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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Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland
18th November-2nd January 2020
Venue: Various Locations
Address: Bournemouth, BH1
Website: www.christmastreewonderland.co.uk
With a spectacular Christmas tree trail, enchanting illuminations and seasonal family fun, Experience the magical spectacle of hundreds of glittering trees from around the world. Explore the Alpine Market...
Christchurch Christmas Festival
23rd-23rd November 2019
Time: 10am to 8pm
Venue: High Street
Address: Christchurch, BH23 1AS
Website: www.christchurchchristmas
A celebration of Christmas and all things festive. The festival includes a Christmas market, seasonal music, fun entertainment and much more.
Festive Fun at Adventure Wonderland
23rd November-23rd December 2019
Time: 10am to 6pm
Venue: Adventure Wonderland
Address: Near Christchurch, BH23 6BA
Website: www.adventurewonderland.co.uk
Also, 24 & 30 November and 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 December. Visit magical Nativity Cuddles Corner, watch the seasonal pantomime in the Happydrome theatre, play in a festive...
Reindeer Making
23rd November-1st December 2019
Venue: Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre
Address: Broadway, Bournemouth, BH6 4EN
Also, 24, 30 November and 1 December. A fun thirty-minute session making reindeer. Booking essential. Cost: £8 per reindeer. For details call 01202 451618.
Stir Up Sunday
24th-24th November 2019
Time: 10am
Venue: Kingston Lacy
Address: Wimborne Minster, BH21 4EA
Celebrate the stir-up Sunday tradition and make a mini Christmas Pudding to take home. Cost: £2.50 per pudding. Normal property admission applies. Ring 01202 883402.
Pine Cone Feeders
24th-24th November 2019
Time: 1pm to 3pm
Venue: Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre
Address: Granby Road, Muscliff, Bournemouth, BH9 3NZ
Help the garden birds survive this winter by making a tasty treat using some large pine cones. Cost: £2. There is no need to book. For details ring 01202 451548.
Sparkle in the Park
24th-24th November 2019
Time: 3.30pm to 4.45pm
Venue: Lodmoor Country Park
Address: Weymouth, DT4 7SX
Website: www.weareweymouth.co.uk
A free family event. Starting at 3.30pm, with a procession through the candlelit Woodland Walk.
Castlepoint Christmas Lights Switch On
29th-29th November 2019
Time: From 5pm to 7pm
Venue: Castlepoint Shopping Park
Address: Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, BH8 9UZ
Website: www.castlepointshopping.com
An evening of fun festive entertainment that the whole family will love. Plus, there will be lots of festive surprises.
Christmas in Poole
30th-30th November 2019
Time: From 4.45pm
Venue: Falkland Square
Address: Poole, BH15 1ER
Website: www.pooletourism.com
Celebrate the start of the festive season at Poole’s Christmas Tree Light Switch On from 4.45pm
Christmas Lights Switch On in Lyme Regis
30th-30th November 2019
Venue: Church Street
Address: Lyme Regis, DT7 3BS
Website: www.lymeregis.org
See the festive parade with its lanterns, majorettes and Father Christmas leave from the Baptist Church and make its way to the Christmas tree in Broad Street, where the Christmas lights will be switched...
Christmas Lights Turn On
30th-30th November 2019
Time: 2pm to 5pm
Venue: Moors Valley Country Park
Address: Ashley Heath, Near Ringwood, BH24 2ET
Website: www.moors-valley.co.uk
Join the Rangers to celebrate the start of the Christmas festivities with the lights switch on. Extra activities will include a fun festive treasure hunt and performances by the Dorset Youth Marching Band....
Crealy’s Christmas Spectacular
30th November-24th December 2019
Time: 10am to 5pm
Venue: Crealy Great Adventure Park
Address: Clyst St Mary, Near Exeter, EX5 1DR
Website: www.crealy.co.uk/events/crealy-christmas-spectacular
Tickets to the Crealy Christmas Spectacular include the sensational Christmas Ice Show, Decoration Station, Mary Christmas’ Bakery, Rudy’s Reindeer Food Making Station, Santa’s Post Office, Santa’s...
Weymouth’s Cinder Trail
30th November-31st December 2019
Venue: Various Locations
Address: Weymouth, DT3
Website: www.weareweymouth.co.uk
A free animated trail of six story book settings, each on their own stage. The festive season kicks off with a packed weekend of Christmas entertainment including fun performances and a snow machine. The...
Festive Family Activities
1st December-5th January 2020
Time: 10am-6pm
Venue: Kingston Lacy
Address: Wimborne Minster, BH21 4EA
Venture through the woods on a family trail, get crafty in the old laundry, play games and puzzles in the Saloon, make a traditional Christmas gift and much more. Ring 01202 883402.
Poole Santa Parade
1st-1st December 2019
Venue: Poole Quay
Address: Poole, BH15 1HJ
Website: www.pooletourism.com
Watch Santa on his Christmas Sleigh. Santa will be arriving by boat at 10.30am and will then lead a procession through the town, finishing in Falkland Square.
Sherborne Festive Shopping Day
1st-1st December 2019
Venue: Sherborne
Address: DT9 3BJ
A free entry ‘Love a Local Christmas’ festive shopping day. With music, fun and entertaining activities. Including a festive parade, a Santa’s grotto, a carol service and Christmas Tree festival....
Dorchester Christmas Cracker
5th-5th December 2019
Venue: Dorchester
Address: DT1 1BE
Website: www.dorchesterchamber.co.uk
Featuring late night Christmas shopping, a Christmas craft fair, Christmas lights switch on, seasonal entertainment, live music, Father Christmas, festive food, free parking and more.
Christmas Fayre
6th-6th December 2019
Time: 3:30pm-5pm
Venue: St Luke's Church
Address: St Luke's Road, Bournemouth, BH3 7LR
Website: www.stmartinsschool.net
Enjoy the magic of Christmas with traditional songs from St Martin's School choir, Santa's Grotto, face painting, a bouncy castle, Christmas Cafe, raffle, 20 stalls with beautiful gifts, plus fun and games....
Buttermarket Christmas Market
7th-7th December 2019
Time: 10am to 4pm
Venue: Buttermarket
Address: Poundbury, DT1 3DS
Celebrating its 4th year, this Christmas market will be playing host to 35 stalls teeming with with crafts, food and drink. Plus, there will be Christmas jazz music and a Santa’s Grotto. Call 01305 267992.
Pull a Pine for Christmas
7th-7th December 2019
Time: 11am to 3pm
Venue: RSPB Arne Nature Reserve
Address: Near Wareham, BH20 5BJ
Visit the Pull a Pine village in the centre of the heath, with stalls, refreshments and food. After a day of pine clearing, you can drop your chosen Christmas tree off at the Pine Pick-up. Call 01929 553360.
Reindeer Making
7th December-15th November 2019
Venue: Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre
Address: Granby Road, Muscliff, Bournemouth, BH9 3NZ
Also, 8, 14 and 15 December. Join the rangers at this fun making reindeer activity. With mince pies, stollen and hot chocolate. Cost: £8 per reindeer. Booking essential as spaces fill up very quickly....
Swanage Christmas Market
7th-7th December 2019
Time: 10am to 4pm
Venue: Shore Road
Address: Swanage, BH19 1LB
Enjoy a range of festive activities and browse around the many stalls at the Christmas market. For more, call 01929 766018.
Christmas Carols in the Castle
8th-8th December 2019
Time: 5pm to 7pm
Venue: Corfe Castle
Address: The Square, Corfe Castle, BH20 5EZ
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle
Create a new family tradition with carols in the castle. Join local choirs and sing your heart out to Christmas carols old and new.
Christmas Family Trundle
8th-8th December 2019
Time: 11am to 12pm
Venue: Moors Valley Country Park
Address: Ashley Heath, Near Ringwood, BH24 2ET
Website: www.moors-valley.co.uk
Join the Rangers for a 2.5km walk to see what winter wildlife is around the park, with some folklore and mythology thrown in. A fun family walk. Cost: £2 per person. No need to book. Call 01425 470721.
RNLI Christmas Market
8th-8th December 2019
Time: 11am to 4pm
Venue: RNLI College
Address: West Quay Road, Poole, BH15 1HZ
Website: www.rnli.org
Packed with over 40 exhibitors selling a range of Christmas gifts. The kids will be entertained with a visit from Father Christmas who will be arriving by Lifeboat, plus arts and crafts workshops. Admission...
Santa on the Quay
8th-8th December 2019
Time: 11am to 6pm
Venue: Poole Quay
Address: Poole, BH15 1HJ
Website: www.pooletourism.com
Featuring musicians, a special Santa's grotto, a craft workshop, face painters and much more.
Poole Lantern Parade
12th-12th December 2019
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Venue: Falkland Square
Address: Poole, BH15 1EG
Website: www.pooletourism.com
See the Poole Lantern Parade light up the town with beautifully crafted handmade lanterns. The parade will leave Falkland Square at 6pm, weave through the town centre and finish at the Guildhall for carols.
Christmas Adventure with the Lord of Misrule
14th-31st December 2019
Time: 5pm to 7pm
Venue: Corfe Castle
Address: The Square, Corfe Castle, BH20 5EZ
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle
Also, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27-31 December. Join this mischief-maker and journey through the castle ruins, learn about medieval traditions and join in with games, dances and entertainment to brighten the...
Christmas Choir and Outside BBQ
14th-14th December 2019
Venue: Various locations
Address: Poole, BH15 1ER
Website: www.pooletourism.com
Local choirs will be singing Christmas carols. Soak up the festive atmosphere and tuck into some tasty BBQ food.
Festive Fun Day
15th-15th December 2019
Time: 10am to 4.30pm
Venue: Moors Valley Country Park
Address: Ashley Heath, Near Ringwood, BH24 2ET
Website: www.moors-valley.co.uk
Get in the festive spirit with fun Christmas crafts and activities, whilst raising money for good causes. Christmas activities include making willow stars and candles. Plus, performances from Dorset Youth...
Frosty 5K
15th-15th December 2019
Time: 10am to 1pm
Venue: Great Field
Address: Poundbury, Dorchester, DT1 3RH
Website: www.weld-hospice.org.uk/events/frosty-5k-2019
Embrace the festive spirit this Christmas and join in with some seasonal fun at Weldmar's new family event this Christmas. Run, jog, hop or dance your way around the festive 5k course.
Wrapping Up for Christmas
15th-15th December 2019
Time: From 1.30pm to 3pm
Venue: Durlston Country Park
Address: Lighthouse Road, Swanage, BH19 2JL
Website: www.durlston.co.uk
Get the family together in the Belvedere and create special wrapping papers and gift tags for Christmas. A free event although donations welcome.
Festive Carols and Wildlife Wanders
19th-19th December 2019
Time: 10.30am to 2pm
Venue: Brownsea Island
Address: Poole Harbour, Poole, BH13 7EE
Soak up the sights and sounds of the winter wildlife away from the Christmas mayhem on the mainland, then enjoy a good old singsong in the unique island church. Booking essential. For more information...
Little Red Riding Hood
20th-20th December 2019
Time: 6.30pm to 9pm
Venue: Moors Valley Country Park
Address: Ashley Heath, Near Ringwood, BH24 2ET
Website: www.moors-valley.co.uk
A special interactive performance, bringing storytelling with madcap humour, memorable songs and beautiful imagery. Booking essential. For children aged 3 years+. Call 01425 470721.
Christmas Film Night in Poole
21st-21st December 2019
Venue: Falkland Square
Address: Poole, BH15 1ER
Website: www.pooletourism.com
Watch some well-known Christmas movies on the big screen outdoors in Falkland Square. Snuggle up in the seated movie area with patio heaters and blankets.
Winter Solstice
21st-21st December 2019
Time: 7.15am to 10am
Venue: South Beach
Address: Studland, BH19 3AQ
A magical morning gazing over the sunrise at Old Harry Rocks. View the sunrise from Old Harry Rocks on the shortest day of the year followed by a full English breakfast at Knoll Beach café. Booking essential....
Carols Around the Christmas Tree
23rd-23rd December 2019
Time: 7pm
Venue: Broad Street
Address: Lyme Regis, DT7 3BS
Website: www.lymeregis.org
Get into the festive spirit with the annual Carols Round the Tree event. The event begins at 7pm at the town’s Christmas Tree in Broad Street. Call 01297 442138.
Christmas Day Harbour Swim
25th-25th December 2019
Venue: Weymouth Harbour
Address: Weymouth, DT4 8BG
Website: www.weymouthlionsclub.co.uk/christmas-day-harbour-swim-2019
Join in with this daring annual swim across the harbour or stay warm and watch the brave souls as they take to the icy waters. Raising funds for charitable causes.
Christmas Morning Fancy Dress Swim
25th-25th December 2019
Time: 11am sharp
Venue: Charmouth Beach
Address: Charmouth, DT6
Be there by 10.30am to enjoy seeing all the fund-raisers in their dry fancy dress before they take to the icy waters. In aid of Lyme Regis RNLI. Just turn up and take the plunge. This event is weather...
New Year’s Eve-Eve Phaser Night
30th-30th December 2019
Time: From 6.30pm
Venue: Lemur Landings
Address: Poole, BH12 4NY
Website: www.lemurlandings.co.uk
End your year with a super evening of phaser tag. Climb aboard the giant space station themed playframe for 6 thrilling phaser missions and DigiWall fun! For children aged 6 years+. For details call 01202...
Wild Wednesday
1st-1st January 2020
Time: 11am to 3pm
Venue: Durlston Country Park
Address: Lighthouse Road, Swanage, BH19 2JL
Website: www.durlston.co.uk
Begin a New Year by enjoying some free activities and craft in the Belvedere.
Lyme Lunge and Duck Race
1st-1st January 2020
Time: From 12pm
Venue: Sandy Beach
Address: Lyme Regis, DT7
Website: www.whatsoninlyme.co.uk
Begin the year by watching the traditional Duck Race down the River Lym, before bracing the cold waters of Lyme Bay, wearing fancy dress. Or keep warm and watch the spectacle instead.
Last Day of Family Quiz Trail
5th-5th January 2020
Time: 9am to 3pm
Venue: Moors Valley Country Park
Address: Ashley Heath, Near Ringwood, BH24 2ET
Website: www.moors-valley.co.uk
A fun self-led quiz trail with a festive theme for the whole family. Test your general knowledge of 2019 whilst children can have fun answering some festive questions. Call 01425 470721.
Nature Tots at RSPB Arne
7th-7th January 2020
Time: 10.30am to 11.30am
Venue: RSPB Arne Nature Reserve
Address: Near Wareham, BH20 5BJ
Young explorers wanted for bug hunting, puddle splashing and all-round adventure. Nature Tots is a monthly nature group aimed at preschool children aged between 2 ½ and 5 years old. Booking essential....
Brownsea Bird Boats
12th-12th January 2020
Time: 9am to 1pm
Venue: Brownsea Island
Address: Poole Harbour, Poole, BH13 7EE
Also 26 January. Witness one of the best winter bird spectacles in the UK. Also, spend two-hours on Brownsea Island and take an exclusive guided tour around the lagoon. Booking essential. For more information...
Introduction to Orienteering
19th-19th January 2020
Time: 2pm to 3.30pm
Venue: Durlston Country Park
Address: Lighthouse Road, Swanage, BH19 2JL
Website: www.durlston.co.uk
Learn to read an orienteering map and navigate a course. For children aged 6 years+. Booking essential. Cost: £3 per child.
Stargazing
1st-1st February 2020
Time: From 7.30pm
Venue: Durlston Country Park
Address: Lighthouse Road, Swanage, BH19 2JL
Website: www.durlston.co.uk
Visit the Learning centre to take a look at the moon, star clusters, galaxies, Orion Nebula and winter constellations. This event is weather dependent so do call on the day to confirm. Cost: £3 each.
