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.
Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail
This free festive light show (Nov 23 – Jan 1) features an array of nautical themed decorations in a nod to the town's heritage as you follow the light trail from Falkland Square, through the High Street and onto Poole Quay. Impressive light installations for 2024 include a galleon, walk-through lantern and bauble, an anchor as well as Christmas tree installations and the 13m blue sea life tree in Falkland Square. There are also garlands, icicles, beautifully wrapped trees, and a marine 'ceiling of light' featuring fish and starfish.
poole-christmas-maritime-light-festival.co.uk
Christmas at Upton Park
Get started on your Christmas shopping and explore the ground floor of the 200-year-old Upton House at their Christmas Craft Fair (Nov 30-Dec 1). Browse local artisans and craft stalls and soak up the festive atmosphere with performances from local choirs throughout the day. uptoncountrypark.com
Festive Birdwatching
Join BARI (Bird and Recreation Initiative) for this free festive beginner's bird walk and see some of the many bird species that spend their winter in Poole Harbour after flying up to 3000 miles to be here. Learn basic bird ID skills and about epic migration journeys from Emily. Christmas jumpers encouraged! Meet outside the Tea Rooms at Upton Country Park to leave promptly at 12.30. Book at eventbrite.com/e/1030039043507
Set Sail with Santa
City Cruises offer festive sailings from Poole. Christmas Lights Cruise (Thurs, Fri Sat from Nov 28, boats every half-hour from 5-8pm) is a great way to see the Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival from the water. Set Sail with Santa, with the big man himself as you cruise around Poole Harbour (various dates from December 7 at 11am, 1pm and 3pm). cityexperiences.com/poole
Step into Christmas (Dec 6) with this warm-hearted family spectacular packed with festive chart-toppers. The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BS)) get festive with Handel's Messiah (Dec 11), The Snowman, a special screening of the festive classic, accompanied by the BSO (Dec 14), Last Night of the Christmas Proms (Dec 21) and the ever-popular singalong Carols Celebration (Dec 23). Keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman invites us to join his Yuletide Christmas Show (Dec 15), there’s a Strictly tinsel covered song and dance show Christmas with Anton Du Beke (Dec 19). The Armonico Consort singers' sublime choral arrangements get us in the Christmas spirit with their atmospheric Carols by Candlelight (Dec 22). The panto is Sleeping Beauty (Dec 12 –Jan 5) starring Chris Jarvis as Nanny Nutkins with Todd Carty as King Tucker and its set on Brownsea Island. lighthousepoole.co.uk
