Page last updated 31st December 2020
In line with the latest Government announcement following the nationwide lockdown, the town will provide a festive backdrop for those venturing into the town centre for some Christmas shopping.
Falkland Square in Poole now houses a large Christmas tree and glittering lights cascade down the entrance of the Dolphin Centre where a trail of illuminations begins, leading shoppers down the High Street to the old quarter providing the boutique coffee shops, pubs and cafes a distinctly Dickensian feel.
Cllr Philip Broadhead, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning and Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “It is with great pleasure that we can now move forward and offer this Christmas experience for local residents to be able to rediscover their local high streets safely.
None of these offerings would have been possible were it not for the support from Poole BID. It is essential that we do all we can to boost revenue – where safe and appropriate to do so – for local businesses and we hope this sprinkling of Christmas cheer will help to do just that."
Help our local economy thrive by shopping with local businesses. Visit our Home Delivery & Online Services and Support Local pages for some ideas and inspiration.
Festive Events
Many of our partner businesses are gearing up to offer some festive cheer in the lead up to Christmas. Scroll down to see the full list of Christmas events.
Enjoy a festive day out with the family at one of our local attractions. Adventure Wonderland are hosting a magical, musical Santa Show as part of their Christmas experience. Plans are in place to bring some farm-tastic festive magic to Farmer Palmers this year and Paulton Park will be hosting a Celebration of Christmas with a range of seasonal delights to enjoy.
If you are looking for some live entertainment Lighthouse are hosting a selection of socially distanced shows and digital live streams during the month of December, including the Happy Ever After an hour of super songs, festive fun and loads of laughter with CBeebies' Chris Jarvis, CBBC presenters Naomi Wilkinson and Ed Petrie and a talented cast of singers and dancers. The perfect Christmas treat for the whole family where anything could happen! It’s Christmas at Lighthouse (with just a smidgen of pantomime).
At Upton Country Park they are excited to launch their easy festive trails around the Country Park. There's two to choose from - or why not try both! Don't forget to tag yourselves in your photos - they would love to see you are enjoying your visit!
Lighthouse are also offering the chance to purchase gift vouchers that can be used for a show in 2021, which promises to be a bumper year for them. Not only a fabulous gift option but also a great way to support your local Arts Centre.
For a kids New Years Eve (Eve) treat, why not book on the Phaser event at Lemur Landings Soft Play.
Gift Vouchers
With Christmas just around the corner, why not treat your loved one to a gift voucher for a local attraction, theatre, restaurant or even a weekend away in one of our fabulous hotels.
City Cruises Poole are offering gift vouchers on a large selection of their 2021 cruise programme. These can be delivered electronically or in a gift box.
Compton Acres in Canford Cliffs, Poole are offering a special reduced rate on their annual pass until the end of February, an ideal Christmas gift for a friend or family member.
Treat someone you know to an RNLI College gift voucher that opens the door to a variety of experiences including an overnight stay in a stunning harbour view room or dinner in the waterside restaurant. Vouchers available from £10 and are valid for 1 year. Every £1 you spend helps save lives at sea.
For a unique one-off gift why not adopt a monkey from Monkey World or a Heavy Horse from the Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park.
Special Offers
Head to our special offers pages for some great deals.
Transport and Christmas Parking Information
BCP Council is offering car users a series of free parking offers across the conurbation: on both Thursday evenings and Sundays in the main town centre car parks, and within other districts on Saturday afternoons. Free parking will be available as follows:
Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch Town Centres:
- Thursdays 3, 10, 17 and 24 December, 4pm to 10pm
- Sundays 6, 13 and 20 December, 10am to 6pm.
District car parks - Boscombe; Southbourne; Westbourne; Winton; Highcliffe; Ashley Road, Poole; Broadstone; Penn Hill, Poole; Canford Cliffs and Ashley Cross:
- Saturdays only, 5, 12 and 19 December, Midday to 6pm.
The specific car parks included in this scheme can be found below and online on the latest news section of the website.
To ensure car parks can be used safely, contactless payment methods are available in almost all of these facilities and anyone queuing should stay two metres apart. Face coverings are mandatory in all multi-story car parks.
Bus passengers will receive an early Christmas present from both Yellow Buses and Morebus in the form of a ticket that permits from two to five people to travel together on any number of journeys in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area for just £5 - a saving of £7 on the normal price.
The discounted tickets, purchased from the driver, will be available throughout the day each Sunday prior to Christmas (6, 13 and 20 December) and from 5.30pm to midnight every Thursday (3, 10 and 17 December). Tickets will be valid only for the operator from whom they are purchased (T&Cs apply).
It has been a tough year for everyone. May your Christmas be blessed with love, fun, peace, joy and happiness.
Merry Christmas from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Tourism.
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