General FAQs
What is Christmas in Bournemouth?
Christmas in Bournemouth brings together a whole host of festive experiences across Bournemouth town centre and the Lower Gardens, including the Christmas Market, festive lights and trails, family activities, entertainment, the Alpine Lodge and a range of bookable experiences.
Is Christmas in Bournemouth free to visit?
Yes! Much of Christmas in Bournemouth is free to enjoy, including the Christmas Market, festive lights and decorations, entertainment and the wider Christmas atmosphere. Some experiences and activities are ticketed and require advance booking.
Where is Christmas in Bournemouth located?
Christmas in Bournemouth takes place across Bournemouth town centre, including Bournemouth Square, the Lower Gardens and surrounding areas.
When is Christmas in Bournemouth open?
Alpine Lodge is open 7 days a week - 11am - 11pm
Christmas Market is open 7 days a week - 11am - 8pm with our Food Traders remaining open until 10pm
Do I need to book in advance?
You can enjoy many parts of Christmas in Bournemouth without a booking. However, some of our most popular experiences are ticketed and can sell out, so we recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred date and time.
Can I just turn up?
Yes, for the free-to-enter areas of Christmas in Bournemouth. Some bookable experiences may have limited availability and cannot guarantee entry without a valid ticket.
Is Christmas in Bournemouth suitable for children?
Absolutely! There are lots of family-friendly experiences, entertainment and activities to enjoy throughout Christmas in Bournemouth.
Can I bring my dog?
Service dogs and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in many of the outdoor areas. Please be aware that dogs may not be permitted inside certain attractions, experiences or venues.
What happens if it rains?
Christmas in Bournemouth is an outdoor event and continues in most weather conditions. We recommend checking the forecast and dressing appropriately for the weather.
Are there toilets?
Yes. Toilets are available within the event area, with additional public toilet facilities nearby. Accessible toilet facilities are also available.
Christmas Market FAQs
What can I buy at the Christmas Market?
Our Christmas Market features a range of independent traders offering festive food and drink, gifts, decorations, crafts and seasonal treats.
What are the Christmas Market opening times?
Open daily from 11am until 8pm with Food Traders open until 10pm.
Do you accept cash?
Christmas in Bournemouth is a cashless event. Card and contactless payments are accepted across the Market and Alpine Lodge.
Bookable Experiences
Which experiences need to be booked?
A number of our experiences are ticketed, including selected family activities and attractions. The majority of the wider Christmas in Bournemouth experience remains free to enjoy.
Can I buy tickets on the day?
Where availability allows, tickets may be available on the day. However, we strongly recommend booking in advance as popular experiences can sell out.
Do children need their own ticket?
This depends on the experience. Please check the individual experience booking information, as ticket requirements and age restrictions vary.
Do adults need a ticket?
This depends on the experience. Please check the individual booking page before purchasing your tickets.
Can I change my booking?
Please refer to the terms and conditions provided at the time of booking, as cancellation and amendment policies can vary between experiences.
What happens if I arrive late?
Please allow plenty of time to find your experience and arrive before your scheduled start time. Late entry may not be possible for certain experiences.
Santa & Family Experiences
Can I meet Santa?
Santa makes special appearances during the festive season, with dedicated Santa experiences available to book. Please check the Santa experience page for dates, times and booking information.
Can I take photographs?
Photography is welcome in many areas of Christmas in Bournemouth. For dedicated experiences, please follow the guidance provided by our team on the day.
Accessibility
Is Christmas in Bournemouth accessible?
We want everyone to be able to enjoy Christmas in Bournemouth. Many of our outdoor areas have accessible routes, although some experiences may have specific access requirements.
Are the experiences wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility varies between experiences. Please check the individual experience page before booking or contact our team if you have specific requirements and we will be happy to help wherever possible.
Can I bring a wheelchair or mobility scooter?
Yes, mobility aids are welcome in the wider event areas. Some attractions may have restrictions due to their design or safety requirements, so please check before booking.
Is there accessible parking nearby?
There are a number of public car parks in Bournemouth, including accessible parking spaces. Christmas in Bournemouth does not operate its own dedicated car park.
Getting Here
Where can I park?
There is no dedicated Christmas in Bournemouth car park, but there are a number of public car parks within Bournemouth town centre. We recommend planning your journey and parking in advance, particularly at busy times.
Can I travel by train?
Yes. Bournemouth railway station is served by regular trains, with connections into the town centre. We recommend checking your journey in advance, particularly during busy festive periods.
Is Christmas in Bournemouth close to the beach?
Yes! Christmas in Bournemouth takes place in the heart of Bournemouth town centre, within easy reach of the seafront and beach.
Visiting with Children
Is Christmas in Bournemouth pushchair friendly?
Many areas are suitable for pushchairs, although some attractions may have limited space or specific requirements. Please check individual experience information before visiting.
Are there baby changing facilities?
Baby changing facilities are available within public toilet facilities in the surrounding area.
What should I wear?
Christmas in Bournemouth takes place largely outdoors, so wrap up warm and dress appropriately for the weather. Comfortable footwear is also recommended as you may be walking between different areas and experiences.
Alpine Lodge
Can I visit the Alpine Lodge without booking?
Yes, walk-ins are welcome, although we recommend booking a table in advance during busy evenings and weekends.
Is the Alpine Lodge suitable for children?
Children are welcome in the Alpine Lodge before 6pm. After 6pm, entry is restricted to over-18s in accordance with the venue's licence. Under-18s are not permitted upstairs.
Do I need to book a table?
Booking is not always required, but advance booking is recommended for peak times to avoid disappointment.
Do you serve food and drinks?
Yes. The Alpine Lodge offers a selection of festive food and drinks, including seasonal favourites and winter warmers.
Can I bring my dog to the Alpine Lodge?
Service dogs and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the market and downstairs area of the Alpine Lodge.
Weather
Will Christmas in Bournemouth go ahead if it rains?
Christmas in Bournemouth is designed to operate in a range of weather conditions. Some experiences may be affected by severe weather for safety reasons. If an experience needs to be cancelled or changed, we will communicate this to affected ticket holders.
What should I do if I lose something?
Please speak to a member of the Christmas in Bournemouth team as soon as possible. You can also contact us after your visit with details of the missing item.
Who do I contact if I have a question about my booking?
For booking-specific enquiries, please contact our team at bournemouth@alpinechristmasmarkets.co.uk.
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