Christmas in Poole

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. Let's also not forget the wonderful cultural centre which is Lighthouse and always brings a festive cheer with Christmas entertainment.

At Christmas the streets of Poole will be filled with the sounds of music and choirs from pop up events, and the twinkling of Christmas lights throughout the town will cast a magical glow. The elves say that 2024 will be a fantastic year to visit Poole! Poole was made for Christmas and the lights provide the boutiques, coffee shops, pubs and cafes with a distinctly Dickensian feel.

Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail

The Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail  takes place from 23 November 2024 – 1 January 2025.
The Christmas season is a magical time of the year, and the Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail is the perfect way to celebrate. The trail is full of holiday cheer, featuring stunning light displays that will put you right into the spirit of the season. The trail is free to follow, and there is no one place to start, although you might find a stroll from Falkland Square to the Quay to be a plan to try and take in all the features of this year’s trail! There’s more than a nod to Poole’s maritime history, with a whale, galleon and a giant anchor among the displays! There’s also plenty of great selfie spots, including our 3D Lantern and Parcel, so do tag them on social media, they’d love to see your pictures! Find out more about Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail.

The event is supported by Poole BID. From The Lighthouse Quarter, Falkland Square along the High Street and to Poole Quay, why not come and experience it on opening night (Saturday 23 November 2024) and join Poole BID’s festive parade.
Find out more about the opening night parade and all of the extra entertainment that Poole BID have planned for the festive season.

Events and attractions

There's always something to see or do, with Lighthouse, Poole playing host to live events. This year Sleeping Beauty is the Lighthouse, Poole pantomine, running 12 November 2024 - 5 January 2025 featuring some very well known names!

Expect entertainment in the High Street for all the family, with plans for regular live music. Poole’s Choirs at Christmas sponsored by Poole BID returns this year. Music will fill the air on the streets of Poole during the festive season as local choirs will be performing each weekend.

Thanks to Poole BID and our partners for working with us ensuring Poole comes alive with festivities in 2024.

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 though 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!

In addition to all the Kingland retailers you know and love, a brand new artisanal Christmas market located at 22 Kingland Crescent is coming. Featuring festive sweet and savoury treats, as well as wide range of locally made gifts, Kingland Christmas Market will be open to the public from 13^th November until 23rd December, 10am to 4pm everyday. You'll find gifts galore in Kingland!

‍

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 be end with cheering crowds at 10am 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 Event team.

Let's go outside!

Upton Country Park are a great day out and we look forward to bringing you details of what they have in store for Christmas.

Festive for 2024 across the conurbation

For a magical Christmas experience, just along the coast, visit Bournemouth’s Christmas Tree Wonderland. Anatmosphere of good cheer is all around with a range of entertainment, dazzling light displays, sweet treats and so much more from 15 November - 31 December 2024, there'll be fun for all the family.

Gift Vouchers

Why not get ahead with your festive shopping and 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.

Compton Acres in Canford Cliffs, vouchers are an ideal Christmas gift for a keen gardener.

RNLI College also offer gift vouchers, an ideal gift for those who want to stay in a stylish accommodation with beautiful views across the bay.  

Christmas Travel Information

In the festive season travel efficiently and comfortably on public transport:

Morebus
Morebus continue to offer their single journeys for just £2, and expect this to continue until the end of December. So while you're out shopping or visiting Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail, have that Christmas drink knowing you can ride home with Morebus.

Beryl Bikes
These are a great way to beat the traffic and take a sustainable journey. Find a Beryl bike or scooter quickly near you.

Download the Beryl App now to access over 1000 bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters available at over 400 parking bays across the BCP area.

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.

‍