THERE may still be 153 days to go until Christmas, but Bournemouth is already gearing up for its brand new festive event.

Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland will run between November 16, 2018, and January 2, 2019.

It is hoped the event will help Bournemouth become one of the UK’s “top Christmas destinations.”

The main attraction will be a 60ft high walk through tree in the Lower Gardens, featuring 30,000 individually programmed lights which will be able to deliver light shows and sound effects.

The spectacle will also feature trees from around the world of all shapes and sizes and will extend to the seafront and up to Old Christchurch Road as well as The Triangle and Commercial Road. Pine Walk will also be illuminated as part of the event along with the lower part and entrance to the Lower Gardens.

Animations are also planned as part of the displays.

The Big Wheel is also set to make a return for the festivities along with the Alpine Market in the Square.

The wonderland is a partnership between Bournemouth Tourism, Bournemouth Town Centre Bid and Bournemouth Coastal Bid.

A spokesperson for Bournemouth council said: “The Coastal BID is also working with the local districts to develop themes linked to the Christmas Tree Wonderland around Victorian, continental, antique and vintage Christmases.”

Jon Weaver, joint head of resort marketing for Bournemouth and Poole, said: “We want to make Bournemouth into one of the top Christmas destinations in the UK and Christmas Tree Wonderland will give a truly magical reason for people to visit.

“It is fantastic that Yellow Buses have joined us as a key event sponsor and there has been huge enthusiasm for the event.

“Local businesses now have a golden opportunity to get involved whether it’s through sponsorship or creating their own show piece trees in store.”

Yellow Buses will be the official transport partner for the next four years.

David Squire, managing director of Yellow Buses, said: “Tourism is a huge part of the economy in the summer and we want to help bring a bit of that income back during the winter months.”

Christmas Tree Wonderland will run for the next four years until 2022 and will be free but visitors will need to pay to use the ice rink and visit the Father Christmas grotto.