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  1. 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.

    Nutley Farm 2025 7

    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.

    NUTLEY FARM CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DORSET 2

    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.

    NUTLEY FARM CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DORSET 1

    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.

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    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.

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    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.

    NUTLEY FARM CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DORSET 5

    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.

    NUTLEY FARM CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DORSET 6

     

    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.

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

    Canva December Christmas

     

    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: Sunday 23rd November 2025 - Thursday 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 28th November 2025 - Monday 5th January 2026
    Address: Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, BH24 2ET
    Website: Moors Valley Country Park

       

    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

        

    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

    Dec Red House Museum 2025

     

    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

    Dec Jan Durlston Country Park Events 2025 2026

       

    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 20th December 2025 - Monday 5th January 2026
    Address: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
    Website: Upton Country Park

       

    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

    Dec 27 29 30 BNSS Open Days 2025

     

    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

    Dec Red House Museum 2025 

     

    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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