Christmas in Bournemouth after Christmas: 27 Dec to 3 Jan

Christmas in Bournemouth after Christmas Day is a shorter list than in December, but a real one. The organisers' season runs from 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, and the market stalls in Bournemouth Square close on 31 December, according to Alpine Christmas Markets. That leaves two stretches: 27 to 31 December, with almost everything still open, and 1 to 3 January, without the market.

What about 25 and 26 December?

The organisers have not listed whether the site opens on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. Do not assume either way. Check the organisers' FAQ nearer the time, or email bournemouth@alpinechristmasmarkets.co.uk. We will update this article if they publish holiday hours.

27 to 31 December: the last week of the market

In 2026, 27 December is a Sunday and 31 December a Thursday. On the published pattern:

• The market opens from 11am, with stalls closing at 8pm, or 7pm on Sunday 27th, and food stalls until 10pm. It is the last chance for the over 40 traders the organisers list; 31 December is the final day. Payment is card and contactless only.
• The Festive Trail in the Lower Gardens is free to enter, with its lights, animated displays and the walkway of real Christmas trees.
• SKATE Bournemouth, the open-air rink, runs toddler and family sessions among others. The organisers say school holidays fill fast, and most schools are off this week, so book ahead. Our 2026 rink guide has the sessions.
• The Alpine Lodge keeps its bar downstairs and the Après Bar upstairs. Hours vary between the organisers' pages, so check before a late night.
• Ticketed extras: the Christmas Tree Maze, Glow Golf and Story Time with Santa, all bookable in advance. The organisers do not say whether Santa's sessions continue after Christmas Day, so check which dates the booking page offers.

The published carols schedule ends on 20 December, so do not expect the Square stage programme in this week unless the organisers add acts. The Christmas characters appear every Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm, on the organisers' page; whether that continues on Sunday 27th is not stated.

Snowfall in the holiday week

The snowfall times follow the day of the week: from the Alpine Lodge balcony at 5pm Monday to Thursday and at 2pm, 5pm and 7pm Friday to Sunday; from the trail's giant trees at 5pm Monday to Thursday and 4pm, 6pm and 8pm Friday to Sunday. The organisers have not said whether the pattern changes over the holidays.

New Year's Eve

31 December is the market's last day. The organisers have not announced anything specific for New Year's Eve on the Christmas in Bournemouth site, so treat any party plans at the lodge as something to check and book directly.

1 to 3 January: the final weekend

1 January 2027 is a Friday, so the season ends on a weekend. With the market stalls gone, what remains is the trail, the rink and the other attractions, though the organisers do not list a final day for each, so check each page. If you are visiting for the market itself, come before 31 December.

Making a holiday week of it

Between Christmas and New Year, the Bournemouth Guide's winter page and what's on listings cover the rest of town, and our winter walks are a good way to spend the morning before an evening on the trail. The Pavilion pantomime runs into January too, covered in our BIC and Pavilion autumn guide.

What it means if you are staying over New Year

A few nights between Christmas and New Year let you pick the quieter weekday evenings for the trail and the rink. Flexiestays' apartments are on the West Cliff, about ten minutes on foot from the Square and the Lower Gardens. Longer stays over Christmas and New Year include bills, which suits anyone visiting family through the break; see what counts as a long stay and the holiday stays page. Booking direct is cheaper than the big platforms.