FATHER CHRISTMAS GROTTO'S & EXPERIENCES

Info: This year, Wimborne Community Garden will be hosting Father Christmas in their woodland grotto.  Parents can enjoy a hot festive drink and mince pie while Santa greets the children and tells them a story.

Dates: Friday 6th, 13th, 20th & Wednesday 18th December 2024

Address: Wimborne Community Garden, School Lane, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1HQ

Facebook: Wimborne Community Garden

Info: Father Christmas and his real reindeer as well as the popular donkeys will be creating an atmosphere like no other at Swanage Pier.  Gather everyone together in the sleigh and mountain cable car photo booths, play snowy games and post your Christmas letters in the magical post box before meeting the man himself!

Dates: From Saturday 14th December 2024

Address: Swanage Pier, Pier Approach, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2AP

Website: Swanage Pier

Info: Moonfleet Manor invites you to experience the enchantment of a Christmas Village themed Grotto, located in the cosy Schooner.  Children can enjoy a hot chocolate with a gingerbread cookie and get creative in the crafting area before going into the magical grotto to meet Santa.

Dates: From Saturday 7th December 2024

Address: Moonfleet Manor, Fleet Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4ED

Website: Moonfleet Manor

Info: Visit Santa and follow his footprints taking you on a magical journey around the store with lots of festive fun and things to see.  Each child will receive a gift and certificate from Santa, and there's a chance to win a cuddly toy if you can find all the secret snowmen hidden around the store.

Dates: Weekends from Saturday 30th November – Sunday 22nd December 2024

Address: Julia’s House Charity Shop, Neighbourhood Centre, Northmead Drive, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7XP

Website: Julia’s House

Info: This is a fully immersive experience including a full theatrical performance of singing and dancing from the movie, which starts from the moment you step onto the platform before boarding the train.  Then there is further entertainment as part of the journey that gives it a true experience of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ movie and is sure you bring joy to everyone on board! Families will also enjoy a delicious hot chocolate, tasty cookie and a visit from Santa with a special gift for everyone.

Dates: Saturday 23rd November – Tuesday 24th December 2024

Location: Swanage Railway

Website: Swanage Polar Express Train Ride

Info: The Father Christmas Experience will see children meet the big man in red and all his festive friends in the magical Christmas barn.  There are 2 different experiences and opportunities to meet Farmer Christmas.  You can choose between the Daytime Experience or Twilight Experience.  Plus, every child with a ‘Farmer Christmas Experience Ticket’ receives a gift from the Elves at Ye Olde Toy Shoppe!

Dates: Saturday 7th – Monday 23rd December 2024

Address: Farmer Palmers, Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6EU

Website: Farmer Palmers

Info: When arriving at Nutley Farm, you'll be greeted by beautiful illuminations and enchanting displays.  This year’s trail features new themed chapters, many new light installations, enhanced magical interactions, and fabulous higher-quality projections with sound and surprises around every corner.  Father Christmas bookings are an optional extra for visitors who are attending the Christmas Lights & Reindeer Experience.  Families will be welcomed by the Christmas Elf and guided to his wooden lodge to meet Father Christmas and receive a Christmas gift.

Dates: Saturday 30th November – Monday 23rd December 2024

Address: Nutley Farm, Winfrith Newburgh, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8DT

Website: Nutley Farm

Info: On arrival, your child will be given a ‘Golden Ticket’ to see Santa.  The family can enjoy 45 minutes exploring the museum on a festive trail, making Christmas crafts and writing a letter to Santa.  After, the elves will lead you from the museum kitchen to the Garden Room where Santa will tell an interactive story to the group and each child can select a gift to take home with them.  There is also a SEN Santa experience with no queuing, loud noises or flashing lights.

Date: Saturday 30th November, Thursday 5th December (SEN only) & Saturday 7th December 2024

Address: Museum of East Dorset, 23-29 High Street, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1HR

Website: Museum of East Dorset

Info: Meet Father Christmas in his cosy cabin where children will receive a special gift.  After meeting Father Christmas you are free explore the gardens for a winters stroll.  A child’s Santa’s Grotto ticket includes entry to the gardens for the child plus one free accompanying adult.

Dates: Saturday 7th – Monday 23rd December 2024

Address: Buller's Way, Abbotsbury, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4LA

Website: Abbotsbury Gardens

Info: Step into an enchanting woodland setting for a truly memorable Christmas experience.  Children can visit Santa in his grotto before he returns to Lapland on Christmas Eve.  Additional activities to enjoy include woodland walks, festive drinks and arts and crafts.

Dates: Saturday 7th - Monday 23rd December 2024

Address: The Blue Pool, Furzebrook Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5AR

Website: The Blue Pool

Info: Kingston Maurward is set to transform into a winter wonderland as it welcomes Santa Claus himself for an exclusive, enchanting event.  Families are invited to experience a theatrical extravaganza featuring the North Pole Elves and guests will be whisked away into a world of enchantment, where the spirit of Christmas comes alive through heartwarming storytelling, music and festive cheer.

Dates: Weekends from Saturday 30th November 2024

Address: Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8PY

Website: A Kingston Christmas

Info: Santa and his Elves have been working hard all year to create a Winter Wonderland village for all to enjoy this Christmas.  Santa’s friendly elves will guide you through the magical snowy walkway to meet him in his grotto and receive a gift.

Dates: Saturday 23rd November - Tuesday 24th December 2024

Address: Stewarts Garden Centre, Lyndhurst Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 4SA
Address: Stewarts Garden Centre, God's Blessing Lane, Broomhill, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7DE

Website: Stewarts Garden Centres

Info: Santa and his elf are in their Grotto every day.  On arrival, children can make a decoration for Santa's tree and chat with Santa himself.

Dates: Saturday 23rd November – Sunday 22nd December 2024

Address: Brewery Square, 3 Copper Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1GH

Website: Dorchester Christmas Market

Info: As well as meeting Santa and receiving a special present from him, your little monkeys can enjoy a Christmas trail around the park and even make a present for the primates with Santa’s elves!

Dates: Thursday 19th - Saturday 21st December 2024

Address: Monkey World, Tout Hill, Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH

Website: Monkey World

Info: This festive season, go on an adventure to find Santa in his hidden storybook nook for a cosy Christmas tale, an early gift and a photo with the man himself.

Dates: From Saturday 30th November 2024

Address: Kingston Lacy, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 4EA

Website: National Trust Kingston Lacy

Info: Every ticket invites children to meet Father Christmas in his magical grotto and to receive a present. The whole family is welcome and accompanying adults go free. Don’t forget to jump aboard Santa's sleigh for a great photo opportunity!

Dates: From Saturday 30th November 2024

Address: Avon Heath Country Park, Brocks Pine, St Leonards, BH24 2DH

Website: Ticket Tailor

Info: Enjoy an hours slot on the farm, festive activities in the barn, a private family visit to see Santa with a quality present for each paying child and adults will receive a hot drink and snack.

Dates: From Friday 13th December 2024

Address: Foxdown Farm, Marshalsea, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 5QB

Website: Foxdown Farm

Info: Bring your little ones to explore the Christmas Grotto, where they’ll have the chance to meet Santa himself, receive a gift and meet his merry elves.  Additional activities on the day include meeting and petting the animals, Christmas crafts, cookie decorating and pony cart rides.

Dates: Sunday 15th - Sunday 22nd December 2024

Address: Nicks Farm, Valley Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 0EB

Website: Nicks Farm

Info: Step into a Christmas at the new at Peek-a-Boo & Brew.  The Christmas event is designed to create cherished memories for families and children of all ages.  You can expect a visit with Father Christmas, gingerbread decorating, soft play for under 5’s, electronic games for over 5’s and a hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Dates: Saturday 30th November – Monday 23rd December 2024

Address: Peek-a-Boo & Brew, 214 Lower Blandford Road, Poole, Dorset, BH18 8DX

Website: Back Garden Bubbles

Info: Join the Mayor of Discovery Village and Santa’s trusty elves for a heartwarming mission to save Christmas!  Children will enjoy performer led activities, a story read by Santa and each child receives a special gift from the big man himself.

Dates: Saturday 30th November – Tuesday 24th December 2024

Address: Discovery Village Role Play Centre, Merritown Lane, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6BA

Website: Discovery Village Role Play Centre

Info: Santa is visiting 100 Giggles and children will be able to meet him to receive a gift and enjoy time spent in the soft play.

Dates: Saturday 30th November, Saturday 7th & 14th December 2024

Address: 100 Giggles, 179 Bridport Road, Poundbury, Dorset, DT1 3AH

Facebook: 100 Giggles

Info: The festive event includes meeting Father Christmas, story time, gift and Christmas biscuit, colouring, soft play and professional digital photo of your little and Father Christmas.

Dates: Monday 16th & Tuesday 17th December 2024

Address: The Hideout Soft Play, 7a The Neighbourhood Centre, Canford Heath, Poole, Dorset, BH17 9DW

Facebook: The Hideout Soft Play

Info: Bring the kids along for a magical visit to Santa’s Grotto, where they’ll meet Santa, receive a special gift, and enjoy time in the soft play area.

Dates: Wednesday 11, Saturday 14 & Sunday 22 December 2024

Address: Seal’s Cove, Shoe Lane, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3EX

Website: Seal’s Cove

Info: Book ahead or just come along to the Grotto during opening times, join the queue through the Winter Wonderland to find Santa and his Elf. Everyone will need a ticket to receive a present however adults go free.

Dates: Saturday 30th November – Monday 23rd December 2024

Address: Sovereign Shopping Centre, 600 Christchurch Road, Boscombe, Dorset, BH1 4SX

Website: Westbourne Rotary

Info: Santa is taking a break from the North Pole to embark on festive cruises around Poole Harbour.  Adults can enjoy a mulled wine and mince pie while Santa will be meeting all the children.  Each child will receive a soft drink and biscuit plus a special present from the big man himself.

Dates: From Saturday 7th December 2024

Location: Poole Harbour

Booking Email: [email protected]

Info: Visit Father Christmas in his coastal home where children will receive a wrapped gift. Your ticket also gives you a discount at the Heritage Centre Shop and The Boat Shed Café, plus 1 hour free parking.

Dates: Saturday 7th, Saturday 14th & Saturday 21st December 2024

Address: The Dolls House, Main Road, West Lulworth, Dorset, BH20 5RQ

Website: Lulworth Castle

Info: Children will be able to step inside the cosy magical Grotto to talk to Santa and take pictures with him to create special memories for you and your child. Santa will also offer your children a goody bag including gifts, a chocolate treat and a free play voucher!

Dates: Saturday 7th, Saturday 14th, Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd December 2024

Address: The Palm House, Swannery Lake, Commercial Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7TZ

Facebook: The Palm House

Info: Join Santa and the Cuckoo Clock elves for games, star tree decoration making and Christmas magic on select days throughout December. If your child would prefer a quieter session, the first session of each day from 11am is reserved for those with sensory needs.

Dates: From Thursday 5th December 2024

Address: Poole Dolphin Centre, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1SZ

Website: Dolphin Shopping Centre

Info: Santa will be journeying down from the North Pole to visit all the good girls and boys and share a festive breakfast at Key West Bar & Grill.  You will be greeted by Santa’s merry elves who love holiday fun and children will get the opportunity to play some games.  They can also write a letter to Father Christmas and post it in the magical post box.  All children receive a gift so they can take the magic home!

Dates: Saturday 14th, Sunday 15th, Saturday 21st, Sunday 22nd & Monday 23rd December 2024

Address: Key West Bar & Grill, Pier Approach, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5AA

Website: Key West Bar & Grill

Info: Bring your little ones to enjoy a breakfast with Santa just before Christmas.

Date: Sunday 22nd December 2024

Address: Splat Pottery Painting Café, 808-810 Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 2DT

Facebook: Splat Pottery

Info: Santa will be at Oriels for the whole morning and families can meet him whilst enjoying a freshly cooked breakfast.

Dates: Sunday 1st & 15th December 2024

Address: Oriel on the Quay, The Quay, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HJ

Website: Oriel's Restaurant

Info: A magical morning for the whole family to enjoy.  Join Santa for breakfast and each child will receive a gift.

Dates: Saturday 30th November, Saturday 7th, 14th, 21st & Monday 23rd December 2024

Address: Tuckton Tea Gardens, Belle Vue Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH6 3BA

Website: Tuckton Tea Gardens

Info: Santa and his cheeky elves are taking a break from the North Pole to visit John Lewis.  Join them for a warming cup of cocoa, festive biscuit and fun activities.

Date: Monday 16th December 2024

Address: John Lewis, Retail Park, Redlands, Poole, Dorset, BH12 1DN

Website: John Lewis

Info: Indulge in a delicious afternoon tea with a selection of sandwiches, scones, cakes, treats and drinks plus all children will receive a visit from Santa and a small gift.

Dates: Saturday 7th, Sunday 15th & Saturday 21st December 2024

Address: Heather’s Tea Room, 233 Ashley Road, Poole, Dorset, BH14 9DS

Website: Heather’s Tea Room

Info: Kids can enjoy a delicious breakfast, drink, chocolate treat, activity sheet and goodies at this festive family event.

Dates: Weekends from Saturday 7th December plus Monday 23rd & Tuesday 24th December 2024

Locations: Poole, Bournemouth & Weymouth

Website: Harvester

Info: Families can enjoy breakfast, juices, hot drinks and a visit from Santa in this beautiful 17th century pub.

Dates: Saturday 7th, Saturday 14th, Wednesday 18th & Saturday 21st December 2024

Address: The Old Thatch, 285 Wimborne Road West, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7NW

Website: The Old Thatch

Info: Santa will be visiting Ivy House Kitchen, along with Picklebottom the Elf for an evening of festive fun.  Expect a Christmassy show, games, dinner and a visit to see Santa in his special festive log cabin.

Dates: Thursday 5th, 12th & 19th December 2024

Address: Groves Nurseries, West Bay Road, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4BA

Website: Groves Nurseries

Info: Delight in delicious seasonal sweet and savoury treats, along with scones with jam and clotted cream.  Every family will get a chance to meet with Santa, where children will receive their own special gift.

Dates: Sunday 1st December & Sunday 22nd December

Address: Moonfleet Manor, Fleet Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4ED

Website: Moonfleet Manor

Info: Enjoy a freshly cooked breakfast and tea/coffee or juice plus entertainment by Minky Moos and receive a Christmas present from the elves.

Date: Saturday 14th & Monday 23rd December 2024

Address: The Pavilion Arms, 41 Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 6NB

Website: The Pavilion Arms

Info: Ticket includes a delicious buffet breakfast with tea, coffee and juices with complimentary access to Compton Acres Gardens. Santa will visit your table with a gift for every child.

Dates: Saturday 21st, Monday 23rd & Tuesday 24th December 2024

Address: Compton Acres, 164 Canford Cliffs Road, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7ES

Website: Compton Acres

Info: Giggles the Elf is back to meet your children at your home this Christmas.  Once booked, your child will write a Christmas list to Santa and you send the letter to Little Gizmos.  Once received, the letter is placed in a magical handmade Christmas book.  On the day of the surprise, Giggles the Elf will knocks at your door and when your child opens the door the magic begins.  Giggles will arrive with music playing Christmas songs, he will be carrying a Christmas sack that he has borrowed from Santa filled with toys, games, a small present and of course Santa’s Christmas story time book which is read to the child.

Website: Little Gizmos

Info: Doorstep visits include a Christmas character of your choice, an advent calender or selection box for your child, music and doorstep boogie.  Optional extras include receiving a mini cheeky elf, personalised Santa letter and Christmas book.

Facebook: Nikki’s Dance Parties

Info: Princesses and Elves will be making magical visits to deliver advent calendars or selection boxes to your little royals.  Experience includes 2 characters, a chocolate gift, Q&A and photos with the characters, Christmas card signed by the characters and 1 sing-a-long song.

Website: Be Enchanted Parties

Info: Santa will be back out this Christmas and he's visiting homes for a festive meet and greet.  A gift from Santa can be booked for an additional fee.

Website: Ticket Tailor

Info: Every year there are some old favourites alongside new attractions.  Visitors can wander the town and gardens to see replica Christmas trees from around the world plus a multitude of enchanting illuminations and installations.  The Alpine Market and Alpine Lodge Bar will also be in The Square plus there’s an ice rink and bar in the gardens.

Dates: Friday 15th November – Tuesday 31st December 2024

Location: Bournemouth Town and Gardens

Website: Christmas Tree Wonderland

Info: Be prepared to be dazzled as thousands of twinkling lights take you on a nautical journey.  Immerse yourself in a magical maritime Christmas as you follow the light trail from Falkland Square, through the High Street and onto Poole Quay.

Dates: Saturday 23 November 2024 - Wednesday 1 January 2025

Location: Poole Town & Quay

Website: Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail

Info: When arriving at Nutley Farm, you'll be greeted by beautiful illuminations and enchanting displays.  This years trail features five new themed chapters, many new light installations, enhanced magical interactions, and fabulous higher-quality projections with sound and surprises around every corner.  Discover 20 hidden reindeer characters along the new illuminated trail and enjoy meeting Nutley Farm’s real-life magical reindeer, Rudolph, Prancer, Sprout and Parsnip.

Dorsetmums Review: Dorsetmums Blog

Dates: Friday 29th November 2024 - Sunday 29th December 2024

Address: Nutley Farm, Winfrith Newburgh, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8DT

Website: Nutley Farm

Info: Families can enjoy the Christmas Tree Trail which starts with you collecting your trail guide from the pub.  Head out along the Castleman Trailway following the Christmas trails and answering the questions.  Participating children will receive a certificate, sticker and Christmas decoration on completion.  On selected dates you can also enjoy a magical encounter with Mrs Claus, with story-telling and Christmas songs around the fire.  Each person with a ticket will receive a hot chocolate and cookie.

Mrs Claus dates: Thursday 12 & Thursday 19th December 2024
Trail dates: Saturday 23rd November 2024 – Sunday 5th January 2025

Address: The Old Thatch, 285 Wimborne Road West, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7NW

Website: The Old Thatch

Info: An outdoor winter enchanted lights display will be held within the gardens.  Colourful lights transform and illuminate the 18th century gardens and create a wonderful winters trail in the dark.

Dates: Friday 29th November 2024 – Saturday 4th January 2025

Address: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Buller's Way, Abbotsbury, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4LA

Website: Abbotsbury Tickets

Info: Come and see this beautiful stately home lit like you have never seen it before.  The gardens will come alive with stunning woodland creatures, even fairies, sprites and the odd dragon are dotted around the stunning light displays to delight all the family.

Dates: Friday 6th December 2024 – Saturday 4th January 2025

Address: Minterne House, Minterne Magna, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7AU

Website: Minterne House

Info: Brewery Square is set to transform into a winter wonderland, bursting with 30 festive stalls with artisan treats.  Take the kids to meet Santa plus daily live music, Christmas carols, entertainment, festive activities, ice skating, delicious food & drink and lots of sparkling lights!

Dates: Saturday 23rd November – Sunday 22nd December 2024

Address: Brewery Square, 3 Copper Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1GH

Website: Dorchester Christmas Market

Info: The decorated trees will take pride of place in the State Rooms.  Younger visitors can enjoy Christmas storytelling and a festive trail which will incorporate the trees contributed by local businesses, charities and individuals to create a delightful experience for all.

Dates: Sunday 1st – Sunday 22nd December 2024

Address: Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 4LE

Website: Highcliffe Castle

Info: Discover some of Father Christmas’s favourite traditions from around the world, all from inside the festive virtual plane.  Each young traveller will receive a special gift.

Dates: Saturday 30th November – Monday 23rd December 2024

Address: Castlepoint Shopping Centre, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 9UZ

Website: Castlepoint Shopping Centre

Info: A unique evening experience, allowing you to soak in the sights and sounds of the holiday season from the comfort of a closed-top bus.

Dates: Friday 22nd November – Tuesday 31st December 2024

Location: Bournemouth & Christchurch

Website: Magical Tour

Info: Brewery Square is home to lots of shops and restaurants with the ice skating rink taking centre stage, surrounded by twinkling lights and Christmas trees.  Sessions for the synthetic skating rink last for 40 minutes and polar bear support aids are available for small children free of charge.

Dates: TBC

Location: Brewery Square, 3 Copper Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1GH

Website: Skating in the Square

Info: The large rink is held within Bournemouth’s Lower Garden and is especially magical when the sun goes down and the twinkly lights go on.  Hourly sessions are available to book as well as skate aids at an additional charge.  If you need a rest after your fun on the ice then head to Moguls Alpine Bar for festive drinks.

Dates: Thursday 14th November 2024 – Sunday 5th January 2025

Location: Lower Gardens, Bournemouth, Dorset

Website: Ice Skate Bournemouth

Info: Cool Coast Ice Rink is the largest indoor ice skating rink on the South Coast, located seasonally in Bournemouth International Centre.  At Cool Coast Ice Rink, you can enjoy a funfilled ice skating experience regardless of the weather outside.  Hourly sessions are available to book and penguin skate mates are available at an additional charge.

Dates: Saturday 30 November 2024 until Sunday 23 February 2025

Address: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5BH

Website: Cool Coast Ice Rink