You can discover some great Christmas events in Dorset this year. With real life reindeer, Christmas light displays, shows and plenty more. There’s so much to entertain the whole family in the run up to Christmas. Don’t forget about all the Christmas markets in Dorset to discover as well.
- Christmas Events In Dorset
- The Mowlem Swanage – Santa's Christmas Wish
- Christmas At Kingston Lacy 2023
- A Dorset Christmas At The Tank Museum
- Christmas Tree Wonderland
- Swanage Railway Polar Express
- Christmas At Corfe Castle
- Meet The Reindeer At Nutley Farm
- Lyme Regis Christmas Lights Switch On
- Illuminate At Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
- Christmas At Farmer Palmers
- Weymouth Elf World Record Attempt & Christmas Light Switch On
- Skating In The Square
- Pantomimes In Dorset
- Where To See Santa In Dorset
Christmas Events In Dorset
The Mowlem Swanage – Santa’s Christmas Wish
Date: 19th December 2023
Santa’s Christmas Wish is a festive, song-filled, interactive family show particularly suitable for 2-8 year olds. It lasts 45 minutes and is followed by a special meet, greet and treat with Father Christmas himself!
Christmas At Kingston Lacy 2023
Enjoy sparkling tunnels of light at Kingston Lacy. Walk under giant baubles and beneath trees drenched in jewel-like colour.
2023 dates are TBC
A Dorset Christmas At The Tank Museum
Linsay Rd, Bovington, Wareham BH20 6JG
Dates: 18th – 19th November 2023
It’s a festive day out for all ages. While adults can watch live entertainment and buy unique presents from local crafters, children can explore our Christmas trail and the whole family can meet Santa in the Grotto.
On 18th – 19th November between 9am – 5pm. You will receive a free annual pass with every ticket purchased.
Christmas Tree Wonderland
Dates: 17th November 2023 – 1st January 2024
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland is back for 2023 between November and January. Showcasing over 100 glittering trees and illuminations to enjoy throughout the Lower Gardens in Bournemouth.
At the heart of the trail is the awesome Bournemouth Wonderland Tree. Towering over the gardens at an impressive 60ft, the tree is decorated with 30,000 individually programmable LED lights. You can also visit the outdoor Alpine ice rink, enjoy seasonal music and entertainment, as well as the Alpine Lodge bar and market.
Swanage Railway Polar Express
Location: Your Polar Express experience in Dorset departs from Swanage Railway station, BH19 1HB
Dates: 17th November – 30th December 2023
Parking: There is no parking at Swanage Railway station, but there are plenty of places to park in Swanage nearby.
Prices: Train tickets depend on your chosen time and date.
Duration: Your Dorset Polar Express experience lasts for around an hour on a return journey.
Christmas At Corfe Castle
Wareham BH20 5EZ
Dates: 2023 TBC
The Corfe Castle village Christmas lights will be switched on the first weekend of December. The Castle is usually illuminated during December and early January and open for a few hours in the evening for you to enjoy the lights.
There will be daytime tours from Corfe Castle’s very own Lord of Misrule. “Far back in the mists of history, at the darkest time of the year the Lord of Misrule was chosen to oversee the fun and frivolity of the Christmas feast.”
There will also be the Twelve Days of Christmas Family Quest. Search for the shields hidden in the castle ruins and complete the activities.
Meet The Reindeer At Nutley Farm
Nutley Farm, Winfrith Newburgh, Nr Dorchester, DT2 8DT
Dates: 24th November – 28th December 2023
There’s a magical illuminated 600m walkway and you’ll pass through glittering archways, twinkling trees and light installations. Suitable for all ages and the perfect way to get into the festive spirit with your family.
There’s also the chance to meet the friendly reindeer, and take part in the Elf hunt along the illuminated walk.
Father Christmas will be visiting on selected dates in December between 12 & 4pm then from 4:30pm – 7pm.
Lyme Regis Christmas Lights Switch On
Broad Street, Lyme Regis
Date: 25th November 2023
Lyme Regis is home to one. of the fantastic Christmas light displays in Dorset. The celebrations begin with a Christmas lantern making workshop at Pine Hall, Lyme Regis Baptist Church at 2.45pm. This is a free event with all materials provided and is great fun for kids and all the family.
Prizes will be awarded for the best lanterns in each age category with judging taking place at 4.15pm. Lanterns made at home are welcome to enter the competition.
The lantern parade makes its way down Broad Street with an illuminated Carnival from around 5pm, with the cross-street lighting displays illuminating as the parade passes underneath. The Christmas tree lights at Bell Cliff will be switched on around 5.30pm.
Illuminate At Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Buller’s Way, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4LA
Dates: 24th November – 22nd December 2023
ILLUMINATE. ‘OT Event Technicians’ will be Illuminating the Gardens in the lead up to Christmas this year. The event will run daily 4.30pm to 8.00pm from the 24th of November to the 22nd December, with last entries between 7.00pm and 7.15pm.
Christmas At Farmer Palmers
Dates: 2023 TBC
There will be lots happening at Farmer Palmers over the Christmas period. Including meeting Father Farmer Christmas and the return of the twilight experiences.
Weymouth Elf World Record Attempt & Christmas Light Switch On
Date: 2023 TBC
In 2021 over 1000 people dressed up as elves in Weymouth town centre to attempt a World record. The event was aired on National TV. Will there be even more elves in 2022? The Christmas lights in Weymouth will also be turned on later in the same day.
Skating In The Square
2023 TBC
From November 26th until the beginning of January, the outside ice rink is back in Brewery Square, Dorchester.
Poole’s Maritime Christmas
Dates: 25th November 2023 – 2nd January 2024
Christmas in Poole is set to be very special with this six weeks festival for 2023. There will be pop up events and plenty of Christmas lights. The Maritime Festival will showcase illuminations from Poole Town Centre to Falkland Square and onwards to Poole Quay. Attractions will include a Christmas market, festive food and attractions.
Pantomimes In Dorset
Poole Lighthouse Pantomime – Aladdin
Dates: 7th – 31st December 2023
“Take a magical carpet ride with this year’s family pantomime, Aladdin. A fairytale of true love, magical wishes and a treasure trove of festive fun that’s simply Genie-us.”
Weymouth Pavilion Pantomime – Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs
Dates: 13th – 31st December 2023
The Weymouth pantomime for 2023 is Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs. From the same team behind previous hilarious Weymouth pantos Sleeping Beauty, The Wizard of Oz and Rapunzel.
Weymouth Pavilion has once again teamed up with Enchanted Entertainment to bring you Weymouth’s biggest Christmas show!
Bournemouth Pavilion Pantomime – Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs
Dates: Sat 2nd – Sun 31st December 2023
The Bournemouth pantomime for 2023 is Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, one of the all time popular fairy tales.
Starring Noel Brodie as Muddles.
Where To See Santa In Dorset
If you’re looking to have breakfast with Santa, then he will be popping in to local Harvester restaurants, Ember Inns, Table Table restaurants and Toby Carvery restaurants through December.
Abbotsbury Santa’s Grotto
Dates: 2023 TBC
More details and tickets to be announced nearer the time.
Santa At Farmer Palmers
Dates: 2023 TBC
Father Farmer Christmas will be back at Farmer Palmers in December in his enchanted barn.
Father Christmas And His Reindeer at Bincombe Bumps
2023 TBC
Along with Father Christmas, you can meet his reindeer and mischievous elves at this popular Christmas event in Dorset at Bincombe Bumps.
Santa Special At Moors Valley Railway
Dates: 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 19th, 20th December 2023
On selected dates in December, you can meet Santa at Moors Valley Railway. Enjoy your own carriage on your journey to see Santa with mince pies and refreshments.
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