Discover Christmas events in Poole for 2026, including Jack and the Beanstalk at Lighthouse, Farmer Palmer’s Christmas experience, festive concerts and the anticipated return of Poole’s free light trail. Several major events are already available to book, while Poole BID and local attractions are still preparing their complete seasonal programmes. We will update this guide with confirmed light-trail dates, Santa appearances, markets and family activities as they are announced.
23rd September 2026
Christmas in Poole brings festive entertainment from the town centre to the surrounding countryside, with illuminated streets, theatre, Santa experiences and family activities appearing throughout November and December.
Some of the biggest 2026 events have already been confirmed. Lighthouse Poole has announced its Christmas pantomime, while Farmer Palmer’s is taking bookings for daytime and twilight experiences with Farmer Christmas.
Details of Poole’s main Christmas Light Trail and town-centre launch are still awaited. These sections are therefore previews based on the established event, with confirmed dates to be added when released.
Dates: To be confirmed
Location: Lighthouse Poole, High Street, Old Town and Poole Quay
Admission: Expected to be free
Poole’s illuminated trail is expected to return for Christmas 2026, creating a festive route through the heart of the town.
In previous years, the free trail has started close to Lighthouse Poole before passing through Falkland Square, Kingland Crescent, the High Street and Old Town towards Poole Quay. Maritime-themed installations have reflected Poole’s historic relationship with the harbour and sea.
The previous trail ran from 22 November 2025 until 1 January 2026, but these dates must not be reused for 2026. Poole BID has not yet announced the new opening date, closing date or complete route.
Once open, the trail is normally best experienced after dark. Families can join it at different points rather than following one compulsory route, making it easy to combine with shopping, food or a performance at Lighthouse.
We will update this section as soon as Poole BID publishes the confirmed 2026 programme.
Dates: To be confirmed
Location: Poole town centre
Poole’s light trail has traditionally opened with a town-centre celebration featuring music, entertainment and an appearance from Santa.
Previous Christmas programmes have also included Santa visiting different shops, cafés and businesses on selected Saturdays in December. Children have been able to follow festive window trails, post letters to Santa and take part in competitions around the town centre.
These activities have not yet been confirmed for 2026. Families should not assume that previous times, routes or locations will remain the same.
Images: Unsplash
Dates: 10 December 2026-3 January 2027
Location: Lighthouse, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, BH15 1UG
Tickets: From £20
Lighthouse Poole is heading above the clouds for its 2026 family pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.
The new production stars CBeebies presenter and Lighthouse favourite Chris Jarvis as Dame Trott. Sarah-Louise Young plays Flesh Creep, while Bernadette Bangura returns as Fairy Sunshine. Kieran Morris takes the role of Jack, joined by Robert Rees as Merlin and Sienna Sofia Glackin.
Audiences can expect a traditional pantomime filled with colourful costumes, comedy, musical numbers and plenty of opportunities to cheer, boo and join in.
Saver tickets begin at £20, with selected discounts available for schools and groups.
Accessible performances include:
Performances take place at different times throughout the run, including daytime shows during the school holidays. Some sessions are already showing limited availability, so early booking is advisable.
Book Jack and the Beanstalk through Lighthouse Poole.
Dates: 11-24 December 2026
Location: Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, BH16 6EU
Booking: Advance booking required
Farmer Palmer’s is bringing back its family Christmas experience from 11 to 24 December 2026.
The experience is designed particularly for younger children, combining a visit to see Farmer Christmas with the farm park’s indoor play areas, animals and daily activities.
Both daytime and twilight Christmas experiences are planned. Twilight visits take place on selected evenings, with the farm transformed after dark for a more atmospheric festive outing.
Christmas visits must be booked in advance, and tickets are limited. Prices depend on the selected date, arrival time and whether a Santa visit is included. Children under two also require the relevant Santa add-on if they are taking part in the experience.
Lighthouse Poole’s festive programme extends beyond its family pantomime.
The December calendar currently includes screenings of André Rieu’s 2026 Christmas Concert: Let It Snow on 5 and 9 December. Further seasonal cinema, live music and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra events may be added to the programme.
As certificates, performance times and prices vary, visitors should check each event individually rather than relying on the general Christmas calendar.
Poole’s full programme of Christmas markets and makers’ events has not yet been announced.
Places worth monitoring include:
When confirmed, markets should be added with their exact dates, opening times, admission charges and organiser links.
Independent shops along the High Street, Kingland Crescent and Poole Quay also provide opportunities to buy local gifts while following the town-centre light trail.
Date: 1 January 2027
Location: Poole Quay
Poole’s festive season continues into January with the wonderfully unusual New Year’s Day Bath Tub Race.
Teams take to the water in decorated homemade vessels while spectators gather around Poole Quay to watch the chaotic contest. It is a light-hearted community tradition and an entertaining way to begin the New Year.
Read our full guide to the Poole New Year’s Day Bath Tub Race.
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