BOURNEMOUTH will be illuminated later this week with thousands of lights as the Christmas Tree Wonderland opens.
The popular festive display will launch in Bournemouth's Lower Gardens on Friday, November 17.
New this year will be a tunnel of lights which will trail across the gardens as well as a Santa Express, aimed at families who can enjoy a train ride around the giant Santa illumination in front of the bandstand.
The centrepiece walk-through tree will be lit and decorated with Christmas tree decorations, with laser lights creating a beacon from the top. 
A new walk-through Christmas present completes the trail on the seafront.
Opening the day before on Thursday, November 16 is the Christmas market in the Square, returning for another year.
Featuring a range of festive wares alongside food and drink, visitors can grab a hot chocolate to warm up or a festive tipple from the Alpine Bar.
Skate Ice Rink is also making a welcome return to the Lower Gardens.
Cllr Andy Martin, portfolio holder for culture, said: “Christmas Tree Wonderland is so important to our residents who enjoy the free festive cheer of the light trail, as well as visitors from further afield who can come and enjoy all that Bournemouth has to offer.
“Events like this help support our local hospitality and retail businesses with people making a day of it, or even coming for a short break, so it’s great that these lights are continuing for a sixth year.”
The main sponsors of Christmas Tree Wonderland this year are Bournemouth Coastal BID, with further support from South Western Railway.
Fiona McArthur, Coastal BID manager said: “Our Coastal BID hoteliers have identified this as a key event for the hospitality calendar and for that reason we are very pleased to be able to support Christmas Tree Wonderland in 2023.
“It is essential that events such as this continue not only because of the income and footfall generated, but also as this further helps secure Bournemouth’s place amongst the top destinations to visit in the UK.”
On Bournemouth Pier, children can post their letters to Santa while the whole family can enjoy the Christmas lights from high up on the Big Wheel at Pier Approach.
Picnic on the Piste in the Westover Road area of the Lower Gardens, has live music, festive food and drink and a glowing stepping stones trail.
With a traditional Victorian Christmas at the Russell Cotes and a Wicked Queen to boo in the pantomime at the Pavilion, there's a lot to enjoy in Bournemouth this Christmas.
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