Plan your festive adventure in Poole with our detailed event guide. For Poole natives and tourists alike, this guide is your key to the city's holiday magic.
One highlight of the season is the Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland, where visitors can stroll through a stunning display of beautifully decorated trees and enchanting light installations. With its vibrant atmosphere, the event captures the essence of Christmas spirit. Another enchanting experience awaits on the Polar Express on Swanage Railway, where passengers can enjoy a magical train ride and storytelling. And the Christmas at the Russell-Cotes presents a delightful blend of festive art and historic charm that you definitely don't want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Poole
- Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland (Bournemouth)
- The Polar Express on Swanage Railway (Swanage)
- Sleeping Beauty Pantomime
- Sail with Santa around Poole Harbour
- Christmas at the Russell-Cotes (Bournemouth)
- Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime (Bournemouth)
- A Dorset Christmas At The Tank Museum (Bovington)
- Meet “Farmer” Christmas at Farmer Palmer’s
- Christmas at Upton Country Park
- Peter Pan Pantomime (Weymouth)
See these and even more events listed below!
Poole Holiday Light Displays
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland
What to Expect:
Interactive light tunnel and festive trail with international Christmas tree replicas.
Description:
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland features over 100 illuminations and light installations, including replica Christmas trees from around the world, an Alpine Market, and an ice skating rink in the Lower Gardens.
Where: Bournemouth | More Info: Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland
Illuminate at Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens
What to Expect:
Vibrant light display in a historic garden setting.
Description:
Colorful lights transform and illuminate the 18th-century Subtropical Gardens, creating a stunning outdoor display.
Where: Weymouth | More Info: Illuminate at Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens
Nutley Farm Christmas Lights & Reindeer Experience
What to Expect:
Interactive light trail with real-life reindeer and Father Christmas.
Description:
At Nutley Farm, embark on a journey through an illuminated trail featuring 20 hidden reindeer characters and real-life magical reindeer. Meet Father Christmas in his Grotto and enjoy festive photo opportunities with a new family picture area.
Where: Dorchester | More Info: Nutley Farm Christmas Lights & Reindeer Experience
Christmas At Corfe Castle
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas light display in a historic village setting.
Description:
Corfe Castle will be illuminated with its traditional Christmas lights, visible every evening from December 8th to January 4th. The event offers a chance to explore the village, visit unique shops, pubs, and restaurants.
Where: Corfe | More Info: Christmas At Corfe Castle
Swanage Light Switch On
What to Expect:
Live entertainment and Father Christmas arrival
Description:
Join the community of Swanage for a festive celebration featuring live entertainment, a formal countdown, and the arrival of Father Christmas. Enjoy mulled wine and festive songs while the town prepares to sparkle with Christmas lights.
Where: Swanage | More Info: Swanage Light Switch On
Poole Holiday Markets and Shopping
A Dorset Christmas At The Tank Museum
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa arrival in an armoured vehicle.
Description:
A Dorset Christmas at The Tank Museum offers a Christmassy day out for all ages. Explore local craft stalls selling high-quality gifts, art, and toys. Enjoy live entertainment, festive food, and drink. Children can meet Santa as he arrives in an armoured vehicle and participate in the Frank Tank elf trail. The event features a wide range of local products, including handmade jewellery, sea glass, and unique liqueurs.
Where: Bovington | More Info: A Dorset Christmas At The Tank Museum
Swanage Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday market with local artisans and seasonal offerings.
Description:
The Swanage Christmas Market is an annual event featuring handmade gift stalls, seasonal food and drinks, and a variety of festive activities.
Where: Swanage | More Info: Swanage Christmas Market
Poole Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Polar Express on Swanage Railway
What to Expect:
Interactive train ride with actors and festive treats.
Description:
Board the Polar Express train at Swanage Railway for a festive journey to the North Pole. Actors from the book and film will entertain you with singing, dancing, and interaction. Enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie during the ride, and receive a special present on your return.
Where: Swanage | More Info: The Polar Express on Swanage Railway
Living Advent Calendar
What to Expect:
Free 45-minute performances by local talented performers each evening.
Description:
The Christchurch Living Advent Calendar features 24 surprise performances at different venues around Christchurch, showcasing local talent and supporting 24 local charities.
Where: Christchurch | More Info: Living Advent Calendar
Christmas at Kingston Lacy
What to Expect:
Decorated mansion with vintage carousel and Christmas wishes trail.
Description:
At Kingston Lacy, the mansion is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights and decorations. The event features a vintage carousel, a magical Christmas wishes trail, and storytelling with Santa. Visitors can also enjoy mulled wine, delicious feasts, and hot chocolate in the Stables cafe.
Where: Wimborne | More Info: Christmas at Kingston Lacy
Snow White Pantomime
What to Expect:
Family-friendly adaptation of Snow White with interactive elements.
Description:
Snow White Pantomime is a classic tale brought to life with colorful costumes, lively music, and engaging performances by Made Measure Productions.
Where: Wimborne | More Info: Snow White Pantomime
Sleeping Beauty Pantomime
What to Expect:
Classic fairytale with professional pantomime performers and spectacular special effects.
Description:
Sleeping Beauty is a classic pantomime filled with laughter and spectacular special effects, starring Chris Jarvis and featuring Todd Carty as King Tucker. The story follows Princess Aurora as she navigates a new adventure beyond her castle walls, threatened by the evil Carabosse. Produced by Lighthouse, this pantomime promises to be a dream come true with its blend of humor and magic.
Where: Poole | More Info: Sleeping Beauty Pantomime
Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime
What to Expect:
Family-friendly pantomime with 3D special effects and audience participation.
Description:
Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre presents Jack and the Beanstalk, a family-friendly pantomime featuring 3D special effects, sparkling sets, and lavish costumes. Expect a wholesome hero, a punch-packing princess, and a feisty fairy in this reimagined classic tale.
Where: Bournemouth | More Info: Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime
Peter Pan Pantomime
What to Expect:
Star-studded cast with adult humor and strong language.
Description:
Join Peter Pan and his adventures in Neverland with Wendy, Tinker Bell, and other fantastical characters. Starring Jamie Riding as Panto Dame Mrs Smee and Britain's Got Talent star Tony Rudd as Smee, this spectacular family pantomime features impressive music, laughter, and flying that will thrill audiences of all ages.
Where: Weymouth | More Info: Peter Pan Pantomime
Christchurch Christmas Spectacular
What to Expect:
High-energy festive show with elaborate costumes and musical numbers.
Description:
The Christchurch Christmas Spectacular at the Regent Centre features a sequin-studded show with show-stopping musical numbers, delightful dancers, and dazzling costumes.
Where: Christchurch | More Info: Christchurch Christmas Spectacular
André Rieu's 2024 Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
World-class musical performance with international soloists and award-winning ice skaters.
Description:
André Rieu's 2024 Christmas Concert features the Johann Strauss Orchestra, special guest artists, and young talent Emma Kok. Enjoy a night filled with wonderful Christmas carols, romantic waltzes, and beautiful titles like "Ave Maria," "Oh Holy Night," and "Jingle Bells."
Where: Christchurch | More Info: André Rieu's 2024 Christmas Concert
The Nutcracker and Cinderella
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker and Cinderella are renowned ballet performances featuring elaborate sets, intricate costumes, and world-class choreography. These classic tales come to life on stage with precision and beauty.
Where: Wareham | More Info: The Nutcracker and Cinderella
Christmas with Anton Du Beke
What to Expect:
Charismatic ballroom king delivers a spellbinding Christmas show.
Description:
Join Anton Du Beke for a spellbinding performance of cherished Christmas songs and captivating dances, featuring his dynamic live band and extraordinary dancers.
Where: Poole | More Info: Christmas with Anton Du Beke
Christmas on Swanage Pier
What to Expect:
Meet Father Christmas and his reindeer in a festive setting.
Description:
Christmas on Swanage Pier features live music, festive characters, and activities like meeting Father Christmas and his reindeer, along with popular donkeys.
Where: Swanage | More Info: Christmas on Swanage Pier
Poole Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at the Russell-Cotes
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed activities and shopping.
Description:
Step back in time to explore authentic Victorian Christmas traditions at Russell-Cotes. Meet the Victorians, participate in craft activities, and enjoy festive activities like Stirring Figgy Pudding and singing Christmas carols. The event also features a Christmas Trail and shopping opportunities in the museum's gift shop.
Where: Bournemouth | More Info: Christmas at the Russell-Cotes
Christmas at Upton Country Park
What to Expect:
Seasonal festivities in a picturesque country park setting.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with family-friendly activities and events at Upton Country Park, featuring festive fun and seasonal delights.
Where: Poole | More Info: Christmas at Upton Country Park
Breakfast with Santa at Moreton Walled Gardens
What to Expect:
Special Christmas buffet breakfast with Santa and a gift for every child.
Description:
Join us for a specially prepared Christmas buffet breakfast at Moreton Walled Gardens, featuring pastries, pancakes, and fruit selection, plus milk and cookies. Meet Walled Garden Father Christmas and his Elf helper, enjoy a special Christmas story reading, and every child receives a gift from Santa. Adults can enjoy a homemade full English or veggie breakfast.
Where: Moreton | More Info: Breakfast with Santa at Moreton Walled Gardens
Moors Valley Christmas
What to Expect:
Hands-on wreath-making workshop using natural materials.
Description:
Create your own eco-friendly Christmas wreath using hand-chosen materials from Moors Valley park. Learn traditional methods and incorporate various natural elements like pine, holly, and forest foliage.
Where: Ringwood | More Info: Moors Valley Christmas
Meet “Farmer” Christmas at Farmer Palmer’s
What to Expect:
Interactive farm experience with festive characters and gifts.
Description:
Meet Farmer Christmas at Farmer Palmer’s, where children can enjoy a farm-tastic time meeting Farmer Christmas and his festive friends in the Magical Christmas Barn. Each child receives a great gift from Ye Olde Toy Shoppe.
Where: Poole | More Info: Meet “Farmer” Christmas at Farmer Palmer’s
Santa Visits Shillingstone Station
What to Expect:
Santa's visit to a heritage railway station.
Description:
Santa Visits Shillingstone Station, where Santa Claus will be present at the North Dorset Railway, offering a special holiday experience amidst the historic railway setting.
Where: Shillingstone | More Info: Santa Visits Shillingstone Station
Sail with Santa around Poole Harbour
What to Expect:
Holiday boat ride with Santa.
Description:
Sail with Santa around Poole Harbour offers a delightful holiday experience with scenic boat rides and festive atmosphere.
Where: Poole | More Info: Sail with Santa around Poole Harbour
Artisans on the Beach
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local artisans and beachside performances.
Description:
Artisans on the Beach is an event that brings together local artisans, craftspeople, and musicians to showcase their talents in a beautiful beach setting. The event features handmade goods, live performances, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for connecting with the community.
Where: Swanage | More Info: Artisans on the Beach
Wareham Christmas Parade with Father Christmas
What to Expect:
Traditional Father Christmas visit with a festive town parade.
Description:
The Wareham Christmas Parade with Father Christmas features a festive procession through the town, culminating in a visit to the grotto where Father Christmas awaits.
Where: Wareham | More Info: Wareham Christmas Parade with Father Christmas
Marshmallows, Firepits and Festivities at Corfe Castle
What to Expect:
Toast marshmallows by a fire pit in a historic castle setting.
Description:
Gather around a fire pit at Corfe Castle to toast marshmallows with hot chocolate or mulled wine. Enjoy the seasonal setting and festive igloos while taking in the views over the 17th-century village below. Natural decorations will be sprinkled around the castle, collected from across the Purbeck estate.
Where: Corfe | More Info: Marshmallows, Firepits and Festivities at Corfe Castle
Farmer Palmer’s Christmas Twilight Event
What to Expect:
Interactive farm experience with festive activities.
Description:
At Farmer Palmer’s Christmas Twilight Event, children aged 2-8 can join in festive fun with Farmer Christmas himself. The event features an enchanted barn, photo opportunities, and tasty food.
Where: Poole | More Info: Farmer Palmer’s Christmas Twilight Event
Christmas at Durlston Country Park
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas trail with Santa.
Description:
Join Santa on a fun-filled adventure through Durlston Country Park, helping him save Christmas with a festive trail that includes interactive elements and a chance to win an early present.
Where: Swanage | More Info: Christmas at Durlston Country Park
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Bournemouth (5 miles)
- Christchurch (9 miles)
- New Milton (14 miles)
- Weymouth (22 miles)
- Totton (26 miles)
- Salisbury (26 miles)
- Hythe (27 miles)
- Southampton (29 miles)
- Cowes (30 miles)
- Newport (30 miles)
- Yeovil (32 miles)
- Eastleigh (33 miles)
- Ryde (36 miles)
- Sandown (36 miles)
- Fareham (36 miles)
- Gosport (38 miles)
- Winchester (38 miles)
- Frome (38 miles)
- Portsmouth (39 miles)
- Andover (40 miles)
- Trowbridge (43 miles)
- Waterlooville (43 miles)
- Havant (45 miles)