A Dorset Christmas
Visitors can browse over 100 local stalls presented in partnership with Dorset Team, featuring handmade crafts, ceramics, jewellery, woodwork, and artisan foods. Children can watch Santa and an elf arrive in an armoured vehicle, meet Santa around the museum, and follow the festive “Frank on a Tank” elf trail. The event also offers live entertainment, an indoor soft play area, and seasonal food and drink from the museum's café and restaurant.
What to Expect
Watch Santa arrive in an armoured vehicle and browse local craft stalls.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Bovington
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
The Tank Museum
Food & Drink
Festive food and drink are available from The Tank Museum Restaurant and Café.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and family-friendly
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
££
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adults (16+): £19.60 online; £24.50 on the door. Children (3–15): £4.80 online; £6 on the door. Concessions (veterans, students and means-tested benefit recipients): £12.25 on the door. – Get tickets
- Hours: 10am – 4pm.
- Parking: There is plenty of free parking on site, and a shuttle bus runs from Wool station on Special Event days.
- Accessibility: A Wellbeing Room offers a quiet space with a sofa, children's books and a sink.
Tips & Advice
- Book your tickets online rather than paying on the door to save 20%, and you'll get a free Annual Pass as well.
- Pack socks for the children, because everyone using the soft play must wear them, and it suits ages 3 to 11.
- Keep hold of your ticket after the day, as it gives you free return visits to The Tank Museum for a whole year.
- Come by train to Wool station if you prefer, since a shuttle bus runs to the museum on Special Event days.
- Bring your Christmas gift list, because over 100 Dorset makers sell everything from jewellery and ceramics to fudge, hampers and children's books.
Special Events & Promotions
- Book online to save 20% on Christmas tickets.
- Every ticket comes with a free Annual Pass.
- Santa and the elf arrive in an armoured vehicle on both days.
- Concessions for veterans, students and means-tested benefit recipients are available on site only.
- Free entry for children under 3, serving military, carers, Annual Pass holders and members.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I buy at the stalls?
There are over 100 local stalls from Dorset Team, a community of makers from across Dorset. They sell crafts, art, toys and gifts, from sea glass jewellery and handmade socks to liqueurs, fudge, ceramics and novels. The Tank Museum Shop is also open all weekend.
What is there for children?
Children can watch Santa and the elf arrive in an armoured vehicle and meet Santa as he walks around the site during the day. They can also follow the 'Frank on a Tank' elf trail and use the soft play.
Where can we get food and drink?
The Tank Museum Restaurant and Café serve festive food and drink. The café does hot dogs, paninis and pizzas. The restaurant serves Full English breakfasts, hot lunches, sandwiches and homemade cakes.
Are Annual Passes and memberships valid?
Yes. Annual Passes and memberships are valid for this event, and every ticket includes free return visits for a year.
How can I take part as a stallholder?
Makers can apply to trade or exhibit through the museum's trade application.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.