Bournemouth & Poole Guide | Lets Go Out Bournemouth & Poole

Bournemouth and Poole have it all – from miles of golden sandy beaches and the world’s second largest natural harbour to top family attractions and world-class events. Whether you’re looking for indoor fun, outdoor adventures, watersports, or relaxing in beautiful parks and gardens, there’s endless things to do here. Explore what’s on and make the most of every moment in this vibrant seaside destination!

Christmas in Bournemouth & Poole

Make the most of the festive season with our guide to Christmas events in Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset. Discover Christmas markets, pantomimes, festive shows, ice skating, Christmas lights, family days out and plenty of seasonal activities to enjoy with friends and family.

Find festive events, plan your Christmas outings and make the most of the magic this year!

Explore Christmas Events

Find Santa in Bournemouth & Poole

Make magical Christmas memories with the kids!

Discover Santa’s grottos and Father Christmas experiences in Bournemouth, Poole and across Dorset, from festive family adventures and Christmas train rides to breakfast with Santa and special seasonal activities.

Find dates, details and ideas for a magical festive day out with the family.

Find Santa Experiences

Discover some of the biggest and most popular events in Bournemouth and Poole, from annual festivals and spectacular fireworks to sporting events, family days out and seasonal celebrations.

From Pride, Arts by the Sea and Bike Night to major sporting events, family activities, Christmas celebrations and more, there’s always something to look forward to across Bournemouth, Poole and the surrounding area.

Check our Bournemouth and Poole events calendar regularly for the latest events, things to do and local highlights – and start planning your next day or night out.

Discover some of the best attractions in Bournemouth, Poole and the surrounding Dorset area. From exciting family adventures and coastal activities to beautiful gardens, boat trips, historic railways and live entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re planning a family day out, exploring somewhere new or looking for inspiration for your next visit, take a look at some of the fantastic places waiting to be discovered!

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Events and Attractions

Story Time with Santa in Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens

Nov 10, 2026 2 min read

This festive season, families can step inside Santa’s enchanting Alpine Workshop in the Lower Gardens for a special storytelling experience with Father Christmas himself.

Lifestyle

Bournemouth Launches Magical Christmas Story Writing Competition

Nov 9, 2026 4 min read

Christmas in Bournemouth is inviting budding young authors across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to get creative this festive season with the launch of a magical Children’s Christmas Story Writing Competition.

Events and Attractions Food and Drink Lifestyle Shopping and Retail Tourism

Christmas in Bournemouth returns for 2026!

Nov 5, 2026 6 min read

Bournemouth’s biggest Christmas celebration returns from 12 November, bringing the festive season back to the town centre and Lower Gardens with a reimagined Festive Trail, Christmas Market, Alpine Lodge, SKATE ice rink and a packed programme of family attractions and entertainment.

Events and Attractions Lifestyle

Coastal Cruises Poole launches Santa’s Harbour of Hope

Nov 4, 2026 2 min read

Coastal Cruises Poole is calling on residents, businesses and visitors to help fill a boat with Christmas presents through Santa’s Harbour of Hope, a community appeal supporting Amelia’s Rainbow, Ashley’s Birthday Bank and MYTIME Young Carers.

Events and Attractions Health and Fitness

Shine a light in the memory of your loved one this Christmas at Light Up Our Tree

Oct 22, 2026 3 min read

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity invites everybody across Dorset to come together on Thursday 3 December 2026 for a warm and beautiful remembrance service called Light Up Our Tree, to remember family members or friends who are sadly not with us today.

Events and Attractions Tourism

Coastal Cruises Poole Celebrates Two Years of Keeping Poole’s Boats Sailing

Oct 21, 2026 5 min read

From a race against time to a thriving independent business, Coastal Cruises Poole celebrates its second anniversary on 22 October, marking two years of harbour adventures, unforgettable memories and a team effort to protect a much-loved part of Poole’s tourism industry.

Discover What’s On and Things to Do in Bournemouth & Poole!