New Year in Dorset

Are you searching for the perfect destination to ring in 2026 with your nearest and dearest? Whether you're planning a cosy getaway with family or a lively celebration with friends, Dorset offers a magical setting to welcome the New Year in style. From dazzling New Year’s Eve parties and elegant gala dinners to enchanting festive pantomimes and exhilarating ice-skating sessions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And if you're in the mood for something a little different, Dorset also boasts a variety of quirky and unexpected events that add a unique twist to your celebrations.

With its charming towns, scenic coastline, and warm hospitality, Dorset is a truly fantastic place to celebrate the arrival of a brand-new year. Whether you're looking to dance the night away, indulge in delicious seasonal food, or simply relax and soak up the festive atmosphere, you'll find plenty of options to make your New Year unforgettable.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your New Year mini-break to Dorset today and make unforgettable memories to welcome 2026.

Happy New Year everyone!

Celebrate in style

Many hotels put on special New Year Breaks which makes a great excuse to get glammed up for the evening and party the night away.

The Knoll House Hotel's glamorous Great Gatsby themed evening, from £99.75 per person (based on two people sharing a room), includes the famous Knoll House Gala Buffet, a casino and DJ. There's also a two night package available from £399 per room, where you'll get to enjoy a complimentary glass of Champagne with dinner.

For New Years at The Pines Hotel, book any two nights dinner, bed and breakfast to include Gala Dinner on New Years Eve with hats, novelties and bubbly from £340.00 per person.

Make Moonfleet Manor your home-from-home at their annual New Year's Eve house party. As well as a daily kids entertainment, storytime with milk and cookies and family films, you can expect a New Year's Eve feast with live music and sparkling celebrations at midnight. The celebrations continue into the New Year with a leisurely breakfast and a family quiz.

New Year breaks at Mortons Manor include a Gala Dinner on New Years Eve (plus breakfast and dinner on other days) and are either for 2 nights (arriving 30 or 31 December) or 3 nights (arriving on 30 December). Prices start from £1130 for 2 people or £885 for single occupancy.

At Warmwell Holiday Park, discover Parkdean Resorts Winter Wonderland during New Year. Have a go at skiing, sledging or snow boarding on their dry ski slope, splash around in their indoor pool with flume and wave machine and get into the festive spirit. You can join the Elf Academy, go ice-skating, see a live show or pantomime, have a go at some festive crafts, and lots lots more. 4 Night New Year self-catering breaks beginning on 30 December start from £719.

New Years Eve

Join Marsham Court Hotel for their NYE Gala Banquet! With entertainment for dancing from Suzie Kimber Trio, Charity Raffle & glass of Fizz to welcome the New Year in. Tickets cost £89.95 per person.

Overlooking Swanage Bay, you can indulge at the annual New Year Gala Dinner and Disco at Grand Hotel. Enjoy a five-course extravaganza of fine food and drink before you party the night away on the dance floor. Starting at 6.30pm with a welcome drink on arrival.

You can dance your way through to the New Year with The Boogie Bumpers at Bournemouth Pavilion Ballroom. Tickets cost £79.50 and includes an arrival drink, delicious four course dinner with coffee plus a glass of bubbly at midnight.

New Years Day

If you need help waking up the next morning, then join in the Lyme Regis traditional New Year's Day celebrations. Race a toy duck down the River Lim at noon followed by the quirky Lyme Lunge - an icy dip in the sea from the beach. Everyone is welcome at these events for charity, whether "dipping" or just watching all the fun.

Another great way to say goodbye to that hangover is a brisk New Year’s Day walk along the beautiful Dorset coastline or perhaps a twirl or two around Bournemouth's ice rinks.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will be performing their annual New Year Viennese Gala show at Poole's Lighthouse Centre for the Arts.

And don't forget that some of our seasonal pantomimes are still showing on New Years Day, so you can spend some quality time with the whole family at the start of 2026.

Book your Dorset New Year break

If that all sounds tempting, you’ll need to book in quickly!

Accommodation availability disappears very fast over the Christmas and New Year period in Dorset so the sooner you book, the sooner you can look forward to your magical break in Dorset!