Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail will launch 23 November 2024 and run all the way to 1 January 2025.

It’s FREE to walk the trail and view the lights.

There are no plans for a grotto but if Santa has got the time during his busy schedule he may also be appearing elsewhere, so we’ll check with him and will update this website when we know more!

Festive message from Tinsel the Recycling Turtle and her friend Wish the Recycling Whale: "Please be aware of pedlars operating throughout Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail. Although they may look pretty, the illuminations being sold are not official merchandise. Similar products have found to be unsafe elsewhere in the UK and should you choose to buy, please check the quality before giving them to your munchkins – and don’t forget to check whether they can be recycled when they’re no longer needed!"

Yes – from Falkland Square Poole, down Poole High Street and onto Poole Quay, it’s all wheelchair friendly. See separate websites for individual attractions.

Yes, dogs are allowed as long as they are on a lead. Please note that the festival involves noise, lights and pyrotechnics.

There is no free parking this year.

There will be large printed maps along the trail, you will also be able to download the map here shortly.

We’re not having a grand switch for this event, instead the lights will be turned on as soon as it gets dark on 23 November.

Like anyone, we’re concerned about the rising energy costs, but all the lights used in the festive installations use the lowest level of energy consumption. In a bid to reduce our carbon footprint further, we’re also working with the lighting contractors to look at the ways we can reduce consumption even more.

We have a number of regular bus services available across the conurbation as well as regular train services into Poole town centre – a short walk to the maritime trail. Courtesy of South Western Railway and morebus you can travel to the festive illuminations more sustainably.

Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail is an outdoor event so make sure you dress appropriately as we open in rain, snow or shine!

You can find car parks and view all the parking information by visiting the BCP Council parking page.

Yes you can, Morebus provide fast and convenient routes straight into Poole Town Centre. Plan your festive journey here

Most of Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail is flat and level for buggies. There are also baby changing facilities at various disabled toilets situated around the site.

Make sure you tag @xmasmaritimelighttrail on Instagram.

Poole Town Centre BID and BCP Council, with sponsorship from South Western Railway.

At the Tourist Information Centre inside the Hennings building on the Quay.

We are awaiting details.

Take a look at our sustainability information sheet for an overview.

The Museum is currently undergoing refurbishments.

For information on hiring a mobility scooter please visit the Poole shopmobility webpage on wheels for freedom website.

There is a community toilet scheme in Poole, the following locations will be available to the public: The Dolphin Centre: Open Monday - Sunday 8am - 6pm | Open 8am - 6pm Thursdays in December | Closed Christmas | Disabled Access and Baby Changing available. The Lighthouse: Monday Closed | Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm | Disabled Access and Baby Changing available. The Spire : Open Monday - Friday 10am - 3pm | Open Saturday 9am - 3pm | Closed Sunday | Disable Access and Baby Changing available. Sainsbury's: Open Monday - Saturday 7am - 8pm | Open Sunday 10am - 4pm | Disabled Access and Baby Changing available. Slug and Lettuce: Open Monday - Thursday 12pm - 11pm | Open Friday 12pm - 1 am | Open Saturday 10am - 1am | Open Sunday 10am - 11pm | Disabled Access and Baby Changing available. Quay Toilets: Open Monday - Sunday 10am - 5pm | Disabled Access and Baby Changing available (RADAR Key needed for access to disable toilets) The Quay JD Weatherspoon Pub: Open Monday - Thursday 8am - 12am | Open Friday - Saturday 8am - 1am | Open Sunday 8am - 12am | Disabled Access and Baby Changing available. The Lord Wimborne JD Weatherspoon Pub: Open Monday - Thursday 8am - 12am | Open Friday - Saturday 8am - 1am | Open Sunday 8am - 12am | Disabled Access and Baby Changing available. The Brewhouse & Kitchen: Open Tuesday - Thursday 12pm - 11pm | Open Friday - Saturday 12pm - 12:30pm | Open Sunday - Monday 12pm - 10pm | Disabled Access and Baby Changing available. Butler & Hops Poole Quay: Open Sunday - Thursday 11am - 11pm | Open Friday - Saturday 11am - 12am | Disabled Access and Baby Changing available. The Spire: Open Monday - Friday 10am - 3pm | Open Saturday 9am - 3pm | Closed Sunday | Disabled Access and Baby Changing available. The Antelope: Open Monday - Sunday 9am - 11pm | Disabled Access and Baby Changing available. Watch Station: Open Monday - Sunday 24 hours | Disabled Access and Baby Changing available. Download the map of the toilet locations available.

We are awaiting details.

They are on from 12pm daily.