Christmas is such a magical time.
Spending time with family and friends is the most important part of the season.
If you want to do so whilst taking part in Christmas activities, then this guide on all things festive in Dorset may be just what you’re looking for.
From traditional to modern Yuletide celebrations and bustling Christmas markets to enchanting light displays, Dorset offers something for everyone.
This guide offers you activity details and tips to ensure a worry-free planning experience.
Get into the Christmas spirit, have fun, and live the magic of this wonderful festive season.
Table of Contents
Explore Christmas Markets Across Dorset
Christmas markets bring the magic of the season to life, offering the perfect chance to soak up festive cheer and tick off the last of your gift list. The glow of fairy lights, cosy scents, and joyful music create an atmosphere that instantly warms the spirit.
Exploring these markets is a wonderful way to discover handcrafted gifts, delicious festive treats, and charming entertainment for visitors of all ages.
From picturesque outdoor settings to quirky indoor venues, Dorset’s markets offer something special at every turn. With varied themes, creative stalls, and seasonal activities, each market makes the countdown to Christmas even more exciting.
Wander through artisan booths, enjoy family-friendly fun, sip on mulled drinks, and if you’re lucky, catch a visit from Santa at the many Pop-Up Christmas Markets across Dorset.
🎁 Good to know:
- Christmas markets in Dorset start as early as 13 November and run until 31 December 2025.
- Here is the full list of 20 Christmas Markets happening across Dorset in 2025.
Glide Across Dorset’s Ice Rinks
No festive activity is complete without a trip to the ice rink. Embrace the festive spirit and glide across the stunning rinks in Dorset. Whether you are an expert or a beginner, there is something for everyone.
SKATE Bournemouth is set in the magical Lower Gardens, Bournemouth. Open from 13th November 2025 to 4th January 2025, you can enjoy the thrill of skating on a real ice surface. Afterwards, relax at the Moguls Alpine Bar with a warm, festive drink.
For an indoor experience, the Cool Coast Ice Rink at Bournemouth International Centre offers a fun-filled skating adventure from 13 December 2025 to 22 February 2026. Shielded from the weather, it is a popular spot for friends and family.
In Dorchester, you can also glide along the ice at the popular Brewery Square, Skating in the square. Lots of bars and restaurants are located around the square, so you can enjoy a bite to eat after the festivities.
⛸️ Good to know:
- SKATE Bournemouth: November 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- Cool Coast Ice Rink: December 13, 2025 – February 22, 2026
- Skating in the Square: November 29, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Wander Through Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland
Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens transform into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season. The dazzling trail of the Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland is an enchanting experience, with visitors wandering through a path lined with glowing trees and vibrant illuminations.
One of the standout attractions is the magnificent 60ft Wonderland Tree, adorned with 30,000 lights. Visitors can walk through the centre of this tree, surrounded by mesmerising light shows and festive music.
Choose your adventure: Ride Santa’s Express, try their all new Glowgolf, wander through the Christmas Tree Maze, get your skates on at the ice rink, control the lights from their interactive light boxes and meet the man in red at Santa’s Workshop.
For an extra dose of holiday spirit, the event offers more than just lights. The Alpine Market is perfect for exploring unique gifts, while the Alpine Lodge Bar in the Square is an inviting spot for festive treats.
🎄 Good to know:
- Date: 13th November, 2025 until January 4th, 2026
- Event Price: Free to visit
📍 Bournemouth Town Centre, BH2 6ED
Wander the Enchanted Gardens Light Trail At Careys Secret Garden
For a truly magical Christmas experience in Dorset, step into the glowing wonderland of Carey’s Secret Garden after dark.
From 20th November to 13th December (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings only), the historic walled garden and woodland paths are softly illuminated with thousands of fairy lights, creating a gentle, enchanting atmosphere perfect for all ages.
Book a timed slot and stroll at your own pace, then warm up with wood-fired pizzas, luxury hot chocolates, and toasted marshmallows around the fire pit.
The Secret Coffee Stop and Gift Shop (full of unique, sustainable gifts) are open throughout the evening, making this relaxed, family-friendly trail an ideal festive outing for couples, friends, or little ones seeking a cosy dose of Christmas magic in the heart of rural Dorset.
✨ Good to know:
- From 21st November – 13th December
- Tickets are £10 per person, FREE for 5yrs and under
📍 Careys Secret Garden, Wareham
Discover Winter Lights At Abbotsbury Gardens – Illuminate 2024
Experience the magic of winter at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens. From 21st November until 31st December 2025, these gardens come alive with vibrant colours as part of the Illuminate 2025 event.
The lights create an enchanting atmosphere, perfect for strolls with family and friends.
Wander along the new paths amidst the lush, subtropical plants. The combination of colours and textures creates a beautiful display.
The event offers a fresh view of the gardens, highlighting unique features and rare plants.
Enjoy complimentary parking and explore the café and gift shop during your visit. Also, remember to book your tickets online in advance.
✨ Good to know:
- Dates: 21st November until 31st December 2025
- Facilities: Free parking, café, gift shop
📍 Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Weymouth
Celebrate The Season With Kingston Lacy Christmas Events
Kingston Lacy shines brightly during the festive season. The house becomes a magical spot adorned with Christmas decorations. Families and friends gather to enjoy the warm atmosphere.
Explore the lavishly decorated house (daily 10.30am–3pm, closed 25/26 Dec) following the story of a grand Christmas ball, complete with a woodland dance floor and hidden creatures under the giant outdoor tree.
Follow the free Winter Woodland Trail to learn how wildlife survives winter, try drop-in Christmas origami crafts, and book Storytelling with Santa for a special tale, early gift and photo.
🎄 Good to know:
- Check the National Trust website for booking details and latest event info.
📍 Kingston Lacy, Wimborne
Enjoy A Festive Day At Russell-Cotes Christmas Events
The historic house is beautifully decorated with holly and other Victorian ornaments. If you want a cosy atmosphere and a taste of a traditional Christmas, the Russell-Cotes is the perfect place for you.
Christmas at the Russell-Cotes, experience a traditional Victorian Christmas with beautiful decorations, including holly and other classic festive displays.
This historic house offers a warm welcome, perfect for those wanting to enjoy a nostalgic holiday season.
Treat yourself to a Christmas Afternoon Tea. Enjoy festive sandwiches and seasonal cakes, with the option of mulled wine or prosecco. It’s a delightful way to celebrate the season while taking in the stunning decorations.
Meet Father Christmas, where children can meet Santa and receive a small gift. Accompanying adults can join for free. Attend the Crafty Christmas Weekend or join the Candlelight Nights for a cosy evening filled with activities and performances.
🎄 Good to know:
- Date: Tuesday 18 November 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026
- Time: 10am-5pm
📍 Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth
Watch Christmas Shows In Theatres Across Dorset
Celebrate the festive season with heart-warming Christmas shows across Dorset’s theatres. Experience That’ll Be Christmas at the Bournemouth International Centre, a mix of comedy and classic songs.
Don’t miss the free show, Christmas Cracker Carol Concert, at the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre, featuring carols and talented musicians.
Poole’s Lighthouse invites everyone to Step Into Christmas with iconic festive tunes. For ballet lovers, The Nutcracker at Rex Cinema in Wareham offers an enchanting experience.
Lastly, head to Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis for a free, delightful Sunday Session Christmas Special, dedicated time to promote quality live music.
🎭 Good to know:
- That’ll Christmas: 21 Dec 2025
- Christmas Cracker Carol Concert: 18 Dec 2025
- Step Into Christmas: 13 Dec 2025
- The Royal Ballet & Opera: The Nutcracker: 14 December 2025
- Sunday Session Christmas Special: 28 December 2025
Immerse Yourself In Christmas At Highcliffe Castle
Highcliffe Castle in Christchurch transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season.
The Christmas Tree Festival fills the State Rooms with dazzling trees. Families can embark on a delightful festive trail filled with Christmas storytelling.
For something extra special, book a “Behind the Scenes” tour with the Archive or Salvage teams (selected dates in December) – enjoy a fascinating talk, mince pie and hot drink, plus full access to the tree festival.
🎄 Good to know:
- Christmas Tree Festival 2025: 5 December – 23 December
- ‘Behind the scenes’: December 9 & 16; December 11 & 18
- Check details here.
📍 Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch
Discover Christmas Magic at Corfe Castle
The dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle turn wonderfully festive this December.
Hunt for festive scenes on the Monty & Matilda Mouse family quest, toast marshmallows over fire pits (small charge), and enjoy natural decorations gathered from the Purbeck estate. Pop into the castle lodge 20–23 Dec for relaxed Christmas crafts (all materials provided).
For extra enchantment, visit on the special Winter Lights evenings when the castle is beautifully illuminated after dark, or rise early on 21 Dec for the atmospheric Winter Solstice sunrise.
🎅🏻 Good to know:
- Christmas at Corfe Castle: 19 December – 3 January 2026
- Monty and Matilda Mouse: 5 December – 4 January 2026
- Christmas crafts at the castle: 20 – 23 December
- Winter lights: 13 December & 19 December
- Winter Solstice sunrise at Corfe Castle: Sunday 21 December
📍 Corfe Castle, Wareham
Celebrate At The Walled Garden Moreton’s Christmas Event
Get your festive spirit ready at The Walled Garden Moreton, where the Christmas Trail runs from 29th November to 22nd December.
Hunt for nine cheeky reindeer hidden around the beautiful Walled Garden Moreton and crack the mystery word on the fun Christmas Trail (£3 per map, prize guaranteed for everyone – collect from the Dovecote Café). Tackle winter quiz questions along the way, then reward yourself with warming lunches, hot drinks and festive treats by the fire.
For the brave, book a Christmas Bug & Exotic Animal Experience and get hands-on with giant stick insects, bearded dragons, tarantulas, a Bosc monitor lizard and more – perfect for curious kids and adults alike.
🎅🏻 Good to know:
- Christmas Trail: 29th November to 22nd December
- Christmas Bug & Exotic Animal Experience: 20th December 2025
📍 The Walled Garden Moreton, Dorchester
Enjoy Christmas Lights And Reindeer At Nutley Farm
If you’re looking for a festive evening out that feels warm, cheerful and full of gentle surprises, the Christmas Lights and Reindeer Experience at Nutley Farm in Winfrith Heath is a lovely choice. The farm turns into a bright, colourful world of lights, food and friendly reindeer.
The event runs from 28 November to 30 December 2025, and it’s all in support of the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, which makes your evening feel even more special.
To start with, the event looks incredible as soon as you arrive. The glow from the barns, the sparkle across the fields and the colours in the trees instantly put you in the mood for a winter walk. Continue reading…
📍 Nutley Farm, Dorchester
Sing Along At Carols In The Corn Market
Carols in the Corn Market brings holiday magic to Wimborne. Families and friends come together in the Corn Market, an enchanting spot just off the High Street, to enjoy an evening of festive singing.
The air will be filled with the joyful sounds of the Broadstone Community Concert Band and the heartfelt voices of Choristers from Wimborne Minster.
The beautifully decorated market creates an unforgettable winter wonderland under twinkling lights.
This community event is a beloved tradition where attendees are encouraged to contribute to the collection for Wimborne Minster Funds, supporting local causes and adding a sense of togetherness and giving to the celebration.
🎶 Good to know:
- Event Date: Friday 19th December
- Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Corn Market, Wimborne
Visit Santa At The Museum Of Dorset For Magical Memories
Make lifelong Christmas memories with Story Time with Father Christmas on 6 & 20 December. Kids start with festive crafts, then follow the Elves’ jingling bells to a cosy 30-minute grotto session filled with stories and a special gift to take home (one adult per child; ticket includes museum entry). Arrive early to explore, then unwind with festive treats in the Tearoom.
Also catch the hands-on Christmas Craft Workshop (make stamps, angels, decorations + Elf trail & book gift) or the evening folk performance Welcome or Welcome Not on 17 Dec – a joyful mix of Dorset carols, stories and humour with Tim Laycock and Alastair Braidwood.
🎅🏻 Good to know:
- Story Time with Father Christmas: 6th & 20th December
- Christmas Craft Workshop: 22nd December
- Welcome or Welcome Not: A Christmas Performance: 17th December
- Check events here.
📍 Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne
Have A Festive Day Out With Santa At Discovery Village
Join a magical two-hour Christmas adventure at Discovery Village in Christchurch.
When Santa loses his way because the Aurora Beacon has gone dark, kids team up with cheeky snow sprite Sparkle to hunt for three missing power crystals using teamwork, kindness and happiness.
The quest ends with 45 enchanting minutes in Santa’s grotto, complete with stories and a special gift.
🎅🏻 Good to know:
- Dates: from 3rd December
- Prices: £29.50 for children, £2.75 for adults
📍 Discovery Village, Christchurch
