Family Friendly Events in Dorset November 2026
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If you need ideas for things to do with the family this November then please see our list of events below.
KINGSTON LACY PIKACHU ART ADVENTURE
Info: Discover 30 new Pikachu TCG artworks hidden around Kingston Lacy. Track down every card, uncover fun facts about Pikachu, explore the wide range of styles that bring Pokémon's most iconic characters to life and reflect on what makes each artwork unique. Collect an exclusive stamp as a memento of your adventure and design your own Pikachu Pokémon card inspired by Kingston Lacy.
Dates: Thursday 1st October – Sunday 8th November 2026
Address: Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA
Website: National Trust Kingston Lacy
MUSEUM OF EAST DORSET COWBOYS IN SPACE MISSION
Info: A herd of cows has been abducted by mischievous aliens and the cowboys need your help to bring the herd home. Young explorers can search for the missing cows hidden throughout the museum and complete a series of space-themed challenges along the way.
Dates: Saturday 3rd October - Saturday 7th November 2026
Address: Museum of East Dorset, 23-29 High Street, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1HR
Website: Museum of East Dorset
THORNCOMBE WOOD FUNGI TRAIL
Info: Pick up a free pocket map and guide from the Visitor Centre or car park and look out for colourful hand-painted discs hidden throughout the Thorncombe loop.
Dates: Wednesday 21st October – Sunday 22nd November 2026
Address: Hardy’s Birthplace Visitor Centre, Higher Brockhampton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QH
Facebook: Hardy’s Birthplace and Thorncombe Wood
If you’re looking for Bonfire Night and Laser Show events then please see our list of Fireworks Displays in Dorset.
SANDWORLD BLUE LIGHT OFFER
Dates: Monday 2nd – Sunday 8th November 2026
Address: Sandworld, Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX
Website: Sandworld
HORRIBLE HISTORIES: TERRIBLE TUDORS
Info: We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! Using actors and eye-popping 3D special effects, these astounding shows are guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips! From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed. Survive the Spanish Armada as it sails into the audience! It’s Tudor history with the nasty bits left in!
Dates: Thursday 5th – Sunday 8th November 2026
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Website: Lighthouse Poole
HORRIBLE HISTORIES: AWFUL EGYPTIANS
Info: We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! Using actors and eye-popping 3D special effects, these astounding shows are guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips! From the fascinating Pharaohs to the power of the pyramids, discover the foul facts of death and decay with the meanest mummies in Egypt. Are you ready to rumble with Ramesses the Great? Dare you enter through the gates of the afterlife? It’s the history of Egypt with the nasty bits left in!
Dates: Thursday 5th – Sunday 8th November 2026
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Website: Lighthouse Poole
SEA LIFE ANIMAL CROSSING: NEW HORIZONS ADVENTURE
Info: Collect character stamps, discover interesting facts about the inhabitants of SEA LIFE and meet with Tom Nook and Isabelle!
Dates: Friday 6th – Tuesday 27th November 2026
Address: SEA LIFE, Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX
Website: SEA LIFE Weymouth
LONGTHORNS CHRISTMAS MARKET
Date: Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th November 2026
Address: Longthorns Farm, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH
Website: Longthorns Farm
ATHELHAMPTON HOUSE WINTER FOOD FAYRE
Dates: Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th November 2026
Address: Athelhampton House & Gardens, Athelhampton Road, Puddletown, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7LG
Website: Dorset Food & Drink
ANIMAL GUYZ – AMAZING ANIMALS
Info: A show dedicated to and celebrating all creatures great and small. The only show around that you get to see your favourite animals bursting out onto the stage right before your very eyes. The original animal show with no live animals. The heart-warming show is packed full of music, comedy and amazing animal effects is suited to all the family.
Date: Sunday 8th November 2026
Address: Stur Exchange, Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1FH
Website: Stur Exchange
MOORS VALLEY ROOM ON THE BROOM CHRISTMAS TRAIL
Info: Witch is getting ready for Christmas, but she needs your help decorating her tree. Look for enchanted baubles in the forest and enjoy plenty of Christmas magic. Purchase your activity pack, including a special Christmas leaflet, keyring keepsake and magic reveal lens from the visitor centre.
Dates: Monday 9th November 2026 – Monday 4th January 2027
Address: Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, BH24 2ET
Website: Moors Valley Country Park
CRANE VALLEY GOLF CLUB CHRISTMAS FAIR
Date: Friday 13th November 2026
Address: Crane Valley Golf Club, The Club House, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 7LH
Website: Crane Valley Golf Club
MOORS VALLEY ROOM ON THE BROOM FUN DAY
Info: Witch will appear at intervals throughout the day! Enjoy a meet and greet with Witch, explore the Room on the Broom trail and enjoy colouring activities.
Date: Saturday 14th November 2026
Address: Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, BH24 2ET
Website: Moors Valley Country Park
TANK MUSEUM CHRISTMAS MARKET
Dates: Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th November 2026
Address: Tank Museum, Linsay Road, Bovington, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6JG
Website: Tank Museum
STUR EXCHANGE FAMILY DISCO
Info: Dance to your favourite tunes through wireless headphones and enjoy a fantastic atmosphere with something for everyone.
Date: Sunday 15th November 2026
Address: Stur Exchange, Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1FH
Website: Stur Exchange
SLADES PARK CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
Date: Sunday 15th November 2026
Address: Slades Park, Ensbury Avenue, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH10 4HG
Facebook: Slades Park
LIGHT IN THE TREES
Info: Head to Happy River, where you will make beautiful lanterns, which you will then use to guide you through the woodland as you walk under the twinkling stars. Everyone will then gather around the campfire for soup and stories. Create special memories in the forest with the people you love, feel the warmth of the fire, share stories, laughter and a sprinkle of magic.
Address: Happy River Retreat, Wareham, Dorset
Date: Friday 20th November 2026
Website:Happy River
COMPTON ACRES CHRISTMAS MARKET
Info: Enjoy a festive shopping experience filled with local sellers and plenty of Christmas cheer. You will find local sellers across two floors, festive food and drinks and live choir performances.
Date: Friday 20th & Saturday 21st November 2026
Address: Compton Acres, 164 Canford Cliffs Road, Canford Cliffs, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7ES
Website: Compton Acres
ABBOTSBURY SUBTROPICAL GARDENS ILLUMINATE
Info: Abbotsbury Illuminate invites you to wander through the gardens and woodland valley, where familiar plants and pathways are transformed after dark. Follow the glowing trail and discover vibrant displays that bring the landscape to life, with light, colour, shapes and textures around every turn.
Dates: Friday 20th November – Thursday 31st December 2026 (Selected dates)
Address: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Bullers Way, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4LA
Website: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
SYDLING ST NICHOLAS CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
Date: Saturday 21st November 2026
Address: Sydling St Nicholas Village Hall, Sydling St Nicholas, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9NX
MS CENTRE CHRISTMAS FAIR
Date: Saturday 21st November 2026
Address: MS Centre, Church Lane, West Parley, Dorset, BH22 8TS
Facebook: MS Centre Dorset
THE ALLENDALE CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
Date: Saturday 21st November 2026
Address: The Allendale, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1AS
Website: The Allendale
IMMANUEL CHURCH CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
Date: Saturday 21st November 2026
Address: Immanuel Church, 120 Southbourne Road, Southbourne, Dorset, BH6 3QJ
Facebook: Immanuel Southbourne
BROADSTONE CHRISTMAS FAIR
Date: Saturday 21st November 2026
Address: Broadstone Methodist Church, 210 Lower Blandford Road, Poole, Dorset, BH18 8DP
BNSS OPEN DAY
Date: Saturday 21st November 2026
Address: BNSS, 39 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3NS
Website: BNSS
BERE REGIS FAMILY FUN MORNING
Date: Saturday 21st November 2026
Address: Scout Hut, Elder Road, Dorset, BH20 7LY
CORFE MULLEN CHRISTMAS FAIR
Date: Saturday 21st November 2026
Address: Corfe Mullen Village Hall, Towers Way, Corfe Mullen, Dorset, BH21 3UA
BRYANSTON CHRISTMAS FAYRE
Dates: Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd November 2026
Address: Bryanston School, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0PX
Website: The Wessex Event Company
THE ELVES AND THE SHOWMAKER
Info: In the nooks and crannies of the old Shoemaker’s shop live the Elves. These cheeky stowaways live off the odds and ends left behind at the end of the day; shoelaces, scraps of leather and sandwich crumbs. They stay hidden from the big world – that’s just how they like it. But this Christmas, all is not well in the Shoe Shop. Sales are dwindling and customers are looking for shoes elsewhere. When it looks like the shop might get closed for good, it’s time for the Elves and the Shoemaker to work together and save their home!
Dates: Saturday 21st November – Sunday 13th December 2026
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Website: Lighthouse Poole
SCOUT-MAS FAIR
Date: Sunday 22nd November 2026
Address: Scout Hut, Rylands Lane, Wyke Regis, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 9PY
LITTLEDOWN CENTRE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Date: Sunday 22nd November 2026
Address: Littledown Centre, Chaseside, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 7DX
Website: BH Live Littledown Centre
THE GREAT MEDIEVAL FEAST QUEST
Info: Discover how Christmas was celebrated in medieval times at Corfe Castle. Follow the family-friendly quest through the castle and uncover six festive clues inspired by the food, feasting and traditions enjoyed hundreds of years ago. Learn about grand banquets, precious spices and medieval entertainment as you explore. Along the way, keep an eye out for Monty and Mathilda Mouse, who seem to have wandered into the castle's Christmas preparations once again! Can you spot them as you go? Complete the quest and collect a siege coin at the end.
Dates: Monday 23rd November 2026 – Sunday 3rd January 2027
Address: Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5EZ
Website: Corfe Castle
CROWN SQUARE LIGHT SWITCH ON
Date: Wednesday 25th November 2026
Address: Crown Square, Poundbury, Dorchester, Dorset
Facebook: Poundbury Christmas Market
STALBRIDGE CHRISTMAS FAIR
Date: Saturday 28th November 2026
Address: Stalbridge Hall, Lower Road, Stalbridge, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 2NF
CHRISTMAS ILLUMINATED TRACTOR PARADE
Date: Saturday 28th November 2026
Address: North Dorset Business Park, Rolls Mill Way, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 2GA
Facebook: North Dorset Tractor Road Runs
POUNDBURY CHRISTMAS MARKET
Date: Saturday 28th November 2026
Address: Crown Square, Poundbury, Dorchester, Dorset
Facebook: Poundbury Christmas Market
STANPIT MARSH REINDEER FAIR
Date: Saturday 28th November 2026
Address: Stanpit Marsh Scout Hut, Stanpit, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 3ND
Facebook: Christchurch Countryside Service
STURMINSTER NEWTON CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON
Date: Saturday 28th November 2026
Address: Across Sturminster Newton
Facebook: Make Stur Sparkle
STALLS AT THE HALL
Date: Saturday 28th November 2026
Address: Harmans Cross Village Hall, Haycrafts Lane, Harman's Cross, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 3EB
BOVINGTON CHRISTMAS MARKET
Date: Saturday 28th November 2026
Address: Memorial Hall, King George V Road, Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JQ
Website: Bovington Together
PULL A PINE AT AVON HEATH
Info: The perfect start to the festive season, come and help remove invasive Scots pine trees at this family-friendly event and choose one, or more, to take home with you. Hot drinks, Christmas treats and plenty of festive cheer also provided.
Date: Saturday 28th November 2026
Address: Avon Heath Country Park, Brocks Pine, St Leonards, Dorset, BH24 2DH
Website: Dorset Council Avon Heath
WEYMOUTH ELF WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT & PARADE
Info: Weymouth will also once again be filled with elves, in an attempt to smash the world record. During the day there will be workshops to become elf-like, registration at the Pavilion to be a part of the world record, a parade through town, live entertainment and the light switch on at the end of the day.
Date: Saturday 28th November 2026
Location: Weymouth Town
Website: Weymouth Town Council
ST LEONARDS CHRISTMAS FAIR
Date: Saturday 28th November 2026
Address: St Leonards Village Hall, Braeside Road, St Leonards, Dorset, BH24 2PH
MUSEUM OF EAST DORSET CHRISTMAS SHOPPING DAY
Date: Saturday 28th November 2026
Address: Museum of East Dorset, 23-29 High Street, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1HR
Website: Museum of East Dorset
THE EXCHANGE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Date: Saturday 28th November 2026
Address: The Exchange, Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1FH
Website: The Exchange
PURBECK ARTISAN YARD WINTER FAIR
Date: Saturday 28th November 2026
Address: Purbeck Artisan Yard, Church Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4NF
Facebook: Purbeck Artisan Yard
RSPB PULL A PINE EVENT
Info: By cutting your own pine tree for Christmas you are not only taking home a piece of Arne, but you will be making a real difference to help the RSPB protect this rare and wonderful environment. There will be festive food, drink and gifts to purchase.
Dates: Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th November 2026
Address: RSPB, Arne Road, Arne, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5BJ
Website: RSPB Arne
MAPPERTON CHRISTMAS MARKET
Info: Explore the stalls offering handmade gifts, festive decorations, food, drink and Christmas treats - perfect for beginning your seasonal shopping. Wander through the market and enjoy live music, twinkling lights and the scent of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts. Relax in the Winter Wonderland Bar and younger visitors can enjoy the magic of Santa’s Grotto, write a letter to Father Christmas and take part in children’s activities across the site.
Dates: Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th November 2026
Address: Mapperton House, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3NR
Website: Mapperton House
SEA LIFE: THE ELF ON THE SHELF
Info: Help The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elves save Christmas at SEA LIFE! Meet the Scout Elves from The Elf on the Shelf Santaverse, search for the missing Christmas Sea Star, explore the aquarium, complete festive challenges, collect your Christmas Sea Star Medallion and earn an exclusive Christmas Star Certificate!
Dates: Saturday 28th – Thursday 24th November 2026
Address: SEA LIFE, Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX
Website: SEA LIFE Weymouth
HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL
Dates: Saturday 28th November – Wednesday 23rd December 2026
Address: Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 4LE
Website: Highcliffe Castle
STUDLAND BAY QUIZMAS TRAIL
Info: A self-led, circular walk, heading along the beach and through the dunes. Head onto the beach at Knoll and turn left to find question one. Follow the arrows between the questions and answers. You can head round the trail at any time, but between 10am and 3pm you can collect a sticker at visitor reception for completing the trail.
Dates: Saturday 28th November 2026 – Sunday 3rd January 2027
Address: Knoll Beach, Studland, Dorset
Website: National Trust Studland Bay
RINGWOOD WINTER WONDERLAND
Date: Sunday 29th November 2026
Location: Ringwood Town
Website: Ringwood Town Council
CANFORD HEATH CHRISTMAS FAYRE & LIGHT SWITCH ON
Date: Sunday 29th November 2026
Address: Canford Heath Community Centre, 7 Mitchell Rd, Canford Heath, Poole, Dorset, BH17 8UE
SHILLINGSTONE CHRISTMAS FAIR
Date: Sunday 29th November 2026
Address: Portman Hall, Blandford Road, Shillingstone, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0SF
DYCC CHRISTMAS FAMILY DISCO
Date: Sunday 29th November 2026
Address: DYCC, Kings Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1NJ
Website: DYCC
MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS
Date: Sunday 29th November 2026
Address: Riversmeet, Harding's Lane, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4HX
Facebook: Gillingham Handmade
Please always check an event is running before travelling as cancellations can occur. If you know of any more family friendly events in November then please do Contact Us.
Need more ideas for the things to do with the family this autumn and winter?
Dorset Attractions & Places to Visit
Soft Plays & Play Cafes
Santa’s Grottos & Christmas Experiences
Christmas Shows & Pantos
Baby & Child Pre-Loved Sales
