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Christmas Tree Wonderland switched on in Bournemouth for 2023

Thousands of lights are now illuminating the Lower Gardens in Bournemouth following the launch of Christmas Tree Wonderland today.

Bournemouth One has been taking a look around the gardens from the Square to the Pier, and you can see our montage of photos here.

New for this year is a tunnel of light at the start of the trail thanks to the Council and Coastal Business Improvement District.

Bournemouth’s Santa Express is another addition for the kids, who can enjoy a train ride around the giant Santa illumination in front of the bandstand.

The centrepiece walk-through tree is lit and decorated with Christmas tree decorations this year, with laser lights shooting from the bottom of the tree. A new walk-through Christmas present completes the trail on the seafront.

The Christmas Markets opened yesterday featuring a range of festive wares alongside some tempting food and drinks, visitors can grab an indulgent hot chocolate to warm up as they wander through the trail, or a festive tipple from the Alpine Bar.

The Skate Ice Rink is also making a welcome return this year. Visitors can glide across the ice surrounded by the twinkling illuminations, with younger visitors enjoying a seat as they’re pushed around the open-air ice rink.

On Bournemouth Pier, little ones can post their letters to Santa, and the whole family can enjoy the Christmas lights from high up on the Big Wheel at Pier Approach.

For that real apres-ski feeling, Picnic on the Piste, located in the Westover Gardens area of the Lower Gardens, has live music, festive food and drink, and a glowing stepping stones trail.


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