Please join our Facebook community group or like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
If you have an event to advertise, please get in touch here.
Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum, Bournemouth’s NO.1 GIANT Panto is full of festive fun!
With incredible 3D special effects, Jack and the Beanstalk opens on Saturday 7 December.
Behold, this fee-fi-fo-fabulous reimagined romp through a classic tale you thought you knew!
When a heinous henchman kidnaps a cow and a princess from the downtrodden town of Boggy Bottom, young Jack finds himself on an adventure he thought only existed in story books!
Expect a wholesome hero, a punch-packing princess, a feisty fairy, a simple sibling, a witty widow, a slippery servant, a kind-hearted king… and a cow with some beef. Oh… and a very large magical plant, of course!
From the Coronation Street cobbles to the sands of Bournemouth, soap star Calum Lill will star the villainous Fleshcreep, packed with a side order of dastardly deeds and mischief. Best known for his role as the Corrie bad boy Joel Deering, Calum has also been in Hollyoaks, Holby City, and Doctors.
Best known for presenting Milkshake! on Channel 5, panto favourite, David Ribi, bounds back to the Bournemouth Pavilion this festive season to take on the role of Jack.
Bournemouth’s favourite comic Noel Brodie returns as Silly Simon bringing huge laughs and lots of mayhem as he tries to help his brother Jack on his quest to save the Princess.
This production is full of sparkling sets, lavish costumes, amazing song and dance numbers, giggles galore and bags of audience participation.
A relaxed (SEN friendly) performance will run on Tuesday 17 December 2024 at 10:30am, and a captioned performance will take place on Sunday 29 December 2024 at 1pm.
This Christmas, Discovery Village invites little adventurers to step into a world of wonder and teamwork! Join the Mayor of Discovery Village and Santa’s trusty elves for a heartwarming mission to save Christmas!
The village green is beautifully decorated, and the snow is softly falling—but there’s a big problem! The Christmas lights aren’t working, and Santa won’t be able to see the village from his sleigh. Without the twinkling lights to guide him, how will he deliver presents to all the children?
It’s up to you to help! Work together with the mayor and the elves to fix the lights and light up the village for Santa’s grand arrival. There will be songs with Santa, snowy surprises, dancing, and plenty of imaginative play as we work as a team to save Christmas!
Be part of this festive adventure full of joy, teamwork, and magical moments—and make sure Santa doesn’t miss out on bringing holiday cheer to Discovery Village!
Come and see this beautiful stately home lit like you have never seen it before. The gardens will come alive with stunning woodland creatures, even fairies, sprites and the odd dragon are dotted around the stunning light displays to excite and delight all the family.
The trail takes about an hour, with surprises around every corner. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear as the trail takes you along woodland paths, amongst shrubs and bushes before you return towards the main house.
Gates open at 5.15pm last entry 7.15pm.
Tickets
Adults £17
Children (2-16) £8.50
Under 2’s Free
Tickets are sold on timed entry basis to ensure the car park does not become too congested and so visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the lit garden.
Well behaved dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on leads and you clear up after them. All terrain pushchairs are recommended as the going can be tough especially after a lot of rain.
Linsay Rd, Bovington, Wareham BH20 6JG.
Date: 16-17 November 2024 Time: 10am-5pm
Watch live entertainment, buy unique Christmas gifts from local makers and sellers and get in the Christmas spirit with ‘A Dorset Christmas Fair’.
Date: 21 December 2024 – 5 January 2025 Times: Daily 10am-5pm (except 24-26. Dec)
Wartime Winter – Enjoy free Christmas colouring, Frank on a Tank Elf Trail, special talks from the Guide Team and a Christmas-themed 1940s House and Shop.
Tickets available in advance or on the door.
Date: 7&8 16&17 December 2024 Time:10am-5pm
Make your own Reindeer – Add a little festive spirit to your house and choose between making a small (£10) or large reindeer (£15).
Head to Avon Heath Outdoors website to book.
30 November & 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 & 22 December 2024
Meet Father Christmas in his magical grotto, includes a present for every child, and afterwards jump aboard Santa’s sleigh for a great photo opportunity. £15 per child (accompanying adults go free).
Date: 1 December 2024 Time: 2-3pm
Kids Christmas Craft Workshop. £6 – More info here.
Winter Trail TBC.
BH8 9PZ.
Time: various sessions check website
Jump, bounce and tumble on our super-sized indoor inflatable obstacle course. Featuring giant slides, jelly mountain, slam dunk zone and wipe-out balls. For ages 5+ (Under 9’s must be accompanied by a paying adult).
50 min session £12 (£8 for Members) book via the website.
Bere’s Yard, Blandford Forum DT11 7HQ.
Date: 30 November 2024 Time: 11am – 3pm
Join us at the Museum for a craft session led by the Sustainability Group, sharing ideas for a greener, more sustainable Christmas. We supply the materials, you have the fun!
Refreshments available. £3 per person.
Lower Gardens Bournemouth, BH1 2AQ.
Date: 14th November 2024 – 1st Janaury 2025
Spectacular free Christmas tree trail & enchanting illuminations.
Explore the Alpine Market and skate in the enchanting Victorian Lower Gardens. Enjoy live music, entertainment and magical illuminations across the town & the Santa Express Train in front of the band stand.
Date: 6th December 2024 Time: 4.45pm-8pm
Neighbourhood Centre Lights from 4.45pm, Torchlight parade to Adastral Square Lights at 6pm.
With Carol Singing, Poole Rotary Train, Poole Borough Band, Stalls, Face Painting, Glitter Tattoos, DJ, Hot Chocolate and more…
FREE Santa Grotto in the Community Centre 6-6.45pm 7.15-8pm
SEN – Quiet Santa 5.15-6pm
Booking essential – call Becky on 07984 961694.
Date: 20th December 2024 Time: 6pm
The music will be provided by the Broadstone Community Concert Band and the singing will be accompanied by Choristers from Wimborne Minster. We would love for people to bring along lanterns. A collection will be taken for Wimborne Minster Funds.
November
16th | Relight My Choir | 6-7pm | Guggee 2000 | 7-8pm
17th | Lottie-Marie | 3-4pm
21st | Relight My Choir | 6 – 7pm
22nd | Lottie – Marie | 3-4pm
23rd | Salvation Army | 11-1pm | Sounds Like Fun | 2-3pm | Southern Ska Collective | 3:30-5:30pm | Breathless Singers | 6-7pm
24th | The Evolution Choir | 2-3pm
28th | Love Soul Choir | 6:15-7pm
29th | Bell Street Singers | 5:30-6:30pm | Rock Choir | 7-8pm
30th | Salvation Army | 11-1pm | Love Church | 6-7pm
December
7th | Relight My Choir | 12-1pm | Bournemouth Youth Marching Band | 1:15-3pm | Bournemouth Marching Band | 3-4pm | Resonate Choir | 4-5pm
8th | Samaba Panashe | 6-7pm
14th | Bournemouth Youth Marching Band | 2-4pm | Southern Ska Collective | 4:30-5:30pm | Bournemouth Marching Band | 6-7pm
20th | Lottie – Marie | 3-4pm | Samaba Panashe | 6-7pm
21st | Bell Street Singers | 1-2pm | Sound of Soul | 3-4pm | The Evolution Choir | 4-5pm
22nd | Breathless Singers | 6-7pm
Date: 14 December 2024 Time: 4.30-5.30pm
With a live band leading the carols, this event is set to be a wonderful festive affair for all to join in with.
There will be mince pies and mulled wine for sale, along with plenty of singing and merriment!
We are sad to announce that we have taken the difficult decision to cancel the Christchurch Christmas Lights Switch On 2024 due to severe weather warnings issued by the Met Office ahead of Storm Bert.
A massive thank you to everyone involved in what was set to be a magnificent event and we look forward to returning next year!
Date: 7th & 21st December 2024 Time: 9.30-11.30am
Breakfast with Santa – Join Santa and his Elves for a fun-filled 2 hours pancake breakfast with singing, dancing, and games! £16.96 booking essential.
Date: 23rd December 2024 Time: 4-6pm
Moana Family Party – 2 hours of magical fun £14.25 – more info here.
Date: 30th November & 1st, 5th, 7th, 8th, 12th, 14th, 15th + 19th- 23rd 2024 Time: 11am-4pm
Countdown to Christmas – Santa is bringing his Bavarian cuckoo clock to The Dolphin come and join the Cuckoo Clock Elves for games, fun, and some Christmas crafting & a picture with Santa.
FREE Event (first come first serve) and first session ion the day is reserved for SEN children.
Date: 1st December 2024 Times: 11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm
Decorate Christmas Biscuit with Maggie – The Seaside Baker with Diverse Ability – more info here.
Date: 23rd November & 21st December 2024 Time: 2-5pm
Launch into the Christmas season in true Bear Island style, with the Bournemouth Youth Marching Band, miniature donkeys, alpacas, Elsa & Olaf and stilt-walking elves!
On 21st December Entertainment by Sing People Sing.
Tickets are £5 for both adults and children age 1+.
Date: 19. November 2024 – 5. January 2025 (closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.)
Follow our Christmas Trail and find out more about Christmas traditions at the house. Plus you can book a Christmas Afternoon Tea.
Father Christmas at the Russel Cotes – more info here.
26 November – 17 December – Christmas Tours.
7 – 8 December – Victorian Christmas Weekend – more info here.
11 December – Enchanted Christmas Evening – more info here.
19 December – Museum Late – Candlelight Night – more info here.
The Bourne Academy, Hadow Road, Bournemouth BH10 5HS.
Date: 21st December 2024 Time: 3 sessions from 10am-3.40pm
Suitable for Children Ages 0 – 9 years.
Pricing:
£5.50 11 Months to 2 years
£7.50 3 years to 9 years (Max 137cm)
£1 Adults
Book via the Get up and Bounce website.
Alpine Lodge, Bournemouth Christmas Market, The Hub on the Heath, Canford Heath & the Cookie Shack.
45 minute festive sessions £10 – more info here.
2 hour adult sessions £27 – more info here.
DIY Biscuit Advent Calendar £40/ £25 – more info here.
90 minute teens & tweens £15.
For ages 5 to adults book via the Biscuits by Sarah B website.
Matchams Leisure Park, Hurn Road, Ringwood BH24 2BT.
Date: 13th – 16th December 2024
From Home alone to Die Hard watch some Christmas Classics in the run up to Christmas.
£35 per Car. Tickets via Drive In Movies.
Barrington Car Park (Penny’s Lodge).
Date: 30th November 2024 Time: 11am-5pm
Come along to celebrate Christmas in Ferndown with Stalls, Ride, Music, Santa & Food.
Holton Lee, Holton Heath, Dorset, BH16 6JN.
Date: 6th December 2024 Time: 1-7pm
– Christmas wreath making
– Creative crafts
– Visit our mini market of gifts
– Winter Christmas walks around our 350 acre nature reserve.
– Meet the rescued animals
– fire pits
– Enjoy a free night walk with our Ranger from 4.15pm.
Book tickets via the Millies College website for just £2 per adult and £1 for children under 16.
Date: 23rd & 24th December 2024 Time: 10am-4pm
Come to the Dolphin Center and let Diverse Abilities help you wrap your presents in return for a donation.
Cineworld Cinemas are showing Chrismas Movies for £5 (plus booking fee for booking online) throughout December.
Mumbler Top Tip – anyone with Tesco Clubcard vouchers can exchange these for Cineworld vouchers & they’re worth double the value.
Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, BH2 5BH.
Date: 30th November 2024 – 23rd February 2025 Times: Daily 9am – 10pm (times vary 60 minutes session)
SEN / RELAXED SESSIONS Wednesdays 4pm-5:15pm and Saturdays 11am-12:15pm.
Cool Coast Ice Rink is the largest indoor ice skating rink on the South Coast.
£13.50 Adults, £12.50 Children, Students & Seniors, £48 Families (4 people).
Head to the Cool Coast Ice Rink website to book.
Branksome Dean Beach, BH13 6JP.
Date: 11 December 2024 Time: 11am
Join ‘Crackers’ the elf for a 2km dash along the seafront followed by refreshments (included) plus a Father Christmas visit in aid of raising money for the Royal BCP hospitals.
To register click here.
Alpine Lodge (Upstairs) at the Bournemouth Christmas Market.
8 December – Beaded Christmas Decoration Class – more info here.
15 December – Christmas Stocking Decorating Class – more info here.
21 December – Christmas Bath Bomb Making Class – more info here.
Sessions are at 10am & 11.15am.
All Classes £10 book via Made by Me Craft parties website.
Date: 20 December 2023 Time: 3.30-6pm
Liven up your weekend with our great family party session. With DJ (Get Up and Groove), disco & fun games from 3.34pm to 5.45pm.
Normal admission applies book your tickets via the website.
Join us on Thursday evenings from 4pm til 7pm on the run-up to Christmas for choirs, brass bands, walkabout acts and festive activities & Santa and his Elves. Click on more info to see the full program.
· Thu 21 Nov at Horseshoe Common – more info here.
· Thu 28 Nov in Beale Place – more info here.
· Thu 5 Dec on Westover Road – more info here.
· Thu 12 Dec on Commercial Road – more info here.
· Thu 19 Dec in The Triangle – more info here.
FREE family fun for everyone.
Huntick Road, Lytchett Minster BH16 6BA.
Date: Every Thursday 21st November – 19th December 2024 Time: 5-8pm
Join us for a festive evening of carol singing, live music, craft stalls, children’s activities, face painting, Elf Hunt, workshops and late night shopping!
PLUS Meet & Greet with Father Christmas from 6-8pm – £4 our child includes a gift.
Date: 18 December 2024 Times: 10am-4pm
Join Santa Claus, Giggles, Dizzy the Elves for a festive adventure. Soft Play available.
Join us every Sunday in the Alpine Lodge for free face painting, courtesy of Pixie Paint!
You can find her downstairs in the Alpine Lodge between 11am – 1pm. Please note, this is for children on a first come first serve basis, there may be a wait time.
Marwell Wildlife, Thompsons Lane, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1JH.
Date: 29 November – 30 December 2024 Time: 5pm onwards
Join us for an immersive light extravaganza as we turn the grounds into a twinkling wonderland full of fairy lights, magic and delight & book to meet Santa. *NEW* for 2024 VA Headset Experience.
Please visit Marwell Zoo to book.
Date: 7, 15 & 21 December 2024 Time: 12.30pm-2.30pm
Join us for a festive Afternoon Tea with a visit from Santa and a small gift for each child.
£15 per person. Book via Heathers Tea Room on FB.
Date: various dates between 7 – 31 December 2024 Time: 10am-12pm
Various Christmas & winter themed workshops for children age 7-12yrs.
£22 per workshop. Price includes 2 art pieces to take home, drink & snack.
Contact Karen from Fimo Ark on 07949 128998 to book.
Date: 14 December 2024 Time: 10am – 2pm
Christmas market and fair with a variety of stalls selling cakes, farm produce, cosmetics, Christmas gifts, decorations, toys and many more. Santa’s grotto – £2 per child including a gift – no need to book.
Refreshments available. Free entry.
19, 23 & 24 November 2024 – Christmas Crafting from £1.
14 December 2024 – 2.30pm – Santa Meet & Greet & Christmas Party from £2
7 & 15 December 2024 – Christmas Baking from £1.
Book via the website.
162 Wareham road, Lytchett Matravers.
Starting 29th November 2024
15 minute shows 6 & 7 pm Monday – Thursday
6, 7 & 8pm Friday and 6-8pm weekends
Donation box will be out or QR code available, all donations this year are split between Parkinson’s UK and the SSAFA armed forces charity.
Date: 16th November – 30th December 2024
The Elves, Fairies and the enchanted Elsa are making their way around the market!
16th November | Jamie Jigsaw (Magician) | 11am-12:30pm
23rd November | Elsa & Anna (Frozen) | 3:15pm – 4pm
7th December | Christmas Fairy & Elves | 2pm-2:45pm
7th December | Elsa & Anna (Frozen) | 3:15pm – 4pm
14th December | Christmas Fairy & Elves | 2pm-2:45pm
14th December | Elsa & Anna (Frozen) | 3:15pm – 4pm
22nd December | Christmas Fairy & Elves + Elsa & Anna (Frozen) | 2pm-4pm
Date: 23 November 2024 Time: 11.30am-5pm
Stalls, Live Entertainment, Food & Refreshments, Children/s Funfair & other amusements, Santa’s Grotto & Tombola, Best Shop Window Display and more.
Lions Club Parade at 4pm
Christmas Light Switch on at 5pm
Dale Close, Oakdale, Poole.
Starting 6 December 2024
Monday to Wednesday 6.15pm to 8pm
Thursday 5.30pm to 8.30pm
Please do not drive up this road it’s a tight road for cars up and down.
NOTE: The lights will be flashing fast on some bit off a sequence.
Date: 23 November 2024 – 1 January 2025 Times: 12pm-11pm
Enter a world of Christmas in Poole, with this FREE Christmas attraction! Be prepared to be dazzled as
thousands of twinkling lights take you on a nautical journey.
Immerse yourself in a magical maritime Christmas as you follow the light trail from Falkland Square,
through the High Street and onto Poole Quay.
Ringwood Town Center.
Date: 1st December 2024 Time from 11.30am – 6.30pm
– Market with lot of stalls, food & refreshment
– Santa Parades
– Street entertainment and stage acts on the Market Place stage
– Children’s entertainment in Gateway Square as well as choirs and stalls
– Santa’s Grotto
– Light Switch on at 6pm
Runton Road, Poole, BH12 1NX.
Date: 2nd December 2024 Time: Daily between 5/6pm – 10pm
Runton Road has been wowing residents of Poole with brilliant Christmas lights for over 20 years, and this year the residents of Runton are once again putting on a magical Christmas light show for you to walk past and explore.
A little further afield into Dorset – Mill Lane, Lyme Regis, DT7 3PU.
Date: 21st – 24th December 2024 Time: 11am – 1.30pm
Come to Santa’s Workshop with this interactive experience for children of all ages. Plus Christmas colouring in and make Salt Dough Christmas decorations.
No booking required. Free Entry (donations welcome).
Lower Gardens Bournemouth, BH1 2AQ
Date: 14 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
Time: Open Daily except Christmas Day – 1hr Sessions running every 15min between 10.30am-9.30pm.
Skate your way through a winter paradise and festive lighting and enjoy a hot chocolate afterwards!
Pre-booking is ESSENTIAL via the Ice Skate Bournemouth website.
Date: 23rd December 2024 Time: 10am-3pm
Animal Handling, Mad4Animals Shows (10.30am,12pm & 1.30pm), Christmas Crafts & Colouring, Meet the Donkeys, Mrs Claus Bakery and much more!
Booking required! Adults £2, Children £8 Tickets over the phone 01202 or in store.
Date: 29th December 2024, 19th January & 16th February 2025
FREE Family Film Club – more info here.
Get in the Christmas spirit with FREE festive performances from local choirs and bands!
Falkland Square
23/11, 4.25pm – 5.05pm: Citrus Singers
01/12, 12pm – 2pm: Christmas Brass Band
Inside The Dolphin, on the Amphitheatre beside Beales Department Store
05/12, 1pm & 2pm: Frayed Strings Ukulele
07/12, 1pm & 2pm: Forest Holme Hospice Charity Choir
12/12, 1pm & 2pm: Julia’s House Children’s Hospice Charity Choir
14/12, 1pm & 2pm: The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory
17/12, 1pm & 2pm: Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
19/12, 1pm & 2pm: Canford Cliffs Community Choir
21/12, 1pm & 2pm: Bournemouth & District Concert Band
Kingland Crescent
22/12, 12pm – 2pm: Christmas Brass Band
Visit the Parks Foundation events page to get involved with wildlife activities such as community tree planting, gardening, nature mindfulness, nature adult craft sessions and much more.
Many activities are completely FREE. Find out and book here.
Date: 16 November 2024 Time: 9.30am-3pm
Christmas stalls plus food & drinks. Father Christmas will be there with his little train – don’t forget to pre-book to avoid disappointment! (Children 1 to 11 – £6 per child to include gift) Call 01202 473626.
Entry £1 includes a raffle ticket to win a Christmas hamper!
28, 29 & 30 November 2024 – 9.30am-4pm – Santa Paws – more info here.
30 November & 1 December 2024 – Christmas Makers Market – more info here.
10 December 2024 – FREE Festive Beginner Bird Watching with BARI – more info here.
7 – 31 December 2024 – 10am-3.30pm
Artic Explorer Family Adventure Trail – Are you ready to go? Can you find out who’s left these tracks in the snow? Use your explorer skills to finish the expedition and receive a cuddly prize!
Expedition maps (£6 each) available from the Welcome Centre.
There are also Rustic Wreath Making & Creative Writing Workshops throughout December.
Date: 30th November 2024
4:30pm at M&S Join us for the Christmas Tree Light Switch-On and Christmas singing with the brilliant Rock Choir.
Date: 7th December 2024 Time: 10am – 5pm
Christmas comes to Westbourne – Join us for a full day of celebrations. Face Painting, Singers, Snow queens and Santa.
Date: 30 November 2024
Magical Wimborne Christmas Market!
1pm Entertainment from local schools & Choirs on stage at the square
4.30pm Christmas Lights’ Switch-On
5pm Militia firing on Minster Green & local band the Breakfast Club performing at the market in the High Street car park
Until 7pm Late night shopping
Holloway Avenue, Bournemouth BH11 9JR.
Date: 6 December – 9.30-11am & 7 December 2024 – 7.30-9pm
Wreath Making Workshop with complimentary drinks and nibbles – £14.5o per person more info here.
