Christmas and Winter in Dorset
Christmas and New Year Events
19th Nov – 3rd Jan 2019
visitors to Bournemouth can skate on real ice under the trees in the resort’s historic Lower Gardens. For an extra treat, the town centre businesses have also clubbed together to bring a giant snow globe to four locations across two weeks from 23 November – 6 December. Visitors will be able to climb in for a photograph which will be printed and available to take away the same day.
30th Nov – 22nd Dec
Farmer Palmers Farm Park Visit Santa
Visit Father Christmas in his traditional, Winter cabin in the Little Farmer’s Fun Barn. What’s at the top of your Christmas list? Our clever Elves use a time-slot system so no long queues for you! Yay! We don’t charge you for taking photos either; you’re welcome to take lots of your own photos and there’s sure to be lots of giggles too! The Farm Park gets a full festive makeover and there’ll be a cracking Christmas atmosphere all around!
Simply purchase your Visit Santa tickets on the day of your visit from reception (Groups need to pre-book). Tickets are £6 in addition to normal admission.
Farmer Palmers Farm Park FREE ADULT ADMISSION
Upton Country Park Christmas Grotto
NO NEED TO BOOK – just turn up. Each child will visit Santa in his grotto and will receive a huge Christmas sack filled with over 25 gifts and activity items. The children will also be able to meet Santa’s real life reindeer. Each sack will include: a large Xmas sack to put your presents in; a beautifully wrapped quality present; a large bar of Upton Country Park chocolate; a large pot of chocolate reindeer droppings; a carton of Christmas fruit juice; a pot of magic bubbles and a free ticket to ride Elizabeth, the new Poole Park Railway train!
From 14th Dec 2019
Visit Corfe Castle this Christmas, who will be presenting the lantern lighting experiencein a magical way. As you explore the grounds, discover the lit contemporary lanterns and a few other surprises along the way. 1st- 4th December.
Dorchester Christmas Cracker- Let There Be Light! The town’s Christmas lights will be switched on. Cracker Night is also an opportunity to do some late night shopping, with a large number of the most popular shops and other businesses staying open into the evening for you to peruse at your leisure.
Christmas stalls are a big part of the Cracker Night experience, creating an authentic Christmas market feel with everything from mulled wine to mince pies and hog roasts. Dorchester Cracker Night begins at 5.30pm until approx 9:30pm. Hopefully there will even be an appearance from Father Christmas himself, accompanied by one of two of his elves and reindeer!
30th Nov – 24th Dec
Meet Santa at the Swanage Railway
This Christmas! There is always a lovely and unique atmosphere on the Santa Special due to the excitement and atmosphere of travelling on a Southern Railway steam train while excitedly waiting to meet Father Christmas in person during the journey.
Avon Heath Christmas Trees
The rangers at Avon Heath are selling Christmas pines outside the Heathland Discovery Centre from now until 21 December. These pines have been cut down from the park, which allows the heather and all the special creatures to survive. All money raised goes back into conservation work at the park. Pop along anytime between 11am and 4pm. Prices from £5. These pines do not drop their needles! Go and choose one today before they run out!
Avon Heath Make your own Christmas Decorations
‘Pop Up Pottery’ returns to Avon Heath. Come and make
and decorate your own Christmas themed decorations from air dry clay. Please book on 01425 478082.
Photo by Moon Studio Ceramics
Santa visits Wareham
Following the wonderful Christmas parade. Father Christmas will be appearing on the roof of the Red Lion Hotel before disappearing down the 125ft chimney, ready to meet all the children in the grotto. How will he arrive this year?
Get yourself ready for the exciting 5k at 11:00am on Weymouth Beach. Hundreds of Santa’s will be chasing the lonely Christmas pudding down the beach in what can only be described as ” The best thing YULE see this Christmas!” By taking part in this festive event you will be supporting The British Heart Foundation
Winter Solstice
Experience the rare opportunity to watch the sun rise on the shortest day of the year from the Corfe Castle ruins followed by a hot breakfast in the tea rooms. Booking is essential.
Book a cottage with Dorset Cottage Holidays for Christmas, and receive a very special visit from Santa and his elves! Click here for availabilty
