Christmas and Winter Illuminations in Dorset 2023/24

A wide range of Christmas and winter illuminations are lighting up Dorset for the 2023/24 season. From National Trust properties to towns and villages.

Take a look below for some of the displays and events to get you in the festive mood.

Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens’ ILLUMINATE
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens’ ILLUMINATE

24 November – 31 December 2023

Colourful lights transform and illuminate the Subtropical 18th century gardens.

Kingston Lacy

25 November 2023 – 1 January 2024 (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day)

For Christmas 2023 the fabulously decorated house will tell traditional Christmas tales from around the world, Book for a special Storytelling with Santa and gather with friends and family in the Laundry Courtyard, festooned in foliage and twinkling lights.

Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival

Christmas in Poole 2022

25 November 2023 – 2 January 2024

Poole Town Centre and Quay are lit up in style this Christmas as part of the Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival.

From 25 November 2023 – 2 January 2024, residents and visitors to Poole can walk through an enchanting nautical journey that starts at the gateways to Poole: the Twin Sails Bridge, Hunger Hill and The Lighthouse.

Once through these iconic structures, immerse yourself in a magical maritime Christmas as you follow the light trail from Falkland Square, through the High Street and onto Pool Quay with its array of lights.

Christmas Tree Wonderland, Bournemouth

Christmas tree trail in Bournemouth featuring trees from around the world, plus light installations and a light tunnel. 17 November to 1 January.

ILLUMINATE at The Blue Pool

ILLUMINATE at The Blue Pool 2024

The Blue Pool are bringing back ILLUMINATE from 11 January to 25 February. This year will include additional moving waterside lights to music as well as new elements to sections of the woodland trail. Tickets for 2024