Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Christmas activities for children in Dorset
Put some Ho, Ho, Ho! into the season with some of these fabulously festive ideas in Dorset…
Go to our Where's Santa in Dorset 2023 page
Go to our Christmas and winter and panto theatre page for Dorset 2023
Upcoming events at The Tank Museum
Quiet Morning at The Tank Museum : 10 December
Join in for a quiet morning aimed at anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to The Tank Museum. From 0900-1100 all sounds and interactives will be turned off to reduce sensory input. This session is for families of children with autism; young people and adults with autism; children with social, emotional, or mental health needs; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience. Sensory backpacks, communication cards, and a Wellbeing Room are all available free of charge. All tickets include free Annual Pass, book online to save 10%.
A Dorset Christmas at The Tank Museum: 18-19 November
A Christmassy day out for all ages, in partnership with Dorset Team. With over 50 local designer-makers and crafters, you can buy all your Christmas gifts, watch live music and entertainment, and enjoy festive food and drink from the Museum’s restaurant and café. Plus children can see Santa arrive in a tank, explore their Christmas “Frank on a Tank” elf trail, and blow off steam in the soft play. All tickets include free Annual Pass, book online to save 10%.
Festive Fun at The Tank Museum : 18 December – 2 January
Dorset’s largest indoor attraction is open every day during the Christmas Holidays (excl. 24-26 December) and is perfect for keeping the family dry and entertained over the festive season. This Christmas Holidays, enjoy free Christmas card colouring, Frank on a Tank Elf Trail, and a Christmas-themed 1940s House and Shop. With dressing up and interactives in each exhibition, plus a free soft play, there’s tonnes to see and do! All tickets include free Annual Pass, book online to save 10%.
Find out more at www.tankmuseum.org
Christmas Lights Switch-On, Markets and Lantern Parades 
Although the big build up to Christmas Day starts from the autumn, the real fun begins when towns, villages and cities switch-on their Christmas lights and host festive events.
Many mark the occasion with lantern parades, music from brass bands and dress the streets in bright illuminations, and some places hold themed Christmas markets following traditions of days gone-by.
PTA Christmas Fayres and School Nativities 
Schools are incredibly busy places in the run up to Christmas, with many PTA’s holding Christmas fayres, which are huge money-raisers for the schools – for extra Christmas Fair ideas for your PTA event see www.ptasocial.com/christmas-fair-ideas.
Whilst for many parents, one of the best bits about Christmas, that is the most heart-warming of all, is watching the brilliant school performances or nativity plays and listening to the children sing. Don’t miss it!
Green Christmas
Reduce, reuse and upcycle your Christmas waste this festive season…
DIY Decorations
Have a go at getting the kids involved by making some DIY Christmas decorations. Cut out snowflakes to stick on the windows, stick cloves into oranges and bake until dry, and pick some holly and ivy to make table decorations and wreaths.
This can be a fantastic way to reduce your waste and costs, while having fun with the kids too.
Get Scrapbooking
As a nation, we use 83 square miles worth of gift wrap every festive season, but this doesn’t mean it needs to be scrapped.
Get the kids involved by cutting and sticking your leftover paper, gluing it into a scrapbook, and adding photos, words and decorations to create a family book of festive mementos.
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Always eager to please, it’s no surprise that Santa’s hair has turned white as the finances at this time of year are often stretched and sometimes even he has to pull tightly on the reins. Still, he always manages to make Christmas dreams come true.
So, taking a giant leaf out of Santa’s book, you too can make amazing savings by making your own Christmas decorations for the home and tree.
Make even more savings by sending Christmas e-cards to friends and family instead of sending traditional cards. Notably, the ‘Elf Yourself’ digital Christmas cards are especially popular –www.elfyourself.com
Giving at Christmas 
Christmas is truly the season of giving and there are so many ways families can give something back to the community or worthwhile charity.
Christmas Day Swims, such as those in Weymouth Harbour and Charmouth Beach, are becoming incredibly popular whilst the Santa Fun Runs are a colourful spectacle that all members of the family can join in with.
Buying a Real Christmas Tree
What better way to celebrate the festive season than with the most glorious Christmas tree! Each tree species can be a little different in 
size, scent and needle retention, so here’s the Forestry Commission England’s guide to choosing the perfect Christmas tree:
Norway Spruce: Considered the traditional Christmas tree, the Norway Spruce is best known for its wonderful shape, abundance of branches and lovely ‘Christmassy’ scent.
Nordmann Fir: With its big needles which are lovely and soft, Nordmann Fir are perfect for those with young children. Having soft foliage and an even shape, it makes it a joy to decorate.
Lodgepole Pine: With the best needle retention of them all, Lodgepole Pines are perfect for those who like a long festive season. It has luscious long green needles with branches that point upwards which hold a wonderful pine scent.
Caring for your Christmas Tree
Preventing needles dropping and the green from fading on your Christmas tree requires a little bit of care and attention. Follow these top tips for a longer lasting, healthier real Christmas tree:
- Cut off 2.5cm from the trunk to aid with water absorption
- Put the tree in a stand with the trunk immersed in water
- Keep your tree in a cool, dry space. Away from radiators and fires
- Water your tree regularly
Read more at www.forestry.gov.uk/england-about-uk
Read on for more about the wide range of Christmas events and activities taking place in Dorset...