What is the Bournemouth Christmas Kids Trail?
The Bournemouth Christmas kids trail is a festive puzzle hunt designed to bring extra magic to a walk around the Christmas market and the Lower Gardens. Children receive a Christmas booklet filled with puzzles, jokes and scavenger hunts, along with a trail map. They follow the map to find clues and secret letters scattered across the market, the Festive Trail, and the ice rink. Once completed, the booklet can be handed in for a chance to win a prize before the season ends.
This trail is organised by Alpine Christmas Markets and adds a fun, interactive element to the Christmas celebrations in Bournemouth. The Christmas season officially opens on Thursday 12 November 2026. This gives families plenty of time to enjoy the trail and other festive activities.
What’s inside the Christmas kids trail booklet?
Puzzles, jokes and scavenger hunts
The booklet is packed with festive-themed puzzles and jokes to entertain children as they explore. The scavenger hunts encourage kids to look closely at their surroundings. This makes the experience both fun and educational. The organisers highlight that the booklet includes a map. This is the most useful part on the day, guiding children through the trail without aimless wandering.
Trail map and clue locations
The trail map shows key locations across three main areas where clues and secret letters are hidden:
- The Christmas market in Bournemouth Square
- The Festive Trail in the Lower Gardens
- The area around the SKATE Bournemouth ice rink
This layout encourages families to explore different parts of the town centre. They can enjoy the festive decorations and atmosphere along the way.
The festive nutcracker figure adds a cheerful touch to the Christmas market atmosphere in Bournemouth.
Where to pick up the Bournemouth Christmas kids trail booklet
Collection points around the town
The organisers list five convenient places to collect the trail booklet:
- The Alpine Lodge, located in the market in the Square
- Santa's Workshop, beside Santa's Express in the Lower Gardens
- The Christmas Tree Maze
- Glow Golf, the festive mini golf course
- The ice rink
If you have a booking for any of these attractions, collecting the booklet there is straightforward. Otherwise, the Alpine Lodge is the easiest pick-up point near the top of the Square. The trail page does not specify if there is a cost for the booklet. It is advisable to ask when collecting.
How to submit the completed booklet
Once children have completed the booklet, there are three ways to enter the prize draw:
- Hand it in at Santa's Workshop
- Hand it in at the Alpine Lodge
- Submit the answers online via the organisers’ website
The organisers mention that one family will win a prize at the end of the season. However, details about the prize, closing date, or winner notification are not provided. It is recommended to check the official trail page before the season closes on 3 January 2027. Keeping a photo of the finished booklet is a good idea, especially if submitting a paper copy.
The festive lights in Bournemouth create a magical atmosphere for families enjoying the Christmas kids trail.
How long does the Bournemouth Christmas kids trail take?
The organisers do not specify an exact duration for the trail. The route runs from the Square through the Lower Gardens. This is a relatively short walk end to end. However, children stopping at every clue, enjoying a ride or a hot chocolate, can easily spend an afternoon completing the trail. Splitting the trail over two visits is also a popular option for families who want to take their time.
Fitting the kids trail into a family day out
Weekend festive characters and activities
The booklet complements other festive attractions in Bournemouth. On weekends, families can meet fairies, elves and Elsa roaming the Square and the gardens. These appearances happen from 11am to 1pm and again from 2pm to 4pm. This adds to the magical experience for children.
Santa’s Workshop and festive rides
Santa’s Workshop offers booked sessions where children can meet Santa and also hand in their completed trail booklet. Along the trail, there are popular rides such as Santa's Express and the Big Wheel. These do not require pre-booking and provide extra fun for little ones.
The Bournemouth Guide’s Christmas Tree Wonderland listing and its Bournemouth with kids page offer more ideas for family-friendly festive activities. For year-round family fun, check out our family activities in Bournemouth. You can also explore other things to do in Bournemouth for more inspiration.
Practical information for the Bournemouth Christmas kids trail
Weather and accessibility
The trail is entirely outdoors and runs in most weather conditions. It is wise to bring a pen, something to lean on while filling in the booklet, and a plastic wallet if rain is forecast. The Christmas market operates on a cashless basis, accepting card and contactless payments only.
Toilets, including accessible facilities, are available on-site and nearby. Many outdoor areas have accessible routes. This makes the trail suitable for families with pushchairs or wheelchair users.
Staying nearby for convenience
For families wanting to stay close to the festive action, Flexiestays offers hotels on the West Cliff. This is about a ten-minute walk from the Square and Lower Gardens. This location is ideal for splitting the trail over two days or returning late after an evening on the trail. Flexiestays’ self check-in system suits flexible arrival times. Booking direct for short term stays in Bournemouth is often more economical than larger platforms. For more places to stay, see our hotels section.
Good to know
- The trail booklet is available at five key locations, including the Alpine Lodge and Santa's Workshop.
- The trail map guides children through the Christmas market, Lower Gardens and ice rink areas.
- Completed booklets can be handed in at Santa's Workshop, Alpine Lodge or submitted online.
- The prize details and closing date should be checked on the official trail page.
- The trail is suitable for most weather conditions and has accessible facilities.
- Nearby accommodation options make it easy to enjoy the trail over multiple visits.
Opening hours and prices
| Location | Opening Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Market | 12 Nov 2026, 3 Jan 2027 | Cashless market, card payments only |
| Lower Gardens | Open daily | Festive Trail and Santa’s Workshop |
| Ice Rink | Seasonal hours, check online | Tickets required for skating |
| Christmas Tree Maze | Seasonal hours, check online | Booking recommended |
| Glow Golf | Seasonal hours, check online | Booking recommended |
Prices for rides and activities vary. Check individual attraction websites for details.
For more festive family fun and seasonal events in Bournemouth, visit our What's On section and explore Christmas in Bournemouth guide.
For official information on Bournemouth’s Christmas events, including the kids trail, see the Alpine Christmas Markets Kids Trail page.
FAQs about the Bournemouth Christmas Kids Trail
Q: Where can I get the Christmas kids trail booklet? A: The booklet is available at the Alpine Lodge, Santa's Workshop, Christmas Tree Maze, Glow Golf and the ice rink.
Q: Is there a cost for the kids trail booklet? A: The organisers do not specify a cost. It is best to ask when you collect the booklet.
Q: How do I enter the prize draw? A: Completed booklets can be handed in at Santa's Workshop or the Alpine Lodge, or submitted online via the organisers’ website.
Q: How long does the trail take to complete? A: The trail can be completed in an afternoon, but families often take longer with stops for rides and refreshments.
Q: Is the trail suitable for pushchairs and wheelchair users? A: Yes, many outdoor areas have accessible routes, and toilets include accessible facilities.
Enjoy a magical festive season with the Bournemouth Christmas kids trail, a perfect way to keep children entertained while soaking up the holiday spirit in the town centre.