Bournemouth is the perfect destination to visit, stay and get into the festive spirit. This Christmas in Bournemouth, be amazed and discover magical festive fun for all the family from 17 November 2017 – 4 January 2018. Ice skate under the stars in Bournemouth’s illuminated historic gardens, sample seasonal fare at the Alpine Market and Lodge and shop late into the night for the perfect gift. Kicking off this year’s festivities there’ll be a Christmas celebration on Friday 17 November at 6.30pm with entertainment in the Triangle, after which families are invited to explore what Bournemouth has to offer this Christmas in the Town Centre and Lower Gardens.
This year the spotlight is on Bournemouth as the resort dazzles with illuminations. The town’s historic gardens gleam and glow with fairy lights twinkling among the trees and there are Christmas trees and light sculptures at Lansdowne and Beale Place, as well as a giant teddy bear at the Triangle.
Brand new for 2017 is an Alpine Market that will transform the Town Centre into a winter wonderland. The streets will be lined with boutique stalls serving up tasty treats from local suppliers and quirky stocking ideas. Plus, for an alternative take on a Christmas Market, visit the Metropole Market at Lansdowne.
In the heart of Bournemouth Square, a brand-new two-storey alpine lodge will be open offering a mouth-watering aroma of spiced mulled wine. The perfect spot for a tipple, to tuck into sharing platters, charcuterie meats and cheese boards, or simply soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the entertainment.
Skate in the heart of the resort’s historic gardens on real ice under the stars. This year there are two fantastic extra features: Rinky Dinks – a separate ice rink just for small children and their parents; and Gliders – an exciting ice bowling team game. The Moguls café-bar sees a selection of winter warmers like hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream for all to enjoy.
If you prefer the shelter of an indoor rink, the Bournemouth International Centre has the Cool Coast Ice Rink. This is South Coast’s biggest indoor seasonal ice rink and is open from Friday 15 December 2017 to 18 February 2018.
For the festive season this year, Bournemouth’s Pavilion Theatre presents Jack and the Beanstalk (2 December 2017 – 1 January 2018). This year’s all-star cast will ensure that the show is a giant hit. S Club 7’s Rachel Stevens will star as Fairy Sweet Pea, while Holby City’s Mark Moraghan plays villain Fleshcreep and Milkshake! presenter Derek Moran takes the stage as Jack.
Spreading the festive cheer across the destination, there’s also a host of events in the surrounding coastal villages – Boscombe, Southbourne and Westbourne. Expect fun filled Christmas activities and opportunities to visit Santa in his grotto, magical lights and enjoy a different festive experience from village to village.
