Sleigh bells are ringing and the theatre is calling! This year, audiences are invited to get into the festive spirit at Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) with a spectacular line-up of seasonal entertainment that’s sure to dazzle and delight.
The season kicks off with the ultimate Irish Christmas concert, A Fairytale for Christmas* (Saturday 13 December). After four back-to-back sell-out tours, and successful runs in the USA and Europe, immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as talented singers, musicians and dancers perform dashing renditions of all your Yuletide favourites.
Elf The Musical (Friday 19 – Saturday 20 December) returns to Bournemouth following popular demand. This larger-than-life production brings the festive magic to the Windsor Hall with unforgettable scenes, including Santa’s flying sleigh, an interactive snowball fight with the audience, and a giant candy cane journey from the North Pole, all set against breath-taking video-film backdrops on a massive LED screen. As Buddy the Elf would say; “You’d have to be a cotton-headed ninny muggins” to miss this feel-good festive extravaganza!
Nothing says Christmas like That’ll Be Christmas (Sunday 21 December). Celebrate the cast’s 40th anniversary with a night of your all-time favourite Christmas classics, laugh-out-loud comedy sketches, and heartwarming festive cheer for the perfect family night out.
This winter, the BIC is also is home to its seasonal Cool Coast Ice Rink, the South Coast’s largest, seasonal, indoor ice rink open from Saturday 13 December 2025 until Sunday 22 February 2026, including half-term. Last year’s attraction welcomed nearly 40,000 skaters through its doors. With family tickets, concessions, group discounts, and brand-new themed skate party nights available, whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned skater, everyone can glide into the festive season!
Bournemouth International Centre operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live, in partnership with BCP Council.
On behalf of BH Live, Steve Turner, Director of Venues, said:
“Festive magic awaits at Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) this year. With such a diverse calendar of entertainment, from our popular Cool Coast Ice Rink attraction, family shows and singalong events, we can’t wait to celebrate the festive season.”
The festive magic continues just down the road at Bournemouth Pavilion. With performances such as the Imperial Classical Ballet’s® dazzling production of The Nutcracker (Thursday 6 November), The Overtones Christmas Party (Tuesday 11 November), the Royal Marines Christmas Spectacular (Thursday 27 November), there’s plenty to keep audiences of all ages and interests captivated.
Bournemouth Pavilion’s beloved Christmas Cracker Carol Concert (Thursday 18 December) returns for another fantastic afternoon of free-to-attend community entertainment. Michael Wooldridge and Ian Carter will perform on the theatre’s historic Compton Organ accompanied by members of the Bournemouth & Boscombe Light Opera Company Choir for an enchanting singalong event.
Plus, don’t miss Bournemouth Pavilion’s annual festive panto! Set to be Bournemouth’s biggest and most enchanting panto yet, this glittering production stars Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey, BBC), Olivia Birchenough (Milkshake!, Channel 5), Bournemouth’s favourite comedian, Noel Brodie, West End star Jack Wilcox, and The Fabulous Sisters – Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph.
From ballet to big bands, pantomime to pop and ice skating to incredible West End performances, Bournemouth Pavilion and BIC are where festive memories are made. Book early, gather your family, friends, and colleagues, and let the celebrations begin!
For full listings of information, What’s On, and to book the best seats in the house, visit bic.co.uk and bournemouthpavilion.co.uk. Contact groupsales@bhlive.org.uk for more information on tickets, booking, and group rates.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
*Disclaimer: This show is in no way based on, endorsed by, or affiliated or associated with the song titled ‘Fairytale of New York’, the Pogues, or Shane MacGowan (or their respective representatives).
For more information about BH Live please contact:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
About BH Live
Champions of community engagement, health and wellness across Dorset, Hampshire, and London
BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, is a leading operator of sports and leisure centres, theatres, and event venues. Our vision is to create sustainable and inspiring opportunities, deliver great experiences for our communities, and improve health and well-being.
With a strong commitment to accessibility and community engagement, BH Live continues to enhance the quality of people’s lives, health and wellbeing in the communities it serves.
BH Live was established in 2010. Local authority partners include BCP Council, Portsmouth City Council and Croydon Council.
We are at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy. Together with our partners we are helping to change lives and make a positive impact in the community.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
Get social with us:
LinkedIn – BH Live
Facebook – @SocialEnterpriseBHLive
Instagram @bhliveuk
BH Live is a leisure and cultural trust, established in 2010 as a ‘non profit distributing organisation’ (NPDO) for public benefit to promote participation in leisure and cultural events. BH Live is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1138311. Company No: 07092112. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. BH Live (Enterprises) Ltd, is a Private Company Limited by Shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of BH Live. Company No: 07175626. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. Registered Office: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH. Registered in England and Wales.
About Bournemouth International Centre
Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is operated by the registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
Opened in 1984 the venue is set in the heart of Bournemouth, with panoramic views across the bay. It is the south coast’s premier conference, exhibition, entertainment, and hospitality venue, with licensed capacity for up to 10,000 visitors. Four main halls and a variety of smaller meeting and hospitality areas can be scaled to host events such as multi-hall conferences, exhibitions, meetings, music concerts, dance and comedy performances.
- Buy tickets online at bic.co.uk
- Buy tickets by phone 0300 500 0595
- In person from box offices at Bournemouth International Centre
For call charges, opening times and more visit bic.co.uk.
Get social with us:
Facebook, Instagram – @BournemouthInternationalCentre
About Bournemouth Pavilion
Bournemouth Pavilion is operated by the registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
This Grade II listed venue opened in March 1929. It has a 1,500-seat theatre and full-sized ballroom. The venue hosts a year-round diverse programme of events and entertainment such as musicals, opera, ballet, pantomime, comedy, dances and fashion shows. Gala dinners, banquets, receptions, fairs, corporate presentations, product launches, conferences and exhibitions also feature.
Bournemouth Pavilion is home to Pavilion Dance South West and the Pavilion at AUB rehearsal and teaching space for the Arts University Bournemouth.
Bournemouth Pavilion’s South Terrace operates throughout the spring and summer season, serving a delicious range of hot and cold drinks, grab-and-go items, and hot food from pop-up stalls and container bars. The Terrace Bistro serves a seasonal menu, offering an indoor and alfresco dining experience.
- Buy tickets online at co.uk
- Buy tickets by phone 0300 500 0595
- In person from box office – see website for opening times.
For call charges, opening times and more visit bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.
Get social with us:
Facebook, Instagram – @BournemouthPavilion