Wonderland Experience

Why not start your adventure from Bournemouth Seafront where you can take in the delights on Bournemouth Pier. Pop into Smugglers Cove for a festive game of mini-golf or enjoy Christmas from the air with a ride on the Big Wheel. Take your seasonal family-friendly challenge to the next level at Pier Amusements then before you leave Pier Approach make sure you take a quick selfie under the Giant Bauble or Giant Christmas Present!

As you make your way towards Bournemouth’s beautiful Victorian Lower Gardens you will find yourself stepping into a fairy tale world past the majestic golden Reindeer inviting you further into this festive experience.

Continue through the Gardens making sure you look out for the spectacular Seattle Tree and the beautiful Kyiv Tree with their shimmering baubles of light stacked high into the night sky. Making your way past the Pavilion Theatre, the Grade II listed Rockery has been transformed with stunning streams of light which appear to be cascading down the rocks like a gentle ‘waterfall’ trickling between the mini-Christmas trees. On your left don’t miss the giant stocking full of presents, hiding in the wooded area amongst the enchanting, sparkling trees.  Can you spot the cuddly teddy bear peeping out?

Following the main path to the left will take you past the spectacular 10m high Colour Changing Tree of Light towering next to the spectacular shimmering pink glow of the Warsaw Tree. The impressive South Western Railway Lucerne tree, in recognition of our town twinning, creates a blue glacial glow alongside the symbolic, glittering Bethlehem Tree, complete with its very own Nativity scene.

An alternative route, bearing right past the Rockery, will lead you through a curtain of light up the Pine Walk with cuddly polar bears nestled in amongst the trees. A quick detour and you will find yourself within the magnificently themed Picnic on the Piste, complete with a new the golden Lumi Arch. Stepping out onto Westover Road you will be met with twinkling lights.

At the heart of the trail is the awesome, new for 2023 3D walk-through Tree which towers over the gardens at an impressive 60ft and is dressed with warm twinkle lights.

Also new for 2023, is the Animated Tunnel. An impressive 16M long, the tunnel is the perfect spot to grab a quick picture with your loved ones. The warm white lighting will give you cheerful feeling, almost so you simply won’t be able to resist getting into the Christmas spirit!

Once you have taken hundreds of photos of the Wonderland tree there is still plenty to explore around Christmas Tree Wonderland, but make sure you’ve got enough storage in your phone’s memory!  For the energetic there is the SKATE Ice Rink with its Moguls Bar and in the Town Square you will find plenty of ideas for Christmas presents amongst the Alpine Christmas Market stalls, as well as the opportunity to relax and enjoy a festive tipple in the Alpine Lodge bar.

New for 2023, enjoy a ride on the Santa Express in the Lower Gardens during Christmas Tree Wonderland. Situated near the bandstand, this new attraction will delight families and little ones as the train rumbles in a loop around the giant lit-up Santa.

To round off your visit be sure to drop into one of the multitude of cafes, restaurants, bars and hotels across the town to sample their festive fare and take what, by then, will be a well-earned rest!