Christmas fun in Weymouth
Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Family Christmas Activities in Dorset 2023
It's that time of year again, and 2023 sees the return of many family Christmas events in Dorset. Check out our guide below to lost of festive fun for all ages as well as links to our other pages for more exciting things to do this winter.
Updated 13/11/2023
For the full Christmas, panto and winter theatre guide in Dorset >>>>>Click here
For the complete 'Where's Santa?' guide in Dorset >>>>>Click here
For our frequently updated online 'What's On?' listings of family activities in Dorset >>>>>Click here
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2. Snow White at Bournemouth Pavilion
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In true Weymouth fashion Christmas begins on November 25th with Dorset’s largest Elf Street party; with a parade commencing in St Mary Street guiding Father Christmas through the Town Centre by hundreds of elves, a marching band, local dance troupes, face painting, stilt walkers, elves big and small. So, don your elf outfits once again and join the parade and street party, making it the biggest the County has ever seen!
Bringing a touch of fantasy to Christmas celebrations from Dec 1-3 there will be Steampunk events for all the family including Ghost tours, Steampunk Fashion & Market, and the Annual Steampunk Promenade.
Dec 9-10 Traditional Christmas events
Dec 16-17 Santa is visiting with his stilt walking elves, and don’t forget the pudding run!
Visit www.weareweymouth.co.uk/christmas-in-weymouth-2023
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Snow White at Bournemouth Pavilion
Join Bournemouth Pavilion for the greatest magical pantomime ever told this December, starring Su Pollard as the Wicked Queen! Bursting with great songs and plenty of laughter, and with a beautiful princess, a jealous Wicked Queen, seven bumbling dwarfs, a naughty nurse, a hilarious jester and not forgetting a poisoned apple and a magic mirror, it’s not to be missed. Heigh-Ho… Heigh-Ho… It's off to Bournemouth Pavilion's panto we go!
Find out more at www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk/
Experience the Magic of Christmas at Santa’s Grotto at Moonacre!
When families visit they can expect a special visit to Santa Claus, gingerbread decorating, Mrs Claus Story Time, hot chocolate with marshmallows, soft play for under 3s and the Back Garden Bubbles Inflatable for under 7s.
Your ticket includes ALL of these experiences at Santa’s Grotto at Moonacre Plus, adults and older children who are accompanying a paying child can enjoy the festivities for free, allowing everyone to tailor their visit to their liking.
You can also enhance your experience with optional extras, including a family photo opportunity with Santa, Festive Food Truck, Face Painter and Christmas raffle.
Find out more at www.backgardenbubbles.com/grottos
ACCESSIBLE SANTA VISITS AND RELAXED PANTO PERFORMANCES AT ADVENTURE WONDERLAND
“The magic of Christmas is an exciting time for everyone but we are aware that it can be quite overwhelming for some of our guests and that’s why we are delighted to bring back our exclusive afternoon of Christmas magic for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) on Saturday 2nd December 2023.
We will have a reduced capacity to ensure that guests get a longer visit to Father Christmas inside his snowy log cabin. The reduced capacity will also help to reduce the number of guests in our play centre, Wild Thing. We’ll turn off the thunderdome ball cannon and music effects which will make the experience ideal for children with special educational needs, or anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment.
The afternoon performances of our pantomime, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ will also be amended for our SEN guests. The house lights in the theatre will remain on during the show and guests can come and go as they please. Guests will get to meet all of the characters before the show starts so there are no surprises. We will reduce the volume of the show and turn off the flashing lights to minimise sensory overload.
“Our Christmas event is always a sell-out success but that means it’s often too busy and too noisy for guests who may have additional needs and sensory processing disorders,” says Andy Brennan, Creative Director for Adventure Wonderland. “We strongly believe that Santa should be accessible for everyone which is why we’re introducing some amendments to the experience on Saturday 2nd December 2023.”
The SEN Santa sessions are 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 16:30 and 17:00.
The relaxed performance of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ will take place at 16:30.”
Find out more at www.adventurewonderland.co.uk
Mapperton Christmas Fair
“Join us for our popular Mapperton Christmas Fair! Due to its popularity last year, this will be a 2-day event with over 80 stalls, and NEW addition such as a bar, live band, playing your festive favourites and even get to see Father Christmas! Choose from either the 25th or 26th November.
Tickets are £5, with under 12’s going free.
You’ll find all your Christmas gifts here all sourced locally. From natural soaps, luxury leather goods, handmade jewellery, hand-blended skincare, crocheted gifts, Dorset poured candles, handcrafted botanical liqueurs, still and sparkling wines, handmade hats and fascinators, original watercolours, cards, ceramics plus lots of yummy Dorset food and drink, there’s something for everyone on your Christmas list!
We ask that all visitors pre-book tickets to guarantee speedy entry as this is a hugely popular event. Bookings can be made on our website or tickets on sale on the door.
We look forward to seeing you here for a festive day out!”