Organize your holiday fun in Poole with our guide. We’ve gathered all the top festive events and activities. From longtime Poole residents to temporary visitors, our guide reveals both popular attractions and hidden treasures.
Experience the magic of the Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival, where the town is lit up with dazzling maritime-themed displays. For unique gifts and festive treats, explore the bustling Poole Christmas Market. And the Poole Park Santa Run is something you definitely don't want to miss, blending fun and fitness in a festive setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Poole
- Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival
- Poole Christmas Market
- Poole Park Santa Run
- Harry Paye Pirate Christmas
- Poole Quay Carols by Candlelight
Poole Holiday Light Displays
Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival
What to Expect:
Maritime-themed light displays along the harbor
Description:
Poole's harbor transforms into a luminous seascape during the Christmas Maritime Light Festival. Boats adorned with twinkling lights bob gently in the water, creating a mesmerizing reflection. Visitors can embark on a festive harbor cruise to admire the displays up close. This event pays homage to Poole's rich maritime history, which dates back to the Roman era. The festival illuminates the town's nautical heritage, blending traditional holiday cheer with seafaring charm. You'll discover a unique fusion of coastal culture and yuletide spirit as you explore the harbor's glowing attractions.
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Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival
Poole Holiday Markets and Shopping
Poole Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Local artisans and producers showcasing Dorset specialties
Description:
Poole Christmas Market buzzes with the energy of local artisans and producers. Stalls line the historic streets, offering a treasure trove of Dorset specialties and handcrafted goods. The air is filled with the aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Visitors can participate in craft workshops to create their own unique holiday gifts. This market continues a centuries-old tradition of trading in Poole, which was granted its first charter in 1248. As you browse the stalls, you'll uncover the rich tapestry of Dorset's culinary and artistic heritage, all while supporting local businesses.
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Poole Holiday Giving Opportunities
Poole Park Santa Run
What to Expect:
Charity run through scenic Poole Park in Santa costumes
Description:
Poole Park transforms into a sea of red as runners don Santa suits for the annual Santa Run. This lively charity event combines fitness with philanthropy, as participants dash through the park's scenic paths. The sound of jingle bells accompanies each step as runners make their way around the course. You can join the fun by participating in the run or cheering from the sidelines. The event takes place in Poole Park, which opened in 1890 as a gift to the town from Lord Wimborne. This run invigorates the holiday spirit while supporting local causes and showcasing one of Poole's most beloved green spaces.
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Poole Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Poole Quay Carols by Candlelight
What to Expect:
Candlelit carol singing along the historic quayside
Description:
Poole Quay Carols by Candlelight bathes the historic waterfront in a warm glow. Hundreds of candles flicker along the quayside, creating a serene atmosphere for this traditional carol service. The gentle lapping of waves provides a soothing backdrop to the harmonious voices. You can join in singing time-honored carols while holding your own candle. This event takes place on Poole Quay, a site of maritime activity for over 800 years. As voices rise in unison, participants become part of a living tradition, connecting the present-day community with centuries of seafaring heritage in a uniquely peaceful celebration of the season.
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Poole Quay Carols by Candlelight
Poole Other Holiday Activities
Harry Paye Pirate Christmas
What to Expect:
Pirate-themed Christmas celebration honoring local historical figure
Description:
Poole's Harry Paye Pirate Christmas brings swashbuckling flair to holiday festivities. This unique event honors the town's infamous 14th-century pirate, blending historical reenactments with yuletide cheer. Visitors can join a treasure hunt through the Old Town, following clues left by the ghostly Harry Paye himself. The celebration highlights Poole's maritime past, particularly its connections to privateering and smuggling. You'll witness history come alive as costumed performers roam the streets, sharing tales of Paye's exploits. This event offers a distinctive twist on traditional Christmas celebrations, immersing attendees in Poole's colorful past.
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Nearby Events
Hamworthy Christmas Fair (Hamworthy)
What to Expect:
Community-driven fair showcasing local talent and businesses
Description:
Hamworthy Christmas Fair pulses with community spirit, bringing together local talent and businesses. This grassroots event showcases the best of Hamworthy, from homemade crafts to local produce. The fair resonates with the cheerful melodies of school choirs performing holiday classics. Visitors can try their hand at traditional fairground games with a festive twist. The event takes place in Hamworthy, an area with a rich industrial heritage dating back to the 19th century. As you explore the fair, you'll experience the warmth and camaraderie of this close-knit community, celebrating the season in their own unique way.
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Broadstone Christmas Parade (Broadstone)
What to Expect:
Community-led parade with themed floats and local performers
Description:
Broadstone Christmas Parade bursts with community spirit as it winds through the streets. This vibrant procession features imaginatively decorated floats, each telling a different holiday story. Local dance troupes and musicians enliven the parade with their performances. You can marvel at the creativity on display as community groups showcase their festive floats. The parade has been a Broadstone tradition for over 50 years, bringing together generations of residents. As the procession moves through town, it transforms Broadstone into a living canvas of holiday cheer, uniting the community in a shared celebration of the season.
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Canford Cliffs Christmas Tree Lighting (Canford Cliffs)
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly tree lighting ceremony in an affluent coastal neighborhood
Description:
Canford Cliffs Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony illuminates the night with an eco-friendly twist. This event in one of Poole's most prestigious neighborhoods features a sustainably sourced tree adorned with energy-efficient lights. The air fills with the harmonious voices of a local choir singing carols. Visitors can contribute to a community art project, creating ornaments from recycled materials. Canford Cliffs, known for its luxurious properties and stunning sea views, has been a desirable residential area since the early 20th century. This lighting ceremony reflects the neighborhood's commitment to combining tradition with environmental consciousness, offering a refined and responsible start to the holiday season.
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Canford Cliffs Christmas Tree Lighting