SANTA'S GROTTO'S & FATHER CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCES

Info: Mrs Claus is the person who makes sure Santa has everything he needs for his journeys. She packs his travelling supplies, organises his letters, checks on the reindeer and makes sure there is somewhere warm and welcoming for him to rest. This year, however, there is far too much for her to do alone. She needs the help of Discovery Village’s little Christmas helpers! During the live interactive story, the children can work together to complete four important festive activities: write and post a letter, prepare Santa’s travelling kit, decorate the Christmas marker flight trees and sing the reindeer song.

Dates: Wednesday 2nd – Thursday 24th December 2026

Address: Discovery Village Role Play Centre, Merritown Lane, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6BA

Website: Discovery Village Role Play Centre

Info: Step aboard the Santa Special and be transported to a Winter Wonderland. Enjoy an unforgettable heartwarming experience surrounded by twinkling lights, family laughter, and festive cheer. Tickets include free parking and train ride to Santa’s Railway Grotto. Visit Santa in his cosy grotto for a jolly chat and collect your special present. Families can also enjoy festive refreshments of mince pies, mulled wine, tea, coffee and more before rejoining the train back.

Dates: Saturday 5th – Monday 21st December 2026

Address: Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, Ringwood, BH24 2ET

Website: Moors Valley Railway

Info: Step into a world of twinkling lights, festive cheer and timeless Christmas traditions. Your festive adventure begins at Swanage Station, lovingly dressed in its Christmas best. Settle into your seat for a one-hour return journey through the stunning Purbeck countryside, be greeted by the Magic Ticket Collector and meet cheerful Christmas Elves who will lead songs, spread joy, and bring smiles to little faces. Then, Father Christmas himself will make his way through the train, meeting each family and delighting every child with a festive gift.

Dates: Saturday 28th November – Thursday 24th December 2026

Location: Swanage Railway Station

Website: Swanage Railway

Info: The Father Christmas Experience will see children meet the big man in red and all his festive friends in the magical Christmas barn. There are 2 different experiences and opportunities to meet Farmer Christmas - Daytime Experience with full use of the park or Twilight Experience. Experience the wonder and excitement of meeting Santa and all his festive friends in the Magical Christmas Barn. Plus, every child with a ‘Farmer Christmas Experience Ticket’ receives a gift from the Elves at Ye Olde Toy Shoppe!

Dates: Friday 11th – Thursday 24th December 2026

Address: Farmer Palmers, Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6EU

Website: Farmer Palmers

Info: Step into a magical woodland setting and make this Christmas season truly special with a visit to see Santa in his Grotto at The Blue Pool. This enchanting experience includes a festive trail leading to the Grotto to meet Santa himself and receive a special Christmas gift.

Dates: Saturday 5th - Wednesday 23rd December 2026

Address: The Blue Pool, Furzebrook Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5AR

Website: The Blue Pool

Info: Meet Santa in his cosy festive setting to share wishes and receive a special wrapped gift. Walk through glowing light tunnels, illuminated woodland displays, and festive soundscapes, visit the resident reindeer and enjoy local seasonal food in the Christmas Courtyard.

Dates: Saturday 28th November – Thursday 24th December 2026

Address: Nutley Farm, Winfrith Newburgh, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8DT

Website: Nutley Farm

Info: Santa is stopping at Kingston Lacy this festive season. We all know that Santa makes everyone’s dreams come true every Christmas, but it turns out even he sometimes needs an extra pair of hands. Discover the tale of Santa's most unexpected little helper and take a sneak peek behind the scenes on the most magical night of the year. The story is brought to life by Santa himself, complete with magical surprises and moments for everyone to take part.

Dates: Saturday 28th November – Wednesday 23rd December 2026

Address: Kingston Lacy, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 4EA

Website: National Trust Kingston Lacy

Info: Santa and his Elves have been working hard all year to create a Winter Wonderland village for all to enjoy this Christmas. Santa’s friendly Elves will guide you through the magical snowy walkway to meet him in his Grotto and receive a gift in the secret toy store.

Dates: Saturday 21st November – Thursday 24th December 2026

Address: Stewarts Garden Centre, Lyndhurst Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 4SA

Address: Stewarts Garden Centre, God's Blessing Lane, Broomhill, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7DE

Website: Stewarts Garden Centres

Info: From the moment you arrive at the Winter Wonderland you'll be surrounded by twinkling lights, seasonal music and festive fun. Meet the friendly elves, capture family photos in the sleigh or snowy mountain cable car, get creative in the Christmas craft corner and enjoy a range of festive games and activities. Write your Christmas wishes, post them in the magical post box, and then make your way to meet Father Christmas himself.

Dates: Selected dates from Saturday 12th - Wednesday 23rd December 2026

Address: Swanage Pier, Pier Approach, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2AP

Website: Swanage Pier

Info: Meet Santa and his elves in the magical Christmas Grotto and enjoy a festive family experience to remember. Every child will receive an age appropriate gift, with Christmas crafts included to add even more festive fun to their visit.

Dates: Friday 4th – Sunday 20th December 2026 (Fridays – Sundays only)

Address: Nicks Farm, Valley Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 0EB

Website: Nicks Farm

Info: An outdoor winter enchanted lights display will be held within the gardens. Colourful lights transform and illuminate the 18th century gardens and create a wonderful winters trail in the dark.

Dates: Friday 20th November – Thursday 31st December 2026

Address: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Buller's Way, Abbotsbury, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4LA

Website: Abbotsbury Gardens

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 12th November – Thursday 31st December 2026

Location: Bournemouth Town & Gardens

Website: Christmas in Bournemouth

Info: The decorated trees will take pride of place throughout the Castle. Younger visitors can enjoy a festive story trail which will incorporate the trees contributed by local businesses, charities and individuals to create a delightful experience for all.

Dates: Saturday 28th November – Wednesday 23rd December 2026

Address: Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 4LE

Website: Highcliffe Castle

Info: Nutley Farm will be bursting with Christmas magic for you all to enjoy. This year’s trail features many new light installations, enhanced magical interactions, and fabulous higher-quality projections with sound and surprises around every corner. Meeting Nutley Farm’s real-life magical reindeer, Rudolph, Prancer, Sprout and Parsnip and head to the barn for some hot food and treats.

Dates: Friday 27th November – Wednesday 30th December 2026

Address: Nutley Farm, Winfrith Newburgh, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8DT

Website: Nutley Farm

Info: Follow a magical 60 - 80 minute route through beautifully illuminated grounds, where captivating light installations will transform the estate into a glowing seasonal spectacle. As you explore the trail, you’ll discover different areas designed to showcase the landscape, surroundings, and festive atmosphere.

Dates: Friday 20th November 2026 – Sunday 3rd January 2027

Address: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ

Website: Illuminate Poole

Info: The festive screenings are shown on massive outdoor screens with audio broadcast directly into your vehicle via an FM car radio frequency. Families can also enjoy the festive village with artisan crafts and market stalls, plus food and snacks will be available to purchase.

Dates: Friday 18th – Monday 21st December 2026

Address: Matchams Leisure Park, Hurn Road, Ringwood, BH24 2BT

Website: Drive In Movies