Need ideas for things to do with the family in November? You'll find lots of fun events and shows listed below.
CORFE CASTLE: SECRETS OF THE SHADOWS FAMILY QUEST
Info: There’s strange reports of ghostly figures roaming around the castle. Can you help the resident ghost detective, Godwin, with his investigation? Explore the castle to discover what these figures are doing in the ruins and don’t forget to collect your stamp at the end.
Dates: Monday 29th September – Saturday 29th November 2025
Location: Corfe Castle
Website: National Trust Corfe Castle
KINGSTON MAURWARD POPPY TRAIL
Dates: Saturday 1st – Sunday 30th November 2025
Address: Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8PX
Website: Kingston Maurward
NOTHE FORT STANDING WITH GIANTS FALKLANDS TRIBUTE
Info: Nothe Fort are proud of this large scale, outdoor remembrance art installation and there will be a designated Giant marked for any visitors wishing to leave wreaths, flowers, tokens of remembrance.
Date: Wednesday 5th – Sunday 30th November 2025
Address: Nothe Fort, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UF
Website: Nothe Fort
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
MONKEY WORLD KID FOR A QUID OFFER
Dates: Friday 7th – Sunday 30th November 2025
Address: Monkey World, Tout Hill, Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH
Website: Monkey World
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
CHRISTMAS IN BOURNEMOUTH
Info: Wander through a dazzling display of light-up trees, hop aboard Santa’s Express, and take on the Christmas Tree Maze before heading to a festive workshop. With the iconic Big Wheel lighting up the skyline, this magical trail is a must-visit part of Christmas in Bournemouth. And that’s not all, families can also enjoy the Christmas Market, Alpine Lodge Bar and Skate Ice Rink in the gardens.
Dates: Thursday 13th November 2025 – Sunday 4th January 2026
Location: Bournemouth Town & Gardens
Website: Christmas in Bournemouth
DORSET MUSEUM GREAT CHRISTMAS PUDDING HUNT
Dates: Saturday 15th November – Wednesday 31st December 2025
Address: Dorset Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XA
Website: Dorset Museum
CAREY’S SECRET GARDEN LIGHT TRAIL
Info: Wander the historic walled garden and woodland paths, beautifully and gently illuminated with fairy lights. Warm up at the Coffee Stop, treat yourself to wood-fired pizzas and toast marshmallows by the fire.
Dates: Thursday 20th November - Saturday 13th December 2025
Address: Carey’s Secret Garden, Garden Wood, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 7PG
Website: Carey’s Secret Garden
ABBOTSBURY SUBTROPICAL GARDENS ILLUMINATE
Dates: Selected dates from Friday 21st November – Wednesday 31st December 2025
Address: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Bullers Way, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4LA
Website: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
RNLI MUDEFORD CHRISTMAS FAYRE
Date: Saturday 22nd November 2025
Address: Stanpit Village Hall, 162 Stanpit, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 3NE
Facebook: RNLI Mudeford Fundraising Crew
WIMBORNE MINSTER FROST FAIR
Info: The Frost Fair will have a wide range of stalls, waffle truck, pop up cafe, childrens crafts, family Christmas show with Picklebottom the Elf, plus children can meet Santa and Mrs Santa in the Grotto and choose a gift.
Date: Saturday 22nd November 2025
Address: Wimborne Minster, High Street, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1EB
Facebook: Minster Families
CHRISTCHURCH PRIORY CHRISTMAS FAYRE & CRAFT MARKET
Date: Saturday 22nd November 2025
Address: Christchurch Priory, Quay Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1BU
Website: Christchurch Priory
AMELIAS RAINBOW CHRISTMAS FAIR
Date: Saturday 22nd November 2025
Address: Canford Heath Community Centre, 7 Mitchell Road, Canford Heath, Poole, Dorset, BH17 8UE
Facebook: Amelia’s Rainbow
SHAFTESBURY EMPORIUM
Date: Saturday 22nd November 2025
Address: Town Hall, High Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8LY
SYDLING ST NICHOLAS CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
Date: Saturday 22nd November 2025
Address: Sydling St Nicholas Village Hall, Sydling St Nicholas, Dorchester, Dorset
HANDMADE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS FAIR
Date: Saturday 22nd November 2025
Address: Honky Tonk Collective, 9 Allens Lane, Poole, Dorset, BH16 5DA
Facebook: Buttons & Bows Events
FERNDOWN DAY CENTRE CHRISTMAS FAYRE
Date: Saturday 22nd November 2025
Address: Ferndown Day Centre, Library Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9JP
THE PALM HOUSE CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
Date: Saturday 22nd November 2025
Address: The Palm House, Swannery Lake, Commercial Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7TZ
Facebook: The Palm House
HUNGARIAN CHRISTMAS FAIR
Date: Saturday 22nd November 2025
Address: St Philips Church, 41 Moore Avenue, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH11 8AT
POOLE LIGHT SWITCH ON & SANTA PARADE
Date: Saturday 22nd November 2025
Location: Poole High Street & Quay
Website: Discover Poole
LYME REGIS LIGHT SWITCH ON
Info: The spectacular Christmas lights switch on takes place in Broad Street from 5pm and Santa will be arriving on his sleigh for the occasion. During the day there will be a lantern workshop followed by a parade later on plus music and performers.
Date: Saturday 22nd November 2025
Location: Lyme Regis Town Centre
Website: Lyme Christmas Lights
CHRISTCHURCH CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON
Date: Saturday 22nd November 2025
Location: Christchurch Town
Website: Christchurch Town Council
CORFE MULLEN CHRISTMAS FAIR
Date: Saturday 22nd November 2025
Address: Corfe Mullen Village Hall, Towers Way, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3UA
SOUTHBOURNE CHURCH PRE-CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
Date: Saturday 22nd November 2025
Address: Immanuel Church, 120 Southbourne Road, Southbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH6 3QJ
CREATIVES AT THE CASTLE
Info: Highcliffe Castle's popular Christmas market returns with over 40 local traders and makers, you'll be sure to find the perfect gift for everyone.
Dates: Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd November 2025
Address: Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 4LE
Website: Highcliffe Castle
BRYANSTON CHRISTMAS FAYRE
Dates: Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd November 2025
Address: Bryanston School, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0PX
Website: The Wessex Event Company
FORDE ABBEY CHARITY CHRISTMAS FAIR
Dates: Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd November 2025
Address: Forde Abbey Estate, Forde Abbey, TA20 4LU
Website: Forde Abbey
LITTLEDOWN CENTRE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Date: Sunday 23rd November 2025
Address: Littledown Centre, Chaseside, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 7DX
Website: BH Live Littledown Centre
ALDERNEY MANOR CHRISTMAS MARKET
Date: Sunday 23rd November 2025
Address: 287 Herbert Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4HT
SCOUT-MAS FAIR
Date: Sunday 23rd November 2025
Address: Scout Hut, Rylands Lane, Wyke Regis, Weymouth, DT4 9PY
SHAFTESBURY LIGHT SWITCH ON
Date: Monday 24th November 2025
Location: Shaftesbury Town Hall
Website: Shaftesbury Chamber
ALADDIN
Dates: Tuesday 25th & Wednesday 26th November 2025
Address: Purbeck School, Worgret Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4PF
Tickets: Purchase from Purbeck School Reception
ALICE IN CUCKOO LAND
Date: Thursday 27th – Saturday 29th November 2025
Address: Corfe Castle Village Hall, 67 East Street, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5EE
Website: Double Act
PORTLAND MASONIC HALL CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
Date: Saturday 29th November 2025
Address: Portland Masonic Hall, 1 Victoria Square, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1AL
WEYMOUTH ELF WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT
Date: Saturday 29th November 2025
Location: Weymouth Town Centre
Website: We Are Weymouth
SWANAGE LIGHT SWITCH ON
Info: There’ll be live entertainment, a formal countdown, and as always Father Christmas will be arriving on his sleigh to join the festivities.
Date: Saturday 29th November 2025
Location: Swanage Town Centre
Website: Swanage Events
BREWERY SQUARE LIGHT SWITCH ON
Info: The Brewery Square Christmas Lights Switch On returns bigger, brighter and more dazzling than ever from 5:30pm until 7pm! Expect to see Gliding Fairies twirling through the Square, a live choir and say hello to Santa and his friends. Take part in exciting Christmas games, keep your eyes peeled for special guests and capture magical moments with the glittering new displays that will light up Brewery Square.
Date: Saturday 29th November 2025
Location: Brewery Square, Dorchester
Website: Brewery Square
ABBEY FARM CHRISTMAS FAIR
Dates: Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th November 2025
Address: Abbey Farm, Church Street, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4JJ
Website: Abbey Farm
LARMER TREE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Dates: Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th November 2025
Address: Larmer Tree Gardens, Tollard Royal, Salisbury, SP5 5PY
Website: Larmer Tree Gardens
CHRISTMAS AT THE RUSSELL-COTES
Info: Step back in time and unwrap the magic of a Victorian Christmas at the Russell-Cotes. Follow the Christmas Trail and find out more about Christmas traditions and collection items linked to this magical time of the year. Father Christmas will also be visiting and pre-booking can be made on the website.
Dates: Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th November 2025
Address: Russell-Cotes Museum, West Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3AA
Website: Russell-Cotes Museum
MAKE STUR SPARKLE
Date: Saturday 29th November 2025
Location: Sturminster Newton Town
Website: Make Stur Sparkle
THE EXCHANGE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Date: Saturday 29th November 2025
Address: The Exchange, The Exchange, Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1FH
Website: The Exchange
POUNDBURY CHRISTMAS MARKET
Date: Saturday 29th November 2025
Address: Crown Square, Poundbury, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 3DY
Facebook: Poundbury Christmas Market
STANPIT MARSH REINDEER FAIR
Date: Saturday 29th November 2025
Address: Stanpit Marsh Scout Hut, Stanpit, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 3ND
Facebook: Christchurch Countryside Service
HOPE CHURCH CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAYRE
Date: Saturday 29th November 2025
Address: Hope United Reformed Church, 3 Trinity Street, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8TW
WIMBORNE MARKET & LIGHT SWITCH ON
Date: Saturday 29th November 2025
Location: Wimborne Town
Website: Wimborne Minster Town Council
MUSEUM OF EAST DORSET CHRISTMAS FAIR
Date: Saturday 29th November 2025
Address: Museum of East Dorset, 23-29 High Street, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1HR
Website: Museum of East Dorset
STALBRIDGE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
Date: Saturday 29th November 2025
Location: Stalbridge Town Centre
Website: Stalbridge Info
VERWOOD MARKET & LIGHT SWITCH ON
Date: Saturday 29th November 2025
Location: Verwood Ferrett Green, Memorial Hall & United Reformed Church
Website: Verwood Town Council
CHRISTMAS IN FERNDOWN
Date: Saturday 29th November 2025
Location: Ferndown Town Centre
Website: Ferndown & Parley Rotary
NEW MILTON CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL & PARADE
Date: Saturday 29th November 2025
Location: New Milton Town Centre
Website: New Milton Lions
MAPPERTON CHRISTMAS MARKET
Info: Get into the festive spirit at Mapperton’s Christmas Market and discover over 100 stalls filled with local artisans, food producers and festive gifts. Little ones can step into the magic of Santa’s Grotto, write their own letter to Father Christmas, and post it to the North Pole. There will also be children’s activities throughout the weekend to keep young visitors entertained.
Date: Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th November 2025
Address: Mapperton House, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3NR
Website: Mapperton House
THE OLD POWERHOUSE CHRISTMAS WEEKEND
Dates: Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th November 2025
Address: The Old Powerhouse, Hillside, Bryanston, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0PR
Website: The Old Powerhouse
RSPB PULL A PINE
Info: By cutting your own pine tree for Christmas you are not only taking home a piece of Arne, but you will be making a real difference to help the RSPB protect this rare and wonderful environment. There will be live music, Christmas craft stalls, with locally made artisan and festive items for you to browse at your leisure, as well as carol singing and delicious festive foods. Advanced ticket sales only.
Dates: Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th November 2025
Address: RSPB, Arne Road, Arne, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5BJ
Website: RSPB Arne
RINGWOOD WINTER WONDERLAND
Date: Sunday 30th November 2025
Address: Ringwood Town Centre
Website: Ringwood Winter Wonderland
WEST BAY LIGHTING UP THE CHRISTMAS TREE
Date: Sunday 30th November 2025
Location: On the Green, West Bay
Website: West Bay
CANFORD HEATH CHRISTMAS FAIR
Date: Sunday 30th November 2025
Address: Canford Heath Community Centre, 7 Mitchell Road, Canford Heath, Poole, Dorset, BH17 8UE
Please always check an event is running before travelling as cancellations can occur. If you know of any more family friendly events in November then please do Contact Us.
Need more ideas for the things to do with the family?
Dorset Attractions & Places to Visit
Soft Plays & Play Cafes
Christmas Light Switch On Events
Santa’s Grottos & Christmas Experiences
Christmas Shows & Pantos
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