The Bournemouth Guide
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Alpine Lodge Bournemouth Christmas market bar with cosy and lively floors

Things to Do 6 min read Updated Tue, 27 October 2026 Joao Mucci

Alpine Lodge Bournemouth: The Festive Christmas Market Bar

Alpine Lodge Bournemouth is a standout feature of the town’s Christmas market, located right in the heart of Bournemouth Square. Open from 12 November 2026 throughout the festive season, this two-storey bar offers a unique blend of cosy Christmas charm downstairs and lively après-ski vibes upstairs. Whether you’re popping in for a quick mulled wine between market stalls or planning a night out with friends, Alpine Lodge provides a festive setting that captures the spirit of the season.

Busy Alpine Lodge Christmas market with wooden stalls and festive lights, crowded with people enjoying the evening. The Alpine Lodge at Bournemouth Christmas Market, glowing warmly in the festive evening.

What is Alpine Lodge Bournemouth?

Alpine Lodge Bournemouth is part of the wider Christmas in Bournemouth event, operated by Alpine Christmas Markets. It sits beside the main stage in the Square, making it the perfect spot to enjoy free carol singing and Santa’s evening story, which happen right on its doorstep. The lodge combines traditional festive drinks with a lively social atmosphere. This makes it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

What to Expect Downstairs at Alpine Lodge Bournemouth

The Christmas Bar Experience

The ground floor of Alpine Lodge Bournemouth is designed as a cosy Christmas bar. Here, you’ll find steins of beer, festive cocktails, and plenty of warming mulled wine to keep the chill at bay. It’s the ideal place for a quick drink while browsing the market stalls or a casual meet-up spot to soak up the festive atmosphere. The bar’s welcoming interior invites visitors to step in from the Square and enjoy a moment of seasonal cheer.

Brightly lit sign reading 'BMTH XMAS' with festive trees and market stalls in the background at night The vibrant 'BMTH XMAS' sign welcomes visitors to the festive atmosphere of the Christmas market in Bournemouth.

Drinks and Festive Flavours

The drink selection downstairs focuses on classic festive favourites. Mulled wine is a highlight, alongside a range of beers and creative cocktails crafted to suit the season. The bar’s friendly staff and cosy setting make it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the Christmas market buzz.

The Après Bar Upstairs: Alpine Lodge Bournemouth’s Social Hub

What is the Après Bar?

The upper floor of Alpine Lodge Bournemouth is known as the Après Bar, inspired by the après-ski tradition of unwinding with friends after a day on the slopes. This lively space features DJs on Friday and Saturday nights, creating a vibrant party atmosphere. Alongside the music, you can enjoy quiz nights, karaoke, bingo, and live music events. The exact schedule varies week to week. The Après Bar also boasts mirrorballs and comfortable booth seating, enhancing the festive party vibe.

Balcony Views and Snowfall

One of the unique features of the Après Bar is its balcony overlooking the Christmas market and the Festive Trail. From here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the bustling market below. The balcony is also one of two spots in the market where artificial snow falls, adding a magical winter touch. Snowfall times are typically Monday to Thursday at 5pm, and Friday to Sunday at 2pm, 5pm, and 7pm, with occasional additional sessions. Check the official snow times page for the latest schedule.

Vibrantly lit garden with colourful lights illuminating trees and plants at night The Alpine Lodge's festive atmosphere is enhanced by a stunningly illuminated garden, perfect for a December evening.

Booking and Practical Information for Alpine Lodge Bournemouth

Can You Book a Table?

Booking is available at Alpine Lodge Bournemouth, but it is not essential for casual visits. The organisers recommend booking for larger groups or weekend evenings when the lodge is busiest. Options include tables, booths, and even converted ski gondolas outside, which offer a private and festive setting. For those planning a group celebration, the Après Hütte is also available. Booking prices and availability can be checked on the Alpine Lodge page.

Opening Hours and Season Dates

The lodge opens daily at 11am. According to its own page, opening hours run from 11am to 11pm Sunday to Thursday, and 11am to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The organisers’ FAQ states 11am to 11pm daily, so it’s advisable to confirm late-night plans in advance. The Christmas market season runs from 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with market stalls closing on 31 December.

Food Options Near Alpine Lodge Bournemouth

Alpine Lodge is primarily a bar, so food is provided by the surrounding market traders. Visitors can enjoy treats like hog roasts and hot chocolates from nearby stalls. For a sit-down meal before or after visiting the lodge, the Bournemouth Guide’s where locals eat offers recommendations for restaurants within easy walking distance of the Square.

Planning a Christmas Party at Alpine Lodge Bournemouth

Private Hire and Group Bookings

Alpine Lodge Bournemouth caters to Christmas parties ranging from small groups of 6 to 10 people up to private hire for 50 to 100 guests. This makes it an excellent venue for festive celebrations with friends, family, or colleagues. For more details on hosting a party here, see our Christmas in Bournemouth guide.

Useful Tips Before You Visit Alpine Lodge Bournemouth

Cashless Payments and Weather Considerations

The lodge operates on a cashless basis, accepting card and contactless payments only. This is consistent with the rest of the Christmas market. The event is outdoors and runs in most weather conditions. Dress accordingly and enjoy the festive atmosphere come rain or shine.

Getting There and Staying Nearby

The Christmas market and Alpine Lodge are centrally located, with hotels on the West Cliff about a ten-minute walk away. The walk back is uphill, so plan accordingly if you’re staying nearby. Flexiestays offers convenient self check-in options for late arrivals. This makes it easy to book short stays close to the market. Explore serviced apartments in Bournemouth for accommodation options near the Square.

For a full festive experience, combine your visit to Alpine Lodge Bournemouth with a stroll through the Christmas market and enjoy the wider events in the town centre. For more festive activities and tips, see our Bournemouth Christmas Market guide and Bournemouth Christmas itinerary.

Brightly lit 'BMTH XMAS' sign with festive trees and market stalls in the background at night. The vibrant 'BMTH XMAS' sign welcomes visitors to the festive atmosphere of the Christmas market in Bournemouth.

External Reference

Meta Description: Alpine Lodge Bournemouth is the festive two-storey bar at the Christmas market, offering mulled wine downstairs and a lively Après Bar with DJs upstairs from November to January.

#bournemouth-christmas-market#alpine-lodge-bournemouth#christmas-bars#festive-events#mulled-wine#apres-bar#christmas-parties#bournemouth-nightlife

Written by Joao Mucci. This guide draws on local knowledge and public information about Bournemouth always check opening times and event dates with the venue before you travel.

Book Your Festive Stay Near Alpine Lodge

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Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What is Alpine Lodge Bournemouth and where is it located?

Alpine Lodge Bournemouth is a two-storey festive bar located in the heart of Bournemouth Square, as part of the Christmas in Bournemouth event. It offers a cosy Christmas bar experience downstairs and a lively après-ski style bar upstairs. Positioned beside the main stage, it is a central spot to enjoy free carol singing and Santa's story during the festive season.

What can visitors expect on the ground floor of Alpine Lodge Bournemouth?

The ground floor is designed as a cosy Christmas bar featuring classic festive drinks such as mulled wine, steins of beer, and creative cocktails suited to the season. It provides a warm and welcoming interior, ideal for a quick drink while browsing the Christmas market or a casual meet-up to soak up the festive atmosphere. Friendly staff add to the inviting experience.

What activities and features are available in the Après Bar upstairs?

The Après Bar on the upper floor offers a lively social hub inspired by après-ski tradition, with DJs playing on Friday and Saturday nights. Visitors can enjoy quiz nights, karaoke, bingo, and live music events, though the schedule varies weekly. The bar includes mirrorballs, comfortable booth seating, and a balcony with panoramic views of the Christmas market and Festive Trail, where artificial snow falls at scheduled times for a magical winter effect.

Is it necessary to book a table at Alpine Lodge Bournemouth?

Booking is available but not essential for casual visits. It is recommended for larger groups or weekend evenings when the lodge is busiest. Options include tables, booths, and converted ski gondolas outside for a private festive setting. Group celebrations can also be held in the Après Hütte. Booking details and availability can be checked on the official Alpine Lodge page.

What are the opening hours and season dates for Alpine Lodge Bournemouth?

Alpine Lodge Bournemouth opens daily at 11am. The official hours are 11am to 11pm from Sunday to Thursday, and 11am to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, though some sources state 11am to 11pm daily, so it is advisable to confirm late-night plans in advance. The Christmas market season runs from 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with market stalls closing on 31 December.

Are there food options available at Alpine Lodge Bournemouth?

Alpine Lodge itself is primarily a bar and does not serve food directly. However, visitors can enjoy a variety of food from surrounding market traders, including hog roasts and hot chocolates. For sit-down meals before or after visiting the lodge, there are numerous restaurants within easy walking distance of Bournemouth Square, recommended in local guides.

How does Alpine Lodge Bournemouth handle payments and what should visitors consider about the weather?

The lodge operates on a cashless basis, accepting card and contactless payments only, consistent with the wider Christmas market. As the event is outdoors and runs in most weather conditions, visitors are advised to dress accordingly to enjoy the festive atmosphere regardless of rain or shine.

What accommodation options are available near Alpine Lodge Bournemouth?

The Christmas market and Alpine Lodge are centrally located with hotels on the West Cliff about a ten-minute walk away. Visitors should note the uphill walk back to these hotels. For convenience, self check-in short-term stays are available nearby, making late arrivals easy to manage. Accommodation options can be explored through Flexiestays’ short-term stays service close to the Square.

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