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Where's Santa in Dorset 2024
Read on for more on Santa's grottos, Santa by Steam and Santa's workshops in Dorset in 2024...
Updated 06/09/2024
At this time of year Father Christmas becomes an incredibly busy man, but as he’s so friendly and thoughtful he will always find time to listen to your wish lists.
There’s nothing that Father Christmas loves more than talking to children, so he uses his super magical powers to whizz all over the county and can be in many places often at the same time!
You’ll find him in cosy cabins, in sparkly grottos, on festive trains and on horse-drawn sleighs in town centres, shopping centres, garden centres and family attractions. As he gets exceedingly hungry on his travels he even turns up for breakfast and lunch at some places!
So, along with his many helpers, do look out for Santa at the following locations this festive season…
PS. Don’t forget to leave out a treat or two for Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve. The cheeky elves have told us he likes smelly socks, but we think he would rather tuck into a tasty mince pie!
Places to See Santa in Dorset in 2024
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Russell Cotes Museum and Art Gallery |
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Featured Father Christmas and Santa events |
Details for 2024 to be announced - information below is for a previous event
Abbotsbury Garden's Santa's Grotto
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Bullers Way, Abbotsbury, Weymouth, DT3 4LA
www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/gardens
A child's Santa's Grotto ticket includes entry to the Gardens for the child plus one free accompanying adult. Additional adults can enter the Gardens by purchasing a Winter Offer Ticket on the day. Meet Father Christmas in his cosy cabin, a festive magical Grotto at the Gardens. make it an enchanting visit with a talk to Father Christmas and receive a special gift. After meeting Father Christmas you are free to explore the gardens for a winter's stroll
Details for 2024 to be confirmed - information below refers to a previous event
Santa's at Bobby's Bournemouth
Bobby's, Bournemouth.
https://backgardenbubbles.com/product/santa-at-bobbys-bournemouth/
Experience the wonder of the Christmas season at Bobby’s Bournemouth Santa’s Grotto. 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.
Highlights:
· 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.
Selected dates between 30th November and 24th December 2024
Crealy Great Adventure Park, Clyst St Mary, Near Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DR
https://www.crealy.co.uk/events/christmas-at-crealy/
It's the most wonderful time of the year with Christmas at Crealy. See the Park transform into a Winter Wonderland - from sparkling lights to magical entertainment - there's something for the whole family to enjoy.
Don't miss out on the chance to meet & greet with Santa himself in the popular grotto experience, including a FREE toy for every child from Santa's Magical Toy Shop.
What's on this Christmas at Crealy?
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Live Christmas on Ice Show
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Winter light displays around the Park
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Rides and thrills in the dark
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Christmas Sooty Show
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Santa's Post Office
Further details will be coming soon
Dates from 30th November 2024
Storytelling with Santa at Kingston Lacy 2024
Kingston Lacy
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy
Santa is stopping at Kingston Lacy this festive season! Make memories, start traditions and come on a fantastical journey with his helpers to find the storybook nook, before settling in for a festive tale, an early Christmas gift and a chance to take a picture together with Santa!
Tickets £15 per child (0-12 years old) with one accompanying adult per child.
Five additional accompanying adult tickets are available for each storytelling, £5 per ticket. This is only needed if you have more adults than children in your group. Normal property entry charges apply.
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Details for 2024 to be announced - details below refer to a previous event
Santa is Coming To Monkey World
Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre.
https://monkeyworld.org/events/santa-is-coming-to-monkey-world/
As well as meeting Santa and receiving a special present from him, your little monkeys can enjoy festive fare, a Christmas trail around the park, and even make a present for the primates with Santa’s elves! The gift shop is stacked full of new items, ideal as presents and stocking fillers- and of course you’ll be able to see their 250 primates during a quieter, peaceful time at the park.
Details for 2024 to be announced - see below for previous event details
Sturminster Marshall, Dorset - use What3Words for directions - https://w3w.co/that.slanting.pizzas
https://backgardenbubbles.com/product/moonacre-christmas-experience/
Step into a winter wonderland like no other for a Santa’s Grotto experience at Moonacre.
Visit Santa Claus: Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as you pay a special visit to Santa Claus in his magical Dome. Each child will receive a special gift.
Gingerbread Decorating: Get creative and decorate your very own gingerbread. Each ticket includes one gingerbread, icing & festive sprinkles per paying child, perfect for all ages.
Mrs. Claus Story Time: Gather around as Mrs. Claus shares heartwarming Christmas stories that will captivate the imaginations of young and old alike.
Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows: Sip on a cup of hot chocolate topped with fluffy marshmallows to warm your heart and hands.
Soft Play for Under 3s: Let the little ones explore and have fun in the safe and engaging soft play area designed specifically for children under 3.
Back Garden Bubbles Inflatable for Under 7s: Kids aged 7 and under can slide, bounce, and have a blast on our exciting inflatable slide
SEN Session available to book - 19th December
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.
Optional extras include:
· Family Photo Opportunity with Santa: Capture the joy with a professional family photo alongside Santa Claus, available in a snow globe, booklet, or as a Christmas tree ornament.
· Festive Food Truck: Indulge in the flavors of the season with our festive food truck. Enjoy a variety of mouthwatering treats, There’s something to satisfy every craving and keep your energy up for a day full of festive fun.
· Face Painter: Let your imagination run wild with our talented face painter. Transform into a reindeer, a snowflake, or any other festive character you desire. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of whimsy to your visit and get into the Christmas spirit.
· Christmas Raffle: Join the festivities and participate in with the enchanting Christmas raffle
Details for 2024 to be confirmed - information below refers to a previous event
Visit Santa: Make Christmas Magical
Museum of East Dorset.
www.museumofeastdorset.co.uk/events
Visit Santa at the Museum – spend 45 exploring and enjoy the festive trail and opportunity to make Christmas crafts as well as writing a letter to Santa before being led to the Garden room where Santa will tell an interactive story to the group and pass out a gift.
Dates from 23rd November to 24th November 2024
The Polar Express at Swanage Railway 2024
Swanage Railway.
www.swanagerailway.co.uk/events/view/polar-express
Themed experience consisting of an hour long train journey to meet Santa, leaving from Swanage Railway Station where there will be singing, dancing and interaction as well as a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie on the journey and a special present on the return journey
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Santa comes to Town For Weymouth Santa Weekend
Weymouth.
https://www.love-weymouth.co.uk/events/weymouth/christmas-in-weymouth/weymouth-santa-weekend/
The weekend of the 21st/22nd of December is all about Santa!
Come see Santa in his Grotto, there’ll be activities for children taking place around Weymouth Town Centre and Harbourside area and lots more.
More information will be available nearer the time
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Other Santa themed activities in Dorset
Dates from 7th December 2024
Breakfast with Santa at Cliffhanger Restaurant
Waterford Road, Highcliffe, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 5JA.
https://www.cliffhanger-restaurant.com/event/breakfast-with-santa/
Includes Breakfast / Drink, Quality toy / Story from Father Christmas, Sing-a-long Christmas songs with Father Christmas and Photos on the full size sleigh with Father Christmas.
2024 Dates to be confirmed
Santa at Castlepoint Bournemouth
Castlepoint Bournemouth, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, BH8 9UZ.
https://www.castlepointshopping.com/
More details to follow.
2024 Dates to be confirmed
Brewery Square
https://brewerysquare.com/category/events/
More details to follow
Dates from 7th to 23rd December 2024
Christmas at Farmer Palmer's 2024
Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6EU
https://www.farmerpalmers.co.uk/events/christmas/
Two different experience available - Daytime Experience or Twilight Experience.
Children can enjoy a farm-tastic time at the Farm Park! Experience the wonder and excitement of meeting ‘the man in red’ and all his festive friends in the Magical Christmas Barn. PLUS every child with a ‘Farmer Christmas Experience Ticket’ receives a great gift from the Elves at Ye Olde Toy Shoppe! See the website for details
Dates from 30th November 2024
City Cruises Poole, Poole, BH15 1HJ
www.cityexperiences.com/poole/city-cruises/sail-with-santa/
Santa will walk around the boat meeting all the children and giving out gifts as you pass Brownsea Island, Sandbanks Peninsula, Studland Bay and more with Christmas carols playing in the background.
Will not be taking place in 2024 - statement here
Santa Specials at Moors Valley Railway
Moors Valley Railway, Near Ringwood, BH24 2ET
Details to be confirmed for 2024 - details below refer to a previous event
Father Christmas at the Russell Cotes
Russell Cotes Museum. www.russellcotes.com
Visit Father Christmas in the beautifully decorated Dining Room and receive a small gift. Pre-booking is required.
Details to be confirmed for 2024 - details below refer to a previous event
Breakfast with Father Christmas at Shire Hall Courthouse Museum
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1UY
https://shirehalldorset.org/events/breakfast-with-father-christmas-2/
Enjoy a special festive treat for all the family and have breakfast with Father Christmas. More dates have been added for 2023
Details to be confirmed for 2024 - information below refers to a previous event
Breakfast With Santa at The Brewery Tap
The Brewery Tap, Hall and Woodhouse Brewery, Bournemouth Road, Blandford Forum, DT11 9LS. https://tinyurl.com/hj39mwz9
Enjoy a breakfast, story time with Santa Claus or Mrs Claus, a gift and photo opportunities as well. Book online
Details to be confirmed for 2024 - information below refers to a previous event
Christmas Party Night at The Ark Poole Park
The Ark Poole Park.
http://www.thearkpoolepark.co.uk/news-events/events
Evening of exciting games, prizes and entertainment including a disco, soft play, party games with prizes to be won, craft workshop, glitter tattoos and facepaints as well as a special visit from Santa
Dates for 2024 to be confirmed - information below refers to a previous event
Christmas on the Farm at Nick's Farm
Nick's Farm, Throop.
Sant'as Grotto - meet Santa and his elves, and receive a special gift. Booking is available via the website or Facebook Messenger. SEN Visits
Details for 2024 still to be confirmed - information below refers to previous event
Father Christmas Experience at Lollipops Cafe
Lollipops Cafe, Bournemouth.
https://lollipopscafe.com/christmas/
Sessions available where children can have fun on 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.
Details for 2024 to be announced - information below refers to previous events
Santa at Swanage Pier
Swanage Pier.
https://www.swanagepiertrust.com/events.aspx#
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by one of Father Christmas' Merry Elves who will entertain you in the winter wonderland grotto. You can write your letter and post it in the magical post box, before meeting the man himself!
Details to be confirmed for 2024 - information below refers to a previous event
Santa's Grotto at Fantasy Island Fun Park
Fantasy Island Fun Park, Weymouth
https://fantasyislandweymouth.co.uk/santas-grotto-2023/
Santa's grotto experience - see the website for details
Dates from 1st to 22nd December 2024
Moonfleet's Winter Wonderland Grotto 2024
Moonfleet Manor Hotel.
https://luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk/event/santas-grotto/
You are invited to experience the enchantment of our Christmas Village themed Grotto, located in the cosy Schooner with a new waiting area at the Waters Edge Lounge. Children can enjoy a hot chocolate with a gingerbread cookie, and get creative in the crafting area before going into the magical grotto to meet Santa.
Details to be confirmed for 2024 - information below refers to a previous event
Santa at the Farm at Foxdown Children's Farm
Foxdown Children's Farm.
Festive Santa experience to include a visit and a present from Santa for kids and a hot drink and festive snack for adults. Festive animals and activities in the barn.
Details for 2024 to be confirmed - information below refers to a previous event
Afternoon Tea with Santa at Boo's Toy Shop
Boo's Toy Shop.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1388708768664430
Afternoon tea event with Santa - booking essential
Details for 2024 to be confirmed - information below refers to a previous event
Meet Father Christmas at Boo's Toy Shop
Boo's Toy Shop. https://www.facebook.com/events/299587452913847
Father Christmas event - see website for details.