Bournemouth Christmas Market & Alpine Village

From mid-November, Bournemouth’s town centre and Lower Gardens take on a festive glow for the Christmas Market and Alpine Village — one of the biggest seasonal draws on the south coast.

What to expect

Rows of wooden chalets sell gifts, crafts, mulled wine and street food, while an Alpine-style bar adds a cosy, après-ski feel to winter evenings. The gardens are strung with lights, and there are usually fairground rides and family attractions alongside.

Making an evening of it

The market comes into its own after dark, when the lights and the town’s Christmas Tree Wonderland trail turn a stroll through the gardens into the centrepiece of a festive visit.

Planning your visit

The town centre is busiest on December weekends and in the run-up to Christmas — arrive early or come midweek for a calmer wander. Wrap up warm, as much of the market is outdoors along the gardens and squares.