Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Where's Santa in Dorset
Read on for more on Santa's grottos, Santa by Steam and Santa's workshops in Dorset in 2023...
Updated 9/10/2023
At this time of year Father Christmas becomes an incredibly busy man, but as he’s so friendly and thoughtful he will always find time to listen to your wish lists.
There’s nothing that Father Christmas loves more than talking to children, so he uses his super magical powers to whizz all over the county and can be in many places often at the same time!
You’ll find him in cosy cabins, in sparkly grottos, on festive trains and on horse-drawn sleighs in town centres, shopping centres, garden centres and family attractions. As he gets exceedingly hungry on his travels he even turns up for breakfast and lunch at some places!
So, along with his many helpers, do look out for Santa at the following locations this festive season…
PS. Don’t forget to leave out a treat or two for Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve. The cheeky elves have told us he likes smelly socks, but we think he would rather tuck into a tasty mince pie!
Places to See Santa in Dorset in 2023
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Father Christmas and Accessible Visits at Adventure Wonderland |
Dates from 2nd December 2023
Father Christmas at Adventure Wonderland
Adventure Wonderland, Near Christchurch, BH23 6BA
Christmas experience at Adventure Wonderland where participants can meet Father Christmas in his snowy log cabin, receive a great gift plus unlimited play in the Wild Thing indoor play centre. See Rudolph, meet the elves and get arty in the Christmas Craft cabin. Then take your seats for the festive family pantomime, 'The Wizard of Oz'. Availability is limited - book early to avoid disapointment.
2nd December 2023
Accessible Santa Visits and Pantomime Performances at Adventure Wonderland, Bournemouth.
Adventure Wonderland, Near Christchurch, BH23 6BA
The magic of Christmas is an exciting time for everyone but Adventure Wonderland are aware that it can be quite overwhelming for some of their guests and that’s why we are delighted to bring back our exclusive afternoon of Christmas magic for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) on Saturday 2nd December 2023.
They will have a reduced capacity to ensure that guests get a longer visit to Father Christmas inside his snowy log cabin. The reduced capacity will also help to reduce the number of guests in their play centre, Wild Thing. They will turn off the thunderdome ball cannon and music effects which will make the experience ideal for children with special educational needs, or anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment.
The afternoon performances of their pantomime, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ will also be amended for our SEN guests. The house lights in the theatre will remain on during the show and guests can come and go as they please. Guests will get to meet all of the characters before the show starts so there are no surprises. We will reduce the volume of the show and turn off the flashing lights to minimise sensory overload.
“Our Christmas event is always a sell-out success but that means it’s often too busy and too noisy for guests who may have additional needs and sensory processing disorders,” says Andy Brennan, Creative Director for Adventure Wonderland. “We strongly believe that Santa should be accessible for everyone which is why we’re introducing some amendments to the experience on Saturday 2nd December 2023.”
The SEN Santa sessions are 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 16:30 and 17:00.
The relaxed performance of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ will take place at 16:30.”
Find out more at www.adventurewonderland.co.uk
2nd to 22nd December
Abbotsbury Garden's Santa's Grotto
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Bullers Way, Abbotsbury, Weymouth, DT3 4LA
www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/gardens
A child's Santa's Grotto ticket includes entry to the Gardens for the child plus one free accompanying adult. Additional adults can enter the Gardens by purchasing a Winter Offer Ticket on the day. 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 Christmas you are free to explore the gardens for a winter's stroll
Dates from 9th December 2023
Breakfast with Santa at Cliffhanger Restaurant
Waterford Road, Highcliffe, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 5JA.
https://www.cliffhanger-restaurant.com/events/breakfast-with-santa
Kids will receive a special present from Father Christmas while enjoying breakfast. Afterward there will be a reading of "The Night Before Christmas", a selection of festive songs and photo opportunities with Santa
Dates from 2nd December 2023
Moonacre Christmas Experience 2023
Sturminster Marshall, Dorset - use What3Words for directions - https://w3w.co/that.slanting.pizzas
Step into a winter wonderland like no other for a Santa’s Grotto experience at Moonacre.
Visit Santa Claus: Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as you pay a special visit to Santa Claus in his magical Dome. Each child will receive a special gift.
Gingerbread Decorating: Get creative and decorate your very own gingerbread. Each ticket includes one gingerbread, icing & festive sprinkles per paying child, perfect for all ages.
Mrs. Claus Story Time: Gather around as Mrs. Claus shares heartwarming Christmas stories that will captivate the imaginations of young and old alike.
Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows: Sip on a cup of hot chocolate topped with fluffy marshmallows to warm your heart and hands.
Soft Play for Under 3s: Let the little ones explore and have fun in the safe and engaging soft play area designed specifically for children under 3.
Back Garden Bubbles Inflatable for Under 7s: Kids aged 7 and under can slide, bounce, and have a blast on our exciting inflatable slide
Adults and older children who are accompanying a paying child can enjoy the festivities for free, allowing everyone to tailor their visit to their liking.
Optional extras include:
· Family Photo Opportunity with Santa: Capture the joy with a professional family photo alongside Santa Claus, available in a snow globe, booklet, or as a Christmas tree ornament.
· Festive Food Truck: Indulge in the flavors of the season with our festive food truck. Enjoy a variety of mouthwatering treats, There’s something to satisfy every craving and keep your energy up for a day full of festive fun.
· Face Painter: Let your imagination run wild with our talented face painter. Transform into a reindeer, a snowflake, or any other festive character you desire. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of whimsy to your visit and get into the Christmas spirit.
· Christmas Raffle: Join the festivities and participate in with the enchanting Christmas raffle
Dates from 2nd December 2023
Santa's at Bobby's Bournemouth
Bobby's Bournemouth.
https://backgardenbubbles.com/product/santa-at-bobbys-bournemouth/
Experience the wonder of the Christmas season at Bobby’s Bournemouth Santa’s Grotto. Step into a world of enchantment as you visit Santa in his magical dome, receive a special present, and capture cherished memories with professional photos.
Highlights:
· Santa’s Grotto: Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as you enter our cosy and beautifully decorated Santa’s Grotto.
· Meet Santa: Get ready to meet Santa Claus himself. Share your wishes, have a chat, and take a keepsake photo.
· Receive a Gift: Santa has a special gift just for you. Every child who visits receives a memorable present.
Extras (Available for Purchase on the Day):
· Professional Photos: Capture the magic of the moment with professional photos of your family with Santa. Choose from various options, including snow globes, Christmas tree ornaments, or a booklet. These photos make for wonderful keepsakes and gifts.
2023 Dates to be confirmed
Santa at Castlepoint Bournemouth
Castlepoint Bournemouth, Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, BH8 9UZ.
https://www.castlepointshopping.com/
More details to follow.
2023 Dates to be confirmed
https://brewerysquare.com/brewery-square/events-at-brewery-square/
More details to follow
Dates from 2nd to 23rd December 2023
Crealy Great Adventure Park, Clyst St Mary, Near Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DR
https://www.crealy.co.uk/events/christmas-at-crealy
Enjoy seasonal Christmas attractions including a Meet and Greet with Santa experience and a LIVE ice show, festive entertainment, lights and decorations. The Santa Meet and Greet Experience comes as part of an additional cost
- Santa's Magical Ice Show
- Sooty's Christmas Show
- Buddy and Blossom's Jingle Bell Show
- Santa's Magical Post Office
- Winter Light Displays
- Santa Meet and Greet Experience (upgrade option)
Dates from 9th December
Christmas at Farmer Palmer's 2023
Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6EU
Various different experiences available - Weekend and Holiday Farmer Christmas Experience, Christmas at Farmer Palmer's Farm Park and Twilight Experience
Dates from 2nd December
City Cruises Poole, Poole, BH15 1HJ
www.cityexperiences.com/poole/city-cruises/sail-with-santa/
Santa will walk around the boat meeting all the children and giving out gifts as you pass Brownsea Island, Sandbanks Peninsula, Studland Bay and more with Christmas carols playing in the background.
Dates from 2nd December
Santa Specials at Moors Valley Railway
Moors Valley Railway, Near Ringwood, BH24 2ET
Step aboard one of the Santa Specials and be transported to a Winter Wonderland with a return train journey from Lakeside to Kingsmere Station with Santa's Railway Grotto, a Christmassy Winter Wonderland, refreshments and more. There are relaxed experiences for people with additional needs on 9th December
17th December, 21st, 22nd and 23rd December 2023
Breakfast with Father Christmas at Shire Hall Courthouse Museum
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1UY
https://shirehalldorset.org/events/breakfast-with-father-christmas-2/
Enjoy a special festive treat for all the family and have breakfast with Father Christmas. More dates have been added for 2023
Dates from 9th December 2023
Breakfast With Santa at The Brewery Tap
The Brewery Tap, Hall and Woodhouse Brewery, Bournemouth Road, Blandford Forum, DT11 9LS. https://tinyurl.com/hj39mwz9
Enjoy a breakfast, story time with Santa Claus or Mrs Claus, a gift and photo opportunities as well. Book online
Details expected to be announced for 2023 Dorset Santa events here in due course
Santa at The Ark Poole Park - www.thearkpoolepark.co.uk
Santa's Woodland Grotto - www.uptoncountrypark.com/