Bournemouth’s Christmas Tree Wonderland and the new Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival have seen 4.4 million visitors so far this year with thousands more expected over Christmas.
These major, free-to-attend Christmas light festivals will be in situ until 2 January 2023 so there is still plenty of time to visit.
In Bournemouth, Christmas Tree Wonderland features a huge variety of light installations including numerous replica Christmas Trees from around the world. New for 2022 is the blue and yellow Kyiv tree which has received very positive and supportive reviews.
In Poole the light installations take on a maritime focus to celebrate the town’s important nautical history, with the sparkling giant anchor on Poole Quay being one of the focal points on the trail.
Both these Christmas festivals are organised by BCP Council with partnership funding from the Council and the local Business Improvement Districts. (BIDs). These are the Bournemouth Town Centre and Coastal BIDs for Christmas Tree Wonderland while the Christmas Maritime Light Festival is supported by Poole BID.
Other event sponsors include South Western Railway, Morebus and Wave 105.
Jon Weaver, Head of Destination and Events, BCP Council commented: “Our Christmas offering this year is bigger than ever before, with two light trails that weave through each town as well as the Yuletide Festival in Christchurch, organised and funded by Christchurch BID.
“These events are free to visit and as our footfall data shows, they bring residents and visitors from far and wide to our area, enjoying everything that is on offer. Both festivals help to support our local economy and maintain and raise the profile of the three towns at a really important time of the year.”
Bournemouth’s popular Christmas Tree Wonderland runs for six weeks in total and features a multitude of sparkling light installations in a festive light trail through the Town Centre, Lower Gardens and onto Pier Approach. A Christmas market selling a variety of gifts and festive food, a two-storey Alpine Bar and SKATE ice rink have also helped to draw in the crowds to enjoy some festive cheer.
In Poole, the brand-new Christmas Maritime Light Festival, has attracted people to Poole to enjoy the nautical-themed light installations which include a five-metre tall ship, a walk through bauble and some festive Christmas trees with maritime-themed decorations and Christmas choirs.