Christmas in Poole

Page Last Updated 14th October 2026

Experience the Magic of Christmas in Poole

The Christmas season is a magical time of the year and Poole is a great place to spend it. Christmas in Poole centres around the beautiful and historic Poole Quay, the winding and eclectic High Street with its mix of shops and cafes, and right up to Falkland Square and into The Dolphin. We also can't forget the wonderful cultural centre, Lighthouse, which always brings festive cheer with its Christmas entertainment.

At Christmas, the streets of Poole will be filled with the sounds of music and choirs from pop-up events, while the twinkling of Christmas lights throughout the town casts a magical glow. Poole was made for Christmas! The lights provide the boutiques, coffee shops, pubs, and cafes with a distinctly Dickensian feel.

Events and attractions

The streets of Poole will be filled with music and magic! With a spectacular launch event, festive performances, and seasonal entertainment popping up throughout the town, here is a taste of what you can enjoy.

TThere's always something to see or do, with Lighthouse, Poole playing host to live events. This year Jack and the Beanstalk is the Lighthouse, Poole pantomime, running 10th December 2026- 3rd January 2027 featuring some very well known names!

• Christmas Launch Day (21st November): Poole Town's Christmas celebrations officially launch with a festive parade led by Santa and the Bournemouth Concert Brass marching band! The parade leaves Lush HairLab on Poole Quay at 4pm and finishes in Falkland Square with a spectacular fire performance, featuring beautiful choir performances along the route.
• Festive Entertainment & Santa's Postbox: Enjoy a festive season of Christmas lights, shopping, and family entertainment throughout Poole. Drop your letters to the North Pole in Santa’s postbox at Poole Museum from 21st November to 7th December. Plus, look out for Santa visits and live choir performances every Saturday throughout December, as well as brass band music every Sunday lunchtime!
• Christmas Window Display Competition (5th–21st December): Poole Town businesses will be dressing their windows with a wonderful Christmas theme, adding to the festive atmosphere. Visitors can vote for their favourite window online and enter a draw to win £100. (Competition dates tbc)
• Christmas Party Cruise: Set sail on Poole Harbour for a holly jolly Christmas Party Cruise with Coastal Cruises Poole, running every Friday and Saturday night from 4th to 19th December. Enjoy a 2-course festive buffet, a glass of mulled wine, and dance to classic Christmas tunes with an onboard DJ.
• Sail with Santa Experience: Coastal Cruises Poole is also running a magical family adventure! Sail past Brownsea Island and Sandbanks while sipping mulled wine and enjoying carols. Santa himself will be on board to mingle and give each child a special present. Sailings run on weekends in December, plus the 21st–24th December.
• Festive Wreath Making in Brownsea Castle: From 8th - 10th December, embark on a scenic boat ride to the enchanting Brownsea Island. Create a stunning wreath in a two-hour workshop inside the historic castle, followed by a festive two-course lunch.

Check out some of the area's Christmas themed event listings below to find out what else is on or visit our what's on pages for a more diverse range of events.

Let's go outside!

‍Upton Country Park is a great day out, and this year it hosts Illuminate Poole, Dorset's newest winter light trail. From 20th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027, you can follow a magical 60-80 minute route through the beautifully illuminated grounds and enjoy sweet treats and hot drinks at the festive food and drinks court.

Shopping

Poole High Street plays host to many interesting local and independant shops and a weekly market.

At the 'Old High Street', near Poole Quay, you'll find a great selection, including the fabulous Truly Scrumptious sweet shop. Do stop and go in, after you've gazed through the windows at the huge choice! Discover Lush; with a spa in the Poole shop, and selling bath and body treats which are all locally made in Poole. If you like your music, popular vinyl store Boiler Records - is also part of the Old High Street.

Heading up towards The Dolphin, discover Kingland - this shopping experience is a delight. Expect pop up shops, and some that are now well established like Wild Roots, a fabulous oasis of greenery, ideal for Christmas gifts for the green fingered person in your life!

Festive for 2026 across the conurbation

For a magical Christmas experience, just along the coast in Bournemouth, visit their Christmas Market and Festive Trail. An atmosphere of good cheer is all around with a range of entertainment, dazzling light displays, sweet treats and so much more from 12th November 2026 - 3rd January 2027, there'll be fun for all the family.

Celebrate New Year - Poole's Charity Bath Tub Race

One of our most enjoyable annual events is the Bath Tube Race that occurs on New Year's Day. See creative crews take to the water in their home made crafts and race to the end with cheering crowds at 11am on New Year's Day.

This charity focussed event involves crews crafting unique vessels and racing them along the quay from The Customs House Steps to the Lord Nelson. Every year, rain or shine, crowds of hundreds turn up to cheer on crews as they race to raise money for a good cause. This whacky event is the perfect way to start the New Year as it is an event built on goodwill that isn't afraid to have a bit of fun. 

The event is organised by Poole Harbour Commissioners and BCP Council Events Team

Christmas Travel Information

In the festive season travel efficiently and comfortably on public transport, find out more here.

If you're arriving by car, you'll want to find a convenient place to park. For more information about car parks please visit the find a car park page on the BCP council website.