GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET November 19-December 22 Every day from 10am until late.

New for this year is a visiting traditional German Christmas Market. Up to 30 traditional wooden Christmas huts will be transported from Germany and set up in the Square outside Debenhams (up to Commercial Road), and will be selling products from Germany along with the traditional Bratwurst (sausage), Gluhwein (hot red wine) stands and Christmas tree trinkets.

One of the major attractions of this market is a steam locomotive built in Berlin-Babelsberg in March 1951. This locomotive was the first of its kind to be built, and is the last one in existence. After the Second World War, this locomotive was used to transport the rubble out of Berlin, but the owner of this historic steam engine reconditioned the locomotive in 1994 and transformed it into a portable train bar. While the market is in town, German Frauleins will be serving gluhwein from the locomotive to warm up Bournemouth shoppers on our cold winter days.

As well as the traditional food and drink at the German markets, there will also be beautiful Christmas tree trinkets to buy. Traditional German gingerbread decorations will also be on sale, certain to make a fabulous addition to any Christmas tree and adding to the magical ambience of the market.

FRENCH & CONTINENTAL MARKETS December 2,3,4,5 & 16,17,18,19 From 9am-6pm

To enhance the European flavour, the French and Continental markets will also be returning to the Square.

The market consists of 25 high quality stalls with produce from France, Belgium, Spain and Italy.

They will include home-cured sausages and hams, freshly cooked crepes, a huge selection of continental vegetables, traditional strings of garlic, fresh French baguettes, wines from Bordeaux and much more.

There will also be a huge variety of mouth-watering cakes and biscuits to choose from. Bonbons, sweets, real Belgian chocolates, soups, conserves and jams are on offer too, while the charcuterie stall has a variety of meats, smoked sausages and Spanish chorizo to choose from.

As well as the fine edible goods, you can pick up some earthenware cooking dishes, soaps and lavender, wickerwork and French African art.