Any date · Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
This area takes in Bournemouth, Poole and its harbour, Sandbanks and Highcliffe. Listings include Brownsea Island, Highcliffe Castle, Compton Acres and Poole Museum, with boat trips and wildlife cruises across Poole Harbour. Events include exhibitions, concerts and guided walks on Brownsea Island.
Arts and culture
Violinist Nigel Kennedy performs an evening of classical, jazz and contemporary music at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre. The programme includes Bach, his own compositions, and a tribute to Yehudi Menuhin and Stephane Grappelli, accompanied by double bass and cello.
Arts and culture
Violinist Nigel Kennedy performs at the Bournemouth Pavilion as part of his first large-scale UK tour in over fifteen years. The concert follows sold-out shows in London and at Ronnie Scott's in Soho.
Festivals and shows
A free festive trail through Bournemouth's Lower Gardens, lit with thousands of twinkling lights and illuminated displays. Visitors can explore a Christmas tree maze, Santa's Workshop, a festive train and a big wheel, alongside a Christmas market and ice rink nearby. Suited to families looking for a winter evening out.
Arts and culture
A live stand-up comedy night at the Lighthouse's intimate studio space in Poole, run by the Coastal Comedy Club. The bill features headline act Nick Page alongside Rich Wilson and Samantha Day, with Dave Chawner hosting.
Arts and culture
Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet performs a Christmas-themed show of swing and crooner classics from artists such as Sinatra, Bennett and Presley. The evening features his singing alongside his reputation as a natural entertainer and storyteller.
Arts and culture
A stand-up comedy night at Key West on Bournemouth Pier. The line-up includes MC Windsor along with comedians Tadiwa Mahlunge, Kate Lucas and Mark Guest, with food and drink also served on the night.
Food and drink
A festive two-day shopping market at Compton Acres with local sellers across two floors, festive food and drinks, Christmas trees and live choir performances. Suits visitors looking for Christmas gifts or a festive day out.
20 Nov to 3 Jan
A winter light trail through the illuminated grounds of Upton Country Park, with a 60 to 80 minute route of light installations. A food and drinks court near the end offers hot food, mulled wine and marshmallow toasting.
Arts and culture
A curated art fair in the historic Royal Arcade, Boscombe, bringing together around 18 to 20 independent artists. Visitors can browse original artwork, meet the artists and watch live art demonstrations.
Arts and culture
A comedy and music show by Bill Bailey celebrating the tradition of vaudeville, with songs, stories and his trademark multi-instrumental performance. Held at the Bournemouth International Centre.
Arts and culture
A festive storytelling experience with Santa at Scaplen's Court, part of Poole Museum, aimed at children aged four to eleven and their families. Visitors take part in craft activities, hear a seasonal tale, receive a gift and have a photo with Santa, with museum admission included.
Festivals and shows
Late night Christmas shopping at Compton Acres in Canford Cliffs, with the Plant Centre, shops and Café open until 8pm. A chance to choose a Christmas tree, browse gifts and enjoy a festive bite, with no tickets required.
Outdoor activities
An evening cruise around Poole Harbour with a festive theme, including mulled wine on boarding and a two-course Christmas buffet. Guests can dance to music from an onboard DJ. It runs on Friday and Saturday nights through December.
Festivals and shows
A Christmas-themed harbour cruise from Poole Quay where Santa joins passengers on board. The 75 minute sail passes Brownsea Island, Sandbanks Peninsula and Studland Bay, with mulled wine, carols and a present for every child.
Arts and culture
A Christmas concert by classical choir La Nova Singers at St Peter's Church, Parkstone, featuring Benjamin Britten's 'A Ceremony of Carols' accompanied by harpist Rachel Masters. The programme includes festive classics and new arrangements of favourite carols performed by the choir's twelve female voices.
8 to 10 Dec
A festive wreath-making workshop held inside Brownsea Castle, reached by boat from Poole Harbour. Participants are guided through making their own wreath using provided materials, with carols playing in the decorated castle, followed by a two-course lunch.
Festivals and shows
A festive breakfast event at Key West Coastal Restaurant on Bournemouth Pier, where Santa visits children during a breakfast buffet. Children up to 12 receive a personalised present, and tables come with festive decorations and colouring books.
Arts and culture
A festive carol concert at the Compton Organ, with sing-along carols and entertainment accompanied by members of a local light opera choir. The event is free to attend and suits visitors looking for traditional Christmas entertainment.
Arts and culture
A festive theatre show bringing classic Christmas songs, singalong hits and comedy performances to the Bournemouth International Centre. Described as a long-running touring Christmas show suited to the whole family.
Arts and culture
A festive variety show featuring Anton Du Beke, vocalist Lance Ellington, their band and a troupe of dancers. Expect Christmas music, dancing and festive cheer at the Bournemouth International Centre.
Exhibitions and events that run for weeks or months.
Arts and culture
A three-hour guided retreat cruise around Poole Harbour, combining meditation and movement sessions with a ceremonial cacao ceremony. Light refreshments and water are included, offering a chance to relax while sailing through the harbour.
10 Jul to 3 Jan
A free exhibition at Poole Museum showcasing the vivid, fantastical artworks of Jason Wilsher-Mills, including sculptures, inflatables and digital pieces. It features mermaids, larger-than-life characters and unusual creatures, with newly commissioned works inspired by Poole's maritime heritage. Designed to appeal to visitors of all ages.
Open all year
A collection of internationally inspired gardens spanning ten acres, including Italian, Japanese, Heather, Valley and Rock and Water gardens. The site also has a plant centre and a cafe tearoom, with nature trails for children during school holidays. Dogs are welcome in selected areas, and free parking is available on site.
Open all year
An island wildlife sanctuary in Poole Harbour with woodland, heathland and a lagoon, home to red squirrels and many bird species. Visitors can explore Scouting history, a former pottery and the remains of the village of Maryland. A free shuttle bus, Tramper wheelchair and BSL trail help make the island accessible.