If you want to find out where to see Santa in 2023 in BCP then you are in the right place! We’ve listed all the places in and around Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole to see Father Christmas this year.
Remember to book early to see Father Christmas this year in BCP – he is a very busy man!
Experience the wonder of the Christmas season at Bobby’s Bournemouth Santa’s Grotto from 2. – 23. December 2023 between 11am and 3pm. Step into a world of enchantment as you visit Santa in his magical dome, receive a special present, and capture cherished memories with professional photos.
Santa’s Grotto: Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as you enter our cosy and beautifully decorated Santa’s Grotto.
Meet Santa: Get ready to meet Santa Claus himself. Share your wishes, have a chat, and take a keepsake photo.
Receive a Gift: Santa has a special gift just for you. Every child who visits receives a memorable present.
Extras (Available for Purchase on the Day):
Professional Photos: Capture the magic of the moment with professional photos of your family with Santa. Choose from various options, including snow globes, Christmas tree ornaments, or a booklet. These photos make for wonderful keepsakes and gifts.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to create special memories with your loved ones and bring home a beautifully captured moment with Santa. Book your visit to Bobby’s Bournemouth Santa’s Grotto today and make this Christmas season truly magical.
Come to Bobby’s Bournemouth Santa’s Grotto and experience the joy of meeting Santa, receiving a delightful gift, and preserving the magic with professional photos. It’s a Christmas tradition that will warm your heart and create lasting memories.
The grotto is located on the lower ground floor of Bobby’s Department Store in Bournemouth Square. You can get to the grotto by using the main entrances at the front of Bobby’s or you can enter the grotto via Bournemouth gardens. What 3 words: https://w3w.co/cross.empire.clay
Prices: Adult’s FREE! – Under 1’s £8 – Children £15.
Join Elf&Elf this year as they make some Christmas Magic with you!
From ‘Doorstep Deliveries’ where the magic is delivered straight to your home, to ‘Grotto Visits’. From ‘Breakfast with Santa’ to ‘Tales by the Tree’.
Elf&Elf will have everything you need to create memories that last a lifetime!
Book your Christmas Magic now and visit elfandelf.com.
Each visit includes:
Elf and Elf 16 Page activity book
3 FREE Elf & Elf ebooks
A ‘Letter to Santa Template’
Read your child’s name from the nice list!
A Candy Cone for each child!
Collect & deliver your letter to the man himself!
Book via their website Elf and Elf.
Santa has taken a break from all of his hard work in the North Pole this winter to join us on our Sail with Santa cruises around Poole Harbour on the 2. & 3. 9. & 10. and 16. – 24. December 2023 with Cruises departing at 11am, 1pm & 3pm.
Passing Brownsea Island, Sandbanks Peninsula, Studland Bay and more. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie while you listen to Christmas carols playing in the background. Santa will also be walking around the boat, meeting all the children, the small ones and those ‘just a little bit older’ too. Each child will receive a Christmas present directly from Santa!
After disembarking why not take a wander around the Quay to admire the Maritime Christmas Lights and shop for the perfect Christmas gifts in the local shops, boutiques and Christmas Market at Hennings.
Take the memory of Santa with you and have a Merry, Merry Christmas!
Christmas Party Trail
Date: December 2023 & January 2024 Time: 10am-4pm
Help Rodney the Reindeer find out who his new heathland neighbours are and where they live so he can send them invitations to his Christmas party!
Trail packs cost £3.50 from the Visitor Centre.
Santa’s Grotto
Date: 3. 9./10. 16.-22. December 2023 Time: 10am-3pm
Join Santa and his elves in his magical cabin for a meet and greet with the whole family. Pictures are welcome.
£15 per child (includes gift) Adults Free.
Make your own Reindeer
Date: 16. & 17. December 2023
Booking essential.
Santa’s Enchanted Winter Experience
Date: 25. December – 5 January 2024 Time: 4-8pm
Visit Santa in a colourful world as you embark on a magical journey in our enchanted forest.
£15 per child (includes gift) £10 per adult.
Get your tickets via Ticket Source/avonheathenchantedevents.
164 Canford Cliffs Road, Poole BH13 7ES.
Date: 21./22. & 24. December 2023 Time: 21./22. – 9.30am to 11am | 24. – 9am to 11am
Our Breakfast with Father Christmas will give the kids a magical experience. Parents can watch their children’s eyes light up when they receive a special gift, whilst tucking into a delicious breakfast.
£20.95 per person, Children (under 2) £5.95.
To book please call 01202 700778.
Date: 2./3. 9./10. 16./17. + 21.-24. December 2023
Waterford Road, Highcliffe, Christchurch, BH23 5JA.
Date: 9./10/ 16./17. 22./23. December 2023 Time: 8.45-9.45am arrival 9am start.
Join us for Breakfast with Santa! Kids will receive a special present from Father Christmas while enjoying breakfast. Afterward, there will be a reading of “The Night Before Christmas,” a selection of festive songs, and photo opportunities with Santa.
Tickets £25 per person call 01425 278058 to book.
Broadhurst Ave, Northbourne BH10 6JW.
Date: 3. 10. & 17. December 2023 (17th SOLD OUT) Time: 9am-11.30pm
Bring the kids & get in festive spirit. Hot & Cold breakfast options, soft drink, crafts, post a letter to Santa, meet the man himself and get a gift.
Ticket price tbc.
Book via the Crown Northbourne website.
Dates: 2./3. 9./10. 16./17. & 21. – 24. December 2023
Key West Bar & Grill, Bournemouth Pier, Bh2 5AA.
Date: 9. & 16./17. & 23. December 2023 Time: 9am – 12pm.
You will be greeted by Santa’s merry elves and children will be able to write a letter to Father Christmas and post it in our magical post box before meeting the big man himself & receiving a gift!
Under 3s £10 | Under 12s £27.50 | Adults £27.50.
Book via Key West Bar & Grill.
Date: 9. & 16. December 2023 Time: 9.30am-11.30am
Includes a choice of kids breakfast plus a present from Santa.
£10 per child contact Tuckton Tea Gardens to book.
Weekend & Holiday Farmer Christmas Experience
Dates: 9th, 10th, 16th – 23rd December 2023
Meet Santa & his elves in the Magical Christmas Barn, PLUS a gift from the Elves at Ye Olde Toy Shoppe! with allocated time slot.
Tickets £17.50
Weekday Farmer Christmas Experience
Dates: 12th & 13th December 2023
Cheaper tickets due to fewer staff (elves helping Mrs Claus) same experience as above.
Twilight Christmas Experience
Dates: 16th, 18th, 20th – 23rd December 2023
Join us for an atmospheric evening of meeting ‘Farmer Christmas’, Madam Claus and all the Elves under the twinkling Christmas lights.
Child £27 Adult £10 (includes park Admissions & child’s supper&drink)
Wimborne, BH21 4EA.
Date: 25. November – 1. January 2023
Join us for festive fun at Kingston Lacy, where the fabulously decorated house will tell traditional Christmas tales from around the world.
Date: 25. & 26. December 2023 Time: Slots every hour between 10am-3pm
Storytelling with Santa – This festive season, join us on an adventure to find Santa in his hidden storybook nook for a cosy Christmas tale, an early gift and a photo with the man himself!
Tickets £15 per child (0-12 years old) with one accompanying adult per child. Booking essential normal admission applies.
Date: 18. – 20. December 2023 Time: 10am-5pm
Santa’s sleigh will touch down at the park!
Meet Santa
Make a present for the primates with Santa’s elves
Take the Christmas trail around the park
£5 per child (incl. present) plus entrance fee.
Children can visit Santa’s grotto (without meeting Santa) for no additional cost from 18th- 21st December.
Date: Daily in December 2023 Time: 5-10.30pm
Santa projections on every day on the highstreet outside the Sovereign Centre.
Date: TBC
Santa’s Grotto on selected dates in December at the Sovereign Centre.
Valley Rd, Bournemouth BH8 0EB.
Date: 2./3. 9./10. + 15.-17. December 2023 Time: 12-6pm
SEN visits 7. & 14. December
Magical Grotto, Meet Santa & his elves, receive a gift & feed the animals. Slots 1-3pm & 4-6pm.
Christmas Tombola, Christmas Choir & Petting Animals.
£15 Child £5 Adult – Head to the website to book.
20./22. December Mrs Claus meet with pony ride and present 1hr 2-12yrs.
20. December Christmas Pony Ride and Picnic with the Elves 3hrs 8-13yrs.
20./22. December Christmas Pony Ride and Picnic with the Elves 2hrs 6-12yrs.
19./21. December Festive Pony Day Morning 3hrs 8-13yrs.
Book via the Honey Brook Riding Stables website.
133 Parkstone Rd, Poole BH15 2PB.
Date: 17. December Breakfast at 10am or 23. December 2024 – Lunch at 1.30pm
Come and have breakfast or lunch with Santa! Take Pictures with Santa & receive a personalised gift.
Book via The Club Hub Poole website.
Branksome Dean Beach, BH13 6JP.
Date: 2. December 2023 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.
Date: 11. December 2023 Time: 3.30 – 5.30pm
Cosy story time with the Enchanted Nanny & Santa visit.
Tickets are £15 (£10 for any additional siblings attending with 1 adult) book via the website.
16 Landseer Rd, Westbourne, Bournemouth BH4 9EH.
Date: 20. & 21. December 2023 Time: 3-4.30pm & 5-6.30pm
Enjoy the soft play, visit Father Christmas and enjoy some Christmas snacks! Each child will receive a small gift and have an opportunity for photos with Father Christmas.
Tickets: Child £19.95 (6 months+) | Adult £6.50
Book via the Lollipops website.
976 Wimborne Rd, Moordown BH9 2DF.
Date: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 18th, and 19th December 2023
Father Christmas is visiting Nan’s Place. Tickets will be £30 per child and £6.95 per adult.
Booking via Nan’s Place Facebook Page.
East Cliff Promenade, BH1 3AA.
Date: 6. 9. & 10. December 2023 Time: Timed slot 10.30am-12.30am (6.Dec) 10.30am-3.30pm (9.-10. Dec)
Visit Father Christmas in the beautifully decorated Dining Room and receive a small gift.
£12.50 per child.
Pre-booking required visit the website to book.
Date: 10. December 2023 Time: 11am-2pm
Father Christmas will be making a special visit! Handing out presents and celebrating the season.
There will also be face painting. FREE Tickets register here.
Dates: Daily until 25. December 2023
The O.G Giggles The Elf would love to Meet and Greet you and your children at your home at Christmas time write a list and he will surprise you at your door with music, stories & a present.
£70 1st child, £20 per additional child. Call Si Mon – Sun 8am – 8pm to book.
23-29 High St, Wimborne BH21 1HR.
Date: 2. & 16. December 2023 Time: 2-3pm, 2.45-3.45pm, 3.30-4.30pm
Price: £15 per child (age 2+).
Join the Reindeer trail and make Christmas crafts and write a letter to Santa with the help of the elves. Meet Santa & listen to a festive story. Gift included.
Please visit Museum of East Dorset to book.
25 Birds Hill Rd, Poole BH15 2QJ.
Date: 20. December 2022 Time: 11am-5pm
Little Gizmos Entertainment with Super-Si will be at Colin’s Nest with Santa’s Christmas Grotto!
FREE to see Santa and Giggle’s the Elf!!
Face Painting (small charge)
Bring your family and friends.
Come and meet O.G Giggles and Dizzy the cheeky Elves from Gizmo Entertainment.
Date: 20. December 2023 Time: 11-5pm
FREE Christmas Event at Colin’s Nest Cafe with a magical Christmas Grotto, Christmas inflatables, Face Painter, see Santa & play games with the Elves.
Date: 26. November 2022 Time: 12-3pm
Littledown Center more info here.
Ower, Romsey SO51 6AL.
Date: 2. December – 23. December 2023
Santa’s Christmas Wish Show! Singing, Dancing and fun with Father Christmas.
Frosty’s Snowtime and Santa’s Storytime
Magical Illuminations around the Park
See and hear the Marvellous Musical Christmas Tree
Meet Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Reindeer and Billy and Belinda Elves.
Please call 023 8081 4442 to book.
Date: 4. -23. December 2023 Time: 6pm to 8pm
Parkstone, Longfleet, Heckford, Oakdale, Creekmoor, Upton, Hamworthy, Stanley Green, Talbot Village, Waterloo, Verity Cresecent (and closes off).
Check out route maps here.
Daytime Locations
Wednesday 13-Dec 4 – 7pm John Lewis, Branksome
Thursday 21-Dec 9am – 4.30pm Tesco, Branksome
Saturday 23-Dec 9am – 4.30pm Tesco, Branksome
Ringwood Town Center.
Date: 26. November 2023 Time from 11.30am onwards
– Market with lot of stalls, food & refreshment
– The Polar Express Miniature Railway
– Santa Parades – 11:30am (Town Center Car Park) & 5.45pm
– Fairground, Street Entertainment & Live music (from 2pm)
– Bands performing on the High Street – 12pm to 6pm.
– Christmas Lights switch on with Santa at 6pm.
On the 1.5hr cruise kids get to meet Santa & receive a present, soft drink and biscuits and grown ups get a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.
£15 per Child/Adult £5 Under 5’s.
To book Sail with Santa Cruises, please call City Cruises Poole on 0748 3038487.
Santa’s Tea Party – Santa’s taking a well-earned break. Join him for a special Christmas storytime session, complete with snacks, cocoa and a special gift.
£15 per child (incl. soft toy worth £10). £5 per adult (inc. hot drink & cake).
Check the John Lewis/Santa Grotto website.
57 Martins Hill Lane, Christchurch.
Date: 22. December 2023 Times: 6-7.30pm
Come and meet Santa and his Elfs in the secret garden! Raising money for our charity, The Isabel Baker Foundation. Disco & Music from local singers.
Just turn up no tickets required.
14 Station Approach, Broadstone, BH18 8AX.
Date: 9. & 16. December 2023 Time: 9.30-11.30am
Join us for a Santa Breakfast where Santa Claus himself will be making a special appearance to spread some holiday cheer and give an early Christmas gift.
Price £10pp Kids & £15pp Adults book via The Goods Yard website.
Date: 27. 28. 30. November 8. 11. & 13. December Time: from 5pm
Check out maps of the route on their Facebook Page.
PLEASE NOTE; They will be taking donations by cash, card or food for the local food banks.
2. December 2023 7am-5.30pm – Castlepoint Come and meet Santa.
Date: 2./3. 9./10./ 16./17. 19./20. December 2023 Time: 10.30am-4.30pm
Relaxed Experience SEN Friendly Date: 9. December 2023
Advance booking is essential.
Stanpit Christchurch.
Date: 20. December 2023 Time: 9.45-10.30am & 10.45-11.30am
Baby Theatre Meet & Greet Santa sessions for ages 0-3 years old
Singing festive favs & exploring festive sensory stations
Free festive fresheners for grown ups
Present
Meeting Santa & photo opportunities
Baby theatre fun
Tickets £8.50 per child – Adults free book via the website.
Date: 2. December – 24. December 2023
Santa & his elf will visit your door and have a brief but personalised Christmas chat with your children outside your home.
Early Bird Tickets available (£4 OFF per child) before 2nd November 2023.
Tickets from £25.50 per child gift included.
Check if your postcode is included and book your tickets via the Honeybrook Adventure Farm website.
8-9 Falkland Square, Poole BH15 1ER.
Date: 6. December 2023 Time: 2-4pm
Santa’s Grotto
Biscuit decorating
Card making
Tree decorating
Visit from Santa and a present
Lucky dip
£5pp (all donations go to Forest Holme Hospice).
Date: 20. December 2023 in Stanpit Christchurch
Get your little ones into the festive spirit this December with our Magical Christmas Wonderland.
Free festive Refreshments, loads of Baby Theatre fun including singing Christmas songs and a small present.
Tickets £8.50 (45min session)
Check times via the Baby Theatre website or call 07752 061382 to book.
Christchurch BH23 4SA & Bromhill BH21 7DE.
Dates: 18. November – 24. December 2023
Join Santa in his grotto with his elves for some festive cheer! BRAND NEW Christmas Selfie Walkway.
SEN Dates:
Christchurch – 30. November 6-7.30pm & 3.+12. Dec 10-11am
Bromhill – 3. Dec 10-11.30am & 8.+15. Dec 4.30-5.30pm
Tickets: Babies (0-6m) £3 (no present) | Child (includes present) £17.50 | Adults £2.50
Book via the website.
Richmond Gardens Shopping Centre, Old Christchurch Rd BH1 1EP.
Date: 17. & 18. December 2023 Time: 9am, 11am and 2pm Slots
2 hour skate session, craft activities, face painting, photos and gifts from Santa himself and much more.
£20 per child book via the Prevail Junior website.
Santa’s helpers welcome you into the grotto – check out the elves workshop.
Write a wish list & pop it into the speedy post box
Meet Santa and receive free, age-appropriate gift & a digital photo
Aimed at Under 9’s but everyone is welcome. Click here to see all the selected Tesco stores and book your slot.
UPDATE: All slots for participating Tescos in the BCP area are now booked up but please do check to see if slots become available due to cancellations.
Poole Rd, Wimborne BH21 1QB.
Date: 9. 10. & 17. December 2023 Time: 9am-11am
Breakfast with Santa includes one Children’s breakfast with unlimited squash, a visit from Santa and a gift. For an adult this includes one traditional breakfast and unlimited basic tea or coffee until 11.30am.
£8 per child. £10 per adult. Book via the website.
Date: 2. December 2023 Time: 11am-2pm
Santa Event – Westbourne Arcade with singing by Sound of Soul Choir 11.30am-12.15pm & 12.45-1.30pm. Mice Pies for Donation plus sweets and glow sticks for the kids.
Date: 2./3. 9./10. 16.-23. Decem ber 2023 Time: 10am – 5pm (3. 10. & 17. Dec till 3pm)
Santa’s Grotto at the Sovereign Centre (inside the entrance to the centre from the high street) £8 per child pay on the day or book via the Westbourne Rotary website.
Date: 4.- 21. December 2023 Time: Evening between 5 – 8pm
Santa’s Sleigh is coming your way and his elves will be happy to collect any donation you would like to make, if you are able. Maps of the routes can be found here.
Additionally Santa and his Sleigh can be found at the following Tesco Stores
Sunday 10th December Tesco, Branksome – 10.00 – 4.00pm
Sunday 17th December Tesco, Castle Lane – 1.00pm – 4.30pm
