What’s on during November, December and Christmas in Dorset

Make a break for freedom this November, December, Christmas or New Year and enjoy a holiday in Purbeck. Enjoy the bracing fresh air for a walk along one of the beautiful beaches and then get together around a warm fire in a cosy countryside cottage or wonderful large house.

Purbeck is a magical place to be around Christmas time, making it the perfect destination for getting together with family and friends for a Christmas celebration. Corfe Castle, Swanage and Wareham are particularly picturesque, as they are adorned with colourful decorations and twinkling lights. With the festivities starting in late November, they welcomes visitors with a Christmas cheer that extends through to New Year. There are plenty of local activities to join in with, with a selection of ideas listed below.

Corfe & Purbeck Holidays has a splendid selection of holiday properties which provide the perfect escape for your festive break, where you can enjoy a Christmas to remember with your family and friends.

Christmas in Corfe

The kick-off Christmas Fair – 11th November 10am – 2pm at the Village Hall, Gifts and Crafts, Raffle, Refreshments and Live music

Christmas light switch on – 2nd December 4pm – 7pm - Join the Corfe Castle Christmas Festivities Committee from 4pm for refreshments and to hear the children singing, followed by switching on the Christmas lights at 5pm and then the arrival of Santa Claus. Hot dogs and mulled wine will be served during the evening. For one night only, explore the ruins of Corfe Castle lit under warm glowing lights with the stars above you. Make a special Christmas wish at the wishing bridge. The castle will be open until 8pm, weather permitting. Last entry will be at 7:30pm.

Winter Solstice at Corfe Castle 2023 – 21st December – 7am – 10am - Corfe Castle will be opening its gates from 7:00 to experience the rare opportunity of watching the sun rise over East Hill on the shortest day of the year from the castle ruins.

Christmas in Swanage

Swanage light switch on – 25th November 5pm – 7pm - The official illumination of the holiday lights will mark the start of the festive season.

Artisans on the Beach - 25th November – 1st January. Set on Swanage seafront over the Christmas season, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The beach-huts are taken over by local crafters and tradespeople all looking to sell the ideal creative gifts for you and your loved ones.

Swanage Christmas Market – 2nd December 10am - 4pm. Dorset traders line the streets around Station Road

Christmas on Swanage Pier - 16th December 11am – 4pm. See live music, donkeys and visit Santa’s Grotto. Find out more.

Christmas in Wareham

Wareham Wednesday November Fireworks – 17th November 6pm – 10pm £5 entry, kids under 10 go free

Christmas Parade with Father Christmas - 10th December 4:30pm

Swanage Railway

The Polar Express Train Ride – 17th November – 30th December - Guests are encouraged to wear pyjamas and dressing gowns (as in the book) Service provided by Fused Events and Crosstown Concerts not the Swanage Railway. Find out more..

A Dorset Christmas At The Tank Museum

18th December – 19th November 10am – 5pm

A Christmassy day out for all ages. With local crafters, you can buy all your Christmas gifts, watch live entertainment, plus children can see Santa arrive in a tank and explore our Christmas trail.Find out more.

Christmas At Corfe Castle

Help Monty Mouse on his hunt for a festive feast - Monty Mouse and his friends are hosting a festive feast in the ruins of Corfe Castle for all the mice in the village. But there’s a problem; he has mislaid the ingredients for their dessert! Explore the ruins and find the village mice as they get ready for the festive season

Join a storytelling tour with Corfe Castle’s Rather Curious Christmas - Participate in real Victorian Christmas tales with a twist written for wayward children of all ages. See if you can become a Christmas champion of perfect parlour games, Learn to make the most irritating party instrument of all ages and of course see if you can master a delightful Christmas dance.

Marshmallows, Firepits and Festivities - Take time to relax and enjoy a winter warmer in the seasonal setting of Corfe Castle. Step inside one of the festive ‘igloos’ or gather around a fire pit with a warm drink from the 17th Century tea-room and toast some tasty marshmallows.

Find out more about the events at Corfe Castle.

Farmer Palmers

9th – 23rd December - Book your ‘Meet Farmer Christmas Experience’ in the enchanted barn.

16th – 23rd December - Join the Farmer Palmers Christmas Twilight Event. Visit the Farm Park ‘after hours’ and bring your children to see our enchanted barn, photo opportunities, panto dame, elves, lots of fancy dress and, of course, the ‘Man in Red’ under a sparkle-filled magical atmosphere. Book your tickets here.

Sail With Santa From Poole Quay

Enjoy a 1.15 hour cruise from Poole Quay that goes around Brownsea Island, Sandbanks Peninsula, Studland Bay and more. Adults can enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie while you listen to Christmas carols playing in the background.

Santa will also be walking around the boat, meeting all the children. Each child will receive a Christmas present directly from Santa. Find out more.

Christmas at Durlston Country Park

Visit Durlston Country Park to join in with a whole host of festive activities! Visit their website.

Crazy Christmas Children’s Activity Trail - Follow the map around the park and help save Christmas! £3.50 per trail pack.

Fancy Dress parkrun - Come on up in your best festive outfit for this festive 5K.

December showing at The Mowlem

In November and December there are many great films, music performances and theatre! See what’s on.

Christmas At Kingston Lacy

25th November - 1st January - Festive fun at Kingston Lacy, where the fabulously decorated house will showcase Christmas traditions from around the world. You will also be able to join Santa in his hidden storybook nook for a cosy Christmas tale, an early gift and a photo with the man himself.

Find out more about the events at Kingston Lacy.

Purbeck is a wonderful place for a festive break - book yours now!