Coastal BID are ready to bring you another year of festive events and activities to bring the Christmas spirit straight to your doorstep! The Bournemouth Christmas Market returns, Santa’s Grotto pop-up will be in Boscombe, Westbourne’s annual light switch-on returns for 2026, along with Southbourne’s Christmas on the Green!
Christmas in Bournemouth Town Centre ❄️
Coastal BID collaborate with Seventa Events to bring the Bournemouth Christmas Market to town for another year! The market once again runs all throughout the Square, with a festive walk route through the gardens, the ice skating rink, and the highly popular Alpine bar running from the 12th November to the 3rd January!
When and where? ⏰
- Thursday 12th November – Sunday 3rd January
- Alpine bar open till 11pm
- Market stalls open till 8pm (7pm on Sundays)
- Food stalls open till 10pm
What’s on?
- Alpine Christmas Market and bar, with fresh food and independent retailers open till the evening!
- Ice skating in the gardens returns!
- Walk your way through a festive trail through Town Centre, with this year’s beautiful decorations lining the gardens!
- Santa’s Grotto as well as a Christmas Tree Maze will also be available to visit!
- Choirs regularly for carol singing!
- Late-night openings at the Oceanarium!
What can I expect?
The Christmas Market transforms Bournemouth Town Centre into a cosy, winter wonderland, with so much on offer there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a gift for a loved one, fancy a drink in the Alpine bar, or a day out ice skating with the family!
Christmas in Westbourne ✨
The 28th November will see Westbourne light up with the spirit of Christmas once again, with a special guest, live music and choir singing and a fun day out for families and visitors alike, followed shortly by Santa’s visit to the Westbourne Arcade on the 5th December!
When is it? ⏰
- Saturday 28th November 2026
- Event starts from 17:30
What’s on?
- Santa will be making an appearance in Westbourne so make sure to be there and get yourself on the nice list!
- Traders will be getting involved all throughout the day, with live music and great food available all day!
- The Funky Choir will be performing, opening the event with carol singing at 17:30, so if you’re up for a sing-along, all the songs and lyrics can be found on this page, and will be downloadable!
What can I expect?
Expect an evening of Christmas joy, and a great community event to bring the community together. Choir singing, Santa, and some of the best Christmas lights in Bournemouth, what’s not to like?! Westbourne’s fantastic independent traders will have an incredible variety of food on offer, so it’s certainly worth making an evening of it.
Christmas in Boscombe 🎅
Santa’s Grotto returns to Boscombe’s Sovereign Centre, hosted by Boscombe and the Southbourne Rotary! Step inside Santa’s magical grotto and share your Christmas wishes with the man himself!
When and where? 🗓️
- Saturday 5th December – Tuesday 22nd December
- Open on select days from 10am, closed at 5pm (3pm on Sundays)
How does it work?
- Booking is essential
- Children and parents can take a tour of the grotto, take their own photo of their children (or themselves!) in Santa’s sleigh before meeting Santa and choosing a present from his selection!
- £8 per child with accompanying adults entering free of charge
- Proceeds will go towards various local identified charities, putting the festive cheer back into the local community!
- Brought by a collaboration between the Westbourne Rotary and the Southbourne & Boscombe Rotary.
Opening days and times ⏰
Saturday 5th December 2025 – 10.00am to 5.00pm
Sunday 6th December 2025 – 10.00am to 3.00pm
Saturday 12th December 2025 – 10.00am to 5.00pm
Sunday 13th December 2025 – 10.00am to 3.00pm
Friday 18th December 2025 – 10.00am to 5.00pm
Saturday 19th December 2025 – 10.00am to 5.00pm
Sunday 20th December 2025 – 10.00am to 3.00pm
Monday 21st December 2025 – 10.00am to 5.00pm
Tuesday 22nd December 2025 – 10.00am to 5.00pm
Christmas on the Green 🎄
Christmas on the Green returns to Southbourne on the 19th December for a day of live music, Christmas tradition, and festive joy on Southbourne Grove!
When and where? ⏰
- Saturday 19th December
- 10am-4pm
- Southbourne Grove, through the high street
What’s on?
- Live music throughout the day, including the Gugge2000 brass band, Relight my Choir and the Stourfield School children’s choir, who will be providing Christmas tunes all throughout the day!
- Santa will of course be making an appearance at his grotto, along with his elves, so be sure to bring your Christmas list along!
- Donkeys will also be roaming Southbourne adding to the cosy Christmas atmosphere.
- Face painting will also be available!
- Southbourne’s restaurants will have their Christmas menus available for a festive meal during the day!
What can I expect?
Southbourne is bringing the joy and festivity of Christmas straight to you, and all the way up and down the high street. Choirs will provide a Christmas soundscape during the day, while Santa and his elves roam Southbourne, and are available for a bookable meet and greet!
