The Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland countdown begins

Locals don’t have long to wait to enjoy Bournemouth’s Christmas tree wonderland.

Now in its fifth year, this free attraction runs from Friday, November 18 through Monday, January 2, 2023. It promises to dazzle and delight with its iconic 60-foot Christmas tree with light shows set to music, as well as a whole host of other light installations.

From the family’s favorite Santa Claus in Beale Place, to the giant reindeer and polar bears in the Lower Gardens, to the opportunity for a selfie in the promenade ball on the waterfront, these festive installations are part of the trail Christmas Tree Wonderland which stretches all the way through the city center including the Triangle, Beale Place, Horseshoe Common, down to the Lower Gardens and then the waterfront.

Trees refreshed for 2022 with new themes include the Kyiv Christmas Tree at Pier Approach and the Lucerne Tree in the Gardens.

The Christmas Market, Alpine Bar and Skate Rink also make a welcome return this year, with the new addition of an LED walking area trail as part of Picnic on the Piste in the Lower Gardens off Westover Road.

Santa’s Mailbox will be one of 60 sparkly trees new to it this year.​

Cllr Beverley Dunlop, Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Vibrant Places, said: “Christmas Tree Wonderland is one of our most exciting and beloved attractions. This free Christmas event – along with the new Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival – will delight and entertain our residents, whilst encouraging visitors to stay longer to see these illuminations, giving a major boost to our tourism and hospitality sectors. .

This year, in an effort to reduce Christmas Tree Wonderland’s carbon footprint, the lights used in festive facilities have the lowest level of energy consumption, with the BCP Council currently working with lighting contractors to examine ways further reduce consumption.

The main sponsors of Christmas Tree Wonderland 2022 have been confirmed as Town Center BID and Coastal BID with additional support from South Western Railway.

Bournemouth Town Center BID Chairman Martin Davies said: “Christmas Tree Wonderland is one of the undisputed highlights of Bournemouth’s annual calendar, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors.”

Fiona McArthur, Operations Manager, Bournemouth Coastal BID said: “Bournemouth Coastal BID is delighted to be supporting Christmas Tree Wonderland in 2022. Not only does the event provide a spectacle for the thousands of locals and visitors who come to enjoy the festivities, but our hotels in the east and west are reporting an increase in stay-over visitors.

“Branded events like this are essential not only to promote Bournemouth as a destination, but also to the businesses that support them.”