What’s On In Poole, Dorset This Winter (Your Easy December To March Guide)

Cold evenings, fairy lights, the smell of churros on the air. Winter in Poole feels cosy, even when the wind whips in off the harbour.

If you are wondering what to do between December and March, you are not alone. You might have visiting family to entertain, kids who need to burn off energy, or you might simply want something nicer than another night on the sofa.

This guide walks you through what is on in Poole from roughly December to early spring. You will find big Christmas lights, relaxed markets, Santa events, family days out, pantos, concerts, and easy ideas for the quieter months after New Year. Pick a couple of things that fit your budget and your energy levels, then keep the rest in your back pocket for later.

Big winter highlights in Poole you should not miss

If you only have a few free evenings this winter, start here. These are the headline events that locals talk about and visitors plan trips around.

Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival and town centre lights

The Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival usually runs from late November to early January, and it is the heart of winter in town. Streets from Falkland Square down the High Street to Poole Quay glow with anchors, ships, sea creatures, and a huge Christmas tree.

You can follow the light trail as a simple walk. Start near Falkland Square, wander past the shops, then carry on down to the quay to watch the reflections on the water. It feels a bit like walking through a storybook version of Poole, only with more selfies.

The best part is that the trail is free. You just turn up, wander at your own pace, and leave when you are cold or hungry. It fits easily after work, before dinner, or as a gentle end to a day out. For updates on dates, map details, and extra activities like music or street performers, check the official Christmas in Poole guide or the Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail listing.

If you like taking photos, go just after sunset. The sky still has a bit of colour, and the lights really pop without everything being completely dark.

Festive markets and tasty winter food in Poole

Poole usually hosts a Christmas Market in the town centre, along with seasonal events at Upton Country Park and Upton House. You will find stalls selling local crafts, handmade decorations, candles, and easy stocking fillers.

There is always food. Think hot sausages, loaded fries, churros, waffles, and cups of mulled wine or hot chocolate to warm your hands while you browse. It is relaxed and low effort, perfect if you want to feel festive but do not want a full day out or a long drive.

The Italian Christmas Market often appears too, bringing coffee, pastries, and Italian treats into the mix. This is great if you want to grab a few interesting gifts, then treat yourself to an espresso and cannoli.

Try going at dusk. You can potter round the stalls while there is still a bit of light, then enjoy the Christmas Maritime Light Festival once it is dark without moving your car.

Family friendly winter days out in and around Poole

Winter with children can feel long. Coats, lost gloves, everyone a bit tired. Simple, low stress plans help a lot, and Poole has plenty of those.

Santa parades, window trails, and simple fun in town

The season usually starts with a Santa Parade and light switch on through Poole town centre. You get Santa on a sleigh, music, performers, and a countdown to the first sparkle of the Christmas lights. Crowds can build, so arrive a little early if you want a good spot.

During December, families can often join a festive shop window trail. Children hunt for letters or characters in different windows, then swap their completed trail sheet for a small prize. It is a gentle way to turn normal shopping into a bit of an adventure, and it works well as an after school treat.

Many years include a window display competition too, which gives children the fun job of choosing their favourite shop front. While you are in town, Letters to Santa at Poole Museum or Scaplen’s Court is an easy add on, with writing tables, craft bits, and somewhere warm to sit. The BCP Council Christmas events list is a handy place to check exact dates and times.

To keep it stress free, tie all this into something you are doing anyway. Add the trail to your Saturday food shop, or pop into the museum after picking the kids up from school.

Festive walks, Moors Valley adventures, and meeting Santa

If you are happy to travel a little, Moors Valley Country Park is a lovely winter day out from Poole. You get woodland walks, play areas, and usually a Christmas Quiz Trail where children answer questions or spot clues along the path.

Moors Valley often runs a Santa’s Grotto too. Tickets tend to sell quickly, so book early if you can. On the day, wear good shoes, pack a flask, and throw some snacks in a rucksack. That way you can walk for as long as everyone is happy without hunting for food at peak time.

Closer to home, Upton Country Park usually has its own light trail and winter activities. The woods and walled garden feel magical at night, and it works well if you want something calmer than a busy town centre.

For a very low cost option, keep it simple. Wrap up, grab hot chocolate in reusable cups, and walk along Poole Quay or through the town centre to see the lights. Star jumps on the quay to keep warm are optional but effective.

Pantos, shows, and winter concerts near Poole

Winter also means panto season, big family shows, and Christmas concerts. You will often find pantos like Cinderella or Jack and the Beanstalk in local theatres, plus shows such as Elf The Musical in nearby Bournemouth venues.

The Bournemouth International Centre usually hosts big Christmas shows and touring productions, which are easy to reach from Poole by bus or train. Back in town, St James’ Church in Poole often holds festive concerts, like The Christmas Orchestra or carol services with candles and fairy lights.

These are great if you want a proper night out, either as a family or just adults. Book ahead where you can, check for matinee performances for younger children, and turn it into an evening by adding dinner on Poole Quay or in the old town first.

Cosy winter ideas in Poole after Christmas and into the new year

Once the decorations come down, it is easy to hibernate. January and February can still be lovely though, especially if you mix fresh air with cosy indoor treats.

Ice skating, winter walks, and fresh air by the water

Skate Bournemouth usually runs into early January in the Lower Gardens. It has a big outdoor rink, an alpine style bar, and often a covered area so you are not soaked if it drizzles. It suits families, couples, and groups of friends who want something active before heading back to Poole.

After that, you can keep things simple and local. Winter walks along Poole Quay are an easy way to spend an hour, especially on clear, crisp days when the harbour looks almost silver. Watch the boats, count the lights across the water, and take a few photos while your fingers can cope.

Upton Country Park is another good choice once the main light trail has finished. The paths are mostly flat, the play area is handy for children, and the café means you can reward yourself with coffee or cake at the end. Local parks like Poole Park or Hamworthy Park also work well for quick loops when you just need some air.

A small ritual helps. For example, promise yourself a hot chocolate from your favourite café every time you complete a Sunday walk.

Workshops, afternoon teas, and relaxed indoor plans

Winter is a great time to try slower indoor plans around Poole. Venues such as Upton House often run wreath making, craft workshops, or seasonal afternoon teas. Even if dates shift from year to year, the idea stays the same: a few quiet hours doing something hands on, with cake.

Keep an eye out for local food events, small gigs, or acoustic nights in Poole pubs and cafés. Many places host open mic evenings, quiz nights, or live music sessions in January and February when they want to keep people coming out.

These plans suit both locals and visitors. If you live in Poole, they break up the week and give you something to look forward to that is not Netflix. If you are staying nearby, a workshop or afternoon tea is an easy way to spend a half day out of the cold without rushing around.

Winter in Poole: pick your next easy plan

Winter in Poole has plenty to offer, from free walks under glowing lights to paid shows, Santa visits, and cosy workshops. You do not have to cram everything in at once.

Pick one simple thing for this week, such as a walk along Poole Quay at dusk or a wander through the Maritime Light Festival. Then choose one bigger event to book ahead, maybe a panto, concert, or Santa trip.

Dates and details change each year, so check local tourism sites and listings before you go. With a bit of planning, you can turn the darkest months into a string of small, bright moments that you will actually look back on fondly.