With just over two months to go, the countdown to Christmas Day in 2025 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, Careys Secret Garden, Christmas Tree Wonderland, Poole Maritime Light Trail or Nutley 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 Saturdays 22 and 29 November 2025. 

4. Book a delicious festive afternoon tea at Russell-Cotes in Bournemouth, The Eastbury in Sherborne, Summer Lodge Country House Hotel at Evershot, The Heights Hotel on Portland, Redlands Yard at Broadwindsor or Athelhampton House near Dorchester.

5. Step aboard the Father Christmas Yuletide Express at Swanage Railway. New for 2025, 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 Dick Whittington, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, 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, Forde Abbey or Mapperton House.

8. Visit Father Christmas in 2025. 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, Museum of East Dorset, or new for 2025 - Careys Secret Garden.

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 Allendale Community Centre, The Regent Centre, The Exchange, The Marine Theatre or The Mowlem.

11. Get crafty and make a Christmas decoration at Walford Mill Crafts or Museum of East Dorset in Wimborne Minster. 

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 13 December 2025.

15. Join in the annual elf parade at Weymouth on 29 November 2025. 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 or Wimborne Minster. 

17. Watch The Nutcracker ballet on the big screen at The Rex Cinema, The Regent Centre, Poole Lighthouse, Coade Hall or Electric Palace. 

18. One of Dorset’s biggest festive events, Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland 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 21 December 2025.

20. Visit a Christmas Tree Festival at Highcliffe Castle, Lyme Regis or Sturminster Newton (St Mary's Church).

21. Watch the annual Save the Children Christmas Parade through the streets of Wimborne Minster on 13 December 2025.

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.