The 2025 festive season will soon be here and we've got all the information you need to plan a visit to Swanage this Christmas or New Year.
Whether you are visiting Swanage for a day trip or booking an overnight stay this December, there’s lots of seasonal events, food and shopping to get you into the Christmas spirit.
The streets will be lit up with twinkling fairy lights, and the town Christmas tree will shine bright at Swanage Railway Station. Don’t forget to stroll along Swanage Pier to see the pier bedecked with colourful lights as part of its Lighting Up Lives illuminations.
What’s on
Image: The Yuletide Express at Swanage Railway
In the countdown to Christmas Day, there’s lots of festive events to entertain young and old.
Brand new for 2025, the Yuletide Express will arrive at Swanage Railway from late November until Christmas Eve. Step aboard to see the elves, enjoy the festive celebrations and even get to meet Father Christmas too!
On 29 November 2025 the town’s Christmas lights will be officially switched on, and you can also visit the St Aldhelm Christmas Tree Festival at St. Georges Church in the nearby village of Langton Matravers.
The Swanage Christmas Market will fill the streets with stalls, food and drink on 6 December 2025, bringing a little extra sparkle to your Christmas celebrations.
For some fantastic low cost festive days out, head up to Durlston Country Park and Castle. You can take part in a glass engraving workshop or follow the children's Christmas trail. If you're feeling energetic, their festive Parkrun takes place on 20 December.
On 26 December head down to Swanage beach to watch (or maybe take part in) the annual Boxing Day Swim. Raising money for a local charity, why not brave the cold and take a dip!
Take a look at our What's On page for more events.
Things to do
Photo: Christmas at Swanage Pier by Swanage News
Fill your winter days with such much needed festive cheer – go Christmas shopping, meet Father Christmas or catch a show at The Mowlem Theatre.
Father Christmas as well as real reindeer and donkeys will be making an appearance on Swanage Pier on selected days during December. There will also be live music, a Winter Wonderland Christmas Marquee and magical entertainment too.
Artisans on the Beach will be returning once again to the beach huts next to Swanage Beach. Each beach hut is a seasonal shop for a local maker or crafter, where you can buy unusual and unique gifts for your loved ones.
Where to eat out
Swanage offers a huge variety of places to eat and drink. From coffee shops and cafés to pubs, restaurants and bistros, there’s something for all tastes and budgets.
Seek out seasonal delights such as mulled wine, gingerbread latte, hot cider, roast dinners and Christmas menus at Swanage’s eateries.
Dine at The Pines Hotel to enjoy their 2 or 3 course Christmas Menu. The menu is available throughout December for lunch or dinner, and they have their annual Christmas Party Night on the 6 December.
Nearby at Corfe Castle, why not book a table at the Greyhound Inn where their Christmas Party Menu is available from 1 to 24 December.
Places to stay
Photo: The Purbeck Suite at The Pines Hotel
Lots of Swanage’s B&Bs, hotels and self catering holiday lets will be open throughout December, as well as during Christmas and New Year.
The Pines Hotel offers both Christmas and New Year festive packages including accommodation, food and entertainment. Christmas at The Pines begins on 24 December for a 3 night stay, starting at £745 per person sharing a twin or double room. Over New Year, you can book any two nights dinner, bed and breakfast from £340 per person, to include a New Years Eve celebration dinner with hats, novelties and bubbly.
So what are you waiting for...spend Christmas or New Year by the sea this year!
