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 Centre. 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 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 2023 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.
The Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail goes into its second year, and takes place from Saturday 25 November 2023 – Tuesday 2 January 2024. It features dazzling illuminations and installations that weave through Poole Town Centre from Falkland Square, along the High Street and down to Poole Quay. There’ll also be a range of Christmas entertainment so look out for updates on our channels and get ready to celebrate Poole’s maritime history with a modern twist!
The event is supported by Poole BID. Find out more about Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail.
There's always something to see or do, with Lighthouse, Poole playing host to live events. Take a magical carpet ride with this year’s family pantomime, Aladdin. 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 2023.
Poole High Street plays host to many interesting local and independant shops and a weekly market, including the fabulous Truly Scrumptious sweet shop and Lush; bath and body treats which are locally made in Poole and popular vinyl store Boiler Records - just part of the high street and Kingland shopping experience.
Whilst enjoying the Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail throughout Poole and along the Quay, shop for gifts and local produce every Saturday & Sunday from 25 November to 24 December (10am to 4pm) at Poole Quay’s Hennings Christmas Market, supported by City Cruises.
The indoor Dolphin shopping centre is home to high street brands including Primark, Boots, New Look, HMV and H&M. Dolphin Centre retailers will be open until 8pm every Thursday in the lead up to Christmas, and until 6pm on Christmas Eve.
These shops are offering extended opening hours during the run up to Christmas:
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.
On New Year's Day, there will be a display of up to 100 classic vehicles of any nationality that must have been registered before the modern style registration number plates came into being in September 2001. The vehicles will be displayed from the Sea Music sculpture, where the Lower High Street joins the Quay, eastwards to the Poole Quay Hotel. Vehicles will be on display from 10:00 until 12:30.
The event is organised by Poole Harbour Commissioners and BCP Council Event team.
Upton Country Park are a great day out and we look forward to bringing you details of what they have in store for Christmas.
Whilst you're enjoying the sights, Sail with Santa on a festive cruise in Poole Harbour and take in some stunning sights.
Poole holds a Coach Friendly Status award which makes it a great place to visit as a group, especially at Christmas time! We have put together a group friendly Christmas itinerary which will help you navigate Poole's festive offerings this year.
For a magical Christmas experience, just along the coast, visit Bournemouth’s Christmas Tree Wonderland. An atmosphere of good cheer is all around with a range of entertainment, dazzling light displays, sweet treats and so much more from 17 November 2023 – 1 January 2024, there'll be fun for all the family.
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.
City Cruises Poole offer gift vouchers on a large selection of their cruise programme and make a thoughtful gift!
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.
Head to our special offers pages for some great deals.
In the festive season we like to spread the cheer with travel and public transport offers:
Fiver for a Fiver Group Ticket (Save £9 on usual price of £14!)
Morebus are offering a special £5 group ticket for up to five people (adults and children) when travelling together. This gives you the freedom to hop on and off buses as you please in the Zone A area (including anywhere in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole).
These reduced priced tickets are available via the morebus app. They can be used anytime on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 December to 24 December, as well as after 5.30pm on Thursday late night shopping nights on the 7, 14 and 21 December 2023.
For more details visit https://www.morebus.co.uk/5-go-ps5-christmas
There are two great offers available from Beryl this Christmas:-
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.
For more information about car parks please visit the find a car park page on the BCP council website.
Whether you’re visiting for the day, on a Christmas mini break or live in the area, there’s so much to discover and enjoy this year in Poole and we’ll be delighted to welcome you!
Clear the head at Poole's annual charity day of fundraising. See creative crews take to the water…
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