Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 returns with bigger market and ice rink
Bournemouth Christmas Market returns on 12 November 2026 with over 40 traders, a revamped Festive Trail, SKATE ice rink and Alpine Lodge for a full seaside festive experience.
Christmas in Bournemouth 2026: Bigger Market, Ice Rink and Festive Trail Return
Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 is set to return with even more festive cheer. From 12 November, the town centre and Lower Gardens will transform into a seasonal wonderland. The event will feature the market itself, a revamped Festive Trail and the SKATE Bournemouth ice rink. Together, these form one of the South Coast’s biggest Christmas celebrations by the sea.
The organisers are calling the 2026 Bournemouth Christmas Market their largest ever, with over 40 traders expected to fill Bournemouth Square with festive cheer. The celebrations will run well into the New Year, with the overall programme lasting until 3 January 2027, although the market itself closes on 31 December.
This is more than just a shopping event. It’s a full festive experience with food, entertainment, family activities and a unique seaside atmosphere. Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 promises to be a highlight of the town’s festive calendar.
More than 40 traders at Bournemouth Christmas Market
What to expect from the 2026 Christmas Market stalls
At the heart of the festivities is the Bournemouth Christmas Market, located in The Square. This year’s Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 promises to be the biggest yet, featuring more than 40 traders offering a wide range of Christmas gifts, handmade crafts, decorations and seasonal treats.
Visitors can expect a vibrant mix of independent traders, creating a diverse shopping experience where you can find unique presents and festive goodies. Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 is the perfect place to start your Christmas shopping.
Trader list and Alpine atmosphere
While the full list of traders is yet to be announced, the Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 will maintain its popular Alpine-style setting. Wooden chalets decked with twinkling lights and festive decorations will create a cosy, charming atmosphere familiar to regular visitors, but on a noticeably larger scale.
This traditional Alpine feel is part of what makes Bournemouth Christmas Market so special, blending the warmth of a classic Christmas market with the town’s coastal charm. The 2026 market will continue to offer this unique blend.
When does Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 open?
Opening dates and times
The Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 opens on Thursday 12 November 2026 and runs daily until Thursday 31 December 2026. Each day the market opens at 11am.
Retail stalls generally close at 8pm, except Sundays when they close at 7pm. Food traders remain open later, serving festive fare until 10pm. This keeps the Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 lively well into the evening throughout the season.
Evening atmosphere and food options
With food stalls open after the shops close, the Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 offers a great spot for an evening stroll or casual night out. You can enjoy seasonal treats and hot drinks while soaking up the festive lights and atmosphere.
Christmas street food returns
Festive food favourites
Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 is known for its tempting festive food. Expect classic treats like hog roast, bratwurst sausages and luxury hot chocolates alongside a variety of other food stalls offering seasonal flavours.
This is the place to indulge in Christmas market specialities you might not find elsewhere during Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026.
Late-night food and drink
The food stalls stay open until 10pm, so even if you arrive after the shopping ends, there’s still plenty of opportunity to enjoy warming food and drinks while exploring the festive lights at Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026.
The Alpine Lodge is back, with an Après Bar upstairs
Traditional Alpine atmosphere downstairs
A highlight of Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 is the Alpine Lodge, a two-storey festive venue in the heart of the market. Downstairs offers a traditional Alpine Christmas experience with warm lighting, festive decorations, and a selection of beer, mulled wine and festive cocktails.
Lively Après Bar upstairs
Upstairs is the lively Après Bar, featuring DJs, live entertainment, booth seating and views over the Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 and Festive Trail. The entertainment programme includes quiz nights, karaoke, bingo and live music, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Outside, converted ski gondola booths add a unique festive touch. The Alpine Lodge opens from 11am to 11pm Sunday to Thursday, extending to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
SKATE Bournemouth returns to the Lower Gardens
South Coast’s largest outdoor ice rink
SKATE Bournemouth, the South Coast’s largest outdoor ice rink, returns to the Lower Gardens from 12 November 2026 until 3 January 2027. The rink is set beneath festive lights, creating a magical winter scene in the heart of the gardens and complementing the Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 festivities.
Sessions and Moguls Bar
The rink offers a variety of sessions including family-friendly skating, toddler sessions, student nights and weekend DJ sessions. Beside the rink, Moguls Bar provides seating and serves hot chocolates, mulled wine and other winter drinks.
Popular sessions, especially at weekends and during school holidays, are expected to book up quickly. Advance booking is recommended for SKATE Bournemouth during the Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 season.
A revamped Bournemouth Festive Trail
New festive route through town
The Festive Trail runs through Bournemouth town centre and the Lower Gardens from 12 November 2026 until 3 January 2027. For 2026, the trail has been revamped with new festive lights and family attractions, adding to the Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 experience. This creates a bright and inviting route through the centre of town.
Free to visit and family friendly
Much of Christmas in Bournemouth remains free to visit, including the Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026, festive lights and decorations. While some attractions require tickets, families can enjoy a large part of the festive atmosphere without any admission fee.
There’s a Christmas trail for children too
Activity booklet and family prize draw
Families can join a dedicated Christmas activity trail designed for children. Kids collect an activity booklet filled with puzzles, jokes, scavenger hunts and clues. Then they follow the trail around the Christmas attractions, including the Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026.
Booklets will be available at locations such as the Alpine Lodge, Santa’s Workshop, Christmas Tree Maze, Glow Golf and the Ice Rink. Completing the trail and returning the answers enters children into a family prize draw at the end of the season.
Engaging younger visitors
This activity adds an interactive element to the festive visit. It keeps younger visitors entertained and engaged throughout their walk around Bournemouth’s Christmas attractions, including those at Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026.
Santa is coming to Bournemouth
Santa Experience and Breakfast With Santa
No Christmas would be complete without Santa. The Santa Experience runs from 5 to 24 December 2026, offering families a chance to meet Father Christmas during the Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 season.
Breakfast With Santa is also scheduled on selected dates between 12 and 20 December 2026 at Bournemouth Pier. It combines festive fun with a seaside setting.
Booking advice
Some Santa experiences and other popular attractions require tickets. Booking in advance is advised to avoid disappointment during the Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 festivities.
Glow Golf returns for Christmas
Illuminated mini-golf fun
Glow Golf, the illuminated mini-golf experience, returns for the festive season from 12 November until 24 December 2026. It is a fun, family-friendly activity that adds to the variety of Christmas entertainment in town alongside Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026.
Variety of family activities
Alongside Glow Golf, families can enjoy the Christmas Tree Maze, Santa experiences, festive rides and games. This range of activities means visitors can return several times without repeating the same experience at Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 and other festive events.
Christmas by the beach hits differently
Unique seaside festive atmosphere
Bournemouth’s Christmas celebrations benefit from the town’s seaside location. Visitors can enjoy the Alpine Christmas Market, sip hot chocolate, skate beneath festive lights and then stroll down to the beach within minutes.
The Square sits at the top of the Lower Gardens, with the festive attractions creating a route leading towards Bournemouth Pier and the seafront. On a clear winter evening, the combination of Christmas lights above and the sea nearby creates a magical atmosphere that is a hallmark of Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026.
Is Christmas in Bournemouth free?
No general admission charge
Entry to Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 and the wider festive lights and atmosphere is free. Visitors can freely wander the market, enjoy the decorations and soak up the festive spirit without paying an admission fee.
Pay for food, drinks and attractions
Of course, food, drink and gifts are paid for individually. Some attractions such as ice skating and certain family experiences require tickets. This allows visitors to tailor their visit to their own budget and interests during Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026.
One thing to know: Bournemouth Christmas Market is cashless
Card and contactless payments only
Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 operates as a cashless event. Card and contactless payments are accepted throughout the market and Alpine Lodge. There is no need to carry cash or search for a cash machine.
Bournemouth Christmas 2026 dates to remember
| Attraction | 2026 Dates |
|---|---|
| Bournemouth Christmas Market | 12 November, 31 December |
| Bournemouth Festive Trail | 12 November, 3 January 2027 |
| SKATE Bournemouth | 12 November, 3 January 2027 |
| Glow Golf | 12 November, 24 December |
| Santa Experience | 5, 24 December |
| Breakfast With Santa | 12, 20 December |
These dates are based on current official listings and may be updated closer to Christmas.
Where does Christmas in Bournemouth take place?
Main market location
The main Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 is in Bournemouth Square, in the town centre:
Bournemouth Square Bournemouth Town Centre Dorset BH2 6ED
Wider festive area
The festive celebrations spread through the town centre and Lower Gardens. Most attractions are within easy walking distance of each other. This makes it simple to explore the full Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 experience in one visit.
Christmas in Bournemouth 2026 is shaping up to be a big one
With over 40 traders, a refreshed Festive Trail, the South Coast’s largest outdoor ice rink, Alpine bars, festive food, Santa experiences and family activities all centred around Bournemouth town centre, there is plenty to enjoy from November through to the New Year.
Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 opens on 12 November 2026. The market runs until 31 December and many festive attractions continue until 3 January 2027.
the Flexiestays Bournemouth Guide will keep this page updated with the latest announcements, trader lists and event details as they are confirmed for Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When does Christmas in Bournemouth 2026 start?
Christmas in Bournemouth begins on 12 November 2026, with the Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026, Festive Trail and SKATE Bournemouth all opening that day.
How many stalls will Bournemouth Christmas Market have?
The 2026 Bournemouth Christmas Market will feature more than 40 traders. The full list of traders is yet to be announced.
Is Bournemouth Christmas Market free?
Entry to the Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 and much of the wider festive experience is free. Some attractions such as ice skating and certain family activities require separate tickets.
What time does Bournemouth Christmas Market open?
The Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 opens daily at 11am. Retail stalls close at 8pm (7pm on Sundays), while food traders stay open until 10pm.
Is there an ice rink in Bournemouth at Christmas?
Yes. SKATE Bournemouth returns to the Lower Gardens from 12 November 2026 until 3 January 2027 as part of the Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 festivities.
Is Bournemouth Christmas Market cashless?
Yes. The Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 operates as a cashless event, accepting card and contactless payments throughout. Explore more festive fun and local attractions with our guides to things to do in Bournemouth, enjoy the Bournemouth Beach nearby, or plan your festive dining with our Bournemouth restaurants guide. For background on Bournemouth, see Wikipedia. For official event and seafront information, visit BCP Council. For visitor information about Dorset and the South Coast, see Visit Dorset.
When does Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026 open and close?
The Bournemouth Christmas Market opens on Thursday 12 November 2026 and runs daily until Thursday 31 December 2026. Each day the market opens at 11am. Retail stalls generally close at 8pm, except Sundays when they close at 7pm. Food traders remain open later, serving festive fare until 10pm.
How many traders will be at the Bournemouth Christmas Market in 2026?
The 2026 Christmas Market will be the largest yet, featuring more than 40 traders. These include a vibrant mix of independent traders offering Christmas gifts, handmade crafts, decorations and seasonal treats. The full list of traders is yet to be announced.
Is there an ice rink at Bournemouth Christmas Market?
Yes, SKATE Bournemouth, the South Coast’s largest outdoor ice rink, returns to the Lower Gardens from 12 November 2026 until 3 January 2027. The rink offers a variety of sessions including family-friendly skating, toddler sessions, student nights and weekend DJ sessions. Advance booking is recommended for popular sessions.
Is entry to Bournemouth Christmas Market and festive events free?
Entry to Bournemouth Christmas Market and the wider festive lights and atmosphere is free. Visitors can freely wander the market and enjoy the decorations without paying an admission fee. However, food, drinks and some attractions such as ice skating and family experiences require tickets or payment.
What payment methods are accepted at Bournemouth Christmas Market?
Bournemouth Christmas Market operates as a cashless event. Card and contactless payments are accepted throughout the market and Alpine Lodge, so visitors do not need to carry cash or search for a cash machine.
What family activities are available at Bournemouth Christmas 2026?
Families can enjoy a range of activities including a dedicated Christmas activity trail for children with an activity booklet featuring puzzles, jokes and scavenger hunts. There is also Glow Golf, the Christmas Tree Maze, Santa experiences and festive rides and games. Many of these activities are free or ticketed separately.
Where is the Bournemouth Christmas Market located?
The main Christmas Market is located in Bournemouth Square, in the town centre. The wider festive celebrations spread through the town centre and Lower Gardens, with most attractions within easy walking distance of each other.
What is the Alpine Lodge at Bournemouth Christmas Market?
The Alpine Lodge is a two-storey festive venue in the heart of the market. Downstairs offers a traditional Alpine Christmas atmosphere with warm lighting and festive drinks such as beer, mulled wine and cocktails. Upstairs is the lively Après Bar featuring DJs, live entertainment, booth seating and views over the market and Festive Trail.
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