SANTA'S GROTTO'S & FATHER CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCES 2026

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: 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: 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. From the Elves' workshops to Rudolph’s stables, prepare for a journey through Santa’s Winter Wonderland village. Santa’s friendly elves will guide you through the magical snowy walkway to meet him in his grotto. Have your photo taken with him for an additional cost and, if you’ve been good this year he might even let you choose your present from his ‘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: Saturday 12th - Wednesday 23rd December 2026 (Selected dates)

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

Website: Swanage Pier

Info: Enjoy an hours slot on the farm where children can enjoy festive activities in the barn surrounded by the animals, and a visit to see Santa with a quality present for each paying child.

Dates: Saturday 12th – Sunday 21st December 2025

Address: Foxdown Farm, Marshalsea, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 5QB

Website: Foxdown Farm

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: Your experience begins with an exclusive animal meet and greet, where the children can get up close and spend some special time with some of the furry friends. Then it’s time to step inside Santa’s cosy festive grotto to meet the man himself! Children can chat with Santa, tell him their Christmas wishes and enjoy their own special moment with him before receiving a gift chosen especially for them.

Dates: Saturday 28th November – Wednesday 23rd December 2026 (Selected dates)

Address: Madjeston Milk Station, Cole Street Lane, Madjeston, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 5JQ

Website: Madjeston Milk Station

Info: Step into Father Christmas’s cosy woodland cabin, tucked away in the Gardens, and discover a magical festive grotto filled with Christmas cheer. Meet Father Christmas and enjoy a special festive moment together. And, of course, no visit would be complete without a special gift from Santa himself!

Dates: Saturday 5th – Wednesday 23rd December 2026 (Selected dates)

Address: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Bullers Way, Abbotsbury, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4LA

Website: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Info: As daylight fades, follow an enchanting light walk through the grounds, transformed after dark through thousands of lights, immersive sound, projections and beautifully illuminated festive scenes. Along the way, step into Christmas Cove for crafting activities and gingerbread decorating, before making your way to the magical log cabin for a special visit with Father Christmas himself. There’s a thoughtfully chosen gift for each child included, and adults won’t leave empty handed either.

Dates: Friday 27th November – Wednesday 23rd December 2026 (Selected dates)

Address: SEALIFE Weymouth, Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX

Website: SEALIFE Weymouth

Info: With a giant compass beneath your feet, a twinkling tree, a little train and Santa’s sleigh piled high with presents. Little ones can settle in with a hot chocolate and festive treat, then enjoy seasonal crafts and activities while they wait. When it’s time, families will be invited forward to meet Santa himself, share their Christmas wishes and receive a special gift to take home. Afterwards, the festive fun can continue in the Play Barn, making it easy to turn the visit into a whole afternoon together.

Dates: Sunday 6th - Tuesday 22nd December 2026 (Selected dates)

Address: Moonfleet Manor, Fleet Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4ED

Website: Moonfleet Manor

Info: Join Brownsea Boats for a very special 70 minute festive harbor cruise filled with Christmas magic, laughter and a little bit of mischief. Children will get to meet Santa, receive a gift and personalized Christmas certificate and adults will receive a warm mulled wine and mince pie.

Dates: Saturday 19th – Thursday 24th December 2026

Location: Poole Harbour

Facebook: Brownsea Boats

Info: Enjoy a festive family adventure filled with holiday cheer, complete with Santa’s Grotto, gifts for the kids, and fun activities like face painting and crafts. Adults can relax with mince pies and mulled wine, making it the perfect way to celebrate the season together.

Dates: Saturday 5th December - Thursday 24th December 2026 (Selected dates)

Location: Weymouth Bay

Website: Coastal Vibes Cruises

Info: Jovie the elf will be onboard to share a heartwarming Christmas story and lead plenty of festive games, laughter and magical moments to delight the children. The excitement builds as Santa comes aboard and each family will visit Santa in his grotto to receive a special gift.

Dates: Saturday 12th, Saturday 19th, Tuesday 22nd & Thursday 24th December 2026

Location: Poole Quay

Website: Coastal Cruises Poole

Info: Enjoy a magical Christmas adventure through Upton House, where festive storytelling, interactive fun, and a special visit from Santa await. Experience includes an enchanting Christmas story, interactive adventures with plenty of festive fun, a special opportunity to meet Santa himself, time to capture your own Santa photo and a Christmas gift bag from Santa, presented by his helpful elves.

Dates: Saturday 19th - Thursday 24th December 2026

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

Website: Upton Country Park

Info: The Canford Magna Complex and Little Gizmos invite you to step into an immersive festive wonderland, where magical memories are waiting to be made. Each child will enjoy time with Santa and to share their Christmas wishes, meet the elves, festive arts and crafts, soft play fun, and a free gift bag with a special present.

Dates: Friday 4th & Saturday 5th December 2026

Address: Canford Magna Complex, Magna Road, Canford Magna, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3AP

Website: Canford Magna Complex

Info: Come and see the real man himself in the beautiful traditional cosy Grotto and receive a high quality age appropriate gift. You can also enjoy the light trail, alpine bar, hot food, s’mores around a giant fire pit and a chance to feed the alpacas.

Dates: Friday 27th November – Sunday 20th December 2026 (Selected dates)

Address: Longthorns Farm, Tout Hill, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH

Website: Longthorns Farm Eventbrite

Info: Bring your little ones along for a magical sensory Grotto experience, specially designed for children aged 3 and under. Enjoy a festive session filled with sensory play and singing, creating a fun and magical Christmas experience for your little one. There will also be a special opportunity to meet Father Christmas, take your own photos to capture the memories, and every baby will receive a special gift from Santa.

Dates: Wednesday 9 December 2026

Address: Museum of East Dorset, 23-29 High Street, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1HR

Website: Museum of East Dorset

Info: Create magical Christmas memories with your little ones by visiting Father Christmas in the enchanting festive Grotto. Nestled within the beautifully decorated historic house, children will enjoy a personalised chat with Father Christmas and receive a special gift to take home.

Dates: Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th November 2026

Address: Russell-Cotes Museum, East Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3AA

Website: Russell-Cotes Museum

Info: Step inside the pages and journey through a brand-new immersive Christmas story, where the world around you comes to life with imagination, interactive moments and magical surprises along the way. Guided through the experience, your family will become part of the story, journeying through Imagination Land before discovering Father Christmas’s Magical Library, where you’ll meet Father Christmas and every child will receive a special Christmas gift to take home.

Dates: Saturday 28th November – Wednesday 23rd December 2026 (Selected dates)

Address: Castlepoint Shopping Centre, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 9UZ

Website: Castlepoint Events

Info: Visit 100 Giggles for 90 minutes of fun-filled soft play. Meet Father Christmas, decorate a festive biscuit, receive a special gift, and enjoy all the fun of 100 Giggles. Plus, every adult will receive a complimentary mince pie.

Dates: Saturday 5th & 12th, Sunday 6th & 13th December 2026

Address: 100 Giggles, 179 Bridport Road, Poundbury, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 3AH

Facebook: 100 Giggles

Info: Get ready for an unforgettable celebration filled with festive cheer, dazzling moments, music, laughter, and a little Christmas magic! Children can take part in elf academy, biscuit decorating and festive crafts, plus visit Santa in in his Grotto to receive a special gift.

Date: Sunday 6th December 2026

Address: Jungle City, 4 Alder Hills, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4AR

Website: Jungle City

Info: Get ready for a magical festive experience designed for little ones aged under 5! Enjoy 90 minutes in the soft play area, a magical meet and greet with Santa Claus himself, photo opportunities, delicious kids buffet filled with yummy treats, festive tunes and a plush toy gift.

Dates: Monday 21st – Wednesday 23rd December 2026

Address: Peek-A-Boo & Brew, 214a Macaulay Road, Broadstone, Poole, Dorset, BH18 8DX

Website: Peek-A-Boo & Brew

Info: Begin your visit with a joyful welcome from Santa’s friendly helpers, who will guide young visitors through fun hands-on festive craft activities. Next, journey with the helpers to Santa’s cosy storytelling corner bursting with sparkle and cheer! Once there, snuggle up and settle in as Santa shares a charming seasonal tale. Receive a special gift and capture a special photo with Santa himself!

Dates: Sunday 22nd & 29th November, Sunday 6 December 2026

Address: Scaplens Court, Sarum Street, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1JW

Website: Poole Museum

Info: Come and meet Santa in his Grotto. This event is FREE however donations to The Salvation Army will be much appreciated.

Dates: Wednesday 2nd, 9th & 16th December 2026

Address: The Salvation Army, 1 Latimer Road, Winton, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 1JY

Facebook: The Salvation Army

Info: As well as meeting Santa and receiving a special present from him, your little monkeys can enjoy an Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt around the park.

Dates: Saturday 5th, 12th, 19th & Sunday 6th, 13th, 20th December 2026

Address: Monkey World, Tout Hill, Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH

Website: Monkey World

Info: Children and parents can visit the magical Grotto and take a photo of their children in Santa's sleigh. Children can then choose a present from those displayed. Proceeds from visits to Santa will be donated to various local identified charities, so all visits will be helping your local community as well as bringing festive cheer to all.

Dates: Saturday 5th – Wednesday 23rd December 2026

Address: Sovereign Shopping Centre, 600 Christchurch Road, Boscombe, Dorset, BH1 4SX

Website: Westbourne Rotary

Info: Hidden away in his secret workshop, Father Christmas is busy making his final preparations, but he can't do it alone! Little and big helpers are invited to join Father Christmas on a magical mission, helping him get everything ready for his extraordinary journey around the world on Christmas Eve. Once the important work is done, settle in for a cosy Christmas story with Father Christmas himself, complete with delicious chocolate cookies and plenty of festive cheer. Your ticket also includes admission to the Enchanted Gardens Light Trail.

Dates: Friday 18th – Wednesday 23rd December 2026

Address: Careys Secret Garden, Garden Wood, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 7PG

Website: Careys Secret Garden

Info: Abbotsbury Illuminate invites you to wander through the gardens and woodland valley, where familiar plants and pathways are transformed after dark. Follow the glowing trail and discover vibrant displays that bring the landscape to life, with light, colour, shapes and textures around every turn.

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, play glow festive golf, and take on the Christmas tree maze before heading to a festive workshop or storytelling with Santa. 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 ice skating 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: Follow a magical festive story around the Animal Park, meeting and feeding some familiar furry and feathered faces along the way. Collect your stickers, follow the clues and help complete a very special Christmas mission for Father Christmas. Expect twinkling lights, festive music, Christmas crafts and a few magical surprises as you make your way through the experience.

Dates: Saturday 28th November – Wednesday 23rd December 2026 (Selected dates)

Address: Madjeston Milk Station, Cole Street Lane, Madjeston, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 5JQ

Website: Madjeston Milk Station

Info: Step inside and let your little one explore a world of winter wonder. The Arctic Adventure features snowy trees, a polar bear and an igloo-inspired seating area that transforms The Dolphin into a festive escape. Inside the enclosure, children can hear stories, play games and make winter crafts. It’s hands-on, imaginative and completely FREE.

Dates: Saturday 2nd – Saturday 23rd December 2026 (Selected dates)

Address: The Dolphin Centre, Poole, Dorset

Website: The Dolphin Centre

Info: Experience an enchanting illuminated walk through the woodland and after you can visit the alpine bar, hot food, s’mores around the giant fire pit and alpaca feeding.

Dates: Friday 27th November – Sunday 20th December 2026 (Selected dates)

Address: Longthorns Farm, Tout Hill, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH

Website: Longthorns Farm Eventbrite

Info: Wander the historic walled garden and woodland paths, beautifully and gently illuminated and enjoy a warming cup of mulled wine or cider as you explore our magical hidden oasis. There’s treats to enjoy and the gift shop will be open. This will be a relaxed and magical way to experience Careys after dark.

Dates: Thursday 19th November - Thursday 17th December 2026 (Selected dates)

Address: Careys Secret Garden, Garden Wood, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 7PG

Website: Careys Secret Garden

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