By Rebecca White

3rd year BU Student, BSc (Hons) Archaeology

The Christmas market has come to Bournemouth for the sixth year, and this year will be in the town centre until the 6th of January. The market features a selection of stalls selling gifts and trinkets, ranging from warm winter accessories, jewellery, household items and Christmas decorations. If you need a unique, last minute gift, make sure you stop by. The stalls stretch up the streets around the square, so take a good look round. There are also stalls selling hot food, which is well worth a try! Festive snacks include crêpes, churros, and roasted chestnuts. For anyone looking for a more substantial meal, there’s a Bratwurst stand or a paella stall.

The centrepiece of the square is a large stage, which has regular performances from bands or singers, which you can watch while you eat or shop.

The German Alpine-style bar has returned, but remember that this year it’s only serving 21 and over. It served its trademark ‘Gluhwein’ in boot-shaped mugs, but it also serves other beverages. It’s well-heated too, so after a chilly morning or evening wandering around the market, stop by for a drink.

The Gardens of Light are running in the town gardens, so make sure you look at the range of displays, from sparkling fairy lights, to gardens hidden in cupboards, to morphing displays. It’s perfect for anyone with children – and don’t forget to stop into Santa’s Grotto, open until Christmas Eve! For those a little older, the ice rink is back in the gardens, and for a fee you can spend a while showing off your skating skills (or gripping tightly to the edges).

Lastly: don’t forget, this year’s pantomime is Aladdin, running until the 5th of January, and perfect for people of all ages!