SANTA'S GROTTO'S & FATHER CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCES

Info: A mischievous but well-meaning snow sprite named Flicker has accidentally scattered the five glowing pieces of the beacon across the village. Without them, Santa might fly right past! Children will join Flicker on a magical mission to find the five lost Christmas crystals using their very own sparkling snow map. Once the Aurora Beacon is reassembled and lit, its magical glow will shine brightly into the sky – guiding Santa and his sleigh right to Discovery Village! Children will then spend 45 enchanted minutes with Santa, where he will greet each child personally, read aloud their letters, pose for magical photo opportunities, share a festive story and lead his favourite Glitter Ball dance party.

Dates: Wednesday 3rd – Wednesday 24th December 2025

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 29th November – Sunday 21st December 2025 (Weekends only)

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 29th November – Wednesday 24th December 2025

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 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: Saturday 6th – Tuesday 23rd December 2025

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

Website: Farmer Palmers

Info: Step into the magic of Santa’s Winter Woodland Grotto, set within the cosy Schooner. Children will be enchanted as they meet Santa in this magical setting, before enjoying a squash and festive treat. The fun continues at the craft station, where little ones can get creative with seasonal activities, and families are also invited to make the most of the Play Barn.

Dates: Saturday 6th - Sunday 21st December 2025 (Weekends only)

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

Website: Moonfleet Manor

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 6th, Sunday 7th, Saturday 13th & Tuesday 23rd December 2025

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

Website: The Blue Pool

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

Dates: Friday 12th – Sunday 21st December 2025

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

Website: Foxdown Farm

Info: Christmas on the Farm includes a magical sleigh ride, meet Santa’s Elves who will take you to see Santa in his workshop and receive a special gift. Additional activities on the day include cuddling some small animals and festive crafts.

Dates: Friday 12th - Sunday 21st December 2025

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

Website: Nicks Farm

Info: As well as meeting Santa and receiving a special present from him, your little monkeys can enjoy a Christmas trail around the park and even make a present for the primates with Santa’s Elves!

Dates: Friday 19th - Monday 21st December 2025

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

Website: Monkey World

Info: Kingston Maurward is set to transform into a winter wonderland as it welcomes Santa Claus himself for an exclusive, enchanting event. Families are invited to experience the magic, music, and mistletoe in a theatrical extravaganza featuring the North Pole Elves.

Dates: Saturday 29th November – Tuesday 23rd December 2025

Address: Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8PY

Website: A Kingston Christmas

Info: Santa is stopping at Kingston Lacy this festive season. Make memories, start traditions and go on a fantastical journey with his helpers to find the storybook nook, before settling in for a festive tale, an early Christmas gift and a chance to take a picture together.

Dates: Saturday 22nd November – Tuesday 23rd December 2025

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 22nd November – Wednesday 24th December 2025

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: Experience a magical, multi-sensory Christmas world inside an enchanting Gingerbread Grotto. Be welcomed into a gingerbread-themed wonderland by friendly Christmas elves, enjoy fun, festive, interactive activities before stepping inside to meet Father Christmas in a cosy, candy-scented grotto. Every child will receive a gift from Santa.

Dates: Selected dates from Saturday 22nd November – Tuesday 23rd December 2025

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

Website: Castlepoint Shopping Centre

Info: Step into the magic of Christmas for an enchanting experience with Father Christmas. Before your visit, children can get creative with festive crafts. Then, listen out for the jingling of the Elves’ bell… it’s time to be led to the grotto, where Father Christmas will be waiting to share his favourite Christmas tales. Each child will enjoy a cosy 30-minute story time and choose a special gift to take home.

Dates: Wednesday 3rd December (under 5’s), Saturday 6th & 20th December (ages 2+)

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

Website: Museum of East Dorset

Info: Visit Santa and follow his footprints taking you on a magical journey around the store with lots of festive fun and things to see. There are photo opportunities as you make your journey to Santa's Grotto an each child will receive a gift and certificate. There's also a chance to win a cuddly toy if you can find all of the secret snowmen hidden around the store.

Dates: Saturday 29th November – Sunday 21st December 2025

Address: Julia’s House, Neighbourhood Centre, Northmead Drive, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7XP

Website: Julia’s House

Info: Wrap up warm and visit Santa in his magical woodland Grotto. Mince pies and festive hot drinks will be available to buy while Santa tells the children his story and gives them their gift.

Dates: Selected dates in December 225

Address: Wimborne Community Garden, School Lane, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1HQ

Facebook: Wimborne Community Garden

Info: Meet Father Christmas in his beautiful vintage Grotto, surrounded by the farms alpacas. The Cafe will be open and children can enjoy alpaca feeding and crafts. There is also an opportunity to see Father Christmas on Festive Fridays in December.

Dates: Saturday 29th November, plus 6th, 13th & 20th December 2025

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

Website: Longthorns Farm

Info: Sail around Poole harbour while sipping warm mulled wine and enjoying festive Christmas carols. The best part is that Santa himself will be on board! He’ll be mingling with kids of all ages and every child will receive a special Christmas present.

Dates: Selected dates in December 2025

Location: Poole Quay

Website: Coastal Cruises Poole

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 29th & Sunday 30th November 2025

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

Website: Russell-Cotes Museum

Info: Father Christmas is flying in for the holiday season, ready to meet your family in his enchanting Grotto on the Pier. Bring the little ones to share their Christmas wishes, get a photo in his sleigh, enjoy festive crafts, and receive a special gift!

Dates: Selected dates in December 2025

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

Website: Swanage Pier

Info: The enchanting Santa’s Grotto is back, bigger and better than ever. Tickets include themed sing-alongs, games and festive stories, a personal visit with Santa and Mrs Claus in their magical Grotto, a commemorative photo and gift for every child, plus a 90-minute play café session, with families called to Santa in turn.

Dates: Sunday 7th, Sunday 14th, Sunday 21st December 2025

Address: Nikki’s Little Play Café, 4 Pope Street, Brewery Square, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1GW

Website: Nikki’s Little Play Café

Info: Visit 100 Giggles for 90 minutes of fun-filled soft play. Each child will also get the chance to meet Santa in person, share their Christmas wishes, and receive a special gift to take home. Capture the memories with plenty of photo opportunities throughout this jolly adventure.

Dates: Sunday 30th November, Saturday 6th & Saturday 13th December 2025

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

Facebook: 100 Giggles

Info: Get ready for some festive magic in the cosy under-5's soft play. The festive experience includes time in the soft play, create your own pancake to eat, meet Santa to take a photo with him and receive a special gift.

Dates: Selected dates in December 2025

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

Website: Peek-A-Boo & Brew

Info: Get ready to experience the magic of Christmas with a special visit from Father Christmas at The Ark. Children will create an acrylic keepsake in the pottery studio, letter writing, festive crafts and have a photo taken with Father Christmas.

Dates: Selected dates in December 2025

Address: The Ark, 82 Parkstone Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2SF

Website: The Ark

Info: There’s 3 different types of events this year - Breakfast with Santa, Storytime with Santa and Disco with Santa. All events are two hours long with a magical set up, soft play fun and gifts for all children.

Dates: Friday 12th – Sunday 14th December 2025

Address: The Hideout Soft Play, 7a The Neighbourhood Centre, Canford Heath, Poole, Dorset, BH17 9DW

Facebook: The Hideout Soft Play

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 28th November – Tuesday 30th December 2025

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

Website: Nutley Farm

Info: The top floor of the Mill will be transformed into Santa’s Workshop, where many toys and presents will be stored ready for Santa to deliver. Using the ancient sack hoist, children can help the presents up to the workshop in time for delivery on Christmas Eve! Additional activities will include Christmas colouring in and activity sheets. Entry is free but donations are always welcome.

Dates: Monday 22nd – Wednesday 24th December 2025

Address: The Town Mill, Mill Lane, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3PU

Website: The Town Mill

Info: Explore the house and gardens, decorated for a spectacular Christmas ball. You'll follow the story as you move through the spaces, from quiet side rooms full of gossip and speculation, to the spectacular woodland dance floor and feast. Outside, the woodland creatures have been drawn into the garden and are ready to be discovered under the giant Christmas tree outside the house.

Dates: Saturday 22nd November 2025 – Sunday 4th January 2026

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

Website: National Trust Kingston Lacy

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 21st November – Wednesday 31st December 2025

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 13th November 2025 – Sunday 4th January 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: Friday 5th – Tuesday 23rd December 2025

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

Website: Highcliffe Castle

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: Selected dates from Thursday 20th November - Saturday 13th December 2025

Address: Carey’s Secret Garden, Garden Wood, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 7PG

Website: Carey’s Secret Garden

Info: A unique festive experience on board a closed-top festive decorate single-decker bus soaking in the sights and sounds of Christmas.

Dates: Thursday 4th – Wednesday 31st December 2025

Location: Bournemouth

Website: Magical Tour

Info: Held within the canopies of Bournemouth's Lower Gardens, glide across the spacious, real, 70m long ice rink surrounded by twinkling lights and music.

Dates: Thursday 13th November 2025 – Sunday 4th January 2026

Address: Lower Gardens, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BZ

Website: Ice SKATE Bournemouth

Info: Cool Coast Ice Rink is the largest seasonal indoor ice skating rink on the South Coast. All sessions provide 15 mins to put your skates on, 60 mins on the ice, and 15 mins at the end to take your skates off.

Dates: Saturday 13th December 2025 - Sunday 22nd February 2026

Address: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5BH

Website: Cool Coast Ice Rink

Info: Expect festive music, laughter galore, magical stories, games, gifts and a sprinkle of North Pole sparkle… all wrapped up in one truly magical visit!

Website: Little Gizmos

Info: Make this Christmas truly magical with a special doorstep visit from your favourite festive character! Choose from The Elf, The Grinch, Stitch, Winnie the Pooh, Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse - All dressed in their festive best!

Website: Nikki’s Dance Parties

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Dates: Multiple dates in December 2025

Address: Key West Bar & Grill, Pier Approach, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5AA

Website: Key West Bar & Grill

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Dates: Multiple dates in December 2025

Address: Cliffhanger Restaurant, Waterford Road, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 5JA

Website: Cliffhanger Restaurant

BREAKFAST / AFTERNOON TEA WITH SANTA

Dates: Multiple dates in December 2025

Address: Wimborne Garden Centre, 229 Wimborne Road West, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 2DN

Website: Wimborne Garden Centre

BREAKFAST WITH SINGING SANTA

Dates: Saturday 20th, Monday 22nd & Tuesday 23rd December 2025

Address: Shire Hall Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, Droset, DT1 1UY

Website: Shire Hall Museum

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Dates: Sunday 21st & Wednesday 24th December 2025

Address: Compton Acres, 164 Canford Cliffs Road, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7ES

Website: Compton Acres

BREAKFAST WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS

Date: Sunday 21st December 2025

Address: Redhill Park Café, Redhill Avenue, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 2SW

Website: Redhill Park Cafe

BREAKFAST WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS

Dates: Multiple dates in December 2025

Address: Hillier Garden Centre, Ringwood Road, Three Legged Cross, Dorset, BH21 6RD

Website: Hillier Garden Centre

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Dates: Multiple dates in December 2025

Address: Harvester, Alder Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4AY

Website: Harvester

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Date: Saturday 20th December 2025

Address: The Cliff, 6 Ravine Road, Canford Cliffs, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7HX

Website: The Cliff

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Dates: Multiple dates in December 2025

Address: The Pure Drop, 457 Wimborne Road East, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9NA

Website: The Pure Drop

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Dates: Multiple dates in December 2025

Address: The Fox & Hounds, Fox Lane, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 2EQ

Website: The Fox & Hounds

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Date: Sunday 14th December 2025

Address: Oriels Restaurant, The Quay, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HJ

Website: Oriels Restaurant

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Dates: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th December 2025

Address: Cobbs Bar & Restaurant, Cobbs Quay, Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4EL

Website: Cobbs Bar

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Date: Saturday 13th December 2025

Address: The Famous Old Spa, 229 Dorchester Road, Radipole, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 5EQ

Website: The Famous Old Spa

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Date: Saturday 20th December 2025

Address: The Bakers Arms, Dorchester Rd, Lytchett Minster, Dorset, BH16 6JF

Website: The Bakers Arms

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Dates: Selected dates in November & December 2025

Address: Tuckton Tea Gardens, Belle Vue Road, Southbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH6 3BA

Website: Tuckton Tea Gardens

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Date: Saturday 13th December 2025

Address: The Bell, 915 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 6AX

Website: The Bell

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Dates: Saturday 6th & 20th December 2025

Address: Trumpet Major, Alington Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2AB

Website: Trumpet Major

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Date: Saturday 20th December 2025

Address: Henry Brown Centre, 18 Cunningham Crescent, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH11 8DU

Facebook: West Howe Community Enterprises