As the Christmas season is approaching, it’s finally time to get all wrapped up for ice skating again, and time to feel the warmth of your hot chocolate in your hands. That’s why we’ve got all the info on your favourite Christmas market down below, so you can go out and start feeling truly festive.
The Christmas Tree Wonderland Trail
On Friday the 19th of November, when the sun goes down, the Lower Gardens in Bournemouth will illuminate with colourful festive lights as the Christmas Tree Wonderland Trail is switched on for the first time since December 2019. This trail goes from the seafront all the way to the Lansdowne Roundabout, passing through the square, the triangle and Horseshoe Common. The 60ft walk-through colour changing tree makes its grand return again this year, situated in the lower gardens- you won’t be able to miss it! The display is not only made up of Christmas trees, but also some Christmas favourites such as polar bears, a giant reindeer, a giant bauble, teddy bears, a giant Father Christmas and a waterfall! Overall, there’s a total of 100 illuminations to see and experience this year.
Festive Ice skating & Moguls Bar
This year, the Ice rink opens on Thursday 18th of November and will close on the Friday the 3rd of January. The festive outside ice-skating rink is immensely popular, and since it wasn’t open last year- the demand will be high for tickets. SKATE Bournemouth have said that pre-booking is near enough essential as they’re trying to eliminate queues as much as possible. It will also be a cashless event, so make sure to pre-book online and bring your card if you want drinks etc. You can skate in hour slots ranging from 10:30am to 21:30pm. An adult ticket is £12.50; however, if you use your student ID you can get a student ticket for £11.50. Ice skating is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit, with all the twinkling lights and Christmas songs being played.
However, if you’re not a massive fan of ice skating you can enjoy what Moguls Bar has to offer while watching the ice. There’s a range of sitting and standing areas where you can still see the rink and watch everyone fall over! Also be sure not to miss SKATE’s student nights! On the 25th of November, 2nd of December and 9th of December you can get an hour of skating for £10 and a free drink with a valid student ID. There are also DJ’s that play at the weekend to entertain you even more.
The Alpine Bar and Market
The two-storey Alpine Lodge is back this year better than ever from the 19th of November. They offer quiz nights on Monday’s from 7pm, karaoke on Wednesdays at 7pm and live music every Sunday! The Bar welcomes walk-ins and you’re also able to book booths for up to six people- it’s £60 for 90 minutes. In this package you also receive either two bottles of Prosecco or two ‘cider towers’. It’s the perfect place to spend time with friends and get all Christmassy.
The Alpine Market opens at 10am everyday and has a range of stalls for food, drink and Christmas gifts. Some of the foodie favourites being the deluxe hot chocolates, the hog roast and Christmas crepes! Make sure to get down to the retail stalls too, with Scenterella’s vegan candles and Silver Lady’s jewellery providing perfect gifts for women at Christmas and Sweyn Forkbeard providing great quality shaving sets for men.
Cosy Snow Domes
Outside by the steps of The Bournemouth Pavilion this year, there’ll be a handful of heated snow domes that the general public can cosy up in. The domes are around from the 19th of November to the 24th of December. If you haven’t had time to book but still want to sit and have a drink, don’t worry- they also have open ‘Alpine tables’ that you can sit at whenever they’re available! You can book the snow domes for up to six people, and it is £60 for 90 minutes, just like the alpine bar. You also receive two pizzas from El Murrino, and either Mulled Wine x6, Kozel Lagers x6, or a bottle of prosecco. However, there is a fully functioning bar so you can buy as many drinks as you’d like!
Make sure to take a look and go get festive before the event is over on the 2nd of January 2022!