Christmas Events in Dorset
12 November 2025
The festive season in Dorset is packed with magic, sparkle, and plenty of family fun. If you’re planning to celebrate Christmas in the county, you’re in for a treat! From sparkling light switch-ons to Santa’s grottos and festive fairs, Dorset is bursting with events for all ages. Wrap up warm, grab your Christmas jumper, and get ready to have a truly magical time!
13 Nov 2025 to 31 Dec 2025
Bournemouth, Dorset
Head on down to Bournemouth Square and find the perfect present at the Alpine Market. Take your pick from a wide array of hand made and traditional Christmas gifts before refuelling with all of your festive favourites, including the famous Hog Roast and luxury Hot Chocolates.
Worked up a thirst? Be sure to make a day of it by joining us in The Alpine Lodge until 11pm or enjoy spreading ...13 Nov 2025 to 04 Jan 2026
Bournemouth, Dorset
Step into the magic this festive season as Christmas in Bournemouth returns – bigger, brighter, and more enchanting than ever. Discover the wonder of our largest-ever Christmas Market, soak up the festive glow of the revamped Christmas Tree Wonderland, glide across the stunning open-air Ice Rink, and unwind with a winter warmer at the cosy Alpine Lodge Bar. Create treasured memories with ...13 Nov 2025 to 04 Jan 2026
Bournemouth, Dorset
Christmas Tree Wonderland returns to the heart of Bournemouth’s historic Lower Gardens for its biggest year yet. Wander through a dazzling display of light-up trees, hop aboard Santa’s Express, and take on the Christmas Tree Maze before heading to our brand new festive workshop. With the iconic Big Wheel lighting up the skyline, this magical trail is a must-visit part of Christmas in ...13 Nov 2025 to 04 Jan 2026
Bournemouth, Dorset
SKATE ICE RINK
Whether you're a Dancing on Ice champion, a total newbie or just about anything in between, you can be sure to find some festive euphoria on the surface of our real, genuine ice. The rink is held within the canopies of Bournemouth's Lower Gardens, which have been magically brought to life for the Christmas season.21 Nov 2025 to 31 Dec 2025
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Abbotsbury, Dorset
An outdoor winter enchanted lights display within the Gardens. Colourful lights transform and illuminate our Subtropical 18th century gardens and create a wonderful winters trail in the dark. Journey through the heart of the Gardens, in this years NEW ROUTE and experience the rare plants and trees in spectacular colour which highlights the forms, shapes and textures. Experience the striking ...28 Nov 2025 to 30 Dec 2025
Dorchester, Dorset
Nutley Farm’s much-loved Christmas Lights and Reindeer Experience is back for 2025 and is set to be our most spectacular Christmas yet.
Our popular festive event attracts visitors from the South West England and beyond and has become a magical Dorset tradition. To date, we have raised over £52,000 for the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, and we look forward to adding to our total during ...13 Dec 2025 to 22 Feb 2026
Bournemouth, Dorset
Cool Coast Ice Rink is the largest indoor ice skating rink on the South Coast. Located in Bournemouth International Centre from November to February, it’s the perfect winter activity with friends and family. Enjoyed by so many every year, it’s even a great way to stay fit and active over the wintery months. At Cool Coast you can enjoy a fun filled ice skating session regardless of the weather ...19 Dec 2025 to 03 Jan 2026
Weymouth Pavilion, Weymouth, Dorset
From Friday 19 December 2025 - Saturday 3 January 2026 - 2pm & 6pm
Adults from £22 - £25, Children & Seniors £21 - £23, Family of Four from £84 - £92
Groups: £1 off groups 10+ and £2 off groups 20+
Back by popular demand, the hilarious JAMIE RIDING as Dame ‘Daisy’ Trott
Join us this Christmas in the land of fairy tales, where our poor hero Jack and his dotty mum Dame Trott are tricked ...
20 Dec 2025 to 04 Jan 2026
RockReef, Bournemouth, Dorset
RockReef & PierZip will be open daily 20th December 2025- 4th January 2026.
Christmas Holiday Fun Begins with RockReef & PierZip!
Want something to keep the kids entertained over the Christmas holidays, whatever the weather? Live local or staying in the area and are looking for fun things to do at the Bournemouth seafront?
Book your adventure online today and save money off your ticket price!02 January 2026
RockReef, Bournemouth, Dorset
Need Time for Christmas Shopping without the Kids? Whether you're out celebrating or tackling your festive to-do list, our Drop ‘n Go sessions have you covered!
Your children will stay active and engaged with fun, confidence-building activities like climbing, harness skills and more, while you enjoy some well-deserved time to yourself.
Drop ‘N Go Includes:
❄️ 3 hours of fun (including ...Please share or leave a comment
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More Recent Features
25 Nov 2025
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Your guide to the best places for local produce, gifts & foodie treats this season
Dorset is blessed with a wonderful selection of farm shops, delicatessens and country stores, perfect for festive food shopping, hamper goodies, stocking fillers and seasonal treats. Whether you’re hunting for award-winning local meats, artisan bakes, unique gifts or simply a great place to stop for a cosy coffee, these farm shops are well worth a visit this Christmas.
Below is our ... Read more...
24 Nov 2025
You'll find the perfect present while Christmas shopping in Dorset, find unique gifts, local art, Dorset food and drink and much more. We've put together a few ideas to help get you started!
1 – Have you got a tank enthusiast in the family? Take a look at the Tank Museum online shop: from baubles to model kits and themed T-shirts, their shop has something for everyone.
2 – Looking for some foodie gifts this ... Read more...
17 Nov 2025
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and you will be when you discover the fantastic selection of Christmas markets and festive fairs that are set to be held around Dorset in the coming weeks.
If you’re getting organised with your Christmas shopping, these events are a great way to find those perfect gifts. If delicious Dorset food and drink is on your wish list, then you’ll love the tasty selection available from local producers; or maybe you’d like a day out to ... Read more...
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