WHAT’S ON
What’s on
All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.
Every Thu in Nov Roots and Shoots at Upton Country Park Grandparent-friendly tots sessions with storytelling, craft and exploration in gardens. www.uptoncountrypark.com
Sun 26 Nov Littledown Christmas Market Wide range of stalls selling Christmas gifts and artisan food. With face painting and Giggles & Dizzy, the cheeky elves. www.bhliveactive.org.uk
Every Fri Puddle Jumpers Club Forest School at Upton Country Park Forest school activity sessions during school term for pre-school children and their parents. www.uptoncountrypark.com
Sat 2 Dec Fox & Cubs Club at Upton Country Park Sessions designed for dads and kids to spend quality time together in the great outdoors. www.uptoncountrypark.com
Tue 14 Nov & Tue 12 Dec Nature Tots at RSPB Arne Monthly nature group aimed at preschool children ages 2½-5. www.bit.ly/RSPBArne
Poundbury Christmas Market Local festive market with food, drink, gifts and Santa’s Grotto. www.poundburychristmasmarket. co.uk
Fri 17 Nov Creature Teachers at Upton Country Park An after-school zoology workshop with real animals. Booking required. www.uptoncountrypark.com
Sat 2 Dec to Mon 1 Jan Christmas Festivities at Corfe Castle Marshmallows, firepits and festivities and Lord of Misrule Storytelling interactive tours. www.bit.ly/CorfeCastleEvents
Fri 17 Nov-30 Dec Polar Express at Swanage Railway Special festive train journey with characters from The Polar Express™ onboard. www.swanagerailway.co.uk Fri 17 Nov-1 Jan Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland Spectacular Christmas trail with enchanting illuminations, light shows and live muse. FREE. www.christmastreewonderland. co.uk Sat 18 Nov Elfy Christmas at Dorset Museum Sustainable Christmas fashion, wellness and nutrition, selfcare, kids card making and craft workshops. www.allevents.in/dorchester Sat & Sun 25-26 Nov Illuminate 2023 at Abbotsbury Colourful lights transform and illuminate the subtropical gardens. www.abbotsburytickets.co.uk Dorset Food & Drink Christmas Fair at Athelhampton House Local food, drink and artisanal gifts with festive music and tasty, seasonal treats to sample and buy. www.athelhampton.com Sat 25 Nov Winter Fossil Walk at Lulworth Cove Join a guided walk to discover the creatures from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods around the cove. www.lulworth.com Sat 25 Nov-Tues 4 Jan Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail Dazzling illuminations that weave through Poole Town with market, food and attractions. FREE. www.poole-christmas-maritimelight-trail.co.uk
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Fri 15-Sun 17 Dec Lyme Regis Christmas Tree Festival Stunning array of glittering Christmas trees decorated by local groups and organisations. www.lymeregiscarnival.co.uk Tue 19 Dec Kids’ Christmas Drawing Workshop at Durlston Country Park A workshop at which kids can learn to draw robins, reindeer and all things Christmassy. Booking required. www.durlston.co.uk
Sun 3 Dec Wyke Christmas Fayre Lots of craft and food stalls. Father Christmas will also be strolling around with his elf helper. www.love-weymouth.co.uk
Wed 20 & 27 Dec Wild Wednesdays at Durlston Country Park Drop in at the Learning Centre from 11am to 3pm to try painting, craft and activities. www.durlston.co.uk
Every Sun in Dec until 20 Dec Reindeer Making at Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre Make your very own reindeer from natural materials. Booking required. www.visitstourvalley.co.uk
Thu 21 Dec Winter Solstice at Corfe Castle A rare chance to watch the sun rise over East Hill from the castle ruins on the shortest day of the year. www.bit.ly/CorfeCastleEvents
Every Mon, Tue & Wed in Dec Sustainable Christmas Ornament Workshop at Lulworth Cove Join a workshop to make your own natural, sustainable Christmas ornaments. www.lulworth.com
Winter Solstice Walk at Lulworth Cove Join the Lulworth Rangers on a Winter Solstice walk to view the sunrise at Durdle Door. www.lulworth.com
Wed 6–Sun 17 Dec Christmas Tree Festival at Bridport United Church Popular, colourful, local festival. www.bridportandwestbay.co.uk Sat 9 Dec Wooden Reindeer Workshop at Lulworth Cove Join a workshop to make your own wooden log reindeer for Christmas. www.lulworth.com Sat 9 & Sun 10 Dec & daily from Sat 16-Sun 24 Dec A Fairytale Christmas at Upton Country Park Family-friendly adventure trail. Claim your Christmas present prize. www.uptoncountrypark.com
Thu 28 Dec New Year Bottle Rocket Kids Activity at Durlston Country Park Decorate your own bottle rocket, then launch it into the sky. www.durlston.co.uk
CHILDREN’S THEATRE & CHRISTMAS SHOWS THE BARRINGTON ARTS CENTRE www.barringtoncentre.co.uk Jack and the Beanstalk 16 Dec-1 Jan The pantomime of this classic adventure story promises to excite and entertain audiences of all ages. BOURNEMOUTH PAVILION www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk
Sun 10 Dec Wareham Christmas Parade Annual Christmas parade and festivities in town centre. www.christmasinwareham.co.uk
Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs Pantomime 2-31 Dec Bursting with great songs, stunning dance routines and plenty of laughter, a truly magical treat.
Thu 14-Tue 2 Jan Crazy Christmas Trail at Durlston Country Park Get the trail and activity pack and take a trip around the park to help Santa get Christmas back on track. www.durlston.co.uk
BRIDPORT ARTS CENTRE www.bridport-arts.com A Winter’s Tail 17 Dec A fun, relaxed play-along theatre adventure. Ages 2+.
The Christmassy Christmas Show 19 Dec Crammed with puppets, songs and comedy, and over-flowing with crazy characters. Ages 5+. DORCHESTER ARTS www.dorchesterarts.org.uk Snow Play 9 Dec Highly interactive enchanting show will captivate children and adults alike. Ages 3+. LIGHTHOUSE POOLE www.lighthousepoole.co.uk The Three Little Pigs 5-24 Dec Joyful retelling of a classic tale, told in unique physical style with raucous puppets. Ages 3-10. Aladdin 7-31 Dec Traditional pantomime with a lampload of laughter, stunning scenery and beautiful costumes. MARINE THEATRE www.marinetheatre.com Santa’s Christmas Wish 4 Dec A festive, song-filled, interactive family show particularly suitable for ages 2-8. THE MINSTER THEATRE, ALLENDALE www.theallendale.org Best Ever Christmas Show 15 Dec-24 Dec Wimborne’s famous pantomime is back with a brand new adventure. PAVILION DANCE SOUTH WEST www.pdsw.org.uk Advent Adventure 16-18 Dec Join dance artists, Claire Benson and Olivia Quayle, for festive making, moving and grooving. Ages 3+. THE REGENT CHRISTCHURCH www.theregent.co.uk Christmas Spectacular 16-24 Dec Dazzling costumes, sensational dance routines, perfect family entertainment. TIVOLI THEATRE WIMBORNE www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk Ballet Theatre UK: The Wizard of Oz 29 Nov The Wizard of Oz is a two act, full-length, ballet adaptation of the iconic tale by L. Frank Baum, told through the magic of classical dance. Set to a classical score which brings the story to life, this production is family friendly and is the perfect way to introduce Familiesonline.co.uk
WHAT’S ON children to the classical ballet. The production is presented with beautiful backdrops, stunning theatrical sets and costumes. Tickets £20 & £18 (£15/£14 concessions). Cinderella 15 Dec-1 Jan Following the huge successes of Aladdin and Sleeping Beauty, Made to Measure Productions returns to the Tivoli Theatre this Christmas with a brand-new sparkling production of Cinderella. Featuring stunning scenery, colourful costumes, toe-tapping tunes, hilarious comedy and incredible West End special effects, Cinderella is set to be the biggest pantomime Wimborne has ever seen. Tickets Adults £19/under 16’s £15. 1 in 10 tickets free - available via Box Office. WEYMOUTH PAVILION www.weymouthpavilion.com Snow White Pantomime 16-31 Dec Bursting with great songs, fantastic dance routines and plenty of laughter.
WHERE TO FIND SANTA BOURNEMOUTH Santa’s Grotto at Adventure Wonderland Sat 2-Sat 23 Dec Meet Father Christmas and his elves in their snowy log cabin and receive a souvenir gift from Santa. Booking required. www.adventurewonderland.co.uk Breakfast with Santa at Bournemouth Pier Sat 9, 16, 17 & 23 Dec Share a festive breakfast at Key West Bar & Grill. Booking required. www.keywestbournemouth.co.uk
meet Santa in his grotto. Booking required. www.monkeyworld.org A Dorset Christmas at The Tank Museum Sat & Sun 18-19 Nov Christmassy craft market, live entertainment and Christmas trail. Santa will arrive in a tank. www.tankmuseum.org WIMBORNE
Santa’s Grotto at Nutley Farm Fri 1-Sun 24 Dec Wander the illuminated 600m walkway, meet the friendly reindeer and visit Santa to receive a gift. Booking required. www.nutleyevents.co.uk Meet Father Christmas at Boos Toy Shop Poundbury Sat 2 Dec Father Christmas will be in his magical lounge. Children receive gift, reindeer food and chocolate. Booking required. www.poundburychristmasmarket. co.uk DORSET Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Stewarts Garden Centres Christchurch and Wimborne Sat 25 Nov to Sun 24 Dec Join the playful polar bears in Santa’s Winter Wonderland and meet Father Christmas himself. Booking required. www.santa.stewarts.co.uk HAMPSHIRE
Bobbys Bournemouth Christmas Grotto, Sat 2 Dec to Sat 23 Dec Step into a world of enchantment as you visit Santa in his magical dome and receive a special present. Booking required. www.bobbysbournemouth.com
Santa Specials at Moors Valley Railway Sat 2-Wed 20 Dec delected dates Board your train, visit Santa in his grotto and collect your special present. Refreshments for adults and children. Booking required. www.moorsvalleyrailway.co.uk
Father Christmas at the RussellCotes Wed 6, Sat 9 & Sun 10 Dec Visit Father Christmas in the beautifully decorated dining room and receive a small gift. Booking required. www.russellcotes.com
Christmas at Paultons Sat 9-Sat 23 Dec selected dates Santa’s Christmas Wish Show, Santa’s Storytime and Magical Christmas Tree. Booking required. www.paultonspark.co.uk
BRIDPORT Tea with Santa at Groves Garden Centre Thu 7, 14 & 21 Dec Expect a Christmassy show, games, winter warming food and visit to Santa. Booking required. www.grovesnurseries.co.uk DORCHESTER
LYME REGIS Santa’s Grotto at Lyme Regis Baptist Church Sat 16 Dec Santa is coming to town! Children receive gift and certificate. Booking required. www.lovelymeregis.co.uk POOLE
Breakfast with Father Christmas at Shire Hall Dorchester Enjoy a special festive treat for all the family and have breakfast with Father Christmas. www.shirehalldorset.org
Christmas at Farmer Palmers Sat 9-Sat 23 Dec Selected dates Enjoy a farm-tastic day out. Meet ‘the man in red’ and festive friends in the Magical Christmas Barn. Booking required. www.farmerpalmers.co.uk
Visit Santa at Museum of East Dorset, Sat 2 & Sat 16 Dec Join the Reindeer trail, make Christmas crafts, receive a gift from Santa and listen to a festive story. Booking required. www.museumofeastdorset.co.uk
Poole Sail with Santa Sat 2-Sun 24 Dec on selected dates Join Santa for 1.5 hour sail around Poole Harbour and receive a present. Refreshments provided. Booking required. www.cityexperiences.com/poole
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Santa’s Grotto at Moonacre, Sturminster Marshall Sat 9-Sat 23 Dec on selected dates Step into a Winter wonderland, meet Santa and gather around for storytime with Mrs Claus. Booking required. www.backgardenbubbles.com SEATON POLAR EXPRESS™ Tram Ride at Seaton Tramway Fri 24 Nov to Sun 24 Dec. Selected dates www.tram.co.uk Relive the enchanting tale of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ tram ride on a specially adorned single-deck tramcar, heading straight to Santa’s North Pole home. Immerse yourselves in festive cheer with steaming hot chocolate, delightful treats and a luminous display of lights around the North Pole. Meet Santa and receive a gift. Christmas carol singalong on return trip. Round trip approx 2.5 hours. SWANAGE Santa’s Grotto at Swanage Pier Sat & Sun 9-10 & Sat 16-Sat 23 Dec Visit Santa in his magical grotto and receive a present. Booking required. www.swanagepiertrust.com WAREHAM Santa at Monkey World Tue & Wed 19-20 Dec Take a magical carriage ride to
Storytelling with Santa at Kingston Lacy Sat 25 Nov to Fri 22 Dec on selected dates Go on a fantastical journey to find Santa, enjoy a cosy Christmas tale, an early gift and a photo with the man himself. Booking required. www.bit.ly/NTKingstonLacy
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON Christchurch Christmas Lights Switch On Sat 25 Nov 5.30pm Festive entertainment, face painting, workshops and switch on. www.allevents.in/christchurch-uk Lyme Regis Christmas Lights Switch On Sat 25 Nov 5pm Fun-packed event for all the family, procession followed by switch on. www.lymechristmaslights.co.uk Poole Town Centre Christmas Light Switch On 1 Nov 5pm You can watch Poole Town Centre light up with its twinkling Christmas lights and decorations. Swanage Christmas Lights Switch On Sat 25 Nov 3pm Festive shopping and food, followed by Christmas switch on. www.swanage.events Swanage Pier Christmas Lighting Up Lives Fri 8 Dec Enjoy a host of festive activities including Father Christmas, live music and more. www.swanagepiertrust.com Weymouth Christmas Lights Switch On Sun 12 Nov 5pm Light switch on with carols and the Weybay Rockers starting around 4.30pm. www.allevents.in/weymouth-en
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