SO… It’s our first Christmas since the pandemic, and those who choose to celebrate the holiday can finally have more freedom this year-round. National restrictions last year meant that Bournemouth and Poole’s Christmas markets and lights were limited, and events were postponed, which means this year can be twice as more exciting.

For students, saving money and budgeting is always key. Therefore, this blog will help you plan Christmas-related days out in our local area, all free to visit!

Bournemouth’s Alpine Market

Located in the Bournemouth Square and open until early January 2022, the Alpine Market is free to visit and offers a variety of festivities. From handmade gifts, luxury hot chocolates and even a Yorkshire pudding-wrap stand, the market gives you a warm, thrilling feeling as you walk past numerous wooden huts. Down below is a list of some of the stalls on offer that caught my eye…

Food Stalls

• El Murrino offers homemade Neapolitan style pizza. They feature classic Italian toppings as well as including vegetarian and vegan options.
• If you fancy something sweeter, Churros Kings provide giant churros with a variety of flavours and topping such as cinnamon, milk, dark and white chocolate.
• The food stand I was most excited by was the Yorkshire pudding Wrap Co what features different roasts wrapped in one giant Yorkshire pudding.
• Neals & Son Hog Roast offers a classic spit-roasted pork for meat-lovers that can be served with hot crackling, stuffing and an array of tasty sauces.

Opening day of The Alpine Market. 19th Nov 2021.

Gift Stands

• The Scenterella stall offers handmade, vegan-friendly candles that are ideal for stocking fillers!
• If you’re looking to purchase some local, sustainable food items, Dorset Chilli provides a wide range of chilli products such as jams, sauces, oils and much more from British craft producers.

Christmas Tree Wonderland

The neon entrance sign – a great photo opportunity!

Whilst visiting the Alpine Market, the Lower Gardens are packed with beautiful Christmas lights.

I really recommend talking a wonderful wander through the Wonderland to admire the 5m lit up tree, a gold reindeer, a giant bauble and much more! The gardens are completely free to visit and offer great Instagrammable backgrounds.

A walk through colour-changing tree at the Christmas Tree Wonderland which also plays music in the evening.

Poole Christmas Craft Fair

On 11^th December at Blandford Road, Poole, a Christmas Craft Fair takes place 2pm-4:30pm. The fair is free to visit and gives you a chance to visit local crafters.

This fair includes:

• Stalls selling handmade gifts which can be the perfect secret Santa gift.
• A raffle that will be raising money for charity.
• Carol singers!

I personally have been super impressed as a 2nd year student having seen the Christmas Market and lights for the first time ever due to the pandemic last year. There’s such a variety of Christmas events in Bournemouth with the plus that they’re free to visit too!