We can't wait to welcome everyone to celebrate Christmas in Dorset this year - with brand new Christmas events and pantomimes for 2025, we're sure you'll have a most wonderful time! There's plenty of Christmas events in Dorset to fill you with some festive sparkle and magic - from illuminated trails to wreath making workshops and even Christmas lights boat trips. Just imagine spending your days wandering around Christmas markets with a tasty gingerbread latte or mulled wine. Then head off to Bournemouth's Christmas Tree Wonderland, a traditional pantomime or one of our fantastic winter illuminations.
Happy Christmas everyone!
What could be more festive than spending Christmas at a country cottage? Opening presents around a cosy log-burner and enjoy a sumptuous Christmas feast together at the farmhouse table - there really is nothing like enjoying a Christmas mini-break away in the countryside.
Or maybe you’d like to leave all the hard work to someone else and be wined, dined and truly treated at a hotel. Take a look at some of the fantastic festive accommodation packages that will make this Christmas one to remember for years to come!
One of the most exciting parts about Christmas is all the festive events we get to enjoy. There are wreath making workshops, Christmas light displays and not forgetting meeting Father Christmas!
At Kingston Lacy house and gardens, step into an elegant Christmas Ball that will sweep you off your feet. Or be amazed by over 100 illuminations at Bournemouth's Christmas Tree Wonderland - follow this free trail from the town square, through the gardens to the Pier to see huge Christmas trees and festive characters along the way.
New for 2025, take a trip on the Yuletide Express with Swanage Railway. Meet the Magic Ticket Collector, elves and of course Father Christmas too on this one hour journey through the Isle of Purbeck. A festive gift, candy cane and satsuma for each child is included in the ticket price. All aboard!
One of the biggest parts of Christmas is the delicious festive food and drink on offer.
Whether you're seeking a gingerbread latte, mulled wine or a festive feast with all the trimmings, look out for Christmas menus all across Dorset.
Many restaurants and pubs offer Christmas menus, party nights or festive afternoon tea, so you can enjoy all the flavours of the season during your visit.
Ridiculous, noisy, funny and most importantly, uplifting - we all love a Christmas Pantomime!
It’s an integral part of everyone’s Christmas celebrations and this year, Dorset is spoiling you with a range of traditional classics. From Cinderella, Dick Whittington and Jack and the Beanstalk, to Beauty and the Beast and Goldilocks and the Three Bears - all showcasing a mix of your favourite panto celebrities and fabulous local talent.
Take the whole family along and enjoy a side-splitting, thigh-slapping time!
The number of Christmas shopping days are running out fast. Pick up that perfect Christmas present from one of Dorset’s hundreds of independent, unique and interesting shops. Choose that one of a kind gift which will make your loved one smile from ear to ear.
Nearly every town has a Christmas lights switch-on celebration and many offer late night shopping or Christmas Markets in the run up to the big day. Visit Dorchester's ice rink, Swanage seafront’s pop-up Christmas market or Carols Round The Tree at Lyme Regis.
From mid November, pop down to Bournemouth for the big Christmas experience - shop at the outdoor Alpine Christmas Market, get a drink at the Alpine Lodge in The Square and have a go at Ice-Skating in the Lower Gardens.
Get ready, get steady, shop…
