How is it Christmas already? I’m still going through a very large stash of chocolate and treats acquired during Halloween and suddenly I need to think about getting a Christmas Tree this weekend?!
If you are also getting a tree, we’ve put together a guide to help you find local shops selling Christmas Trees this year. Click here.
We know Christmas can be such a busy time for families. We all want to create wonderful memories and for our kids to have a magical time. However, it isn’t always easy to please everyone in the family. This is why we’ve put together a What’s on guide, with ideas for every age and budget.
But this is a small selection only. If you’d like a full list of events, Christmas Grottos, and shows please visit our Christmas Guide here.
And for events happening on a specific date only, please check our Events Calendar here.
CityCruises Poole Sail with Santa
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland had to be at the top of our list. It offers a truly magical experience during the festive season. Walk around the Christmas Tree Wonderland without spending a penny or visit the Alpine Market and Skate for a family treat.
Honeybrook Adventure Farm is already a popular choice this Christmas amongst members of our community. And we can see why; real animals – including reindeer- and a Christmas Grotto!
CityCruises Poole is once again hosting their Sail with Santa Experience, with lots of entertainment for the little ones while you sail around the beautiful Poole Harbour.
But nothing shouts family Christmas like a good Panto, and this year we are spoilt for choice. Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne is showing Dick Whittington; Lighthouse, Poole is showing Jack and the Beanstalk; and Bournemouth International Centre is showing Aladdin.
Dick Whittington’s Panto giveaway here.
Jack and the Beanstalk’s giveaway here.
Our final top-rated event is Christmas Spectacular at Regent Centre Christchurch. This Christmas extravaganza has been running for eight years and it once again promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for the entire family.
But we know it’s hard to find something for every taste and budget during Christmas when so many families get together. This is why we’ve put together a few more suggestions below.
Moors Valley is a family favourite all-year-round; their Christmas trail is a great low-cost family day in nature. However, if you have an Elsa or Anna fan at home, you can’t miss the Frozen-themed trail at the Walled Garden Moreton. Or for a hands-on activity, visit Hengistbury Head; they are running reindeer making workshops on specific dates. Don’t forget to book your place online.
Entertaining toddlers can be a challenge during the festive season because many toddler groups and weekly activities stop until January. The Lantern parade in Poole on the 12th December is likely to be a big favourite. Don’t forget to take your own lantern!
Also, The Teddy Bear Museum is asking little ones to help find Santa’s missing reindeer and in return, they’ll receive their own Christmas Bear.
Weymouth Sea Life is hosting SEN-Only Meet Father Christmas Quiet at the Aquarium Day on 30th November. Book your tickets online.
If there’s a time of the year to support a good cause, it has to be Christmas. Poole Hospital’s Charity returns with their Elf dash on 8th December in a brand-new venue, Cycle Speedaway. And Lewis-Manning’s Santa Dash is back at Upton Country Park on1st December.
Older kids will love the Medieval Christmas Adventure with the Lord of Misrule at Corfe Castle. Games, dancing and plenty of mischief await.
Can’t Wait For Christmas at Lighthouse, Poole
These are the family shows we think you can’t miss this Christmas. A panto is a must, as mentioned above. We are running competitions for family tickets to the pantos at Poole Mumbler. Don’t miss out!
Can’t Wait For Christmas will be at Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts with live music and gentle audience participation. For a Nativity story, Hark! will be at St. Nicholas Church on 1st December. And for cinema lovers, Frozen II is out now with amazing reviews.
Christmas can be an expensive time of the year for families. Luckily, there’s plenty of entertainment available in Dorset which won’t cost you anything.
Poole Hospital’s Carol Service will be held at The Spire on 17th December, and it’s free admission. Also, the Rotary Club of Poole Bay returns to Bournemouth and Poole with their Santa Express. Check times and routes on their website. Finally, kids can take part for free on a candle decorations activity at Poole Museum.
If you are looking for a calmer experience, Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is hosting a Victorian Christmas Weekend on 14th and 15th December. The historic house has been decorated for the festive season and you can expect a series of unique activities.
I hope you find this useful. Please drop me a message here if you’d like me to add anything or if you think I’ve done a good job 😉
