.

Event Location

What to Expect

Events run throughout December and into January, featuring stalls selling gifts, decorations, food, and drinks. There’s also the popular ice rink at Lower Gardens, with music, shows and activities. This winter, stroll along Bournemouth’s beach to enjoy the coastal views or visit Old Harry Rocks. For something different, try a winter surf lesson or explore the area’s historic sites.

At the Food Stalls

• Bratwursts: Enjoy German sausages, prepared by a local butcher, grilled over charcoal, and served in fresh bread rolls.
• Norris & Bingleworth: Warm up with loaded hot chocolates topped with cream, marshmallows and sauces.
• The Yorkshire Pudding Wrap Co: Savour a British classic with roast meat, vegetables, and gravy wrapped in a giant Yorkshire pudding.
• Hog Roast: Try spit-roasted pork served with apple sauce, stuffing, and crackling.
• Sprout & Bean: Enjoy a freshly brewed coffee or tea, paired with a selection of freshly baked goods.
• Mighty Weiners: Enjoy plant-based sausages in brioche-style rolls, available with a variety of toppings.
• Raclette: Dig into roast potatoes, bread, or fries topped with melted raclette cheese and ham.
• El Murrino: Find Neapolitan-style pizzas with classic Italian toppings, including vegetarian and vegan options.
• Churros Kings: Indulge in cinnamon-sprinkled churros with a choice of milk or white chocolate dipping sauces.
• Crêpes: Enjoy sweet crêpes or savoury galettes with a variety of fillings.

Gifts and Stocking Fillers

• Cherry Tree Preserves: A selection of locally made preserves, chutneys, marmalades, and curds. Mini food hampers are also available for gifting.
• Butternut Box: Freshly prepared dog food to treat your pet during the festive season.
• Dorset Chilli: A variety of chilli sauces and products made by local producers.
• Viking Drinking Horns: Handcrafted drinking horns with a food-safe varnish inspired by Viking history.
• Moswicks Wines and Spirits: Wines and spirits in unique flavours like chocolate wine, bubblegum gin, and caramel vodka.
• Kohler Kusse: Luxury German chocolates with a crisp wafer base and a fluffy marshmallow centre, available in over 12 flavours.
• Olde English Fudge: Handmade fudge using traditional methods, with around 40 different flavours.
• Personalised Decorations: Ceramic decorations that can be personalised on-site.
• Festive Jumpers & Gifts: A range of fun Christmas jumpers and novelty gifts for all ages.
• South Coast Makers Market: Locally-made crafts, produce, and designs from independent businesses in Bournemouth.
• Star Baubles: Hand-blown glass and paper mâché baubles, hand-painted and customisable.

Interesting Things to Do

• Bournemouth Pier: Walk along the pier for sea views and amusement arcades.
• Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum: Visit a Victorian villa housing an eclectic collection of art and historical artefacts.
• Shopping in the City Centre: Shop a mix of high-street stores and independent retailers.
• Lower Gardens: Relax in the gardens or enjoy a boat ride along the river.
• Bournemouth Beach: Enjoy the sandy shores, ideal for sunbathing and paddling.
• Bournemouth International Centre: Attend various events, including music concerts and sports tournaments.
• The Wheel: Take a ride for panoramic views of the city and coast.
• Pavilion Theatre: Attend music, theatre, and cultural performances.
• Local Cuisine: Explore Bournemouth’s restaurants and cafes for a taste of local dishes.

Sustainability Tips

• Stay in Green Hotels: Book hotels or bed and breakfasts that utilise renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, and implement water-saving measures.
• Minimise Food Waste: When enjoying local foods, order only what you can eat. Bring your reusable containers for takeaway meals to reduce packaging waste.
• Support Local Artisans: Buy gifts and souvenirs from local makers at places like the South Coast Makers Market. This helps support small businesses and reduces the environmental impact of mass-produced goods.
• Plant-Based Dining: Choose from plant-based options at local vendors like Sprout & Bean or Mighty Weiners. It’s a simple way to reduce meat consumption and support local producers.
• Use Public Transport or Walk: Take advantage of Bournemouth’s bus services or walk around the city to reduce your carbon footprint. Explore the coast on the cycle path from Boscombe to Sandbanks.
• Participate in Beach Clean-Ups: Join a local beach clean-up, often organised by community groups, to help keep Bournemouth’s beaches clean and learn more about marine conservation.
• Visit Local Farms: Attend a workshop or tour at local farms around Bournemouth to learn about sustainable farming practices and buy fresh produce directly from the source.
• Explore Green Spaces: Visit Bournemouth’s parks and gardens, including the Lower Gardens, which focus on native plant species and sustainable gardening methods. Enjoy eco-tours or guided nature walks offered by local groups.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.