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Upcoming Events...
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday Evening until 13th December
Carey's Enchanted Gardens Light Trail - Carey's Secret Garden, Garden Wood, Wareham
The chance to have a wander around the historic walled garden and woodland paths, which will be beautifully and gently illuminated with fairy lights. Search for 'Careys Secret Garden' to find out about tickets.
Saturday 29th November to Sunday 21st December
Julia's House Santa Grotto - Neighbourhood Centre, Northmead Drive, Poole
The chance to visit Santa and to follow his footprints, which will take you on a magical journey around the store, with lots of festive fun and things to see. There are photo opportunities as you make your journey to Santa's Grotto, and each child will receive a gift and certificate. There's also a chance to win a cuddly toy if you can find all of the secret snowmen hidden around the store.
Saturday 29th November to Sunday 21st December (Weekends only)
Moors Valley Railway Santa Specials - Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath
Step aboard the Santa Special and be transported to a Winter Wonderland. You'll be surrounded by twinkling lights, family laughter, and festive cheer. Tickets include free parking and a train ride to Santa’s Railway Grotto. Visit Santa in his cosy grotto for a jolly chat and collect your special present. Families can also enjoy festive refreshments of mince pies, mulled wine, tea, coffee and more before re-joining the train back.
Saturday 29th November to Wednesday 24th December
Father Christmas Yuletide Express 2025
Step into a world of twinkling lights, festive cheer and timeless Christmas traditions. The Yuletide Express is more than a train ride- it’s a heart-warming journey into the magic of the season. 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. They love seeing passengers wrapped up in Christmas jumpers, festive pyjamas, and woolly hats. Who knows – their Elves might just reward the best-dressed travellers with a little something extra…for all the ticket details and what's included, search for 'Swanage Yuletide Express'.
Friday 5th December to Sunday 4th January - 10am to 3:30pm (Every day except 25/26 Dec)
Monty and Matilda Travelling Tales Family Quest - Corfe Castle, Wareham
Search for the festive scenes, and find out what other National Trust properties Monty and Matilda have visited this year. Normal admission applies, and free to National Trust members.
Wednesday 10th December - 6:30pm
Carols On The Bandstand - Horsecliffe Lane, Swanage
Their traditional evening of carols, with song sheets provided. If it's wet, they'll play the following week on the 17th at 6:30pm, weather permitting. They'll be collecting on the night for band funds and Admiral Nurse.
Thursday 11th December - 6 to 8pm
Creekmoor Christmas Cracker - Julia's House Creekmoor, Neighbourhood Centre, Northmead Drive
The chance to do some Christmas shopping, and enjoy some Christmas entertainment, which will include the Julia's House choir.
Saturday 13th December - 4:30 to 5:30pm
Carols In The Square - Saxon Square, Christchurch
There will be a festive singalong in Saxon Square, and it will be a great opportunity to sing your heart out to some Christmas favourites. Mulled wine and mince pies will be available to buy.
Saturday 13th December
Christmas In Southbourne - Southbourne Green
The chance to meet Santa and share your Christmas wishes, and to say hi to the donkeys and the Bournemouth goats. You can also get your face painted and meet Santa's Elves. There will be choirs and guest band Gugge2000. Refreshments will be available all day.
Saturday 13th December
Wimborne Save The Children Parade - Wimborne Town Centre
Wimborne’s streets will be filled with colour, music, and community spirit for the annual Save the Children Parade. Local schools, families, and groups will march in festive costume to raise awareness and support for children in need. During the day, families can enjoy fair rides on the Square and the parade will go down Park Lane, East Street, King Street, West Street and disperse at the Square.
Saturday 13th December - 10am to 2pm
Kinson Community Centre Christmas Market - Millhams Road
There will be over 50 stalls, selling a wide range of gifts, food and much more. Santa will also be in his Grotto.
Saturday 13th December - 1 to 3pm
Santa's Grotto at The Centre - Barns Road, Ferndown
There will be refreshments, crafts, presents and the big man himself. It's entirely free.
Saturday 13th December
Corfe Castle Winter Lights
Your chance to explore the ruins of Corfe Castle lit under warm glowing lights with the stars above you. Braziers and festoon lights will illuminate the paths, but it's recommended to bring a torch with you.
Saturday 13th December - 3 to 5:30pm
Festive Fun in Woodlands - Woodlands Village Hall, Verwood Road, Woodlands, Wimborne
There will be craft activities and decorating, followed by a Christmas singalong. There will be a special appearance by Santa and also some surprise guests.
Saturday 13th December - 12 to 4pm
The Horton Inn Kids Christmas Party - Cranborne Road, Wimborne
It's a free event, with face painting, Christmas crafts and the chance to meet Santa.
Saturday 13th and 14th December - 10am to 5pm
Swanage Pier Santa's Grotto - Pier Approach, Swanage
Father Christmas is flying in for the holiday season, ready to meet your family in his Grotto on the Pier. Bring the children to share their Christmas wishes, get a photo in his sleigh, enjoy festive crafts, and receive a special gift! Booking is required and search for 'Swanage Pier Trust' to find out more. Saturday 13th is also a Festive Fun Day where you can meet Father Christmas's reindeer, say hello to some festive donkeys and enjoy some magical family entertainment on Swanage Pier.
Saturday 13th and 14th December
Wimborne DSME Christmas Run - Wimborne DSME, Merley Park Road, Ashington, Broadstone
The Wimborne District Society of Model Engineers will be providing a twinkling train ride round the track, and the chance to enjoy the festive cheer of Christmas. Rides are free, however donations are hugely appreciated. Refreshments will be available on the day.
Sunday 14th December - 1 to 4pm
The Sandford Club Children's Christmas Party - Keysworth Drive, Sandford, Wareham
There will be food, games, a selfie wall for your festive pics, and the chance to see Santa. It's a ticketed event, which need to be bought by Sunday 7th December.
Sunday 14th December - 10am to 3pm
Hub on the Heath Biscuit Decorating Class - Adastral Square, Canford Heath
They'll be raising money for Hope For Food.
Sunday 14th December - 10am to 2pm
Muscliffe Community Christmas Market - The Point Café, Muscliff Park, Bournemouth
You'll be able to meet Santa in his Grotto, as well as kids face painting, gifts and stocking fillers, and much more.
Sunday 14th December - From 11am (Last ride from 3pm)
Littledown Miniature Railway Santa Special - Chaseside, Bournemouth
This is a ticketed event, and the first train will depart at 11am.
Tuesday 16th to Saturday 20th December - From 4:30pm Tues/Wed and from 3:45pm Thurs onwards
Wimborne Community Garden Woodland Grotto - School Lane, Wimborne
Wrap up warm and visit Santa in his magical woodland Grotto. Mince pies and festive hot drinks will be available to buy, while Santa tells the children his story and gives them their gift.
Thursday 18th December - From 7pm
Charity Quiz Night - St Anthony's Church Hall, Pinehurst Road, West Moors
There's a charity quiz night for 'Enable My Trip', which is the charity for disabled holidaymakers. It's for teams of up to 6 people, and it's £5 a head, and you'll need to bring your own drinks and nibbles. There's also a prize for the best team name! https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/ticketing/charity-quiz-night
Friday 19th December
Corfe Castle Winter Lights
Your chance to explore the ruins of Corfe Castle lit under warm glowing lights with the stars above you. Braziers and festoon lights will illuminate the paths, but it's recommended to bring a torch with you.
Friday 19th to Tuesday 23rd December - Friday 11am to 4:30pm, Saturday onwards 10am to 5pm
Swanage Pier Santa's Grotto - Pier Approach, Swanage
Father Christmas is flying in for the holiday season, ready to meet your family in his Grotto on the Pier. Bring the children to share their Christmas wishes, get a photo in his sleigh, enjoy festive crafts, and receive a special gift! Booking is required and search for 'Swanage Pier Trust' to find out more. Sunday 21st is also a Festive Fun Day where you can meet Father Christmas's reindeer, say hello to some festive donkeys and enjoy some magical family entertainment on Swanage Pier.
Saturday 20th December - 10am to 1:30pm
Meet and Craft with Santa Claus - The Branksome Centre, Recreation Road, Poole
There are three one hour slots to choose from, and booking is required. It will be an opportunity to visit Santa's Grotto, to colour your own bag and there's also Christmas bookmark decorating. This is a ticketed event and search for 'Branksome Centre Santa' for more details.
Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st December
The Upton House Santa Experience - Upton Country Park, Poole Road
The woodland animals at Upton Country Park have heard that a mysterious visitor has come to Upton House. Here's your chance to go on a festive journey full of wonder through the grand staterooms and Library, to discover exactly who has paid a visit. Tickets include a personalised gift for each child. Search for 'Upton House Christmas' for more details.
Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st December - 10am to 5pm
Poole Italian Christmas Market - Pitwines Close (outside Sainsbury's), Poole
There will be a selection of Italian market stalls, with gifts and goodies, festive hampers, Italian confectionary and much more. There will also be live music on the Saturday from 1pm.
Monday 22nd December - 12 to 2:30pm
Children's Christmas Party - Bournemouth Electric Club, Broadway Lane, Bournemouth
Come and meet Santa, and there will be music, dancing, fancy dress and festive games. This is a ticketed event, and search for 'Bournemouth Electric Santa' to find out more.
Friday 26th December - 11am to 12pm
Boxing Day Swim - Swanage Beach
Organised by the local charity #Willdoes, which is dedicated to the memory of local boy William Paddy. His mother, Les, set up the charity to help young people to achieve wellbeing. So here's your chance to brave the cold and take a dip! The event is free, but donations to the #Willdoes charity would be kindly welcomed. There will also be tea, coffee and mince pies. All swimmers and spectators are welcome, and search for 'Will does Boxing Day swim' to find out more.
Thursday 1st January - Starts at 11am
Poole New Year's Day Bath Tub Race - Poole Quay
The chance to clear the head at Poole's annual charity day of fundraising. This charity focussed event involves crews crafting unique vessels, and racing them along the quay from near Poole Lifting Bridge to the Fish Shambles Steps. Every year, rain or shine, crowds of hundreds turn up to cheer on crews as they race to raise money for a good cause. There will also be classic cars on display along the Quay, as well as children's rides too. The race starts at 11am, and search for 'Poole Bath Tub Race' to see more.
Friday 24th to Sunday 26th April 2026 - 12pm to 10pm
Bournemouth Writing Festival - Various locations around the town
The Bournemouth Writing Festival is back for its fourth year – welcoming over 1,000 writers, authors and writing professionals to the beach to improve and profess their writing journey. The festival again promises to offer tips, guidance, advice and inspiration for writers at all stages of their writing journey. From talks, workshops and masterclasses to networking events and panels, a plethora of events and activities to inspire writers to write is being planned. Search for 'Bournemouth Writing Festival' to find out more.