For a list of family friendly events happening in December, please see below.
Santa’s Grotto’s & Christmas Experiences
Panto’s & Christmas Shows
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
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
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
SHERBORNE CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL
Dates: Saturday 6th – Saturday 13th December 2025
Address: Cheap Street Church, Sherborne, Dorset
LEMUR LANDING SANTA’S MORNING GROOVE
Date: Friday 12th December 2025
Address: Lemur Landings, Tower Retail Park, Yarrow Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NY
Website: Lemur Landings
FERNDOWN CHRISTMAS MARKET
Dates: Friday 12th & Saturday 13th December 2025
Location: The Barrington Centre & The White Hart Car Park
KIDS VINTAGE POP UP
Dates: Friday 12th & Sunday 14th December 2025
Address: Barnack Walk, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7AL
CHRISTMAS AT HD HORSEMANSHIP
Dates: Friday 12th - Friday 19th December 2025
Address: HD Horsemanship, Willett Road, Broadstone, Poole, Dorset, BH21 3FZ
Website: HD Horsemanship
SWANAGE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Info: There will be in excess of 80 stalls selling a wide range of crafts, gifts, food and other Christmas goods.
Date: Saturday 13th December 2025
Location: Station Road & Institute Road, Swanage, Dorset
Facebook: Swanage Purbeck Rotary
CHRISTMAS IN SOUTHBOURNE
Date: Saturday 13th December 2025
Location: Southbourne Green, Southbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset
Website: Visit Southbourne
HANDMADE WIMBORNE CRAFT FAIR
Date: Saturday 13th December 2025
Address: Allendale House, Hanham Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1AS
WIMBORNE SAVE THE CHILDREN PARADE
Date: Saturday 13th December 2025
Location: Wimborne Town Centre
Website: Wimborne Info
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.
Date: Saturday 13th December 2025
Address: Avon Heath Country Park, Brocks Pine, St Leonards, Dorset, BH24 2DH
Booking: TicketSource Avon Heath Country Park
WINTERBOURNE WHITECHURCH CHRISTMAS KIDS PARTY
Date: Saturday 13th December 2025
Address: Winterborne Whitechurch Village Hall, Dolway Lane, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0AW
Website: Winterborne Whitechurch Village Hall
KINSON COMMUNITY CENTRE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Date: Saturday 13th December 2025
Address: Kinson Community Centre, Millhams Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH10 7LH
SWANAGE CARNIVAL SANTA’S GROTTO
Date: Saturday 13th December 2025
Address: Minion HQ, 7 Rempstone Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1DN
Website: Swanage Carnival
TOLPUDDLE CHRISTMAS MARKET & LIGHT UP
Date: Saturday 13th December 2025
Location: Tolpuddle Village & Church
THE CRAFT LIGHTHOUSE
Date: Saturday 13th December 2025
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
RIVERSMEET KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY
Date: Saturday 13th December 2025
Address: Riversmeet, Harding's Lane, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4HX
Website: Riversmeet
SANTA’S GROTTO AT THE CENTRE
Date: Saturday 13th December 2025
Address: The Centre, Barns Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 8XH
Website: The Centre Ferndown
RED HOUSE MUSEUM FESTIVE LANTERN MAKING
Date: Saturday 13th December 2025
Address: Red House Museum, Quay Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1BU
Website: Red House Museum
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: Saturday 13th December 2025
Address: Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5EZ
Website: National Trust Corfe Castle
STALBRIDGE CHRISTMAS FAIR
Date: Saturday 13th December 2025
Address: Stalbridge Hall, Lower Road, Stalbridge, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 2NF
FESTIVE FUN IN WOODLANDS
Date: Saturday 13th December 2025
Address: Woodlands Village Hall, Verwood Road, Woodlands, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 8LJ
WELDMAR MAGICAL CHRISTMAS FETE
Date: Saturday 13th December 2025
Address: Weldmar, Unit D2, Marabout Industrial Estate, Miller's Close, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1YA
CRUDD’S CHRISTMAS FAIR
Date: Saturday 13th December 2025
Address: Brownsword Hall, Pummery Square, Poundbury, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 3GW
THE HORTON INN KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY
Date: Saturday 13th December 2025
Address: The Horton Inn, Cranborne Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 5AD
Website: The Horton Inn
BOURNE COMMUNITY HUB CHRISTMAS PARTY
Date: Saturday 13th December 2025
Address: Bourne Community Hub, Northmere Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4DY
Website: Bourne Community Hub
CORFE MULLEN CHRISTMAS PARADE
Dates: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th December 2025
Location: Corfe Mullen
Website: Corfe Mullen Carnival
A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS
Info: Multiple events will be held across Weymouth with a Nativity trail, Christmas carols, elf hunt, Christmas tree festival, Follow the Star parade, live music and much more.
Dates: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th December 2025
Location: Weymouth Town Centre
Website: We Are Weymouth
NOTHE FORT TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS WEEKEND
Info: Celebrate a traditional Victorian Christmas at the Fort with Father Christmas, festive crafts, and tasty winter treats in the Fort View Café.
Dates: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th December 2025
Address: Nothe Fort, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UF
Website: Nothe Fort
WIMBORNE DSME CHISTMAS RUN
Dates: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th December 2025
Address: Wimborne DSME, Merley Park Road, Ashington, Broadstone, Dorset, BH21 3DA
Website: Wimborne DSME
GULLIVERS CHRISTMAS MARKET
Dates: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th December 2025
Address: Gullivers Farm, Station Road, West Moors, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 0JG
Website: Gullivers Farm
RADIPOLE PARK CHRISTMAS MARKET
Dates: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th December 2025
Address: Mumma Bee’s Café, Radipole Park Drive, Weymouth, Droset, DT3 5EZ
Facebook: Mumma Bee’s Cafe
LYME REGIS BIG CHRISTMAS WEEKEND
Info: There’s plenty of Christmas magic to enjoy in this beautiful seaside town over the Big Christmas Weekend including a Christmas Tree Festival, Santa’s Grotto, a Makers Market and special deals in local shops and eateries.
Dates: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th December 2025
Location: Lyme Regis Town Centre
Website: Love Lyme Regis
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
PAINT N GAME CHRISTMAS PARTY
Date: Sunday 14th December 2025
Address: Paint N Game, 6 Albert Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 1BZ
Website: Paint N Game
DORCHESTER CHRISTMAS CRACKER
Info: Over 110 stalls can be found selling unique Christmas gifts, food and drink.
Date: Sunday 14th December 2025
Location: The Corn Exchange, High West Street & Trinity Street, Dorchester, Dorset
Website: Dorchester Chamber
AVON HEATH COUNTRY PARK SIVERSMITH WORKSHOPS
Info: Create something special for someone you love this Christmas with a one-hour jewellery workshop. Make your choice of an adjustable hammered ring, hammered disc necklace or hammered disc bracelet. Suitable for 5+.
Date: Sunday 14th December 2025
Address: Avon Heath Country Park, Brocks Pine, St Leonards, Dorset, BH24 2DH
Booking: TicketSource Avon Heath Country Park
HUB ON THE HEATH BISCUIT DECORATING CLASS
Date: Sunday 14th December 2025
Address: Hub on the Heath, 10 Adastral Square, Canford Heath, Poole, Dorset, BH17 8SA
Website: Hub on the Heath
MUSCLIFF COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS MARKET
Date: Sunday 14th December 2025
Address: The Point Café, Muscliff Park, Shillingstone Drive, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 3LR
LITTLEDOWN RAILWAY SANTA SPECIAL
Date: Sunday 14th December 2025
Address: Littledown Railway, Chaseside, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 7DX
Website: Littledown Railway
LULWORTH CASTLE CHRISTMAS FUN
Date: Sunday 14th December 2025
Address: Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QS
Website: Lulworth Castle
THE OLD POWERHOUSE CHRISTMAS STORYTIME
Date: Sunday 14th December 2025
Address: The Old Powerhouse, Hillside, Bryanston, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0PR
Website: The Old Powerhouse
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: Saturday Friday 19 – Wednesday 24 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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