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!
What's On in Dorset
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Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors/Awful Egyptians
5th August-8th November 2026
Venue: Lighthouse Poole
Website: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
Historical show featuring actors and eye-popping 3D special effects
Bonfire Night Fireworks
5th-5th November 2026
Venue: Weymouth
Website: www.weareweymouth.co.uk
More information to be made available
Free Firework Night on Poole Quay
5th-5th November 2026
Venue: Poole
Website: www.pooletourism.com
See the website for details
Bonfire and Fireworks at Melbury House
6th-6th November 2026
Venue: Melbury House
Website: www.abbotsburygardens.co.uk
Evening of bonfire, fireworks and family fun under the stairs
Bridport Literary Festival
6th-14th November 2026
Venue: Bridport
Website: www.bridlit.com
See the website for more details
Katzeye: The Tribute Experience
6th-6th November 2026
Venue: Bournemouth Pavilion
Website: www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk
See the website for details
Bournemouth Fireworks
7th-7th November 2026
Venue: Littledown
Website: www.bhliveactive.org.uk/whats-on
Evening of fireworks, pyrotechnics, live entertainment and family fun
Bridport Literary Festival - Laurence Anholt: Small Stories of Great Artists
7th-7th November 2026
Venue: Lyric Theatre
Website: www.bridlit.com
See the website for details
Bridport Literary Festival - Vivian French: Trouble in Ogreville
7th-7th November 2026
Venue: Lyric Theatre
Website: www.bridlit.com
See the website for details - recommended for ages 6 to 11
Bridport Literary Festival: Holly Miller - Puppet Making Drop-in
7th-7th November 2026
Venue: Lyric Theatre
Website: www.bridlit.com
Create your own puppet with the Lyric's Theatre's in-house puppet-maker Holly Miller
Bridport Literary Festival: Illustration Drop-in
7th-7th November 2026
Venue: Lyric Theatre
Website: www.bridlit.com
Develop your own drawing with an expert illustrator
Bridport Literary Festival: Jasbinder Bilan - Girl with a Sabretooth Tiger
7th-7th November 2026
Venue: Lyric Theatre
Website: www.bridlit.com
See the website for details - recommended for ages 8+
Briport Literary Festival - The Great KidLit Draw Off
7th-7th November 2026
Venue: Lyric Theatre
Website: www.bridlit.com
See the website for details
Dorset Winter Food and Drink Fair
7th-8th November 2026
Venue: Athelhampton
Website: www.athelhampton.com
Celebration of Dorset's finest food, drink and crafts
Lyme Regis Fireworks Display
7th-7th November 2026
Venue: Marine Parade, Lyme Regis
Website: www.lovelymeregis.co.uk
Watch the fireworks and they light up the sky over the harbour. Free to attend with cash with donation encouraged
Quiet Opening
7th-7th November 2026
Venue: Dorset Museum and Art Gallery
Website: www.dorsetmuseum.org
Explore the museum and take part in drop-in activities
Wifi Wars
7th-7th November 2026
Venue: Lighthouse Poole
Website: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
Interactive comedy game show recommended for ages 6+
Paint and Play
8th-8th November 2026
Venue: The Treehouse
Website: www.diverseabilities.org.uk
Create a reusabel advent calendar and enjoy some time in the soft play
Remembrance Sunday at Ringwood
8th-8th November 2026
Venue: Ringwood
Website: www.ringwood.gov.uk
Various services and parade
Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service
8th-8th November 2026
Venue: Lyme Regis
Website: www.lovelymeregis.co.uk
See the website for details
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland
13th November-4th January 2026
Venue: Bournemouth
Website: www.christmasinbournemouth.co.uk/xmas-tree-wonderland
See the website for details
Bridport Arts and Crafts Markets
13th-13th November 2026
Venue: Bridport WI Hall
Website: www.bridportandwestbay.co.uk
Local creators and artisans
English Youth Ballet - The Nutcracker
13th-14th November 2026
Venue: Lighthouse Poole
Website: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
Magical production of the classic Ballet
Highlands End Makers Market
13th-13th November 2026
Venue: Martin's Bar and Restaurant, Highland's End Holiday Park
Website: www.bridportandwestbay.co.uk
Local artists, craftspeople, photographers, bakers, makers and more
Home Education Days
13th-13th November 2026
Venue: Monkey World
Website: www.monkeyworld.org
Exclusively for home educated children and their families including a variety of activities, plus you will have access to Monkey World for the whole day, including a tour of the park, enrichment workshop...
Winter Brocante
13th-14th November 2026
Venue: Garden Marquee and Halls, Larmer Tree Gardens
Website: www.larmertreee.co.uk
40 artisan, vintage and French Brocante exhibitors offering homewares, Christmas gifts and decorations and more
Big League Wrestling: End Game
14th-14th November 2026
Venue: Weymouth Pavilion
Website: www.weymouthpavilion.com
Wrestling show -see the website for details
Family Cinema: Early Man
14th-14th November 2026
Venue: Lighthouse Poole
Website: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
Screening of the stop-motion Aardman feature including a free creative, film-themed workshop after each screening
The Magic Behind the Curtain
14th-14th November 2026
Venue: Allendale Centre
Heartwarming musical journey from Wimborne Musical Theatre Society
Sing a Song of Someone
19th-21st November 2026
Venue: The Barrington Centre
Website: www.barringtoncentre.co.uk
All-singing, all-dancing production
Compton Acres Christmas Market
20th-21st November 2026
Venue: Compton Acres
Website: www.comptonacres.co.uk
Festive food and drinks and Christmas gifts from local makers and sellers
Winter Exhibition
20th-22nd November 2026
Venue: Pamphill Village Hall
Website: www.wimborneartclub.org.uk
Art exhibition
Winter Light Trail
20th November-3rd January 2027
Venue: Poole
Website: www.uptoncountrypark.com
60 to 80 minute illuminated trail featuring stunning light installations, immersive isplays and festive moments along the way as an Alpine Village
Allendale Christmas Craft Fair
21st-21st November 2026
Venue: Allendale Centre
Website: www.theallendale.org
Quality craft items and gift ideas galore
Artisans on the Beach
21st-21st November 2026
Venue: Swanage
Website: www.facebook.com/artisansonthebeach
Local crafters on Swanage Sea Front Shore Beach Huts
Frozen Brunch
21st-21st November 2026
Venue: Upwey Wishing Well
Website: www.upweywishingwell.co.uk
Kids brunch and hot chocolate, brunch menu available for adults
Lyme Regis Christmas Lights Switch On
21st-21st November 2026
Venue: Broad Street, Lyme Regis
Website: www.lymechristmaslights.co.uk
See the website for timings including the Christmas Lantern workshop
Christmas Market
22nd-22nd November 2026
Venue: Littledown
Website: www.bhliveactive.org.uk
Up to 80 stalls offering a wide selection of handmade artisan gifts, Christmas crafts and seasonal treats