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 in Dorset
That, sometimes, exhaustive list of things to do in the run up to Christmas can seem overwhelming – even when there’s only a few weeks to go! A lot of the stress will dissipate by making a rolling list; breaking activities, duties and events into manageable chunks.
There’s always more choice with early reservations, so by prioritising actions such as buying pantomime tickets or booking a Santa visit, will give you first pickings of times and dates.
Don’t leave it to chance – those most desired dates get filled very quickly! Here’s a taste of things to come and to help you begin your list…
Top Tips for a smooth festive season
Stock up on frozen food: Head to the supermarkets before everyone else! Frozen food or pre-cooked food can come in handy as quick easy meals during the busy days running up to Christmas.
Get the children to write to Santa: As we get closer to Christmas, children are likely to be beside themselves with excitement. Encourage them to write a letter to the white bearded chap and who knows, if they are lucky, Santa may send a letter back!
Buy the small gifts: Don’t forget to stock up on small gifts for teachers, classroom assistants, neighbours, your child’s best friend and so on. You may wish to buy an emergency supply of gifts in case someone arrives unexpectedly with a present for you.
Spread out the shopping: Aim to do your shopping over several weeks. Not only will this spread the cost; it will allow you more time later on when things start getting really busy.
Go late night shopping: Don’t miss out on the magic of ‘Late night shopping’ as it can really lift the spirits. But not if it’s all a rush. Rather than frantically rushing around to buy gifts, aim to amble along at your own pace and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Buy those Panto Tickets: Remember to book your tickets for your favourite show on your preferred date before they sell out!
Festive Things to look forward to...
Christmas Markets
Enter a Christmas market and instantly, you’ll be immersed into an inviting festive scene filled with cosy cabins, soft illuminations and an array of traders selling all sorts of unique craft items and tasty world food.
It’s an ideal environment to pick up slightly quirky gifts and sample authentic food from different parts of the world. Take a look through our what's on events to find a Christmas market near you.
Christingle
Christingle is a celebratory event, taking place every year in the run up to Christmas. Now in its 49th year, this vibrant event is hugely popular for churches and schools, raising millions to help change the lives of disadvantaged children. All it takes is an orange, a candle and a few dolly mixtures.
The themes of Christingle include serving other people, thinking about children in needy situations, celebrating light in the darkness, creativity and redemption. You can find out more about Christingle at www.christingle.org or visit www.messychurch.org.uk for an event near you.
Google Santa Tracker 2018
Google has launched Santa Tracker, a fun, educational and interactive way for children to experience more about the festive season. The experience starts with the opening of Santa’s Village on 1 December.
Then, not only does the countdown to Santa’s departure start, but each day until 24 December, visitors can learn basic coding skills, exercise their geography knowledge and create printable ornaments while learning about charitable organisations. Visit https://santatracker.google.com/village.html
Meet Santa on a Cruise Around Poole Harbour
This December, City Cruises Poole is offering children a special and unique chance to meet Santa on a cruise around Poole Harbour. Families can soak up the sights of Brownsea Island, Sandbanks and the further islands that form Poole Harbour.
Adults will be served with a free glass of mulled wine and mince pie, whilst children will be offered free soft drinks and biscuits. On board, the children can enjoy live performances and meet Santa before receiving a personal gift.
For more information or to book, visit www.citycruisespoole.com or call 07483 038487.
Christmas at Adventure Wonderland
From 24 November to 23 December, visitors to Adventure Wonderland will have the chance to Step in to Christmas and meet Santa in his grotto. Book online to visit Father Christmas with his faithful reindeer Rudolph and helpful elves, who have flown in directly from the North Pole. They will be waiting in their cosy log cabin and will be giving out fantastic presents to all visiting children.
Christmas 2018 will see even more festive fun at Adventure Wonderland. The massive indoor adventure play centre, Wild Thing will be Christmas Wild with all the fun and excitement of this most magical time of year. Pay a visit to the magical Nativity Cuddles Corner, included in the entry price and join the team for the seasonal pantomime in the Happydrome Theatre. For bookings, tickets and information see www.adventurewonderland.co.uk
Choose your Perfect Tree at the Cranborne Christmas Tree Farm
The Cranborne Estate has been growing Christmas trees since 1980 and due to popular demand expanded its enterprise in 2007. The Christmas Tree Farm now stretches across 50 acres and grows around 60,000 trees in total.
On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout December you and your family can visit the Christmas Tree Farm to choose the perfect tree whilst walking through the hundreds of trees in the plantations. Once selected, a friendly team member will happily cut down the tree while you wait. This way, you can ensure the tree is as fresh as possible. See www.cranborne.co.uk
Feel Good Family Pantomime Dick Whittington Comes to the Lighthouse
Audiences at this year’s pantomime will set out on an adventure with Dick and his acrobatic cat as they journey from Poole to Olde London Town then across the sea seeking fame and fortune. Prepare to be wowed with spectacular new scenery, sparkling costumes and special effects as you boo, cheer, laugh and sing along.
A Christmas treat for the whole family, Dick Whittington opens at Lighthouse on Friday 7 December with performances up until Christmas Eve. The performance will include popular children’s TV presenter Chris Jarvis and Richard Gibson (‘Allo Allo’s Herr Flick). Tickets are on sale now from the Lighthouse ticket office, by calling 01202 280000 or online at www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
Buy Tickets now for the Crealy Christmas Spectacular
This Christmas is going to be truly magical at Crealy Adventure Park and Resort. With something for the whole family to enjoy, the Crealy Christmas Spectacular, from Saturday 1 to Sunday 23 December, is Devon’s must-see event.
Tickets to the Crealy Christmas Spectacular include a seat in the heated Big Top Arena to see the sensational Christmas Ice Show. Watch as a team of international ice skaters and aerial artistes perform in this truly magical festive family show. Tickets also include entry to Santa’s Magical Toy Store where you’ll be surrounded by giant Christmas decorations and you’ll get to choose anything you want from over 30,000 fabulous toys and gifts.
Santa and his helpers will be on hand to help children choose their perfect present – and don’t miss the chance to win a Christmas lodge holiday for all the family.
In addition, there will be a fantastically festive Indoor Christmas Market in
a heated marquee. Find a selection of wonderful gift ideas, great value stocking fillers and other Christmas goodies. Tickets are only available online and in advance – book now at www.crealy.co.uk/events/crealy-christmas-spectacular