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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!
Where's Santa in Dorset 2025
Read on for more on Santa's grottos, Santa by Steam and Santa's workshops in Dorset in 2025...
At this time of year Father Christmas becomes an incredibly busy man, but as he’s so friendly and thoughtful he will always find time to listen to your wish lists.
There’s nothing that Father Christmas loves more than talking to children, so he uses his super magical powers to whizz all over the county and can be in many places often at the same time!
You’ll find him in cosy cabins, in sparkly grottos, on festive trains and on horse-drawn sleighs in town centres, shopping centres, garden centres and family attractions. As he gets exceedingly hungry on his travels he even turns up for breakfast and lunch at some places!
So, along with his many helpers, do look out for Santa at the following locations this festive season…
PS. Don’t forget to leave out a treat or two for Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve. The cheeky elves have told us he likes smelly socks, but we think he would rather tuck into a tasty mince pie!
Places to See Santa in Dorset in 2025
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Featured Father Christmas and Santa events |
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19th to 22nd December 2025 Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre. https://monkeyworld.org/events/santa-is-coming-to-monkey-world-2025/ rom the 19th to 22nd December Santa’s sleigh will touch down at the park! As well as meeting Santa and receiving a special present from him, your little monkeys can enjoy festive fare, a Christmas trail around the park, and even make a present for the primates with Santa’s elves! The gift shop is stacked full of new items, ideal as presents and stocking fillers- and of course you’ll be able to see our 250 primates during a quieter, peaceful time at the park. Visiting Santa at Monkey World will help support the rescue and rehabilitation of primates, so help spread Christmas cheer by seeing Santa here! |
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Dates from 15th December 2025 Santas Grotto at The Blue Pool Tearooms The Blue Pool Tearooms https://bluepooltearooms.co.uk/visit-santa-at-the-blue-pool/ Celebrate the festive season with a magical visit to Santa’s Grotto at The Blue Pool in Dorset. Set in a beautiful woodland location, this family-friendly Christmas event includes a festive woodland trail leading to the cosy grotto. Suitable for children of all ages, they can meet Santa and receive a special gift. Tickets are limited and must be booked in advance |
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Dates from 29th November 2025 Father Christmas Yuletide Express Swanage Railway https://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/events/view/father-christmas-yuletide-express Your festive adventure begins at Swanage Station, lovingly dressed in its Christmas best. As the scent of mince pies fills the air and carols drift from the platform, you're welcomed into a cosy, nostalgic celebration.
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20th and 21st December Santa Weekend Weymouth https://weareweymouth.co.uk/christmas-events-2025/ See the website for more details as they are announced |
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Dates in December 2025 Christmas at Farmer Palmer's 2025 - Twilight Christmas/Daytime Experience Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6EU https://www.farmerpalmers.co.uk/product-category/twilight-christmas-tickets/ https://www.farmerpalmers.co.uk/events/christmas/ Two different experience available - Daytime Experience or Twilight Experience Children can enjoy a ‘farm-tastic’ time at the Farm Park! Experience the wonder and excitement of meeting ‘the man in red’ and all his festive friends in the Magical Christmas Barn. PLUS every child with a ‘Farmer Christmas Experience Ticket’ receives a gift from the Elves at ‘Ye Olde Toy Shoppe’ ! |
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Other Santa themed activities in Dorset
Dates from 6th December 2025
Santa at Peekaboo and Brew
Peekaboo and Brew, Broadstone
https://peekabooandbrew.com/events
Get ready for some festive magic this December at Peekaboo & Brew — the cosy under-5s soft play!
Selected dates throughout December
Children’s Ticket — £24.95
• 1 hour 45 mins of soft play fun
•Create your own pancake to eat!
• Meet Santa & take a photo with him
• A special gift from Santa himself!
Adult Ticket — £5
• Includes: A warm drink while you enjoy the festive fun!
Spaces are limited — don’t miss out on this magical Christmas experience for your little ones!
Selected dates in December 2025
Story Time with Father Christmas
Museum of East Dorset.
https://museumofeastdorset.co.uk/events/
Step into the magic of Christmas and join us for Story Time with Father Christmas!
Before your visit, children can get creative with a range of festive crafts – the perfect way to make any day more magical!
Listen carefully for the jingling of the Elves’ bell – your signal that it’s time to visit Father Christmas himself!
The Elves will meet you in the kitchen and lead you through to the grotto, where Father Christmas is waiting to share his favourite festive tales. Children will spend 30 enchanting minutes with Father Christmas, enjoying cosy story time and choosing a special present to take home.
Your ticket also includes free entry to the museum on the day. Feel free to arrive early so you can make the most of your festive outing.
Please note: due to limited space in the grotto, each child may be accompanied by one adult.
After your visit, feel free to make your way to our Tearoom, where you can relax and enjoy a delicious selection of festive treats, warming drinks and Christmas cheer. (Extra charges apply.)
This is a fundraising event and all profits go towards the running of the museum.
Thursday 4th December 2025
SEN Santa Experience 2025 at Museum of East Dorset
Museum of East Dorset
https://museumofeastdorset.co.uk/project/send-santa-experience-4-december-2025/
Following last year’s success, they are delighted to have a very special visit from Santa to see children with Special Educational Needs on Thursday 4th December.
Santa will be in their Sensory Shed creating a truly magical experience for all.
Their SEND Santa experience has been designed to cater for children with Autism, ADHD or with a similar diagnosis whose condition means that they have been unable to visit Santa with their family previously. There will be no queuing, loud noises, or flashing lights.
They have set this event up as 5 minute time slots, choose your preferred time and book tickets for up to three children. Accompanying adults don’t need to book a ticket.
Let us know your child’s interests when booking and Santa will be able to chat to them, even if they are non-verbal.
They are keen to eliminate queuing time, so booking is essential.
Dates from 7th December 2025
Breakfast with Santa at Cliffhanger Restaurant
Waterford Road, Highcliffe, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 5JA.
https://www.cliffhanger-restaurant.com/event/breakfast-with-santa/
Includes Breakfast & Drink / Quality toy / Story from Father Christmas
Sing-a-long Christmas songs with Father Christmas
Photos on the full size sleigh with Father Christmas
From 22nd November 2025
Santa at Castlepoint Bournemouth
Castlepoint Bournemouth, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, BH8 9UZ.
https://castlepointshopping.com/home-news/gingerbread-grotto-bookings-now-open/
Visit Santa in his magical gingerbread grotto
Dates from 6th December 2025
City Cruises Poole, Poole, BH15 1HJ
https://coastalcruisespoole.co.uk/poole-santa-experience/
Ho, ho, ho! Santa’s taking a break from the North Pole to cruise Poole Harbour with you!
Join us for a magical Sail with Santa adventure. We’ll sail past stunning sights like Brownsea Island, Sandbanks Peninsula, and Studland Bay, all while sipping warm mulled wine and enjoying festive Christmas carols.
The best part? Santa himself will be on board! He’ll be mingling with kids of all ages, from tiny tots to big kids at heart. Every child will receive a special Christmas present straight from the jolly old man himself!
FULLY BOOKED FOR 2025
Santa Specials at Moors Valley Railway
Moors Valley Railway, Near Ringwood, BH24 2ET
www.moorsvalleyrailway.co.uk/santa-specials/
This festive season, step aboard one of our Santa Specials & be transported to a Winter Wonderland. As Christmas approaches, the railway transforms into a spectacular Winter Wonderland. Enjoy an unforgettable heartwarming experience surrounded by twinkling lights, family laughter, and festive cheer.
To join in the festivities, all adults and children will require a pre-booked ticket – you can purchase your ticket online here!
Please note the 2025 event is now FULLY BOOKED. Watch out for 2026 event.
29th and 30th November 2025
Father Christmas at the Russell Cotes
Russell Cotes Museum.
https://russellcotes.com/event/father-christmas/
Create magical Christmas memories with your little ones by visiting Father Christmas in their enchanting festive grotto. Nestled within the beautifully decorated historic house, children will enjoy a personalised chat with Father Christmas and receive a special gift to take home.
Breakfast with Father Christmas at Shire Hall Courthouse Museum
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1UY
https://shirehalldorset.org/events/breakfast-with-father-christmas-2/
Enjoy a special festive treat for all the family and have breakfast with our singing Father Christmas!
Dates from 6th December 2025
Breakfast With Santa at The Brewery Tap
The Brewery Tap, Hall and Woodhouse Brewery, Bournemouth Road, Blandford Forum, DT11 9LS.
https://www.hall-woodhousebrewerytap.co.uk/breakfast-with-santa/
Children can experience the magic of Christmas with a morning full of festive cheer! Each child’s ticket, priced at £8.50, includes:
- A delicious breakfast of their choice
- A special gift from Santa
- A memorable photo opportunity
- Storytime with Santa himself
13th December 2025
The Ark Poole Park.
http://www.thearkpoolepark.co.uk/news-events/events
Find out more online
Dates from 12th December 2025
Christmas on the Farm at Nick's Farm
Nick's Farm, Throop.
https://nicksfarmdorset.co.uk/magical-christmas-experience/
Meet Santa in his enchanting grotto and share your Christmas wishes in a warm, magical setting. Before or after your Santa visit, children can get creative with festive crafts, adding that extra sparkle to the experience.
20th and 21st December
Father Christmas at Lollipops
Lollipops Cafe, Bournemouth.
https://lollipopscafe.com/christmas/
During the session, the children will have fun on the soft play, visit Father Christmas, (you will be allocated a number, so no queuing or waiting) and enjoy some Christmas snacks! Each child will receive a small gift and have an opportunity for photos with Father Christmas.
All adults attending will need to purchase a ticket, you will have a delicious mince pie with clotted cream and a hot drink.
Dates from 13th December 2025
Swanage Pier.
https://www.swanagepiertrust.com/events.aspx#
Step into Swanage Pier’s magical winter wonderland this Christmas.
You’ll be warmly welcomed by the pier’s merry elves, before meeting Santa in his grotto for a family photo opportunity – either in Father Christmas’s sleigh or the pier’s snowy mountain cable car!
Details to be confirmed for 2025 - information below refers to a previous event
Santa's Grotto at Fantasy Island Fun Park
Fantasy Island Fun Park, Weymouth
https://fantasyislandweymouth.co.uk/santas-grotto-2023/
Santa's grotto experience - see the website for details
Dates from 6th December 2025
Moonfleet's Winter Wonderland Grotto 2025
Moonfleet Manor Hotel.
https://luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk/event/santas-grotto/
This festive season, step into the magic of Santa’s Winter Woodland Grotto, set within the cosy Schooner and now with a beautifully refreshed waiting area in the Waters Edge Lounge. Children will be enchanted as they meet Santa in this magical setting, before enjoying a squash and a festive treat. The fun continues at our craft station, where little ones can get creative with seasonal activities, and families are also invited to make the most of our Play Barn, ensuring the joy lasts long after their visit to Santa.
No details for 2025 - see information below for previous event
Santa at the Farm at Foxdown Children's Farm
Foxdown Children's Farm.
- An hours slot on the farm £16 per child/teen visiting Santa (age 0+)
- Babies under 1 free unless recieving a present from Santa
- A hot drink and festive snack included for adults £8.00 per adult / teenager (not receiving a present)
- Festive activities in the barn surrounded by the animals
- A private family visit to see Santa with a quality present for each paying child
- A festive goodbye
- Festive cakes for the children, snacks, sausage rolls, drinks gifts etc available to purchase in the entrance cabin.
Dates from 29th November 2025
Meet Father Christmas at Boo's Toy Shop
Boo's Toy Shop.
https://www.poundburychristmasmarket.co.uk/father-christmas-at-boos-toy-shop.html
Each Child will receive Special Plush Toy ,Reindeer Food ,Chocolate ,Photo With Santa to take away