Christmas Activities & Events in Dorset 2026 | Things to do this Christmas in Dorset

Christmas Party Ideas and Activities in Dorset: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Christmas party activities for office groups in Dorset?
Dorset offers a variety of unique experiences perfect for office Christmas parties. Consider options like ice skating at Bournemouth's Lower Gardens with Skate Bournemouth, exploring the Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival, or enjoying festive markets in Dorchester and Swanage.

Are there any Dorset venues offering private Christmas party packages?
Yes, several venues in Dorset provide private Christmas party packages tailored for office groups. Many offer festive dining and seasonal menus suitable for corporate gatherings.

Can we combine outdoor activities with our Christmas party in Dorset?
Absolutely! Dorset's scenic locations allow for outdoor activities like winter walks followed by festive gatherings. Office groups can enjoy unique experiences at Land and Wave or try team-building and watersports challenges at Rockley Watersports. Pop-up Christmas markets and light trails provide the perfect opportunity to mix fresh air with seasonal cheer.

Are there any unique Christmas party venues in Dorset?
Dorset boasts several distinctive venues for Christmas parties, including museums, historic houses, and event spaces that can host themed experiences, live entertainment, and interactive activities.

What are the typical costs for hosting a Christmas party in Dorset?
Costs vary depending on the venue and services offered. On average, Christmas party venues in Dorset range from £25 to £33 per person, with minimum spends between £250 and £1500, depending on the event's scale and location.

Stourhead Christmas Light Trail

Where: Stourhead

About: Experience the magic of Christmas at Stourhead, Dorset, from 28th November to 31st December. This after-dark illuminated trail features dazzling new displays like the Star Show, Sea of Light, and laser projections, alongside returning favourites including the twinkling tunnel and lake reflections.

Enjoy festive food, hot drinks, and toasted marshmallows as you stroll through this enchanting winter wonderland.

Address: Stourhead, near Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD

Telephone: 01747841152

Aladdin Pantomime at Bournemouth Pavilion

Where: Bournemouth Pavilion

About: Bournemouth’s biggest and most loved pantomime is back - now with Coronation Street star James Cartwright and BGT's Semi-Finalist Kristel Herrera!

Date: Sat 5 Dec 2026 – Sun 3 Jan 2027

Price: £18

Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU

Telephone: 0300 500 0595

Bournemouth International Centre

That'll Be Christmas

That’ll Be Christmas is back with a brand-new version of the beloved show to bring you all your favourite festive classics in one spectacular, feel-good evening, guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit!

• Date: Sunday 20th December 2026
• Time: 7:00pm
• Location: BIC Windsor Hall
• Price: From £32.25

Anton Du Beke: Anton At Christmas

Get ready for a Christmas celebration like no other, as Anton Du Beke brings his brand-new festive show to audiences this December!

• Date: Monday 21st December 2026
• Time: 7:30pm
• Location: BIC Windsor Hall
• Price From £44.50

Laser Quest Bournemouth

Where: Laser Quest

About: Step into the ultimate sci-fi action adventure - perfect for all ages! They provide a full briefing and all the gear you’ll need. Each player is equipped with a futuristic body pack and laser blaster before entering the Laser Quest arena, a multi-level labyrinth filled with catwalks, twists, turns, swirling fog, and spectacular special effects.

Activity: Laser Tag!

Address: Laser Quest, Glen Fern Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2LZ

Telephone: 01202 556 888

Christmas at Key West & Bournemouth Pier

Where: Bournemouth Pier

About: Looking for things to do this Christmas in Dorset? Bournemouth Pier and Key West bring together family activities, festive entertainment and Christmas parties by the sea, with celebrations running from 14th November to 31st December 2026.

Follow the Christmas tree Q&A trail, post a drawing in Santa’s mailbox, enjoy treats from the festive food and drink kiosk, and take photos with the giant Santa and reindeer display inside Key West.

Christmas events and activities:

• Breakfast with Santa: 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th December — a festive breakfast and a visit from Father Christmas.
• Drag on the Pier: 14th November — Vicki Vivacious brings festive cabaret, vocals and glamour.
• Christmas party nights: Selected dates, with festive dining and music for group celebrations.

RockReef & PierZip: Open daily from 19th December to 3rd January for Christmas holiday adventures.

Prices & Booking: Prices vary by activity. Check individual events for availability and booking details.

Skate Bournemouth

Where: Bournemouth Lower Gardens

About: Get your colleagues or friends together for a Christmas celebration at Skate Bournemouth. Glide across the real ice rink beneath twinkling lights, then warm up in Moguls Alpine Bar with mulled drinks, festive cocktails or hot chocolate. Party packages are available for corporate celebrations and group get-togethers.

Activity: Ice skating followed by festive drinks in Moguls Alpine Bar.

Dates: 12th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027

Address: Lower Gardens, Bournemouth, BH2 5AU

Enquiries: hello@iceskatebournemouth.co.uk

CHRISTMAS MARKET – BH LIVE ACTIVE, LITTLE DOWN

About: Get into the festive spirit at the Christmas Market at BH Live Active Littledown, with up to 80 stalls offering a wide selection of handmade artisan gifts, Christmas crafts and seasonal treats. Browse handmade artisan gifts, jewellery, fused glass, local preserves, chutneys, award-winning fudge, artisan gin, seasonal cakes, chestnuts, cheeses and more.

There will also be Christmas decorations, cards, wrapping paper, wreaths, artisan food and hampers, alongside artwork from local artists and photographers. Enjoy festive music from Sing-People-Sing, who will be performing on the balcony in the main hall, while children can meet Giggles the cheeky elf and have their faces painted.

The Terrace Café will also be open serving hot drinks and snacks, making it a great opportunity to browse for Christmas gifts and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Date: Sunday 22nd November 2026

Time: 11am–4pm

Price: Adults £1 | Children 5–15 years £0.50 | Under 5s Free

Address: BH Live Active Littledown, Chaseside, Bournemouth, BH7 7DX

SYMONDSBURY CHRISTMAS MARKET

About: The Symondsbury Christmas Market returns for 2026 for a festive weekend in the unique surroundings of Symondsbury Estate. Set within the historic Tithe Barn and Manor Yard, the market brings together independent makers, growers, artists and artisan producers, with beautifully curated stalls offering plenty of festive shopping inspiration.

Visitors can enjoy seasonal food and drink, live music, family activities and plenty of Christmas cheer, making it a lovely festive day out for families, friends and Christmas shoppers.

Dates: Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th December 2026

Location: Symondsbury Estate, Symondsbury, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6HG

Telephone: 01308 424 116

Email: enquiries@symondsburyestate.co.uk

Brewery Square, Dorchester

Where: Brewery Square Dorchester

Planning a Christmas party with a difference? Brewery Square in Dorchester brings together great food, drinks and entertainment, making it an ideal destination for festive get-togethers with friends, family or colleagues.

For a lively evening, Santos + Co offers Portuguese-inspired food, cocktails and a festive Christmas menu, with bookings available for office parties and larger groups. Alternatively, Brewhouse & Kitchen is a great choice for craft beer lovers, with freshly brewed beers, festive menus and private hire spaces to suit everything from smaller gatherings to larger celebrations.

To make a full evening of it, why not catch a film at the ODEON cinema or enjoy a few drinks before heading out for the night? With a range of restaurants and entertainment all in one place, Brewery Square makes organising a Christmas get-together easy.

NUTLEY FARM - CHRISTMAS LIGHTS & REINDEER EXPERIENCE

About: Step into the magic of Christmas at Nutley Farm, where families can enjoy a festive evening filled with sparkling lights, seasonal entertainment and Christmas activities. Follow the illuminated light trail, meet real reindeer and explore the festive courtyard, with food stalls, funfair rides and selected live music evenings adding to the celebrations.

It's a wonderful festive outing for families and children, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and make special seasonal memories.

Dates: 27 November–30 December 2026 (selected dates).

Activities: Christmas light trail, real reindeer experience, festive courtyard, food, funfair rides and selected live music evenings.

Location: Nutley Farm, Winfrith Heath, Dorchester, DT2 8DT.

Booking: Tickets available online. Check the official website for dates, availability and ticket information.

Christmas Events with Diverse Abilities

Where: Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch

About: Get creative, enjoy Christmas carols or treat little ones to a visit with Mrs Claus while supporting Dorset’s disability charity, Diverse Abilities. Its festive programme offers plenty of things to do this Christmas in Dorset, from wreath-making with friends to family craft activities.

Christmas events and activities:

Christmas Wreath Workshop - 2nd December, 6pm–8pm: Create a wreath at The Beehive in Poole with guidance from the Academy of Floristry. All materials and festive refreshments are included. £45 per person. Find out more.

Mrs Claus’ Grotto - 6th December, 10.30am–5pm: Meet Mrs Claus at The Treehouse in Christchurch, with up to four children per ten-minute slot. Soft play is also available through a separate booking. Grotto tickets from £7.50; soft play from £10. Find out more.

Christmas Concert - 9th December, 6pm–8pm: Enjoy an evening of carols and festive cheer at St Peter’s Church in Bournemouth, in aid of Diverse Abilities. Find out more.

Christmas Biscuit Workshop - 12th December: Head to GATHER at the Dolphin Centre in Poole for festive biscuit decorating, with sessions at 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm. Other Christmas crafts are available for a donation, alongside take-home kits. £7 per workshop place; advance booking essential. Find out more.

Dates: Selected dates from 2nd – 12th December 2026.

Go Bar Hopping!

If you're unsure what to do for your Christmas Party this year, why not go Bar hopping? Dorset hosts numerous amazing cocktail bars and restaurants for yourself and your party to visit!

TGTs Recomendations: 

• Drgnfly Pan Asian
• Guildhall Tavern
• Britannia Parkstone
• The Oaks Highcliffe
• The Greyhound Corfe Castle
• The Old Thatch 
• The Goods Yard
• The Old Beams
• The Coconut Tree
• The White Hart, Lymington

Advantage Padel Mudeford

Where: Mudeford

About: Looking for a Christmas party with a competitive twist? Bring friends, colleagues or teammates together at Advantage Padel Mudeford for a festive celebration built around your group.

Custom Christmas party packages can combine padel or pickleball with coaching, room hire, food and drink, plus competitions and prizes for some friendly rivalry. Whether you’re organising a work Christmas party or a get-together with friends, enquire with the team to tailor the activities to your needs.

With eight indoor padel courts, five indoor pickleball courts and a café and bar, there’s plenty of space to get everyone involved before relaxing together off court.

Studio Poole

Where: Studio Poole

About: The largest Poole Pottery Outlet in the World with a working studio! They offer a Have-A-Go experience which is perfect for a unqiue Christmas party. 

Activity: Create your own ceramic masterpiece with your friends and have some healthy competition on whose looks the best!

Address: Unit D2 to D5, Dolphin Quays, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HU

Telephone: 01202497492

Rockley Watersports

Where: Rockely Watersports

About: Rockley Watersports offer a range of activities! You and your friends or coworkers this Christmas period can celebrate together whilst sailing, kayaking, windsurfing or spend a few days camping!

Address: Rockley Point, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4RW

Telephone: 01202 677272

David Lloyd Poole

Where: David Llloyd Poole 

About: Celebrate the festive season in style at David Lloyd Poole, the perfect venue for your Christmas party. With its state-of-the-art spa facilities, delicious dining options, and a wide range of entertainment, the centre guarantees a memorable and joyous experience for all guests.

David Lloyd host numerous sports and fitness facilities in their gym, including; tennis and badminton courts, swimming pools, gym and much more. David Lloyd also have beautiful spa facilities, perfect for an office Christmas party or for just a gathering of friends and family!

Treat yourself and your friends to a sauna, steam room and spa pool!

Address: 24 Cabot Lane, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BX

Telephone: 0344 848 4724

Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park – Family Christmas 2026

Where: Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park

About: Celebrate the magic of Christmas with your little ones at Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, near Poole in Dorset! Specially designed for families with younger children, their festive experiences combine magical Christmas memories with plenty of farmyard fun.

Choose from three wonderful Christmas experiences:

Breakfast with Father Christmas (5th & 6th December) – Enjoy a festive family breakfast, Christmas cookie decorating and a special visit to Father Christmas, with a gift for every child.

Daytime Christmas (selected dates 12th–23rd December) – Enjoy a full day of animal activities, indoor and outdoor play, with the option to add a magical visit to Farmer Christmas in his Christmas Barn, meet the elves and choose a gift from Ye Olde Toy Shoppe.

Twilight Christmas (selected dates 11th–23rd December) – Discover the farm after dark with twinkling lights, festive fun and a magical visit to Farmer Christmas. Children's tickets include a meal, drink and Christmas gift.

Whether it's breakfast with Father Christmas, a festive family day out or a magical evening under the Christmas lights, there's something special for little ones to enjoy!

How to book: Breakfast and Daytime Christmas tickets can be booked through Farmer Palmer’s online booking system. Twilight Christmas is a separately ticketed experience, booked via the Farmer Palmer’s Christmas website.

Address: Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6EU

Telephone: 01202 622022

FOREST HOLME HOSPICE - THE MERRY MILE

About: Get into the festive spirit with The Merry Mile, a fun Christmas run or walk organised by Forest Holme Hospice. Taking place at Branksome Dene, this festive one-mile event is a great way for families and friends to enjoy some seasonal fun while supporting a local hospice.

Participants can walk or run the one-mile route before warming up with a hot drink and a mince pie. There is also the option to visit Santa’s Grotto, making it a lovely festive activity for the whole family.

Date: Sunday 6 December 2026.

Time: 11am–2pm.

Location: Branksome Dene Room, Poole, Dorset.

Activities: Festive one-mile run or walk, hot drink, mince pie and optional Santa’s Grotto.

Tickets: £10 per individual; £15 per person including Santa’s Grotto; family ticket £55.

Booking: Advance ticket booking required.

LEWIS-MANNING HOSPICE - CHRISTMAS QUIZ

About: Get together with friends and family for a festive evening of quizzing at The Quay Hall and Woodhouse in Poole. Organised by Lewis-Manning Hospice, this Christmas quiz promises plenty of festive fun, friendly competition and prizes.

Gather a team of up to six people, put your knowledge to the test and enjoy a fun-filled evening while supporting a local hospice.

Date: Thursday 17th December 2026.

Time: 6:30pm - 10pm.

Location: The Quay Hall and Woodhouse, 21 The Quay, Poole, BH15 1HJ.

Price: £5 per person.

Teams: Up to six people per team.

Festive Cruises

Where: Coastal Cruises

About: Set sail for a holly jolly good time on Poole Harbour! Join them for a holly jolly Christmas party cruise on Poole Harbour. Warm up with a glass of mulled wine as you board, then feast on a delicious Christmas themed 2-course festive buffet.

Once you’re fuelled up, it’s time to let loose! Dance the night away to classic Christmas tunes and chart-topping hits spun by their onboard DJ, guaranteed to get everyone in the festive spirit.

Get ready for a night of festive fun and unforgettable memories!

Includes:

• Duration 3 hours
• Welcome glass of mulled wine
• Delicious 2-course festive buffet
• Full-bar available
• Scenic Poole Harbour views
• Disco entertainment and dancing

Menu: Click here

Telephone: 07483 038487

MOORS VALLEY - MAGICAL CHRISTMAS ADVENTURES

About: Make magical Christmas memories at Moors Valley this festive season, with a wonderful range of activities for families and children. From festive railway journeys with Santa to woodland trails and seasonal treats, there's plenty to enjoy throughout December.

Families can hop aboard the popular Santa Specials on selected dates, explore the Room on the Broom Christmas Trail, follow the Christmas Trail through the forest and choose a real Christmas tree to take home. The Barn Café will also be serving festive breakfasts, making it a lovely destination for a family Christmas outing.

Santa Specials: Selected dates from 5–21 December 2026.

Christmas Trails: Enjoy the Room on the Broom Christmas Trail and Christmas Trail.

Festive Breakfasts: Available at The Barn Café from 1–24 December 2026.

Real Christmas Trees: Available during the festive season.

Location: Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, near Ringwood, BH24 2ET.

Booking: Advance booking is recommended, particularly for Santa Specials.

Swanage Railway

Where: Swanage Railway

About: Book a day full of festive fun with Swanage Railway, take in the beautiful Dorset landscapes and enjoy the events that Swanage Railway are throwing. Most notably, from the 29th November to 24th December, Swanage Railway are hosting their Father Christmas Yuletide Express event. Step into a world of twinkling lights, festive cheer and timeless Christmas traditions. The Yuletide Express is more than a train ride- it's a heart-warming journey into the magic of the season.

Also, 

Christmas Belle - Various dates 6th December-21st December. Soak up a traditional Christmas atmosphere in the specially decorated observation carriage while sitting in relaxing comfy chairs. You will also receive a personalised Christmas card and a delicious chocolate gift from local chocolatier Chococo, to remember your experience.

Christmas Carol Trains - 11th&18th December. Join Swanage Railway for a special festive journey from Swanage to Corfe Castle aboard our beautifully restored steam train, and enjoy an unforgettable night of live music, carols, and Christmas spirit.

Address: Station House, Railway Station Approach, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1HB

Telephone: 01929 425800

Christmas in Colour at Lulworth Castle

Where: Lulworth Castle

About: Enjoy a festive family outing at Lulworth Castle, where real Christmas trees are decorated in different colours and styles. Explore the displays, choose your favourite and let the children follow a Christmas trail, spotting crackers and festive colours along the way.

For an extra treat, book a Father Christmas meet-and-greet for your little one, or even your pet. It’s a lovely choice for families looking for things to do this Christmas in Dorset.

Dates: 6th–23rd December 2026.

Price: Father Christmas meet-and-greets are £6 per child or pet. Each child’s booking includes a five-minute slot and one gift. Check the website for admission prices and booking details.

Abbotsbury Illuminate 2026 Immersive Winter Lights at the Gardens

About: Follow the illuminated trail through the gardens and woodland valley, where colourful displays pick out the shapes and textures of the plants and transform familiar paths after dark.

This year’s route is the longest yet, taking you deeper into the gardens with more light displays to discover along the way.

Dates: Friday 20 November 2026 to Thursday 31 December 2026

Address: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Buller's Way, Abbotsbury, nr Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4LA

Santa’s Grotto at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens 2026

About: Tucked away in the gardens near Weymouth, the grotto is a festive outing for families in West Dorset. Children can meet Santa and take home a Christmas gift from him.

Dates: Saturday 5 December 2026 to Wednesday 23 December 2026

Address: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Buller’s Way, Abbotsbury, near Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4LA

Tivoli Theatre

Where: Tivoli Theatre

About: The Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne is an Art Deco theatre that hosts a mixture of live music, drama, ballet and comedy shows! This Festive period there will be numerous on stage performances for you to visit, including Pantos and Musicals, see some of our favourites below:

• Jim’s Christmas Cracker (OVER 18’S ONLY!)
• Goldilocks & The Three Bears Panto
• Goldilocks & The Three Bears – GROWN UPS ONLY 16+

Address: 19 West Borough, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1LT

Telephone: 01202 885566

Christmas at Marwell Zoo

Where: Marwell Zoo, near Winchester, Hampshire

About: Enjoy a festive family adventure with seasonal zoo activities, Christmas markets and Santa’s Grotto. By day, explore the snowball fight zone, ice maze and Snow Window trail. After dark, the new Fire & Ice experience brings illuminations, fire performers, a fire dragon and marshmallow toasting. Families can also book a magical journey through Marwell Hall to meet Santa, with storytelling, crafts and a gift for every child.

Activities vary by date, with markets on selected peak dates and separate grotto booking required.

Dates: 20th November–30th December 2026; check individual activity dates before booking.

Address: Thompson’s Lane, Colden Common, Winchester, SO21 1JH

THE PRIORY WAREHAM

About: This December, indulge in an exquisite festive lunch at The Priory, where sophistication meets the magic of the season. Perfect for intimate gatherings or distinguished celebrations, elevate your festive experience and reserve your table for a truly memorable afternoon or evening. 

Dates: Served from 1st – 23rd December 2026

Menu: Click here

Telephone: 01929 551666

Address: Church Green, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4ND

This map shows the location of The Priory which is in Wareham.