Whether you call him Santa Claus, Father Christmas, St Nicks or simply Santa, your little ones will want to meet the real deal this year. Lucky for you, many of Dorset's businesses have arranged magical experiences for you and your family to do just that. So why not take a look at the festive fun to be found in Dorset this year.
17 Nov 2023 to 30 Dec 2023

Introducing THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride: A Magical Journey to the North Pole from Swanage Railway.
Prepare to embark on an extraordinary adventure as THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride comes to Swanage Railway in Dorset for the first time. Step aboard this enchanting train experience and be transported into the captivating world of the beloved film.
Immerse yourself in a theatrical day filled ...
24 Nov 2023 to 23 Dec 2023
New Forest, Dorset

Christmas at Longdown Activity Farm
24th November to 27th November, 1st to 4th December, 8th to 11th December, 15th to 23rd December 2023
Look out for the Festive Lodge and enter a magical world of twinkling trees, snow, sparkling lights and festive decorations to meet Father Christmas himself, who will be waiting to give the children a jolly wave and an extra special “ho-ho-ho”.
Our ...
12 Dec 2023 to 13 Dec 2023

Children can enjoy a farm-tastic day out at the Farm Park and experience the wonder and excitement of meeting ‘the man in red’ and all his festive friends in the Magical Christmas Barn, PLUS every child with a ‘Farmer Christmas Experience Ticket’ receives a great gift from the Elves at Ye Olde Toy Shoppe!
The farm park gets a full festive makeover and the team are transformed into ...
13 December 2023

This year we are delighted to have a very special visit from Santa where he will be visiting Groves, on Wednesday 13th December, to see children with Special Educational Needs.
Santa will be in our festive marquee, joined to Ivy House, creating a truly magical experience for all.
Our SEN Santa experience has been designed to cater for children with Autism, ADHD or with a similar ...
14 December 2023

Have some Christmas magic and sparkle at Groves Garden Centre and enjoy our Tea with Santa Evenings!
For three Thursday’s in December, Santa will be visiting us in Ivy House, along with Picklebottom the Elf (Strawberry Jam Entertainments) for an evening of festive fun. Expect a Christmassy show, games, some delicious winter warming food and of course visit to see Santa!
When you arrive, you ...
16 Dec 2023 to 17 Dec 2023

Meet Father Christmas in his snowy log cabin, received a great gift plus unlimited play in the Wild Thing indoor play centre. See Rudolph, meet the elves and get arty in our Christmas Craft cabin.
Then take your seats for our festive family pantomime, ’The Wizard of Oz!’ Follow the yellow brick road to The Theatre and join Dorothy on her adventures to the Emerald City - meeting some new ...
16 Dec 2023 to 22 Dec 2023

Our Santa’s Grotto is back again this year – TICKETS ON SALE!
Someone very special is taking time out of their busy winter schedule to visit the beautiful Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens.
Come meet Father Christmas in his cosy cabin, a festive magical Grotto at the Gardens. Make it an enchanting visit with a talk to Father Christmas and receive a special gift. After meeting Father Christmas ...
16 Dec 2023 to 22 Dec 2023

Children can enjoy a farm-tastic day out at the Farm Park and experience the wonder and excitement of meeting ‘the man in red’ and all his festive friends in the Magical Christmas Barn, PLUS every child with a ‘Farmer Christmas Experience Ticket’ receives a great gift from the Elves at Ye Olde Toy Shoppe!
The farm park gets a full festive makeover and the team are transformed into ...
19 Dec 2023 to 20 Dec 2023

Santa is coming to Monkey World!
On the 19th and 20th December Santa’s sleigh will touch down at the park!
As well as meeting Santa and receiving a special present from him, your little monkeys can enjoy festive fare, a Christmas trail around the park, and even make a present for the primates with Santa’s elves! The gift shop is stacked full of new items, ideal as presents and stocking ...
19 Dec 2023 to 22 Dec 2023

Finding it difficult to find time to get your Xmas shopping done while keeping the kids entertained? Make use of our Drop ‘n Go sessions!
Taking place on Tuesday 19th Dec & Friday 22nd December, the session will start at 2pm and will run till 5pm – arrival 15 mins before session starts.
Participants will have access to our Clip ‘n Climb activity plus food & drink after they are done ...
19 Dec 2023 to 23 Dec 2023

Meet Father Christmas in his snowy log cabin, received a great gift plus unlimited play in the Wild Thing indoor play centre. See Rudolph, meet the elves and get arty in our Christmas Craft cabin.
Then take your seats for our festive family pantomime, ’The Wizard of Oz!’ Follow the yellow brick road to The Theatre and join Dorothy on her adventures to the Emerald City - meeting some new ...
20 Dec 2023 to 22 Dec 2023

Enjoy a special festive treat for all the family and have breakfast with Father Christmas!
This year, we’ve added more dates than ever. Join us at Shire Hall for Breakfast with Father Christmas on:
Wednesday 20th December
Thursday 21st December
Friday 22nd December
Saturday 23rd December- FULLY BOOKED
Breakfast Club
Full English- one sausage, two bacon, 1 egg, mushrooms, tomato, 1 ...
20 Dec 2023 to 23 Dec 2023

Following the HUGE success of our Twilight Event over the last few years, they’re back for 2023. Join us for an atmospheric evening of meeting ‘Farmer Christmas’, Madam Claus and all the Elves under the twinkling Christmas lights!
1. Arrive at the farm park with your family
2. Present your Booking Confirmation Email to our Reception Elves
3. The Reception Elves will check you in
4. You ...
21 December 2023
Bridport, Dorset

Have some Christmas magic and sparkle at Groves Garden Centre and enjoy our Tea with Santa Evenings!
For three Thursday’s in December, Santa will be visiting us in Ivy House, along with Picklebottom the Elf (Strawberry Jam Entertainments) for an evening of festive fun. Expect a Christmassy show, games, some delicious winter warming food and of course visit to see Santa!
When you arrive, you ...
21 Dec 2023 to 22 Dec 2023

Breakfast with Santa! This year we have 3 dates for you to choose from. Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast with a selection of juices, tea and coffee. Each child will receive a gift from Santa who will be visiting your table! Places book really fast, so click the link to secure your place online!
- Thursday 21st December
- Friday 22nd December
9.30am - 11am / £20.95 - Under 2's £5.95
- ...