Bournemouth Christmas Market sets up in The Square, in the middle of the town centre, and trades every day from Thursday 12 November to Thursday 31 December 2026. More than 40 traders sell hand-made and traditional Christmas gifts from alpine-style stalls, and you can walk round for free.
The market is one part of Christmas in Bournemouth, run by Alpine Christmas Markets Ltd. The Festive Trail through the Lower Gardens carries on until 3 January 2027, but the market stalls finish on 31 December. The tree maze, ice rink and light trails are covered on the page for Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland.
What to expect
Food is a big part of the draw. The market is known for its hog roast and bratwurst sausages, and there are luxury hot chocolates for anyone who wants something without alcohol. The Alpine Lodge bar stays open until 11pm, and a live Christmas choir and carol singers perform during the season.
The market opens at 11am every day. Market stalls close at 8pm, or 7pm on Sundays, while the food stalls keep going until 10pm.
Visitor information
Dates: Thursday 12 November to Thursday 31 December 2026.
Opening hours: Daily from 11am. Market stalls close at 8pm (7pm on Sundays). Food stalls stay open until 10pm. The Alpine Lodge bar closes at 11pm.
Cost: Free to enter. You pay only for what you buy. Some attractions elsewhere in Christmas in Bournemouth, such as ice skating and Glow Golf, are booked separately.
Getting there: The Square is in Bournemouth town centre, with the Lower Gardens running down towards the seafront.
Alpine Lodge: Under 18s are not allowed in the Alpine Lodge after 6pm, and the upstairs booths are reached by stairs only.
Where to stay
Bournemouth has its own main-line station, so a December weekend works without a car. Browse places to stay near Bournemouth.
