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Christmas in Dorset 2025

 

This winter, Dorset Museum & Art Gallery has something for everyone!

Start your festive season on a magical note with enchanting Christmas crafts in the Victorian Hall, where children aged 5–14 can create seasonal decorations and memorable gifts. Join in the festive spirit on Saturday 21, Sunday 22 and Monday 23 December from 10am – 11:30am. £10 per child, with a complimentary adult ticket.

Then, starting on 25 January 2025, the museum unveils a captivating British Museum partnership exhibition 'Gladiators of Britain'. Featuring remarkable Roman artefacts like the Colchester Vase and Hawkedon Helmet, this exhibition will transport visitors to Britain’s ancient arenas, offering a powerful glimpse into the legacy of Roman culture.

Find out more at www.dorsetmuseum.org

 

Adopt a Primate at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre

Adopt a primate at Monkey World for Christmas, and get a FREE annual pass, so you can return again and again! The funds from adoptions help Monkey World to continue rescuing and rehabilitating primates in need from around the world. Monkey World is home to over 250 rescued and endangered monkeys and apes of 20 different species. Adoption packs include a photo of the chosen primate, certificate, 3 newsletters a year plus the entry pass- so they make a great gift!

Visit www.monkeyworld.org for details.

 

Festive adventures at Discovery Village

This Christmas, Discovery Village is transforming into a winter wonderland for an unforgettable festive experience! Our 2-hour immersive play session, guided by talented performers, promises joy and excitement in every corner. Children will enjoy 45 magical minutes with Santa himself, complete with sparkling snow and enchanting lighting effects that bring the festive season to life. Festive-themed role play areas set the stage for creative adventures, and each child receives a special present as a keepsake of their Christmas journey. With delightful photo opportunities throughout, Discovery Village is the perfect place for Christmas cheer and memories that last a lifetime.

Find out more at www.discoveryvillage.co.uk

 

Make your next birthday unforgettable with a RockReef Birthday Party!

 RockReef birthday parties are  the perfect mix of thrill and fun on Bournemouth Pier, packed with climbing challenges and a dedicated party host to keep the adventure going. Book on Fridays to save £2 per child and get ready for 90 minutes of activity time plus a 45-minute birthday buffet at your reserved table with spectacular sea views. The birthday guest enjoys two free Vertical Slides and a Clip ’n Climb voucher, making it even more special. Starting from just £14 per person, secure your party spot today!

Find out more at www.rockreef.co.uk

 

Winter Wonders at The Blue Pool Nature Reserve

This winter, The Blue Pool Nature Reserve & Tearooms invites you to experience the magic of the season with two unmissable events. From 30 November to 23 December, step into an enchanting woodland setting for a truly memorable Christmas experience, complete with scenic woodland walks, festive treats, and a special grotto where young visitors can meet Santa before he journeys home to Lapland.*

Then, beginning 9 January, The Blue Pool kicks off its 90th anniversary with Illuminate 2025, a dazzling light show that runs until 23 February. Wander through beautifully lit trails, take in mesmerising reflections over the Pool, and cosy up on the terrace with marshmallows and music.

*Limited availability for the 'Visit Santa' experience; online booking required.

Don’t miss out! For details, visit www.bluepooltearooms.co.uk/events

 

Abbotsbury Santa’s Grotto

A visit to Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens in West Dorset this Christmas is a must-do! Surrounded by the stunning Gardens, book a visit to see Santa in his cosy cabin for a chat about Christmas traditions and all things festive! Included in your visit is a gift and gingerbread man biscuit.

NEW for this year are Dusk Santa Tickets.

Dusk Santa Tickets – please note that the 1630-1830 timeslots do not include access to the Gardens or Cafe. To attend Illuminate each person will need to purchase an Illuminate ticket.

Daytime Santa Tickets – includes entry to the Gardens for the child plus one free accompanying adult. Additional adults can enter the Gardens by purchasing a Winter Offer Ticket on the day.

Find out more at www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk

 

Christmas on Swanage Pier

 

This year, Swanage Pier are in full festive swing.

Get ready for the return of the spectacular ‘Lighting up Lives’ event. This enchanting celebration on Swanage Pier has inspired hundreds of cherished memories. Dedicate your light to someone special today to shine brightly during December.

Join us on Friday 6th December at 5:30pm for the first night of the Pier illuminations!

 

Also in December; meet Father Christmas and his reindeer. The ever-popular donkeys will be returning, along with your favourite Christmas characters. Enjoy live music, entertainment and so much more!

See the website for details of Santa’s Grotto

Find out more at www.swanagepiertrust.com/events  

 

 

Arctic Explorer Family Adventure Trail at Upton Country Park

Adventurers Welcome! Are you ready to go? Can you find out who left these tracks in the snow?

Join the Arctic Expedition to track some special winter visitors around the Country Park on this Family Adventure Trail. Use your explorer skills to finish the expedition and receive a cuddly prize!

Expedition maps (£6 each) available from the Welcome Centre, 10am – 3.30pm, on selected dates throughout December.

For all Christmas activities and other events, visit uptoncountrypark.com

 

JOIN THE BEST WAY TO START CHRISTMAS DAY!

Every year thousands of fancy dressed fun filled participants go down to Boscombe Beach to join the UK’s biggest Christmas Day Dip!

Dip a toe, fully submerge, or just come down and watch the festivities! For 15 years the White Christmas Dip has supported Macmillan Caring Locally at Christchurch Hospital, help them support their local community with the biggest, best and most fun way to start Christmas Day!

Sign up to dip today: www.whitechristmasdip.co.uk

 

Christmas at Moors Valley

Visit Moors Valley Country Park for a wonderful experience and the highest quality, British-grown Christmas trees. Their Christmas Tree shop is open every day from 30 November to 20 December, 9.30am to 4pm.

Choose your tree in their spacious open-air Christmas Tree Shop and browse hundreds of spruces or firs, and park for free when you buy a tree. With 100 years of forestry experience, their experts can help you choose the right tree for your home. The money raised from your Christmas tree helps us maintain the forests for wildlife, for you, and for future generations

Card payments only.

Find out more at www.moors-valley.co.uk

 

Bournemouth and Poole College

Unlock your potential and pave the way for a brighter future by enrolling on one of our FREE nationally recognised online qualifications today!

They offer a whole host of different free online qualifications, from sharpening office and business skills to fostering mental health awareness, our courses cover the realms of education, training, health and social care. You’ll be amazed at what’s available!

Designed with flexibility in mind, these online courses allow you to study from the comfort of your home, requiring just a few hours of study per week.

Find out more: https://www.thecollege.co.uk/adults/study/course-types/free-online-courses

 

Santa Experiences at Museum of East Dorset

For the first time, the Museum of East Dorset is hosting SEN Santa experiences on Thursday 5th December. Designed for children with special educational needs, the Santa visit promises no queues and five-minute time slots to meet Santa in the peace and quiet of the Garden Room Grotto. The SEN Santa experience is £10 and £8 for siblings. 

The SEN Santa experience is designed for children with Autism, ADHD or with a similar diagnosis. There’ll be no loud noises or flashing lights and if parents let the museum know their child’s interests when booking, Santa will be able to chat to them, even if they’re non-verbal.

In the beautiful setting of the historical museum house, there’ll also be Santa visits open to all on Saturday 30th November and Saturday 7th December. Children will be given a ‘Golden Ticket’ to see Santa and a gift. There’ll also be a chance to explore the museum free, follow the festive trail and enjoy Christmas craft time. 

Find out more at www.museumofeastdorset.co.uk

 

Sleeping Beauty at Lighthouse Poole

Having landed three national Panto Awards in recent years, the Poole pantomime is widely recognised as a high quality, fun-loving annual celebration of traditional family entertainment at Lighthouse.

Much of that is down to the vision and skill of writer director Chris Jarvis who, along with a creative team that includes production designer James Smith, choreographer Daniel Donaldson Todd, musical director Adam Tuffrey and the venue’s in-house producers, works tirelessly all year to make a show that puts smiles on faces.

“So much about pantomime is down to the atmosphere,” says CBeebies favourite Chris.

“There’s so much coming back at you from the audience and we’re very fortunate in Poole because they are another member of the cast almost. It has to be completely genuine in order to get laughter and joy back.”

This year Chris is playing Dame Nanny Nutkins in Sleeping Beauty, with EastEnders/Grange Hill star Todd Carty as King Tucker, Sarah-Louise Young as bad fairy Carabosse and the return of Poole’s very own Josh Haberfield as Harry. West End players Isabella Kibble and Melaina Pecorini feature as Princess Rose and Fairy Sunbeam respectively, with Tom Mann – last seen at Lighthouse in 2021 as Cupid in Beauty and the Beast – playing Prince Ken.

Sleeping Beauty opens on Thursday 12 December and runs until Sunday 5 January. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/sleeping-beauty/ or call 01202 280000. 

 

**Gary – I know this is very long, let me know if I need to cut back

 

Christmas at Corfe Castle

 

Monty and Matilda's castle Christmas - family quest: Saturday 7th December to 12th january

Monty mouse is returning to Corfe Castle this festive season along with his wife Matilda. They are hosting a Christmas party in the castle and need to find suitable gifts for all their mousey friends. Can you help them find some exciting goodies to make it a party to remember?

Follow the family quest as it winds up through the castle ruins. Discover the festive cabins and see what Monty and Matilda are buying for their friends. Complete the quest to earn your festive siege coin.

 

Join a storytelling tour with the Lord of Misrule: 21st December to 5th January (excluding 24th to 26th December)

Take a step back to the 17th century where our very own Lord of Misrule will take you on an interactive journey through the ruins of the castle and teach you the games, dances, stories and Christmas traditions of days gone by.

 

Toast marshmallows, warm up by the fire and enjoy the festivities: December 21 - January 5. Marshmallows not available 24, 25 & 26

Take time to relax and enjoy warming up around fire pits and toasting marshmallows. Natural decorations will be sprinkled around the castle, collected from across the Purbeck estate, and you can make a Christmas wish at the wishing tree.

 

Winter lights: Friday 13 and Saturday 14 December | 4pm - 8pm.

For two nights only, experience the magic of exploring Corfe Castle at night, under the stars and gather around a fire pit to toast marshmallows.

Braziers and festoon lights will illuminate the paths but they recommend you bring a torch with you for the walk from the car park and to spot uneven ground in the ruins.

 

Winter Solstice sunrise at Corfe Castle at Thursday 21 December - 7am

Watch the sun rise over East Hill on the shortest day of the year from the top of the castle. Explore the ruins and keep cosy around a fire pit with some roasted marshmallows in the Outer Bailey,

Castle gates open at 7am in time for you to walk up and find the perfect spot to watch the sunrise. Bring a camping chair for added comfort.

Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle

 

Get ready for a thrilling Christmas adventure at Laserguys!

This holiday season, Laserguys invite the whole family to experience unforgettable fun with their themed laser tag missions, festive archery, and exciting axe throwing. It's the perfect way to create lasting memories together! Their multi-activity holiday club is also a fantastic option for kids, ensuring they have a blast while you enjoy some time to yourself. Located in Blandford, right in the heart of Dorset, they’re easily accessible for everyone. Plus, don’t forget that their venue is perfect for birthday parties! Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a special birthday, Laserguys is the place to be for action-packed fun! Come and join us this season for an adventure that your family will cherish!

Find out more at www.laserguys.co.uk

 

We often hear “What do you give someone who has everything?”

“The ultimate gift of a Farmer Palmer’s voucher or annual pass, of course. Giving joy and entertainment for a beloved friend or family member.

Imagine their faces when they learn how thoughtful you have been! Not only are you gifting a 2nd home, magical memories, fresh air, exercise, animal chats and fantastic food, you’ll probably help them tire the kids out resulting in some quiet adult time!

It’s easy to give them entry during weekday, weekend or incredible seasonal events such as our amazing Easter, Halloween, & Christmas fun!”

Find out more at www.farmerpalmers.co.uk

 

Glow Marwell

Make memories to last a lifetime as Glow Marwell’s magical light experience returns this winter brighter than ever before! Explore Marwell Zoo in a whole new light and follow the enchanted nature trail through a magical world of breathtaking new displays and interactive experiences that will fill you with wonder.

Your ticket to Glow Marwell, from Friday 29 November until Monday 30 December on selected dates, includes free access to the zoo from 1pm until 4pm so you can explore the beautiful 140 acre park and amazing animals then watch as the zoo transforms into a twinkling wonderland.

To book go to marwell.org.uk

 

Young Vets Club

‘I love animals and really want to help them. I want to be a vet and spend all day with animals.’ Eva, Young Vets Club Champion

Young Vets Club is for children who believe that every animal matters. Created by vets and teachers, it inspires children to champion animal welfare, protect nature, and explore careers in science. Members join Worldwide Veterinary Service in their mission to rescue, treat and rehabilitate every animal in need of veterinary care.

Young Vets adopt a dog, cat, donkey, or monkey and a welcome pack with everything they need to become animal champions. Regular magazines and newsletters, adoption updates, insights into WVS’s work and fun games and challenges mean they can start their future of saving animals now!Every new member joining before 2025 will be entered into a prize draw to win the two book series ‘The Secret Animal Society’ by WVS Founder and veterinarian Luke Gamble. With 100 winners!

Find out more at www.youngvetsclub.com

 

Gary – note from Hayling ISLAND - (If possible, when you use the image please can you focus in on the caravan and family)

 

Enjoy The Gift of Togetherness

The gifts under the tree fade, but the memories we make together last forever. This Christmas, Meadow Bay Villages Holiday Parks are offering holidaymakers the ultimate festive present ‒ The Gift of Togetherness.

With 20% off all 2025 holidays, a low deposit of £25 and, if you book before 31st December 2024, a free family activity using the code FREEFUN - now is the perfect time to secure your unforgettable holiday for 2025! Also available are the Gift of Togetherness Holiday Vouchers, which allow your loved ones to contribute to your holiday.

The lakefront and coastal parks offer awesome free activities including live bands, splash pools, swimming pools, and so much more! With Christmas just around the corner, it really is the perfect surprise for the people you love.

Book today at meadowbay.com

 

 

 

 

Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum, Bournemouth’s NO.1 GIANT Panto is full of festive fun!

Martin Dodd for UK Productions Ltd in association with Bournemouth Pavilion presents Jack and The Beanstalk, sponsored by United Taxis from 7th December 2024 to 5TH January 2025

With incredible 3D special effects Jack and the Beanstalk is a fee-fi-fo-fabulous, reimagined romp through a classic tale you thought you knew! Expect a wholesome hero, a punch-packing princess, a feisty fairy, a simple sibling, a witty widow, a slippery servant, a kind-hearted king... and a cow with some beef. Oh... and a very large magical plant, of course!

Tickets available from bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

 

Knight Fever – Family Panto at Moordown Life Centre

Its Panto time!
All Saints Dramatic Society are excited to announce their January 2025 Panto and to join the Winton community this year at the Life Centre !
Join the brave Knights, join in the songs and take advantage of their family discount! See you there!

Find out more and book at www.allsaintsdramaticsociety.co.uk/purchase-tickets

 

Get active with Wassmuffin Martial Arts Academy

Wassmuffin Martial Arts Academy are a martial art gym based in Boscombe with a family vibe where everyone is welcome.  They put their heart and soul in what they do which is why they are always busy.  Their aim is to listen, hear, teach, lead and help everyone win.

Visit their website to find out more about the classes available, memberships, courses and more at www.fitterthanfit.co.uk

 

Discover the vibrant world of Talbot Heath School at their upcoming Open Days!

“Join us on Thursday, 27th February 2025, for our Nursery, Pre-School, and Junior School Open Morning, welcoming girls aged 2-11. Starting at 9:30 am with refreshments, you'll hear from our Junior School Head, followed by a tour led by our enthusiastic Year 6 Ambassadors.

Additionally, on Monday, 24th March 2025, our Nursery and Pre-School Open Morning (for ages 2-4) invites you to experience life in the classroom firsthand, observing our young learners' daily activities.”

Find out more at www.talbotheath.org