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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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.

 

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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