Father Christmas Visits Dorset

Whether you call him Santa Claus, Father Christmas, St Nicks or simply Santa, your little one will want to meet the real Santa in Dorset this year. Lucky for you, many of Dorset's businesses have arranged magical experiences and Santa's Grottos throughout Dorset for you and your family to do just that.

Maybe you're looking for breakfast with Santa, a winter wonderland, a meet and greet Santa, or a SEN Santa visit.

We are building up all the best local events, so take a look at the festive fun to be found in Dorset this year and we will keep adding to the list! 

Have a magical Dorset Christmas! 

23 Nov 2024 to 24 Nov 2024

Mapperton Christmas Fair

Mapperton House and Gardens, Beaminster, Dorset

Join us at Mapperton on the 23rd or 24th November for a festive extravaganza – 80+ stalls, live band, and even Father Christmas! Tickets are just £5 (under 12’s 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, ...

23 Nov 2024 to 24 Dec 2024

The Polar Express Train Ride

Swanage, Dorset

The Polar Express” is returning to the Swanage Railway for the 2024 Christmas period and tickets are available now!🎅🏻 It’s also the 20th anniversary of this now classic film, so why not come and celebrate with your family, friends and loved ones and soak up some festive cheer!

30 November 2024

Visit Santa at MED

Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne, Dorset

Visit Santa Date: Saturday 30th November & Saturday 7th December Time: 2pm – 3pm, 2.45pm – 3.45pm, 3.30pm – 4.30pm Price: £15 per child (age2+) Categories: Visit Santa Make Christmas magical this year and visit Santa at the museum. On arrival, your child will be given a ‘Golden Ticket’ to see Santa. Firstly, the family can enjoy 45 minutes exploring the museum, where ...

30 Nov 2024 to 23 Dec 2024

A Kingston Christmas

Dorchester, Dorset

This Christmas, Kingston Maurward is set to transform into a winter wonderland as it welcomes Santa Claus himself for an exclusive, enchanting event created by Dorset based producers, ABC (Andy Brennan Creative). Every weekend from Saturday 30 November 2024, families are invited to experience the magic, music, and mistletoe in a theatrical extravaganza featuring the North Pole Elves. This ...

01 December 2024

Sherborne Festive Shopping Day

Sherborne, Dorset

Join us for Festive Fun! Over 80 Artisan Stalls for all your Christmas Shopping needs. Children’s Entertainment, Father Christmas and Face painting. Food & Drink stalls to get you in the festive mood!! 🎄Christmas Tree Lights Switch on at 4pm. THE Christmas event in Sherborne - One not to be missed! Organised by Sherborne Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

04 December 2024

Bridport Christmas Cheer

Bridport, Dorset

Bridport Christmas Cheer is back for 2024. A fantastic, fun filled evening for all the family, with stalls, amusements and more! Contact Bridport Tourist Information Centre if you are a trader and are interested in having a stall - places are limited.

05 December 2024

SEN Santa Experience at

Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne, Dorset

SEN Santa Experience Date: Thursday 5th December Time: 5-6pm (five minute sessions) Price: £10 per SEN child plus £8 per child for up to two accompanying siblings Categories: Visit Santa This year we are delighted to have a very special visit from Santa where he will be visiting us, on Thursday 5th December, to see children with Special Educational Needs. Santa will be in our ...

06 December 2024

Blandford Yuletide Festival

Blandford, Dorset

The Blandford Yuletide Festival has become an established part of the Christmas Calendar.

06 Dec 2024 to 08 Dec 2024

Symondsbury Estate Christmas Market

Bridport, Dorset

This year, our Christmas Market will be extraordinary as we celebrate ten years with a dazzling display of feel-good festive delights. Friday 6th December - 12pm-6pm Saturday 7th December -10am-6pm Sunday 8th December - 10am-4pm

07 December 2024

Meet Santa

Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne, Dorset

Make Christmas magical this year and visit Santa at the museum. On arrival, your child will be given a ‘Golden Ticket’ to see Santa. Firstly, the family can enjoy 45 minutes exploring the museum, where there will be a festive trail and the opportunity to make Christmas crafts and write a letter to Santa. After 45 minutes, the elves will lead you from the museum kitchen down the garden ...

07 Dec 2024 to 23 Dec 2024

Abbotsbury Gardens Santa's Grotto

Abbotsbury, Dorset

Abbotsbury Gardens Santa’s Grotto Our Santa’s Grotto is back again this year! Someone very special is taking time out of their busy winter schedule to visit the beautiful Abbotsbury Gardens. Come 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 ...

11 December 2024

SEN Santa at Groves

Groves Garden Centre, Bridport, Dorset

Our SEN Santa experience has been designed to cater for children with Autism, ADHD or with a similar diagnosis whose condition means that they have been unable to visit Santa with their family previously. There will be no queuing, loud noises, or flashing lights. We have set this event up as 5 minute time slots, choose your preferred time and book tickets for up to three children (select 1 ...

15 December 2024

Dorchester Christmas Cracker

Dorchester, Dorset

Join us on Sunday 15th December 2024, for a day full of stalls and entertainment for the whole family. There will be Christmas entertainment, Santa in a camper, the Santa Hat Parade, classic cars and loads of festive spirit. The Children's Santa Hat Parade is also back. Meet at top of High West Street for a 12-noon start. There will be free Santa hats for those taking part. Get into ...

19 Dec 2024 to 20 Dec 2024

Santa Is Coming To Monkey World!

Wareham, Dorset

Santa is Coming to Monkey World! Santa is coming to Monkey World! On the 19th to 20th December Santa’s sleigh will touch down at the park! 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, ...