The festive lights at Nutley Farm get bigger and better each year and it’s clear to see why families love it there so much.

On arrival we walked through the lit archway to the Christmas Courtyard where we found lovely decorated wooden structures, a giant Christmas tree, small marquees with seating, and barns. We had planned to go and see the lights first but the kids were apparently starving so we went straight to the main barn where food and drinks are served.

The menu has hot dogs, beef burgers, pork and apple burgers, loaded chips, jacket potatoes, nachos and kids meals. The festive barn is really welcoming and we were delighted to hear an excellent Elton John tribute singer who was getting everyone in the Christmas spirit. There’s plenty of tables and chairs for eating and you can also have your photo taken in the magical Christmas set up with options to buy prints, magnet frame, bauble and more.

Just outside of the main barn there is now a Hot Chocolate Hut, Crepe and Waffle Hut and even a Sweet Shop where you can buy treats, smores and big marshmallows for tasting on the fire pit nearby.

The crepe and waffle menu included all the traditional toppings like lemon and sugar, Nutella, Biscoff sauce, plus deluxe options included any sauce with yummy chocolates. You could event opt for savoury crepes with cheese, cheese and spinach, cheese and onion or cheese, ham and spinach.

We all had various loaded chips, hot dogs, crepes and waffles which were reasonably priced and my son especially loved his gingerbread hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows on top.

Now that we were well fed we set off to experience the illuminated light trail. We found sparkling arches, colourful lit trees, giant lit up reindeer and snowflakes, huge candy canes, photo props, a barn projection where you could see Father Christmas in a top window and much more.

At the end of the trail there’s a bungee trampoline which costs £5 for 5 mins and swings for little ones which cost £3. We also found some festive stalls nearby with some beautiful Christmas gifts.

When we had arrived the reindeer barn was busy but now it was a lot quieter and I was desperate to see the adorable Rudolph, Prancer, Sprout and Parsnip. You can buy a pot of reindeer food which costs £2 and they will reward you with lots of attention which gives you the chance to have a stroke. It was a perfect end to a wonderful night.

 

Good to know:

• The Nutley Farm Lights and Reindeer experience will be running on selected dates from Friday 28th November to Tuesday 30th December 2025.

• Live music will be playing in the barn on selected evenings at 7.30pm.

• Nutley Farm offer tickets for see Father Christmas in his Grotto however due to popularity, 2025 tickets are now sold out.

• Toilets are located in the Christmas Courtyard.

• Nutley Farm supports the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. To date, they have raised over £50,000 which is incredible and it’s great to know that by visiting you will be contributing to such a worthwhile cause.

For more information and tickets, please visit Nutley Farm.

For a list of family friendly events happening in December, please see below.

 

Santa’s Grotto’s & Christmas Experiences

Panto’s & Christmas Shows

Family Friendly New Years Eve Events

 

MOORS VALLEY COUNTRY PARK STICK MAN TRAIL

Info: This interactive family trail follows Stick Man as he helps Santa deliver the final present. Along the way, young explorers can enjoy lots of fun wintry activities whilst keeping a lookout for hidden letters to discover who the special gift is for. Families can purchase a Christmas trail pack from the Visitor Centre.

Dates: From Thursday 6th November 2025
Address: Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, BH24 2ET
Website: Moors Valley Country Park

 

KINGSTON LACY WINTER WOODLAND TRAIL

Info: Follow the snowflake trail to meet some clever creatures who know just how to stay warm during a chilly winter. No booking needed, free trail (normal admission applies).

Dates: Tuesday 11th November 2025 – Sunday 25th January 2026
Address: Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA
Website: National Trust Kingston Lacy

 

THE OLD THATCH CHRISTMAS TREE TRAIL

Info: Starting at The Old Thatch, purchase your Christmas trail sheet and follow the directions that will take you on a Christmas Tree Trail along the historic Castleman's trail! Along the way keep an eye our for the markers and answer the questions on your trail sheet that match! Make sure you come back to the pub for your festive gift and certificate!

Dates: 23rd November 2025 - 1st January 2026
Address: The Old Thatch, 285 Wimborne Road West, Ferndown, Dorset, BH21 7NW
Website: The Old Thatch

 

SNOWY’S CONSERVATION CREW AT SEALIFE

Info: Join Snowy for a special artic Christmas adventure to learn about the amazing North Pole and the animals that live there. Snowy is inviting children and their families to take part in an interactive trail through the aquarium as you meet all the jaw-some creatures along the way.

Dates: Friday 28th November 2025 – Wednesday 31st December 2025
Address: SEA LIFE, Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX
Website: SEA LIFE Weymouth

 

MOORS VALLEY COUNTRY PARK CHRISTMAS QUEST

Info: Ranger the Elf has been up to mischief and stolen names from Santa’s Nice List. Can you help find them? Purchase your activity pack from the Visitor Centre and find the boards hidden around Moors Valley, solve riddles, complete challenges, and uncover the missing names to save Christmas.

Dates: Friday 28 November 2025 - Monday 5 January 2026
Address: Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, BH24 2ET
Website: Moors Valley Country Park

 

THE WALLED GARDEN CHRISTMAS TRAIL

Dates: Saturday 29th November – Monday 22nd December 2025
Address: The Walled Garden, Station Road, Moreton, Dorset, DT2 8RH
Website: The Walled Garden

 

KINGSTON MAURWARD ELF ADVENTURE TRAIL

Dates: Monday 1st – Tuesday 23rd December 2025
Address: Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8PX
Website: Kingston Maurward

 

MUSEUM OF EAST DORSET ELF MISCHIEF

Info: The museum’s naughty elves return – and they’re causing merry mayhem in every corner. Families can explore the Elf on the Shelf Trail, spotting cheeky elves hidden throughout the galleries. There are free festive crafts and a fancy dress box.

Dates: Monday 1st – Wednesday 24th December 2025
Address: Museum of East Dorset, 23-29 High St, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1HR
Website: Museum of East Dorset

 

BRIDPORT MUSEUM CHRISTMAS STOCKING TRAIL

Dates: Wednesday 3rd – Wednesday 24th December 2025
Address: Bridprt Museum, 25 South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NR
Website: Bridport Museum

 

HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL

Dates: Friday 5th – Tuesday 23rd December 2025
Address: Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 4LE
Website: Highcliffe Castle

 

CORFE CASTLE MONTY & MATILDA TRAVELLING TALES FAMILY QUEST

Info: Search for the festive scenes and find out what other National Trust properties Monty & Matilda have visited this year.

Dates: Friday 5th December 2025 – Sunday 4th January 2026
Address: Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5EZ
Website: National Trust Corfe Castle

   

CHRISTMAS AT HD HORSEMANSHIP

Dates: Friday 12th - Friday 19th December 2025
Address: HD Horsemanship, Willett Road, Broadstone, Poole, Dorset, BH21 3FZ
Website: HD Horsemanship

    

RED HOUSE MUSEUM FESTIVE GNOME HOME HUNT

Dates: Saturday 13th December 2025 – Sunday 4th January 2026
Address: Red House Museum, Quay Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1BU
Website: Red House Museum

 

DURLSTON COUNTRY PARK CHRISTMAS EVENTS

Dates: Saturday 13th December 2025 – Wednesday 7th January 2026
Address: Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2JL
Website: Durlston Country Park

  

LITTLE PICKLES PLAY CAFÉ CHRISTMAS PARTY

Date: Thursday 18th December 2025
Address: Little Pickles Play Café, 723 Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 2AX
Website: Little Pickles Play Café

 

CORFE CASTLE WINTER LIGHTS

Info: Explore the ruins of Corfe Castle lit under warm glowing lights with the stars above you. Braziers and festoon lights will illuminate the paths but it is recommended to bring a torch with you.

Date: Friday 19th December 2025
Address: Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5EZ
Website: National Trust Corfe Castle

 

LEMUR LANDINGS CHRISTMAS DISCO

Date: Friday 19th December 2025
Address: Lemur Landings, Tower Retail Park, Yarrow Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NY
Website: Lemur Landings

 

AVON HEATH COUNTRY PARK CHRISTMAS CRAFTS

Info: Join the rangers for a festive crafting session and create your very own Christmas stocking. These adorable little stockings are perfect for small hands to make and hang at the end of the bed on Christmas Eve. There’s also Christmas decorations ready for you to colour in.

Dates: Friday 19th & Tuesday 23rd December 2025
Address: Avon Heath Country Park, Brocks Pine, St Leonards, Dorset, BH24 2DH
Booking: TicketSource Avon Heath Country Park

 

DRIVE IN MOVIES

Dates: Friday 19th – Monday 22nd December 2025
Address: Matchams Leisure Park, Hurn Road, Ringwood, BH24 2BT
Website: Drive In Movies

 

UPTON COUNTRY PARK SNOW & ICE FAMILY TRAIL

Info: Trail maps are available to purchase from the Welcome Centre. Follow the clues around the Country Park to help the Ice Queen put her snowman companion back together! Complete the trail to receive a cuddly prize.

Dates: Friday 19th – Wednesday 24th December 2025
Address: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
Website: Upton Country Park

 

THE B.E.N. SHOW

Date: Saturday 20th December 2025
Address: The Barrington Arts & Community Centre, Pennys Walk, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9TH
Website: The BEN Group

 

CHRISTMAS ON THE GREEN

Date: Saturday 20th December 2025
Address: Kinson Green, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH11 9AW
Facebook: Kinson & West Howe Foodbank

 

PREVAIL JUNIORS CHRISTMAS PARTY

Date: Saturday 20th December 2025
Address: Prevail Juniors, Richmond Gardens Shopping Centre, Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 1EP
Website: Prevail Juniors

 

CANFORD HEATH SNOW PARTY

Date: Saturday 20th December 2025
Address: Canford Heath Community Centre, 7 Mitchell Road, Poole, Dorset, BH17 8UE
Facebook: Canford Heath Community Centre

 

WINTON & MOORDOWN RBL CLUB KIDS PARTY

Date: Saturday 20th December 2025
Address: Winton & Moordown RBL Club, 593 Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 2AR

 

PORTLAND SOCIAL CLUB CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY

Date: Saturday 20th December 2025
Address: Portland Social Club, 3 High Street, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1JQ
Website: Portland Social Club

 

THE WALLED GARDEN BUGS & EXOTIC ANIMAL EXPERIENCE

Date: Saturday 20th December 2025
Address: The Walled Garden, Station Road, Moreton, Dorset, DT2 8RH
Website: The Walled Garden

 

RED HOUSE MUSEUM POP UP PERFORMANCE

Date: Saturday 20th December 2025
Address: Red House Museum, Quay Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1BU
Website: Red House Museum

 

BLANDFORD ANIMAL FARM CHRISTMAS EVENT

Date: Saturday 20th December 2025
Address: Blandford Animal Santuary, Higher Shaftesbury Road, Blandford Forum, Dorset
Website: Blandford Animal Santuary

 

ITSY BITSY GRINCHMAS BRUNCH AND AFTERNOON TEA

Info: Join the Itsy Bitsy crew and the Grinch for either Brunch or Afternoon Tea. The magical themed party features a meet and greet with the lovable Grinch, dancing and festive fun, a special gift and much more.

Date: Saturday 20th December 2025
Address: Itsy Bitsycchino, Westover Retail Park, Wimborne Road, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 3JS
Website: Itsy Bitsy

 

MEET & CRAFT WITH SANTA CLAUS

Date: Saturday 20th December 2025
Address: The Branksome Centre, Recreation Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 2EA
Tickets: TicketSource

 

CAFÉ IN THE PARK SANTA’S GROTTO

Dates: Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st December 2025
Address: Café in the Park, Lulworth Avenue, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4DH
Website: Café in the Park

 

POOLE ITALIAN CHRISTMAS MARKET

Dates: Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st December 2025
Address: Pitwines Close (outside Sainsbury’s), Poole, Dorset, BH15 1XU

 

WEYMOUTH SANTA WEEKEND

Dates: Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st December 2025
Location: Weymouth Town Centre
Website: We Are Weymouth

 

MEET SANTA AT LITTLEMOOR

Date: Sunday 21st December 2025
Address: Littlemoor Community Centre, Canberra Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 6AH

 

GILLINGHAM SOCIAL CLUB KIDS PARTY

Date: Sunday 21st December 2025
Address: Gillingham Social Club, Harding's Lane, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4HX
Website: Gillingham Social Club

 

HIGHCLIFFE CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY

Date: Sunday 21st December 2025
Address: Highcliffe Club, 387 Lymington Road, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 5EG  
Facebook: Highcliffe Club

 

LITTLE RAVERS

Date: Sunday 21st December 2025
Address: Popworld, 156-164 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 1NL
Website: Popworld

 

RIVERSMEET CHRISTMAS FAMILY FUN

Date: Sunday 21st December 2025
Address: Riversmeet, Harding's Lane, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4HX
Website: Riversmeet

 

ACTION ZONE PLAY & MEET SANTA

Date: Sunday 21st December 2025
Address: Kings Park Leisure Centre, King's Park Drive, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 6JD
Website: Kings Park Leisure Centre

 

ITSY BITSY GINGERBREAD HOUSE MAKING PARTY

Info: Stitchmas Gingerbread House Making Party — a magical holiday adventure full of gingerbread fun, dancing, and Stitchy sparkle!

Date: Monday 22nd December 2025
Address: Itsy Bitsycchino, Westover Retail Park, Wimborne Road, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 3JS
Website: Itsy Bitsy

 

RIVERSMEET WAVE RAVE

Date: Monday 22nd December 2025
Address: Riversmeet Leisure Centre, Harding's Lane, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4HX
Website: Riversmeet Leisure Centre

 

MR MERLIN & OKEY DOKEY THE DRAGON SHOW

Date: Monday 22nd December 2025
Address: The Corn Exchange, 17 Market Place, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7AG
Website: Blandford Forum Town Council

 

LOLLIPOPS PLAY CAFÉ CHRISTMAS PYJAMA PARTY

Date: Monday 22nd December 2025
Address: Lollipops Play Café, 16 Landseer Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH4 9EH
Website: Lollipops Play Café

 

COSY VILLAGE KIDS PLAY CAFÉ CHRISTMAS PARTY

Date: Monday 22nd December 2025
Address: Cosy Village Play Café, 1609 Wimborne Road, Kinson, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH11 9AP
Website: Cosy Village Play Cafe

 

BOURNEMOUTH ELECTRIC CLUB CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY

Date: Monday 22nd December 2025
Address: Bournemouth Electric Club, 1 Broadway Lane, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 0AA
Website: Bournemouth Electric Club

 

LITTLEDOWN CHRISTMAS DISCO

Date: Monday 22nd December 2025
Address: Littledown Centre, Chaseside, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 7DX
Website: BH Live Littledown

 

HAF CHRISTMAS FUN IN STUR

Dates: Monday 22nd & Tuesday 23rd December 2025
Address: The Vale Family Hub, Unit 22b Butts Pond Industrial Estate, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1AZ
Facebook: The Vale Family Hub

 

THE SNOWMAN PERFORMANCE

Date: Tuesday 23rd December 2025
Address: Christchurch Priory, Quay Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1BU
Website: Christchurch Priory

 

VERWOOD HUB CHRISTMAS DISCO

Date: Tuesday 23rd December 2025
Address: Verwood Hub, Brockway, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 7QE
Website: Verwood Hub

 

ITSY BITSY PRINCESS CHRISTMAS ROYAL BALL

Info: Step into a sparkling winter wonderland and celebrate the magic of Christmas with your favorite princesses! Dress in your festive best and enjoy dancing and sing-alongs with all three princesses, live performances, party games and more.

Date: Tuesday 23rd December 2025
Address: Itsy Bitsycchino, Westover Retail Park, Wimborne Road, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 3JS
Website: Itsy Bitsy

 

THE YACHTSMAN KIDS AFTERNOON

Date: Wednesday 24th December 2025
Address: The Yachtsman, Lake Drive, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4LW

 

 

STORIES WITH MRS CLAUS AT UPWEY WISHING WELL

Date: Wednesday 24th December 2025
Address: Upwey Wishing Well, 161 Church Street, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 5QE
Website: Upwey Wishing Well

 

BOUNCY FUN PLAY & MAGIC SHOW

Info: Huge sports hall filled with inflatables, bouncy castles, slides, soft play, and ride ons, plus comedy family show entertainment with Silly Scott.

Date: Monday 29th December 2025
Address: The Bourne Academy, Hadow Road, Kinson, Bournemouth, BH10 5HS
Website: Get Up and Bounce

 

LEMUR LANDINGS PHASER NIGHT

Info: Get ready for a high-energy Phaser Night in the epic space station-themed play zone. Packed with six thrilling phaser tag games, a go on the climbing and digiwall, plus glowing disco lights.

Date: Monday 29th December 2025
Address: Lemur Landings, Tower Retail Park, Yarrow Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NY
Website: Lemur Landings

 

BOURNEMOUTH NATURAL SCIENCE SOCIETY OPEN DAYS

Dates: Saturday 27th, Monday 29th & Tuesday 30th December 2025
Address: Bournemouth Natural Science Society, 39 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3NS
Website: Bournemouth Natural Science Society

 

RED HOUSE MUSEUM GNOME HOME & TWIXMAS TALES

Date: Tuesday 30th December 2025
Address: Red House Museum, Quay Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1BU
Website: Red House Museum

 

 

If you know of any more events coming up soon then please do Contact Us.

 

Need more winter ideas for the family? 

Santa's Grotto's & Christmas Experiences

Christmas Shows & Pantos

Family Friendly New Years Eve Events

Attractions & Places to Visit

Soft Plays & Play Cafes

 

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