A Coastal Christmas:

The Magic of Bournemouth in Winter

There’s something truly special about Christmas by the sea. The air is crisp, the ocean sparkles in the low winter sun, and the whole town seems to glow a little brighter. Bournemouth in December is alive with light and laughter — the perfect blend of festive cheer and coastal calm.

At Pelican House, we always say the best kind of Christmas is one that feels a little slower, a little more thoughtful, and full of simple pleasures. Here, you can start your morning with a quiet beach walk, end it under fairy lights and live music, and fill the hours in between with good food, good company, and that unmistakable sea-salt sparkle in the air.

Twinkling Trails & Seaside Wonder

Every winter, Bournemouth transforms into a Christmas postcard. The Christmas Tree Wonderland winds its way through the Lower Gardens, lighting up the town with more than a hundred trees and glowing sculptures. The trail runs from 13 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, and it’s one of those things that makes you feel like a child again — following paths of light through the crisp night air, the sea glinting just beyond the gardens.

🌲 Free to enjoy, it’s the perfect way to ease into the festive mood — grab a hot chocolate, wander beneath the lights, and let the atmosphere do the rest.

Just next door, the SKATE Bournemouth Ice Rink adds a touch of old-fashioned fun. Watch the skaters glide (or wobble) under the fairy lights, warm up with a cup of mulled wine, and maybe even have a go yourself. It’s impossible not to smile here — everything feels festive and carefree.

And when the cold nips a little too much, head towards the Christmas Market in the Square, where the scent of cinnamon, spiced cider, and roasted nuts fills the air. Stalls brim with handmade gifts, woolly hats, and local treats.

Eat, Drink & Be Merry

🎶 The Alpine Lodge Bar

At the heart of the market sits the Alpine Lodge Bar — all timber beams, twinkling lights, and cheerful noise. It’s the kind of place where strangers chat like friends, music fills the air, and the mulled wine never stops flowing. On Wednesdays, things get wonderfully silly with Christmas karaoke, where you can belt out Mariah, Bing or Wham! as snow (yes, real snow machines!) falls gently across the Square. It’s the kind of evening that makes your cheeks ache from smiling.

🍸 Where to Raise a Glass

When the market winds down, Bournemouth’s bars keep the festivities alive:

• 1812 Bar & Lounge – elegant cocktails, low lighting and live jazz – perfect for something a little special.

• The Botanist – lush greenery, twinkling lights, and winter gin cocktails that taste like Christmas in a glass.

• Urban Garden – relaxed and vibrant, with fairy lights, firepits and views over the gardens.

Each one offers a different kind of warmth — whether you’re after a quiet drink by the fire or a lively evening under the lights.

Dining with Heart & Flavour

Bournemouth’s restaurants take Christmas seriously — from indulgent fine dining to relaxed coastal feasts.

• The Ivy Bournemouth – beautifully dressed for the season, offering a festive set menu that’s as elegant as it is comforting.

• Helch Market – a lively, creative food market just off the Square, perfect for grazing, sipping and sampling something different.

• Aruba – perched right above the pier with sweeping sea views, twinkling fairy lights and a vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re tucking into their Christmas specials or sipping cocktails while the lights sparkle on the water, it’s the ultimate seaside celebration spot.

Whether you’re settling in for a long dinner or grabbing a quick bite between lights and laughter, Bournemouth’s dining scene wraps you in warmth and good cheer.

Festive Shows & Magical Moments

The sparkle doesn’t stop when the markets close — Bournemouth’s theatres and venues light up too.

• 🎭 Cinderella at the Pavilion Theatre | 6 Dec – 4 Jan
  Glittering costumes, laughter, and that classic panto magic for all ages.

• 🎵 The Overtones Christmas Party | 11 Nov
  Feel-good harmonies and singalong hits to start the season.

• 🎄 Elf: The Musical | 19–20 Dec, Bournemouth International Centre
  The heartwarming story of Buddy the Elf brought to life with music, sparkle and plenty of laughter — perfect for families and anyone who still believes in Christmas magic.

• 🎶 A Fairytale for Christmas at the BIC | 13 Dec
  Music, dance and festive joy in full swing.

And for something a little more unexpected, pop over to BH2 Leisure Complex, where snow machines sprinkle flurries throughout December. Catch a film, grab a bite, and step outside to your very own winter wonderland.

Beyond the Buzz

If you have time, drift a little further along the coast.
Poole Quay glows with maritime magic — tall ships outlined in fairy lights, carol singers by the harbour, and steaming cups of mulled wine.
Or for a quiet morning, walk Hengistbury Head — the wind in your hair, the sea mist catching the light, and that blissful sense that Christmas doesn’t have to be rushed.

Coming Home to Pelican House

And when the night winds down, there’s nothing lovelier than coming “home”.
Back to soft lighting, a cosy corner, maybe a glass of something sparkling. You can still hear the faint hum of the sea through the window — steady, calm, timeless.

At Pelican House, Christmas feels like it’s meant to: unhurried, joyful, full of simple pleasures and the comfort of good company.

So this year, trade the bustle for the coast.
Let Bournemouth’s lights lead you home to the sea — and make this Christmas one to remember.

✨ A festive seaside escape, the Pelican House way.

Blog Post Title Two

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Blog Post Title Three

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Blog Post Title Four

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.