CHRISTMAS is set for its brightest showing yet across the south coast this winter with light festivals set to illuminate the BCP region and beyond.
From mid-November, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will come alive with dazzling displays of light installations, trees, illuminations and projections.
In Bournemouth town centre from November 18 until January 2, visitors will be able to enjoy the iconic Christmas Tree Wonderland, where more than 100 glittering trees light up the path from the market in the Square all the way down to the seafront – where a brand-new Kyiv Tree feature will be in place as a tribute to the people of Ukraine.
There will be other surprises in Horseshoe Common, Lansdowne Roundabout and in the Triangle.
Visitors can then get their skates on in the returning ice-rink, wander through the Bournemouth Christmas Market and enjoy a drink or two in the Alpine Lodge.
Poole, meanwhile, will have its rich nautical history celebrated in the first ever Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival.
The free attraction features a trail of maritime-themed lights that will see the gateways to Poole, including the Twin Sails Bridge and Lighthouse, lit up as a welcome to visitors.
Open throughout the season from November 19 to January 2, highlights of the new trail will include light installations of a five-metre tall ship, a giant anchor, a 120-metre curtain of lights and more.
New this year to Christchurch is the Yuletide Festival which kicks off on Friday, November 25, until Christmas Eve in Saxon Square.
There will be Christmas alpine style chalets selling a range of arts, crafts, artisan food and drink gifts. A wrought iron effect marquee with a clear roof will fill the central area of Saxon Square to provide cover from the weather and a place to enjoy music and entertainment.
In the coastal villages of Westbourne, Southbourne and Boscombe, festive lighting has been created to reflect the area’s individual personalities.
There will be a festive installation in Westbourne, a Christmas projection made especially for Boscombe and large Christmas trees in both Boscombe and Westbourne. Southbourne will be launching their new bespoke lights with entertainment involving independent traders on November 18, 19 and 20.
Pantomimes this year include Beauty and the Beast at Bournemouth Pavilion, Cinderella at the Lighthouse, and Christchurch’s Regent Centre has its Christmas Spectacular running again this year.
At Highcliffe Castle there will be a craft market at the end of November.
Upton Country Park will host a Christmas Woodland Trail from December 17 to 24 and again from December 27 to January 1.
Craig Mathie, chair of the Destination Management Board, said: “There will be tough choices to be made as we all have to balance fuel bills, food costs and luxury occasions this year, but with all the pocket friendly events happening it will still be possible to have a spectacular magical Christmas experience when you visit our coast with the most.”
In the New Forest, the Winter Wanderland will return to Ringwood on November 27 where more than 60 market stalls will be out for the town’s Christmas light switch on.
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