With just over three months to go, the countdown to Christmas Day in 2026 is well and truly underway! And there’s no better place to soak up the seasonal spirit than in beautiful Dorset - twinkling lights, charming Christmas markets, and cosy countryside escapes await you around every corner.

We’ve rounded up 24 fantastic festive events and activities for the whole family to enjoy in the lead-up to the big day. From meeting Father Christmas in enchanting grottos and enjoying laugh-out-loud pantomimes, to carol singing and wandering through dazzling illuminated light trails – there’s something for everyone to experience.

1. Visit one of Dorset’s festive Illuminated light trails at Abbotsbury Gardens, Bournemouth Lower Gardens, Nutley Farm, Upton Country Park or Longthorns Farm.

2. ​​Get your skates on and glide round one of the pop-up ice-rinks. There will be two outdoor ice skating rinks at Bournemouth and Dorchester, and also an indoor ice-rink at Bournemouth International Centre. 

3. See our town centres sparkle as the Christmas lights get switched on for 2026 from 21 November.

4. Book a delicious festive afternoon tea at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum in Bournemouth, Summer Lodge Country House Hotel at Evershot, The Heights Hotel on Portland, and Athelhampton House and Gardens near Dorchester. Or for something a little different, hop on a boat trip for a festive afternoon tea on the water with Coastal Vibes Cruises in Weymouth. New for 2026, book yourself in for a treat at the Tea Rooms Winter Gardens at Museum of East Dorset in Wimborne Minster - open during the day and selected evenings.

5. Step aboard the Yuletide Express at Swanage Railway. Step into a world of twinkling lights, festive cheer and timeless Christmas traditions - you'll even get a chance to meet Father Christmas too!

6. Book tickets to go and see a Christmas pantomime. Choose from Aladdin, Dick Whittington, Cinderella, and Jack and the Beanstalk.

7. Get creative and make a Christmas wreath to decorate your front door at Walford Mill Crafts, The Blue Pool, Symondsbury Estate or Parnham Park.

8. Visit Father Christmas in 2026. The man in red will be visiting lots of places across Dorset before returning to the North Pole for the big day. Book tickets to meet Santa at Russell-Cotes, Kingston Lacy, Farmer Palmers, The Blue Pool, Tank Museum, Lulworth Castle, and Museum of East Dorset.
    
9. Get your mates together for some festive food and drink at an Alpine Bar. Experience après ski in Dorset at the Alpine Bar in Bournemouth Square or the Hall & Woodhaus Alpine Bars at The Crown in Blandford Forum or The Olive Branch in Wimborne Minster.

10. Watch a Christmas show at one of Dorset’s theatres. See what’s on at The Regent Centre, Bournemouth Pavilion, Poole Lighthouse, Allendale Community Centre, Blandford Corn Exchange, The Exchange, The Mowlem, Weymouth Pavilion, The Electric Palace, or The Marine Theatre.

11. Get crafty and make a Christmas decoration at Walford Mill Crafts or Museum of East Dorset in Wimborne Minster, at The Blue Pool near Wareham, or at Parnham Park near Bridport.

12. Buy gifts for loved ones at a Christmas market. There’s festive markets and shopping experiences taking place all over Dorset from early November.

13. Go to see a Christmas movie at Coade Hall in Blandford Forum or Poole Lighthouse.

14. Say hello to the Christmas donkeys at Swanage Pier on 12 December 2026.

15. Join in the annual elf parade at Weymouth on 28 November 2026. There will be elf themed events all day, ending with the town Christmas lights being switched on at 5pm.

16. Take part in some traditional carol singing at Lyme Regis, Wimborne Minster or Dorchester.

17. Watch The Nutcracker ballet on the big screen at The Rex Cinema in Wareham, The Regent Centre in Christchurch, Poole Lighthouse, or Coade Hall in Blandford Forum..

18. One of Dorset’s biggest festive events, Christmas in Bournemouth is a FREE event with illuminations stretching all the way from the town square down to the pier. There’s also ice-skating, food and drink and a Christmas market. 

19. Get ready, get steady to chase the pudding at Weymouth Beach on 20 December 2026.

20. Visit a Christmas Tree Festival at Highcliffe Castle, Lyme Regis, or Sherborne.

21. Watch the classic Christmas family favourite The Snowman on the big screen at Poole Lighthouse, with live music by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. 

22. Indulge in a festive meal, a glass of mulled wine or delicious gingerbread latte. Find out where to eat and drink this Christmas. 

23. Meet real reindeer on Swanage Pier or at Nutley Farm. Photo credit: Nutley Farm

24. We hope that we’ve given you lots of ideas of how to spend a wonderful Christmas in Dorset. For a full list of events taking place during Christmas, head over to our What's On pages. If you’re thinking about booking a Christmas break, take a look at our Christmas, Twixmas and New Year accommodation packages.