Bournemouth Other Christmas Activities 2026

Glide across a spacious real ice rink set beneath the canopies of Bournemouth's Lower Gardens, surrounded by twinkling lights and music. Measuring 70 metres long, the outdoor rink features a separate skate-hire marquee to streamline getting onto the ice. Spectators...

Participants gather for a hosted book club session focusing on the festive classic A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Attendees are encouraged to share their thoughts, insights, and responses to the Victorian story. The discussion takes place in the Conservatory...

Visitors can meet Santa, see reindeers, and take part in forest school activities. The nursery also features Christmas face painting, a festive photo corner, and a hot chocolate station.

Participants select a holiday character design, such as a snowman, penguin, or reindeer, and paint it using mandala dotting tools and patterns. Step-by-step guidance is provided throughout the session, and attendees take home their finished handmade piece. Background Christmas music...

Visitors gather in Wareham to celebrate the season and watch Santa arrive by landing on the roof of The Red Lion Hotel. Santa waves to children and parents gathered below before making his descent down the chimney. The celebration also...

Visitors ride the Rhododendron Line Steam Railway on an illuminated journey through the woodland gardens after dark, gliding past twinkling lights and festive displays. Each departure includes a personal send-off from Father Christmas. Festive food and drink are also available...

Festive visitors board a train at Lakeside Station to travel to Kingsmere Station while enjoying Christmas music and twinkling lights. Upon arrival, guests can wander through a Winter Wonderland and meet Santa in his cosy railway grotto. The experience includes...

Children can meet Father Christmas inside his special railway carriage in the engine shed, which is transformed into a festive winter wonderland. Each child visiting Father Christmas receives a festive gift to take home.

Visitors can wander through the Magical Christmas Barn to meet festive elves and see Farmer Christmas in his living room. Children can swap their experience card for a special gift from Ye Olde Toy Shoppe. Families can also visit the...

Visitors step into a seaside Winter Wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive music, games, and elf encounters. Families can take photos inside a snowy mountain cable car or Father Christmas's sleigh, make crafts, post letters in the magical post box,...

Children can meet Father Christmas inside a special railway carriage in the engine shed, transformed into a festive winter wonderland. Every visiting child receives a festive gift to take home. Entry includes walking through the gardens to reach the engine...

Visitors can explore displays of decorated Christmas trees and nativity scenes created by local organisations, charities, schools, and individuals. A daily programme of live music fills the church with performances by community and school choirs, music groups, and soloists. Guests...

Visitors gather in person to view festive light displays, socialize, and take photos. The session takes place at Fisherton Mill Gallery and is organized by Lamped by Nicky Phillips.

Participants learn how to assemble and decorate a festive wreath from scratch using supplies such as spruce, holly, berries, eucalyptus, pinecones, and ribbons. The session includes guided tuition alongside warm mince pies, mulled wine, tea, and coffee set to holiday...

Participants learn how to combine fragrant evergreen foliage, berries, ribbons, cinnamon, and dried fruits into seasonal holiday decorations under step-by-step guidance from expert florist Laura. Depending on the chosen session, guests craft either a candle wreath centrepiece paired with a...

Visitors can view a colourful gathering of classic and custom Volkswagens, including Beetles, buggies, Golfs, Caddys, and split-screens, adorned in festive holiday decorations. Participants, families, and even pet dogs join the holiday fun dressed in full Christmas costumes for a...

Visitors can explore an outdoor market featuring unique handmade gifts, decorations, and crafts stretching along the street, as well as family funfair rides like a big wheel and helter skelter. Live entertainment runs across the event, with local musicians performing...

Visitors can sing along to traditional carol favourites performed live by the Wessex Military Band on the courtyard outside the café. Father Christmas joins the band to spread festive cheer. Guests can also walk and explore the full illuminated winter...

Visitors can take their four-legged companions for a seasonal walk around the Subtropical Gardens. Guests and their pets can visit the Café to meet Santa Claus and pose for a festive holiday photo. Dressing dogs in festive outfits is encouraged.

Visitors explore the museum's galleries to discover everyday Tudor life and spark creative ideas. Participants enjoy a glass of prosecco or a soft alternative alongside an introduction to Tudor Christmas traditions. Guided step-by-step with supplied materials and equipment, attendees craft...

More than 30 businesses gather to offer holistic health and spiritual services, including tarot readers, psychic mediums, reflexology, and Reiki healing. Attendees can browse stalls selling crystals, aura sprays, cacao, and other spiritual items, or view aura imaging displays. The...

Skaters of all ages and abilities take to the rink accompanied by music from a resident DJ and a display of disco lights and lasers. Skate hire and skating aids are available on site for those needing assistance. Refreshments are...

Guests gather in the cafe to work on their knitting, crochet, or craft projects while enjoying a conversation with Father Christmas. Attendees can also take the opportunity to explore the winter subtropical gardens.

Attendees spend the evening painting either a Christmas-themed canvas or three MDF decorations, selecting from shapes such as trees, wreaths, candy canes, and presents. The session takes place to the sound of Christmas songs, and all painting materials are supplied....

Participants build a festive wreath from scratch using a pre-mossed base and a selection of fresh greenery, berries, seed heads, dried flowers, and ribbons. Step-by-step guidance is provided, with much of the foliage grown or foraged locally. Sessions accommodate up...

Participants create screen-printed Christmas cards using vinyl stencils and colorful monoprinted backgrounds. A Cricut machine is provided to cut stencil designs, though attendees can also design their own. The workshop is held in a small-group setting of up to five...

Experience the magic of Christmas in Swanage as the town illuminates for the annual lights switch-on. Enjoy festive songs, live entertainment, and a special visit from Father Christmas arriving on his sleigh. Join the countdown and watch the town sparkle.

Experience the magic of the Christchurch Living Advent Calendar, a unique daily event running from December 1st to 24th. Each evening, a different town center venue hosts a special pop-up performance by local artists, from choirs to bands. This heartwarming...

Step into a magical Cinderella Christmas at Mottisfont, where the house is transformed with theatrical flair and seasonal sparkle. Explore scenes from the classic pantomime, from the bustling kitchen to the dazzling royal ballroom, brought to life with fairy godmother...

Step into a festive wonderland at Tudor House & Garden this Christmas. Children can meet Father Christmas in the historic Banqueting Hall, receive a special gift, and enjoy a delightful craft activity. Indulge in a festive biscuit and a warm...

Step back in time and embrace the holiday spirit with a visit to Shillingstone Station for a special Santa experience. Journey on a heritage train along the restored Somerset & Dorset Railway, where you might even meet the man himself....

Lace up for the West Wight Chilly Hilly, a festive 10k run and 5k run/walk on the Isle of Wight. This well-organized event promises stunning coastal views and a cheerful atmosphere, complete with Christmas music from the marshals. Participants receive...

Experience a magical Christmas adventure on the Beaulieu River with a festive canoe paddle. Glide along the water in stable Canadian canoes and meet Santa Claus as he arrives by boat, bringing gifts for all the children. Warm up afterwards...

Embark on a enchanting Christmas journey with the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's Santa Specials. Experience the magic of a steam train ride, meet Santa Claus himself, and receive a special gift. This festive event offers a nostalgic step back...

Step back in time for a unique Tudor Christmas experience at the Mary Rose Museum. This festive season, they are offering a variety of enchanting events, including storytelling sessions with a Tudor twist, creative workshops to make your own decorations,...

Father Christmas visits the Subtropical Gardens to meet children in his woodland cabin grotto and give gifts.

Step into a festive wonderland at The Brickworks Museum's Christmas Steam Up! The site will be aglow with Christmas lights and decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. Browse a craft market for unique gifts, discover Christmases of the past in a...

Experience the magic of Christmas at The Brickworks Museum's Children's Christmas Special. Children can meet Father Christmas in his grotto, receive a special gift, and help his elves wrap presents. Engage in festive crafts like making decorations and origami, and...