CHRISTMAS has come early as construction begins for Bournemouth’s Christmas Market and ice rink.

The festivities will officially kick off on Friday, November 17 with the famous Christmas Tree Wonderland trial making a return.

Half of Bournemouth Lower Gardens has been fenced off to the public while the trail and the popular outdoor ice rink is constructed.

Bournemouth Echo:

The two-storey Alpine Lodge Bar and Christmas market stalls, featuring more than 40 traders, is also being set up in Bournemouth Square.

READ MORE: Bournemouth's Christmas ice rink and market are back

Markets stalls will include luxury hot chocolate by Norris & Binglewort of Christchurch, handmade pizzas by El Murrino, craft gifts from local South Coast Makers Market, sweet treats by Bournemouth Brownie Company and plant-based food by Mighty Weiners.

Bournemouth Echo:

The public can take part in the festive fun until Monday, January 1, not including Christmas Day.

As reported earlier this month, BCP Council announced that Christmas lights in Bournemouth and Christchurch would not be returning this year in a bid to cut costs.

However, the Bournemouth Town Centre BID has since stepped in to save the lights in Bournemouth.