It may be November, but now is the time to book up for those special Christmas events. We’ve rounded up some of the best which are kicking off this month
This free festive trail, from Bournemouth Square through the Upper and Lower Gardens to Pier Approach, never fails to delight. Festive light installations include a tunnel of light, a geometric reindeer and polar bears. These are joined by old favourites such as the Seattle and Kyiv Christmas trees, Bethlehem nativity scene, and a giant walk-through bauble. November 15 – December 31.
christmastreewonderland.co.uk
Skate under the Stars
The Alpine Market and Alpine Bar are at Bournemouth Square from November 15 with quaint chalets serving Christmas treats, stocking fillers, handmade gifts and local produce. The market is a great place for Christmas shopping, a hot chocolate or glühwein. SKATE ice-rink (Nov 14 - Jan 5/pre-book at iceskatebournemouth.co.uk) offers a real ice-skating experience in the Lower Gardens. christmasinbournemouth.co.uk
Christmas on Bournemouth Pier
From November 15, Key West on Bournemouth Pier is transformed into a Winter Wonderland with lots of festive fun activities and the Letters to Santa post box. Book Breakfast with Santa on December 14, 15, 21, 22 & 23, while for adults the ‘Scrooge Dining Experience: A Grave Tale of Things to Come’ offers an immersive Christmas Carol experience (Dec 21). keywestbournemouth.co.uk
Christmas Market
The Littledown Centre, Chaseside is one of Dorset’s largest indoor Christmas markets. Browse up to 140 stalls of handmade artisan gifts from jewellery and fused glass to award-winning fudge, cakes and cheeses, there’s also Christmas decorations, cards, wrapping paper, wreaths, and even gifts for cats and dogs! Carols from Sing People Sing, Santa and his elves pop by along with Jules the Entertainer and Minky Moo’s Elsa, Anna and Ola. November 24, 11am - 4pm.
Look out for an angry giant at Bournemouth Pavilion as this year’s panto is Jack and the Beanstalk (December 7 – January 5) starring Calum Lill (Coronation Street) as the villainous Fleshcreep, David Ribi (Milkshake!) as Jack and Noel Brodie is Silly Simon. Expect a punch-packing princess, a feisty fairy, a witty widow and a cow with some beef. Meanwhile at the BIC That’ll Be The Day: Christmas Show (Dec 22) takes you on a nostalgic sleigh ride through the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll and pop. bournemouthpavilion.co.uk/ bic.co.uk
Cool Coast Ice Rink
Enjoy the largest indoor ice-skating rink on the South Coast, which is seasonally located at the Bournemouth International Centre in the Purbeck Hall. A great option when the weather isn’t so good, sessions run from 9am to 8.45pm (times vary) seven days a week, skate hire available. Each hour-long session must be prebooked. November 30 – February 25.
coolcoasticerink.co.uk
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum’s Victorian-themed Christmas decorations are up from November 19, with Christmas afternoon teas available to book from then. Follow the Christmas Trail to find out about Christmas traditions and collection items linked to this magical time of the year, there are Victorian Christmas Tours every Tuesday at 11am (from Nov 26). During the Victorian Christmas Weekend (Dec 7- 8) meet the Victorians and hear about their festive traditions. Father Christmas is in residence on November 30 and December 1 (bookable). Festive Museum Late events include An Enchanted Christmas Evening (Dec 11) and Candlelight Night (Dec 19) when you can enjoy the decorations by candlelight accompanied by carols from La Nova singers. russellcotes.com
White Christmas Dip
For those brave souls who like a sea swim, how about taking a quick dip to raise money for Macmillan Caring Locally, by joining the White Christmas Dip at Boscombe Pier. Started in 2008, this is now the UK’s biggest charity dip. It even has its own mascot Dippy the Seal who always joins the swimmers. To date its raised over £300,000, take the plunge for charity (in fancy dress or not) on Christmas Day at 9.45am. Pre-register at whitechristmasdip.co.uk
Christmas Song and Dance
Pavilion Dance South West has local singing group Relight My Choir (Dec 20) belting out a selection of rock, pop, country, rap and dance songs with a sprinkling of Christmas magic, then there’s the Festive Ceilidh (Dec 21) with folk duo Bow and Box and caller Fee Lock. pdsw.org.uk
