Jane's Midlife Journey

Back for a third year is Poole’s nautical themed Christmas light display. From mid November until the New Year, you can enjoy following the Poole Christmas Light Trail, which runs from near the Dolphin Centre shopping arcade, along the High Street and onto the Harbourside.

How to get to Poole Christmas Light Trail

If you’re driving, head for the Dolphin Centre, which is near the start of the trail.

By bus

Most buses stop at the Poole Bus Station adjoining the Dolphin Centre.

Parking

Parking at the Dolphin Centre Car Park costs £2.50 for two hours during the day. Or £2.50 between 6 pm and 8 am.

Dates

The trail runs from 22 November 2025 until 1 January 2026.

Price

This is a free event.

Poole Christmas Light Trail

Start at the Lighthouse with its illuminated fountain, then cross to the Dolphin Centre. Walk through here and out into Falkland Square. Then follow the High Street until you reach the Harbourside.

Dolphin Centre

Inside the Dolphin Centre are some festive bauble animals, such as a polar bear and what I first thought was a kangaroo, but is perhaps a dog – who knows? Plus curtains of decorations running down the outside of the building.

Falkland Square

Outside in Falkland Square is a 14 metre high Christmas Tree.

High Street

Along the High Street are more Christmas trees decorated with a nautical theme including the Poole Galleon. This is, apparently, a replica old infamous local pirate Harry Paye’s ship. Because who doesn’t love a festive pirate?

Meanwhile, overhead there is a Ceiling of Lights.

Harbourside

On the Harbourside, more nautical trees and more festive photo opportunities. Even the ferries have got in on the action and are festooned with lights, next to the Blue Lagoon Anchor. You can also find the iconic illuminated POOLE letters next to the Sea Music Sculpture.

The trail is not quite as impressive as the Christmas trees in Bournemouth, but it was significantly less crowded, thus a more laid back way the spend a Sunday evening. We walked for an hour and didn’t quite fit in all the decorations, but an hour was sufficient walking for our combination of old codgers, a pregnant lady and teenagers.

Entertainment

The switch on was celebrated with a parade through the town. Further entertainment during the festive season includes choir performances on Saturdays and brass band performances on Sundays.

Window Display Competition

You can vote for your favourite window display and enter a draw for £100 prize.

Harbour Lights Cruise

From the Harbourside, it is also possible to take a Harbour Lights Cruise to enjoy the decorations from the water.

Poole Christmas Light Trail for Children

Children will love following the trail and seeing all the lights.

Santa

Santa will be visiting Poole’s shops, restaurants, cafes and local businesses every Saturday in December.

Letter to Santa

Up until 8 December, children can post letters to Santa in a Post Box at Poole Museum.

Christmas Window Trail

Follow the trail and complete a form by writing down the letter found in the windows for your chance to win a prize.

Santa Experience Cruise

You can even board a boat in the harbour for a Santa Experience Cruise with the main man himself.

• Updated: December 2025

I hope you found this information useful. For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth here.

For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth with young children, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth with Babies and Toddlers here.