What's On in Dorset

Pliosaur the Terrifying Sea Rex

Venue: Museum of Jurassic Marine Life - The Etches Collection

Website: www.theetchescollection.org/giant-sea-monster

See the amazing Pliosaur skull discovery and learn more aobut how it lived, hunted and died in the Jurassic seas of Kimmeridge

Bournemouth Christmas Market

Venue: Bournemouth

Website: www.christmasinbournemouth.co.uk

Festive stalls open daily

Skate Bournemouth

Venue: Lower Gardens in Bournemouth

Website: www.iceskatebournemouth.co.uk

Real ice rink and refreshments

Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland

Venue: Bournemouth

Website: www.christmastreewonderland.co.uk

Trees and illuminations event - free to visit

Christmas Afternoon Tea

Venue: Russell Cotes

Website: www.russellcotes.com

Festive Afternoon Tea - booking required

Allendale Christmas Craft Fair

Venue: The Allendale

Website: www.theallendale.org

Handcrafted itmes especially for Christmas with free entry

Annual Christmas market at Swanage and Wareham RFC

Venue: Swanage and Wareham RFC

Website: www.swanageandwarehamrfc.co.uk

Indoor stalls, food, drink, entertainment and more. Entertainemnt throughout and into the evening

Blandford Repair Café

Venue: Blandford Scout Hut

Website: www.blandfordrepaircafe.co.uk

Free opportunity to have items repaired

Bryanston Christmas Fair

Venue: Bryanston School

Website: www.thewessexeventcompany.co.uk

Art, crafts, food and drink, street food and kids activities. Under 16s go free

Christchurch Christmas Lights Switch On

Venue: Christchurch

Website: www.christchurch-tc.govuk

Free event 11am to 7pm - live music, Santa, festive market and more

Christmas Arts and Crafts Fayre

Venue: Compton Acres

Website: www.comptonacres.co.uk

Explore unique, handmade treasure from local exhibitors and don't miss the chance to pick up your Christmas tree from the plant centre

Christmas Bazaar

Venue: Trinity Club, Dorchester

Website: www.dorchestertrinityclub.co.uk

Cakes, crafts, refreshments, gifts - free entry. In aid of Dorchester Family Support

Christmas Lights Switch On - Dorchester

Venue: Brewery Square

Website: www.brewerysquare.com

Live music, entertainment, skating, balloon modelling, stilt walkers and Dorchester Christmas market

Creatives at The Castle' at Christmas

Venue: Highcliffe Castle

Website: www.highcliffecastle.co.uk

Join talented local makers and creators at Highcliffe Castle for the Christmas Fair and purchase festive gifts

Creatives at The Castle' at Christmas

Venue: Highcliffe Castle

Website: www.highcliffecastle.co.uk

Christmas fiar which includes entry to the castle, entry to the fair, admission to the new exhibition and festive activities for children

Dorchester Christmas Market

Venue: Brewery Square

Website: www.dorchesterchristmasmarket.com

Festive food and drink, ice skating rink, local artisan suppliers, carol singing, entertainment and music, Christmas trees and lights, Santa's Grotto and 30 stalls

Family Crafts in the Gun Room

Venue: Oxburgh Estate

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk/oxburgh-estate

Drop in at the Gun Room this festive period and join in with a choice of simple, family Christmas crafts

Kingston Maurward Christmas Fair

Venue: Kingston Maurward

Website: www.kmc.ac.uk

Join in for a festive weekend of handmade treasures, unique gifts and seasonal cheer. Ages 16 and under go free

Lyme Regis Christmas Light Switch On

Venue: Broad Street, Lyme Regis

Website: www.lymechristmaslights.co.uk

Christmas lantern workshop in Lyme Regis Baptist Church Pine Hall at 2pm, judging of the lanterns at 4pm. Lyme Regis Majorettes, Fitsteps and Lyme Morris performing Broad Street followed by a parade of...

Park to Pier Walk

Venue: Meet at Durlston Country park

Website: www.swanagepiertrust.com

Opportunity to learn more about the Country Park led by a Ranger. Be joined by a Pier Volunteer for a stroll from Durlston Country Park down to the Pier, on the way discovering the history, wildlife and...

Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail

Venue: Poole

Website: www.poole-christmas-maritime-light-trail.co.uk

Magical maritime christmas as you follow the light trail from falkland Square, through the High Street and onto Poole Quay

Shire Hall Christmas market

Venue: Shire Hall Courthouse Museum

Website: www.shirehalldorset.org

Free to enter market from local businesses selling everything from food and drink to jewellery and photography

The Cliff's Christmas Market

Venue: The Cliff, Canford Cliffs

Website: www.thecliffcanfordcliffs.co.uk

Stalls, entertainment and more

Wreath Making

Venue: Lyme Regis Museum

Website: www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk

See website for details - £5 payable on the day

Christmas Market at Littledown Centre

Venue: Littledown Centre

Website: www.facebook.com/littledowncentre

Fun entertainment, all day face painting, up to 80 stalls and carol performances

Advent Calendar Craft

Venue: Bridport Library

Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Make your own Father Christmas Tree Beard or Christmas Tree calendar

Christmas Bazaar

Venue: The Allendale

Website: www.allendale.org

Discover unique festive gifts, enjoy Christmas treats and indulge in the celebrations in aid of The Dorset Cancer Care Foundation

Christmas Festive Friday

Venue: Magna Academy

Website: www.facebook.com/magnaacedemyaat

School choir, raffle, stalls, drinks, food, crafts, food, crafts and meet Santa

Drop 'N' Go Session at Rock Reef

Venue: Rock Reef

Website: www.rockreef.co.uk

Get prepared for the Christmas season whilst the kids are at Rock Reef. Ticket includes The Ultimate Adventure ticket with food and drinks for 3 hours, fully supervised by the trained supervisors - book...

Illuminate 2024

Venue: Abbotsbury subtropical Gardens

Website: www.abbotsburytickets.co.uk

Outdoor winter enchanted lights display within the gardens. New route for 2024

Tightwire Workshop

Venue: The Exchange, Sturminster

Website: www.stur-exchange.co.uk

Children and young people can take part in a taster session in balancing on ropes, beams and tightwires. Suitable for ages 5+

Abbey Farm Tithe Barne Christmas Fair

Venue: Abbey Farm

Website: www.abbeyfarmabbotsbury.co.uk

Selection of artisan vendors, food, live music, choirs and a variety of festive events

Children's Chirstmas Give and Take Event

Venue: Woodmead halls

Address: Lyme Regis

Website: www.littlegreenchange.com

The ideas of the event is for people to take what they no longer use, extending the lifespan of items and keeping them from ending up in landfill, or from being incinerated. People do not need to bring...

Christmas Elf Extravaganza

Venue: Nothe Fort

Website: www.nothefort.org.uk

Elf Hunt and Picklebottom the elf Christmas Shows - a fun-filled interactive family show (show only on 1st December)

Christmas Magic at The Blue Pool

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Venue: The Blue Pool

Website: www.bluepooltearooms.co.uk

Winter stroll through the Nature Reserve, festive drinks, Christmas gifts and arts and crafts. Option to visit Santa.

Christmas Market - St Mary's School

Venue: St Mary's School,

Address: Puddletown

Website: www.facebook.com/smsapuddletown

Crafts and stalls, kids zone, teas and coffess - free entry

Christmas Market at Larmer Tree

Venue: Larmer Tree

Website: www.larmertree.co.uk

Festive event -book tickets online

Christmas Tree Festival

Venue: Cheap Street Church

Address: Sherborne

Festival to raise money for two charities

Countdown to Christmas advent calendar craft activity

Venue: Shaftesbury Library

Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

enjoy creating a snowman whose carrot nose counts down each day closer to Christmas

Dorset Team Christmas Fair

Venue: The Allendale

Website: www.allendale.org

60 stalls by local Etsy sellers, makers and other creatives with a huge variety of diffferent quality crafts and stalls

Fox and Cubs' dads and kids activity sessions

Venue: Upton Country Park

Website: www.uptoncountrypark.com

Monthly sessions designed for dads and kids to spend some quality time together in the great outdoors (mums also welcome)

High Corner Inn Christmas Market

Venue: High Corner Inn

Website: www.facebook.com /thehighcornerinn

Over 30 stalls of locally made/sourced gifts and homewares, festive food and drink, carol singing

Poole Grammar Christmas Fayre

Venue: Poole Grammar School

Jolly atmosphere with Christmas live music, delicious seasonal food and drinks, over 100 local stallholders offering unique gifts and treats, Santa's Grotto, climbing wall. Adults £1.00, children free....

Poundbury Christmas Market

Venue: Poundbury Christmas Market

Website: www.poundburychristmasmarket.co.uk

Gifts, food, drinks, craft, music and more. Plus meet Santa Claus at Boo's Toy Shop

Real Christmas Trees - Moors Valley

Venue: Moors Valley

Website: www.moors-valley.co.uk

Choose your tree in the spacious open-air Christmas Tree shop and browse hundereds of spruces or firs

Upton House Christmas Makers Market

Venue: Upton House

Website: www.uptoncountrypark.com

Free entry to local artisans' craft stalls and pop-up tea rooms. Live music from local choirs

Walk To Remember

Venue: The Tank Museum

Website: www.tankmuseum.org

Family friendly charity walk helping to raise vital funds to support veterans and their families with life changing services. Plus, you and your famiy can enjoy free entry to the Museum after your walk

Wimborne Minster Christmas Lights

Venue: Wimborne Minster

Website: www.wimborne.info/events/wimborne-food-festival

Entertainment from lcoal schools, choirs, Christmas Markets and light switch on

Christmas Biscuit Workshop

Venue: Gather @ Dolphin Shopping Centre

Website: www.diverseabilities.org.uk

Kids workshop creating festive biscuits - book online

Christmas Elf Extravaganza

Venue: Nothe Fort

Website: www.nothefort.org.uk

Elf Hunt and Picklebottom the elf Christmas Shows - a fun-filled interactive family show (show only on 1st December)

Christmas Fayre - Sandford Labour Club

Venue: Sandford Labour Club

Website: www.facebook.com/sandfordlabourclub

Christmas stalls and gifts , refreshements avaialble

Christmas Market - Walled Garden Moreton

Venue: Walled Garden Moreton

Website: www.walledgardenmoreton.co.uk

Festive market with free entry and parking

Highcliffe Castle Christmas Tree Festival

Venue: Highcliffe Castle

Website: www.highcliffecastle.co.uk

Decorated trees in the State rooms, Christmas storytelling, festive trail and new art exhibition 'The Wonder of Winter.' Evening admission on selected dates

Santa Meet and Greet

Venue: Dorchester Youth and Community Centre

Website: www.facebook.com/dorchesteryouthcentre

Meet Santa for £5 per child, youth market, stalls, arts and crafts, music, cookies, drinks and prizes

Santa Paws Christmas Market

Venue: Honky Tonk Collective, Hamworthy

Website: www.honkytonkcollective.co.uk

Makret stalls, food and drink, Santa's Grotto and more

Festive Fun

Venue: Upton Library and Children's Centre

Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Make a Rudolph hat and a Christmas wreath, listen to some festive stories and play Christmas bingo

SEN Friendly Evening at Nutley Farm

Venue: Nutley farm

Website: www.nutleyevents.co.uk

SEN friendly experience tailored to provide a magical and comfortable visit for children and young people with SEN and autism in Dorset

Blandford Yuletide Festival

Venue: Blandford

Website: www.blandford-yuletide-festival.org.uk

Details are still being confirmed - visit the website for details

First night of the Pier illuminations

Venue: Swanage Pier

Website: www.swanagepiertrust.com

See the website for details

Lighting Up Lives

Venue: Swanage Pier

Website: www.swanagepiertrust.com/events

Dedicate a light to someone special or a group you appreciate and let it shine brightly along the Pier as part of a beautiful installation on the Pier. Your tribute will be featured on the online 'Lighting...

Steampunk Weekend

Venue: Weymouth

Website: www.weareweymouth.co.uk

Weekend celebrating Victorian sci-fi with Christmas market, workshops, entertainment and more

Symondsbury Estate Christmas Market

Venue: Symondsbury Estate

Website: www.symondsburyestate.co.uk

Festive market event - see website for details

The Enchanted Night Garden

Venue: Minterne Gardens

Website: www.minterne.co.uk

See the stately home lit like have never seen it before. See the gardens come alive with woodland creatures, fairies,spiders and the odd dragon dotted around the light displays

Allendale Christmas Food Fair

Venue: The Allendale

Website: www.allendale.org

Wide range of food and edible treats

Allendale Christmas Food Fair

Venue: Allendale Community Centre

Website: www.theallendale.org

Wide range of food and edible treats - free entry

Broadstone Christmas Parade

Venue: Broadstone

Website: www.facebook.com/broadstonechristmasparade

Festive event - see website for details

Broadstone Christmas Parade and Parade

Venue: Toast Rack Broadstone

Website: www.facebook.com/broadstonechristmasparade

Craft stalls, live music, community stands, face painting and more

Frost Fest Christmas Market

Venue: Radipole Park and Gardens

Website: www.facebook.com/mummabeescafe

Brand new Christmas market - see website for details

Light Up A Life

Venue: Dolphin Centre

Website: www.forestholmehospice.co.uk

Write your dedication, candlelit procession, carols, refreshments. Organised by Forest Holme Hospice to remember a loved on this Christmas

Monty and Matilda's Castle Christmas - family quest

Venue: Corfe Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle

Hunt around the castle ruins to discover the festive cabins and see what Monty and Matilda are buying for their friends. Complete the quest to earn your festive siege coin

Pimperne Christmas Market

Venue: R Lukins Fitness, Pimperne

Website: www.loscoffeeshop.co.uk

Over 60 gift stalls, local producers, festive food and drink, crafts, meet Father Christmas and more

Swanage Christmas Market

Venue: Swanage

Website: www.swanage.events/swanage-christmas-market

Stalls, Father Christmas in his grotto, stage with family entertainment

The Cliff's Christmas Market

Venue: The Cliff, Canford Cliffs

Website: www.thecliffcanfordcliffs.co.uk

Stalls, entertainment and more

Victorian Christmas Market

Venue: Russell Cotes

Website: www.russellcotes.com

Family friendly opportunity to explore the Museum where you can Meet the Victorians and learn what a Victorian Christmas would have been like, craft activities, Stir the Figgy Puddingand make a wish for...

Christmas Artisan Food and Craft Fayre

Venue: Barrington Centre

Website: www.barringtoncentre.co.uk

Stalls, food and drink, face painting, craft stalls and more

Festive Baby Goat Walks

Venue: The Walled Garden, Moreton

Website: www.walledgardenmoreton.co.uk

Walk, feed and cuddle baby goats in a wintery garden setting. Booking essential

RNLI College Christmas Market

Venue: RNLI College

Website: www.facebook.com/rnlicollege

Festive market with over 40 exhibitors, Father Christmas and RNLI Water Safety workshops

Christmas Concert at St Peter's Bournemouth

Venue: St Peter's Bournemouth

Website: www.diverseabilities.org.uk

Charity concert

Christms Crafts at Upton Library and Children's Centre

Venue: Upton Library and Children's Centre

Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Make a Santa decoration and some tree deorations, listen to some festive stories and play Christmas bingo. Suitable for ages 3+

Winter Morning Bird Watching

Venue: Mudeford Woods

Website: www.parksfoundation.org.uk/events

enjoy the early morning chorus of winter birds. Free event

Apres Ski Experience at The Old Powerhouse

Venue: The Old Powerhouse Bryanston

Website: www.oldpowerhousebryanston.co.uk

Festive treats, kids cocktails and board games during the 4 to 7pm family session

Winter lights at Corfe Castle

Venue: Corfe Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle

Explore the ruins of Corfe castle lit under warm glowing lights and gather around a fire pit to toast marshmallows

A Victorian Christmas

Venue: Nothe Fort

Website: www.nothefort.org.uk

Victorian Father Christmas and Christmas Activities and A Christmas Carol Storytime

Christmas Brunch with the Grinch

Venue: Upwey Wishing Well

Website: www.upweywishingwell.co.uk

Includes meet, greet dance and have photos with the Grinch, Christmas gift and brunch

Ice Queens Winter Ball

Venue: Lytchett Matravers Village Hall

Website: www.summersprincessparties.co.uk

Fun, music, games and crafts - see website to book

Magical Christmas Entertainment

Venue: Swanage Pier

Website: www.swanagepiertrust.com

Performances of magic, juggling, balloon models, Christmas donkeys

Nativity Trail

Venue: Weymouth

Website: www.weareweymouth.co.uk

More details to be made available - check the website

Victorian Crhistmas

Venue: Nothe Fort

Website: www.nothefort.org.uk

Victorian Father Christmas and Christmas Activities and A Christmas Carol Storytime

Winter Wonderland - The Oaks

Venue: The Oaks, Highcliffe

Website: www.facebook.com/theoakshighcliffe

Christmas market in an alpine lodge themed tent, carols and Santa Claus may be stopping in as well

Winter Morning Bird Watching

Venue: Seafield Gardens

Website: www.parksfoundation.org.uk/events

enjoy the early morning chorus of winter birds. Free event

Festive Baby Goat Walks

Venue: The Walled Garden, Moreton

Website: www.walledgardenmoreton.co.uk

Walk, feed and cuddle baby goats in a wintery garden setting. Booking essential

Museum Late: Candlelight Night

Venue: Russell Cotes

Website: www.russellcotes.com

enjoy the magical atmosphere of the Museum at night with music, object handling, traditional Christmas readings and Victorian Christmas traditions. Pre-booking is recommended

Family Fun Disco

Venue: Lemur Landings

Website: www.lemurlandings.co.uk

Disco included within a standard soft play session

Christmas Crafts

Venue: Dorset Museum and aRt Gallery

Website: www.dorsetmuseum.org

Children aged 5 to 14 can create seasonal decorations and memorable gifts from 10am to 11:30am. £10 per child, with a complimentary adult ticket

Christmas Hoe Down

Venue: The Greyhound Inn,

Address: Corfe Castle

Website: www.greyhoundcorfe.co.uk

Festive morning where children can meet Woody, Jessie and Buzz, enjoy a festive dance, photo opportunities, special Christmas gift to take home

Magical Christmas Entertainment

Venue: Swanage Pier

Website: www.swanagepiertrust.com

Entertainment with magic, juggling, balloon models and Christmas Reindeer and performances of classic Christmas tunes

Wartime Winter

Venue: The Tank Museum

Website: www.tankmuseum.org

Free Christmas card colouring, Frank on a tank Elf Trail, special talks from the Guide team and a Christmas-theme 1940s House and Shop, free kids trails and more

Wartime Winter

Venue: The Tank Museum

Website: www.tankmuseum.org

Special Christmas family activities, Frank on a Tank Elf Trail and a Christmas themed 1940s House and Shop with 300 tanks, kids activities and more

Winter Solstice at Corfe Castle

Venue: Studland Bay

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/studland-bay

Morning walk to view the sunrise from Old Harry Rocks followed by breakfast at Knoll Beach Café

Winter Solstice at Corfe Castle

Venue: Corfe Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle

Experience the rare opportunity of watching the sun rise over East Hill on the shortest day of the year from the castle ruins

Chase the Pudding Race

Venue: Weymouth Beach

Website: www.weareweymouth.co.uk

Event organised by The Will Mackaness Trust with 5k and 2k options - see the website for details

Family Seasonal Wreath Making

Venue: Kingcombe Visitor Centre, Dorchester

Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

Seasonal family wreath making session

Snow and Santa Day

Venue: Cobbs Bar

Website: www.cobbsbar.co.uk

Christmas event with the landlady donating £1 to Forest Holme for everyone that wears a Xmas jumper between 3 and 4pm.

Christmas Holiday Day Camps

Venue: Bridport Leisure Centre

Website: www.bridportleisure.com

Day camps - see the website to book

Frozen Queens Brunch and Disco

Venue: Upwey Wishing Well

Website: www.upweywishingwell.co.uk

Dance and sing along with Elsa, Olaf and Anna including brunch, an activity sheet, photo opportunities and a special treat

Poole's New Years Day Bath Race and Classic Cars on the Quay

Venue: Poole Quay

Website: www.bournemouth.co.uk

Annual charity day of fundraising

Gladiators of Britain

Venue: Dorset Museum

Website: www.dorsetmuseum.org.uk

A British Museum Partnership exhibition with Colchester and Ipswich Museums delving into the lesser-known history of gladiatorial contests in Roman Britain

Free event at Colins Nest Café

Venue: Colins Nest Café

Website: www.facebook.com/colinsnestcafe

2 hours fun and games including soft play

Park to Pier Walk

Venue: Durlston Country park

Website: www.swanagepiertrust.com

Stroll from the Country Park down to the Pier on the way discovering the history, wildlife and geology of the bay

Protest

Venue: Theatre Royal Plymouth

Website: https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/protest/

For ages 7+. Running is Alice’s happy place – you might even say it’s in her DNA. She’s the best runner at her school but is struggling to prove her worth. Jade is slowly coming to realise that...

30% off Oceanarium memberships

Venue: Oceanarium

Address: Bournemouth

Website: www.oceanarium.co.uk

See the website for details

Attenborough's Giant Sea Monster - Sea Rex

Venue: The Etches Collection

Website: www.theetchescollection.org/giant-sea-monster

Pliosaur Skull Discovery - see the amazing creature and learn more about how it lived, hunted and died in the Jurassic seas of Kimmeridge 150 years ago

Beautiful Bournemouth Mini Exhibition

Venue: Russell Cotes Museum

Website: www.russellcotes.com

Discover the evolution of Bournemouth through this display in the Print Room

Creation Station Calendars

Easter Crafts at Broadstone Library

Website: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/libraries

Craft activities

Easter Crafts at Canford Heath Library

Easter Hunt at Moors Valley Country Park

Venue: Moors Valley Country Park

Website: www.moors-valley.co.uk/easter

Find the hidden giant Easter egg shapes around Moors Valley - solve the riddles, spot the eggs and write down the letters to work out the hidden answer

Fantazy

Venue: Babbacombe Theatre

Website: www.babbacombe-theatre.com

Variety show with comedy, illusion, vocalists and dance

Hell's Bells

Pieces of our Past

Venue: Highcliffe Castle

Website: www.highcliffecastle.co.uk

Experience the history of the Castle with never before seen photographs and artefacts

Rebellion and Revolt

Venue: Museum of East Dorset

Website: www.museumofeastdorset.co.uk

Thought provoking exhibit delving into two pivotal national struggles that profoundly impacted Dorset: the English Civil War of the 1640s and the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685. Themed trail around the Museum,...

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West Bay In The War

Venue: West Bay Discovery Centre

Website: www.westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk

Discover what happened locally in WW2. Find out about local memories, coast defences and more