It’s December this weekend and the countdown to Christmas 2024 is officially on. If you are looking for festive family activities in Dorset this Christmas, I have put together seven of the best Christmas activities for those of you with children, whether you’re local or visiting the area for the festive season.
The Swanage Polar Express
Still one of the most magical things I have ever done with the kids, The Polar Express has officially returned to Swanage Railway and I would highly recommend you book your tickets whilst spaces remain! The experience is so much more than a simple train ride, and it really does transport you into the well-loved story and film. This isn’t just for young children, my fourteen year old loved it! A really incredible activity for all the family in the lead up to Christmas.
Nutley Farm
Another firm favourite in our family is Nutley Farm’s Christmas event, which involves real life reindeer, a beautiful illuminated light trail to walk around and the chance to roast s’mores on an open fire before enjoying live music and festive foods in their barn. It is near Dorchester so a bit of a trek for us from Bournemouth but worth it! We can’t wait to go this year!
Bournemouth Christmas Market
The Bournemouth Christmas Market is back and I am so excited to head along with the kids to enjoy seasonal snacks like loaded fries, churros and the absolutely delicious Yorkshire Pudding wraps. There’s an Alpine Bar which is perfect for some festive drinks and a catch up with friends, and market stalls selling Christmas crafts and handmade gifts for some really unique gift ideas.
SKATE Bournemouth
Just along from the Bournemouth Christmas Market is SKATE, the temporary outdoor ice rink in Bournemouth Gardens. We are heading along with friends and our kids in mid-December and I am really looking forward to it, despite not being able to skate still (I even worked at an ice rink for a year as a teen), the atmosphere is brilliant and so festive! It definitely gets us in the mood for Chistmas, and I enjoy having a drink in the attached bar afterwards.
Pick Your Real Christmas Tree
If you are a fan of real Christmas trees, make sure you head down to BH Christmas Trees warehouse in Southbourne to pick out your tree from their selection. You can either collect it right there and then or have it delivered to you if you are local to the area. You can also choose to order online from the comfort of your own hoe if you would prefer. We have had one the past few years and they’ve lasted over a month – I could never go back to having a faux tree now I don’t think, they transform your living space and make it feel like Christmas as soon as they are in the house!
Watch the Pantomime at Bournemouth Pavilion
We cannot wait to see this year’s performance of Jack & The Beanstalk at Bournemouth Pavilion. The Bournemouth Panto has always been a lot of fun with such a great atmosphere and it’s become a firm staple in our Christmas countdown calendar!
A Kingston Christmas
Kingston Mauward have pulled out all the stops this Christmas with their A Kingston Christmas. I am really looking forward to going along with the kids as the press preview was brilliant! It is sure to be a really popular event, so book up fast to avoid disappointment!
Hopefully this has given you some inspiration for things to do in Dorset this festive season with your family. Let me know if you do any of the list and what you thought!
