Festive Fun in Dorset
Festive Fun in Dorset
As the chilly winds of winter embrace the picturesque countryside, Dorset is gearing up to become a festive wonderland. With a mix of family-friendly events, bustling markets and crafty experiences, the county has a bumper Christmas schedule. From the sparkling lights and reindeer at Nutley Farm to a gathering of elves in Weymouth, we’ve made a list (and checked it twice!) so you don’t have to.
Pop the kettle on, grab your calendar and make bookings now to avoid disappointment!
Festive Events
Nutley Farm, near Dorchester, has expanded its Christmas events this year, to include an evening party with a disco and live music taking place throughout December. Kids can enjoy dancing and playing games with Santa and his elves at the new Children’s Christmas Party event on selected dates in December. From Friday 24th November, the farm will host its annual Christmas Lights and Reindeer Experience, with a 600m illuminated pathway, glittering archways and light installations. Kids can hunt for elves on the way and meet the resident reindeer.
Weymouth has a jam-packed Christmas calendar this year, including, what now seems to be an annual event, an attempt to break the world record for the largest gathering of elves in one place on Saturday 25th November. There will be plenty of elf-themed activities, from hat-making to gingerbread decorating.
From 25th November – 1st January, Kingston Lacy in Wimborne will once again come to life with festive illuminations. The Christmas light trail is a magical way to explore the estate’s gardens.
Upwey Wishing Well are running an Enchanted Christmas Trail with interactive activities every day throughout December. Christmas elves will be making their way through the gardens, decorating the trees. There’ll also be an Alpine Lodge serving festive treats and mulled wine.
Looking for a festive date night? From 15th-18th December, Holmsley Runway near Christchurch will be showing a series of classic Christmas movies at their drive-in, including Elf, Home Alone and Love Actually.
Enter a world of Christmas in Poole, with the free Christmas Maritime Light Trail! Be prepared to be dazzled as thousands of twinkling lights take you on a nautical journey.
The Christmas Tree Wonderland Trail in Bournemouth features replica Christmas trees from around the world plus a multitude of enchanting illuminations and installations.
Meet Santa
On the 2nd and 16th December, head to the Museum of East Dorset in Wimborne to explore the museum and the festive trail, make Christmas crafts and write a letter to Santa. Santa will tell an interactive story and give every child a present.
At Moreton Walled Gardens on the 18th, 21st and 22nd December, you can tuck into a breakfast buffet with Santa and his elf. There’ll be a reading of a Christmas story and every child receives a gift from Santa.
Santa will be a busy man as he’ll be cruising around Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island, Sandbanks and Studland throughout December. He’ll be wandering around the boat to meet the kids on board and hand out presents. Listen to Christmas carols while enjoying a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.
At Moors Valley Country Park on selected dates in December, you can hop aboard the Santa express to visit him in his grotto – both kids and adults receive a gift! Get into the spirit of Christmas with mince pies and mulled wine.
Christmas Markets
If you love bustling, vibrant Christmas markets featuring a variety of independent sellers, Dorset is the place to be.
Here are just a few taking place across the county this year – wherever you are, you won’t be far from one!
- Bournemouth Christmas Market & Christmas Tree Wonderland – 17th November – 1st January
- Wimborne Christmas Market – 18th November
- Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival (& Market!) – 25th November-2nd January
- Poundbury Christmas Market – 2nd December
- The Brewery Tap Christmas Market, Blandford – 2nd December
- Sherborne Festive Shopping Day – 3rd December
- Dorchester Christmas Cracker – 10th December
- Shaftesbury Christmas Fair – 17th December
Wreath Making Workshops
Fancy getting crafty and trying your hand at making your own Christmas wreath this year?
There are so many wreath making workshops taking place across Dorset this year but we can only list a few:
- The Dorset Flower Co at Sculpture by the Lakes, near Dorchester – 23rd November-6th December
- Sweetpea Florist at LO’s Coffee Shop, Blandford – 25th-26th November
- Lewis-Manning Hospice Care at various locations – 25th November-6th December
- Walled Garden, Moreton – 2nd-3rd December
- The English Garden Florist, Corfe Mullen – 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th December
- Yanina Stockings at Shaftesbury Arts Centre – 9th December
Shows & Pantos
What is your favourite Christmas panto? Oh no it isn’t!
If you’re a fan of the movie Elf (who isn’t?), here’s your chance to see it on stage! Minus Will Ferrell of course…
- The Nutcracker – Weymouth Pavilion – 29th November
- Aladdin – Poole Lighthouse – 7th-31st December
- Elf: The Musical Arena Spectacular – Bournemouth International Centre – 15-16th December
- Cinderella – Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne – 15th December-1st January
- Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs – Weymouth Pavilion - 16th-31st December
- Santa’s Christmas Wish – Shaftesbury Arts Centre – 20th December
- A Christmas Carol – Corn Exchange, Dorchester – 5th January
Have a fabulous festive season creating memories with loved ones. If the magic of Dorset at Christmas has captivated you, get in touch with our team and we can help you find your dream home.
Added: 31st October 2023
