The sheds are going up, the Moose bar is in place and in just 24 hours it will officially be Christmas in Bournemouth.
There may be no Christmas light switch on to look forward to, but with a Santa Express ride, giant snow globe and Garden of Light Festival lined-up, here's a closer look at what's in store for Bournemouth this Christmas.
1. Santa Express Ride, November 19 - December 30
For the first time ever, Bournemouth's land train will be running a special 'Santa Express route' to help you carry your Christmas shopping. The hop-on hop-off service will start and end in the Lower Gardens with stops at Westover Road, Old Christchurch Road, the Square and the Triangle.
2. Ice skating in the Lower Gardens, November 19 - January 3
The ice rink returns as the centre piece in the Gardens of Light. There will be "après-skate chalets" selling warming food and drinks. There's even going to be a champagne bar for those feeling fancy. It will be open daily apart from Christmas Day. Skater numbers for each session are subject to availability and booking is recommended.
3. Gardens of Light, Lower Gardens, November 19 - January 3
Award-winning lighting designer Michael Grubb will once again transform the Lower Gardens into Gardens of Light. The light pods will be making a comeback plus there will be a glowing trail of lights and projections throughout the Lower Gardens. New for this year, will be a digital candlelight installation.
4. Giant Snow Globe, November 23 - December 6
Brand new for this year, a giant snow globe which will be at various locations across town for just two weeks. You'll be able to get your photo taken in the globe, plus, on selected dates, you'll be able to meet the stars of Bournemouth panto Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
5. Alpine Market and Moose Bar, from November 12, Bournemouth Square
The Christmas market and Moose Bar are returning once again. The Alpine-themed market, which runs until December 30, has been a feature of the town's Christmas celebrations for seven years and is designed to attract additional shoppers into Bournemouth. The Moose Bar will be serving shoppers some Christmas cheer (including Glühwein) until January 3.
6. Christmas Stage in the Square, November 12 - January 1
Dancers, singers, comedians and musicians will be entertaining shoppers during the countdown to Christmas and over the festive season.
7. Late night shopping on Thursday nights, November 26 to December 17
Can't face hitting the shops on a weekend? Late night shopping will be running in Bournemouth town centre every Thursday in the run-up to Christmas (apart from Christmas eve) from November 26.
8. Free parking, November 26 to December 20
Save your parking change and use it on Christmas presents insead. There will be free parking in some town centre car parks all day on Sundays in the build-up to Christmas. Late night shoppers can also enjoy free parking on Thursday nights from November 26 until December 17. *Offer applies to participating car parks on selected dates.
- DAILY ECHO
