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

  

POOLE CHRISTMAS LIGHT TRAIL

Dates: Saturday 22nd November 2025 – Thursday 1st January 2026
Location: Poole Town & Quay
Website: Poole Tourism

   

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

  

VERWOOD HUB CHRISTMAS CRAFTS AND SOCIAL

Date: Friday 28th November 2025
Address: Verwood Hub, Brockway, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 7QE

 

BOURNE COMMUNITY HUB

Date: Friday 28th November 2025
Address: Bourne Community Hub, Northmere Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4DY
Website: Bourne Community Hub

 

TUCKTONS JINGLE & MINGLE

Date: Friday 28th November 2025
Address: Tuckton, Southbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset

 

LARMER TREE CHRISTMAS MARKET

Dates: Friday 28th & Saturday 29th November 2025
Address: Larmer Tree Gardens, Tollard Royal, Salisbury, SP5 5PY
Website: Larmer Tree Gardens

 

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

 

THE FACTORY SPACE CHRISTMAS CRACKER EVENT

Date: Sunday 29th November 2025
Address: The Factory Space, 1172-1180 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 6DY
Website: The Factory Space

 

HOME FARM CHRISTMAS MARKET

Date: Saturday 29th November 2025
Address: Home Farm Shop, Home Farm, Tarrant Gunville, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8JW

 

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR AND CRAFT FAIR

Date: Saturday 29th November 2025
Address: St Dunstan’s Church & Upton Community Centre, Poole, Dorset, BH16 5JA

 

POOLE FOREST SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAMILY DAY

Date: Saturday 29th November 2025
Address: Poole Forest School, Old Wareham Road, Corfe Mullen, Dorset, BH21 3RZ
Website: Poole Forest School

 

THE OLD BREWERY HALL CHRISTMAS FAIR

Date: Saturday 29th November 2025
Address: The Old Brewery Hall, Hartfoot Lane, Ansty, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7PN

 

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

  

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

 

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

 

DORSET MUSEUM WINTER WONDERS ARTS & CRAFTS

Dates: Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th November 2025
Address: Dorset Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XA
Website: Dorset Museum

 

ELLIE’S FARM SHOP CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA

Dates: Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th November 2025
Address: Ellie’s Farm Shop, Lyndhurst Road, Bockhampton, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 7AB
Website: Ellie’s Farm Shop

 

ABBEY FARM CHRISTMAS FAIR

Dates: Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th November 2025
Address: Abbey Farm, Church Street, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4JJ
Website: Abbey Farm

 

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

 

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

 

THE CORN EXHANGE OPENING EVENT

Date: Sunday 30th November 2025
Address: The Corn Exchange, 17 Market Place, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7AG
Facebook: Blandford Forum Town Museum

 

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

Sport & Leisure Centres

 

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The Moors Valley Halloween Trail is back and if you think it’s the same as last year then I’ll let you know it’s not!  There’s just as many spooky animations and features to see but pretty much everything is different which is great for those who would like to do it again.

We started the trail at 5pm (after the clocks had changed) so the first part of the trail was already quite moody and grey but it didn’t take long before the forest became mega eerie.

Everyone on the trail was excited to see what would be coming up next and the kids all looked super cute in their fancy dress costumes, we even saw an adorable little dog in a Stitch costume with a knitted pumpkin on it’s head!

As we wandered through the trail we saw hundreds of gravestones, coffins, bats, spiders, skulls, crows and pumpkins, to name but a few.  Strange sounds can be heard deep in the forest and illuminated skeletons flicker on and off, plus there’s a giant spider tunnel and an eerily possessed pumpkin farm.

We stopped briefly to say hello to Dracula but my daughter wasn’t keen and hid behind me so we bid farewell and continued our journey through the woods.

After the half way point, we came to a seated area and here you can purchase marshmallows with melted chocolate and toppings or seasonal drinks which include boozy hot chocolates, spiced apple toddy, cold brews, soft drinks and hot drinks.

Walking on we saw a sinister Plague Doctor and then came to an area which the children loved the most. Within the trees was glow in the dark mushrooms, skeletons coming out the ground, big spider webs and smoke filled bubbles which came out of the undergrowth. They were thoroughly satisfying when popped and every child that walked past couldn’t resist.

The last part of the trail, we saw a pumpkin forest and a creepy and slightly possessed Scarecrow character who liked to jump around when new people walked by.

We spent approximately 90 mins walking round the trail but I’d say the average would be 1 hour.  We only took longer because I have a bad habit of petting cute dogs and we spent a long time popping the smoke bubbles.

I’ve deliberately not mentioned everything you’ll see because no one likes spoiler alerts! I will say though that it’s brilliant experience and thoroughly recommended by all our family.

If you’re peckish before or after then you’ll find several catering options located at the start of trail. We spotted burgers, loaded fries and carvery - there’s even a Churros and Bar Bus!

The spooky illuminated trail is open from Friday 24th October until Sunday 2nd November 2025.  For more information and to book your tickets, please visit Forestry England.

Good to know:

• The trail opens at 4pm, last entry at 9pm, with the journey through the woods getting scarier as the darkness of night sets in.

• Toilets are located near the food area however I have also been told that the visitor centre toilets will also remain open later than normal. There are no toilets on the trail so make sure you visit the facilities before starting, especially if you have little one’s with you.

• There’s plenty of undercover seating located near the food and toilets area.

• The pathway is flat and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs however it will be a little bumpy in areas.

Top Tips:

• Take your time, there’s so much to see and so many fun surprises lurking, you don’t want to miss them.

• Sturdy footwear and warm clothing is recommended.

Dorsetmums was invited to the Moors Valley Halloween Trail for the purpose of a review however all words are my own.