WITH Christmas rapidly on its way, festivities have already begun in Bournemouth.
Even on a cold winter’s day, the atmosphere is warm and magical in The Square.
This year, the Bournemouth Christmas Market is bigger and better than ever before.
With activities for both children and adults, you can find the Alpine Market and Alpine Lodge Bar, Santa’s Grotto, the Christmas Tree Wonderland, the ice rink (a separate one for the little ones) and daily entertainment, including choirs and showcases.
The market is buzzing with joy, welcoming guests with the comforting sound of Christmas music and the smell of mulled wine and food.
Whether you just want to pass by to see what the variety of retail and catering traders have to offer or visit with family and friends in the evening to see the beautiful illuminations, there is something for everyone.
The Christmas Tree Wonderland is beautiful and dazzling, with enchanting lights illuminating the night. Grab a trail map and explore the displays and all the surprises you can find along the way.
Daniel Murrell, owner of The Chocolate Bar, said: “Everybody this year seem to have come together to make the market work and improve from last year. This year we have great guest satisfaction, I haven’t heard a bad word.
“It is so different this year, it is better advertised, they are advertising the free parking, the Alpine Lodge is better…”
Having revamped their website, the online experience mimics the physical experience of embarking on a journey.
Having been to the market a few times, I was delighted to try some of the treats on offer.
I stopped at The Hog Roast Kings and tried their ‘over the top Christmas special’ £8. It certainly is over the top in terms of quantity and not easy to eat, but the flavours were exceptional and taste like Christmas in a burger!
Also on the menu: traditional hog roast £6; festive hog roast £7; 6oz Norfolk bronze turkey burger £6; 6oz Aberdeen Angus steak burger; veggie burger so plenty to choose from.
All their meat comes from Neals and Son Butchers, who provide a wide selection of free-range meat.
I headed to the Loaded Fries, which were divine. Choose between Naked Fries £3.50, Ultimate Cheese Fries £6, Cheeky Chilli Fries £6.95 or Baconator Fries £7.50.
Definitely worth a try, you will not be disappointed!
Warm yourself up with a hot chocolate from The Chocolate Bar, where you have a choice of different types of chocolate, flavoured syrups and toppings. No matter what you choose, it will be delicious. I was invited to try the vegan option £4.95 and it was so good that I already want another one!
After a long day of shopping and Christmas fun, stop at the Alpine Lodge. With an Après-Ski ambiance, warm yourself up with a mulled wine £4 for small glass, £6 large, enjoy a charcuterie meat or cheese board, and have a good laugh with friends in this relaxed place.
To find out more, visit christmasinbournemouth.co.uk or simply head down to the market for some Christmas cheer!
The market will be open daily from 10am excluding Christmas Day, until January 2, 2019.
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