The sheds are going up, the Moose bar is in place and today it's officially Christmas in Bournemouth.
There may be no Christmas light switch on to look forward to, but with a Santa Express ride, giant snow globe and Garden of Light Festival lined-up, here's a closer look at what's in store for Bournemouth this Christmas.
1. Santa Express Ride, from now until December 30
This may not be what the Santa train looks like
For the first time ever, Bournemouth's land train will be running a special 'Santa Express route' to help you carry your Christmas shopping. The hop-on hop-off service will start and end in the Lower Gardens with stops at Westover Road, Old Christchurch Road, the Square and the Triangle.
2. Ice skating in the Lower Gardens, from now until January 3
The ice rink returns as the centre piece in the Gardens of Light. There will be "après-skate chalets" selling warming food and drinks. There's even going to be a champagne bar for those feeling fancy. It will be open daily apart from Christmas Day. Skater numbers for each session are subject to availability and booking is recommended.
3. Gardens of Light, Lower Gardens, from now until January 3
Award-winning lighting designer Michael Grubb will once again transform the Lower Gardens into Gardens of Light. The best light pods from last year will be making a comeback plus there will be a glowing trail of lights and projections throughout the Lower Gardens. New for this year, will be a digital candlelight installation.
4. Giant Snow Globe, November 23 - December 6
Brand new for this year, a giant snow globe which will be at various locations across town for just two weeks. You'll be able to get your photo taken in the globe, plus, on selected dates, you'll be able to meet the stars of Bournemouth panto Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
5. Alpine Market and Moose Bar, now, Bournemouth Square
The Christmas market and Moose Bar are returning once again. The Alpine-themed market, which runs until December 30, has been a feature of the town's Christmas celebrations for seven years and is designed to attract additional shoppers into Bournemouth. The Moose Bar will be serving shoppers some Christmas cheer (including Glühwein) until January 3.
6. Christmas Stage in the Square, from now until January 1
Dancers, singers, comedians and musicians will be entertaining shoppers during the countdown to Christmas and over the festive season.
7. Late night shopping on Thursday nights, November 26 to December 17
Can't face hitting the shops on a weekend? Late night shopping will be running in Bournemouth town centre every Thursday in the run-up to Christmas (apart from Christmas eve) from November 26.
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