Christmas Tree Wonderland

VISITORS to this year’s Christmas Tree Wonderland will be treated to a range of entertainment, dazzling light displays, sweet treats, ice-skating and more as organisers unveil the final plans for 2021.

At the heart of the Christmas trail – taking visitors from Lansdowne to the Triangle, Bournemouth Square, the Lower Gardens and the seafront – will be the 60ft walk-through Bournemouth Wonderland Tree; a popular favourite among visitors. It is one of more than 100 festive-themed illuminations spread across the town. From a giant Santa in Commercial Road to a 10m high colour changing tree in Beale Place and 5m trees of light and parcels in Westover Road, a giant reindeer, curtain of light, waterfalls and polar bears, to the illuminations at Smugglers Cove and a walk-through bauble in Pier Approach, everyone will be in awe of all the lights.

SKATE returns to the Lower Gardens once again where families can try their best ‘Dancing on Ice’ moves and enjoy a tipple at the Moguls Bar from 18 November. In the square, the traditional Alpine market returns selling handmade gifts and sweet treats from 10am till late, and the Alpine Bar opens daily from 11am till late selling mulled wine, spiced cider, hot chocolates and more.

“Christmas is an important time for families and friends to come together and enjoy the festive celebrations,” said Cllr Beverley Dunlop, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Vibrant Places.

“That is why so much work has gone into ensuring Bournemouth is the place to visit for something extra special. There are more than 30,000 programmable lights on the Wonderland Tree and the large Tree of Light  – there really is nothing else like it in the country. So, don’t miss out, come and see this amazing festival for yourself. Eat, drink, skate, buy those unique gifts, have fun and take in the magical sights of the town.”

The town also boasts an abundance of centrally located independent and familiar chain restaurants providing an array of cuisine. With a number of high street retailers across the town, from Lansdowne and the High Street to the Triangle, visitors will be able to find all they desire for their Christmas shopping needs. There will be pop up street entertainment across the town throughout December and you might even spot the big man in red wandering around the newly opened Bobby’s in the town centre over the weekends from 27 November and every day during the week leading up to Christmas.

In addition, visitors can challenge family and friends to some healthy Christmas competition among twinkling lights with beautiful views at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf, have a ride on the Christmas carousel at Pier approach while animated characters walk by, or enjoy an enchanted open topped bus around Bournemouth and the surrounding areas provided by Golden Tours in partnership with Yellow Coaches, and avoid the crowds as you relax whilst visiting the illuminating sights!

Add in a little boy in green who will be flying to the Pavilion Theatre for the Peter Pan family pantomime from 4 December, as well as a giant snow globe that transports you to a winter wonderland that’s travelling around Bournemouth town centre from 29 November to 12 December thanks to the Town Centre BID and local businesses, and you’ve got Christmas all wrapped up!

Sponsoring this year’s Christmas Tree Wonderland are Bournemouth’s Town Centre and Coastal BIDs, Yellow Buses, Exclusive Bus Transport Provider, and our Partner Sponsor Chase, the digital bank, with further support from South Western Railway, Official Getting here Train Provider and PayByPhone, sponsoring the Giant Reindeer.

There really is something for everyone to enjoy this Christmas in Bournemouth so come on down and join in with all the fun!

Find out more at Christmas Tree Wonderland.