We can't wait to welcome everyone to celebrate Christmas in Dorset this year - with brand new Christmas events and pantomimes for 2024, 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 bus tours and 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 holidays everyone!
Spend your Christmas break in Dorset
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 spending a Christmas 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!
Yuletide events and activities
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!
Brand new for 2024, the Enchanted Night Garden comes to Minterne House and Gardens. Look out for fairies, sprites and even dragons as you make your way around the gardens of this stately home.
Jump on a Swanage Railway train as the Polar Express visits Dorset following last years sell out events. You'll meet characters from the animated film as you journey to the North Pole, with lots of singing and dancing along the way. You'll even get to meet Father Christmas and his elves too!
The National Trust's Kingston Lacy house and gardens have lots of festive events for all the family.
At Bournemouth's Christmas Tree Wonderland be amazed by over 100 illuminations - 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.
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.
Oh yes it is! It’s Christmas panto time!
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 Jack and the Beanstalk and Sleeping Beauty to Snow White and Peter Pan, 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!
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 and special shopping events in the run up to Christmas. Visit Dorchester's ice rink, Swanage seafront’s pop-up Christmas market or Poole's Maritime Light Trail..
From the 15 November, pop down to Bournemouth for the big Christmas experience - shop at the outdoor Alpine 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…
counting down to Christmas
