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Upcoming Events...
Thursday 20th to Saturday 22nd November - 7:30pm Evenings, also 2:30pm Saturday
History In Harmony - The Barrington Theatre, Ferndown
Poole and Parkstone Productions return to The Barrington Theatre this Autumn with History in Harmony! Travel back in time with songs from iconic musicals, all inspired by some of the most defining moments in history. Featuring hits from musicals including; The Sound of Music, Annie Get Your Gun, Six, Hamilton, Evita, The Greatest Showman, The King and I, and more, this revue celebrates the true stories that changed the world. Tickets from: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/pandp/history-in-harmony/e-mqarvz
Thursday 20th to Saturday 13th December
Carey's Enchanted Gardens Light Trail - Carey's Secret Garden, Garden Wood, Wareham
The chance to have a wander around the historic walled garden and woodland paths, which will be beautifully and gently illuminated with fairy lights.
Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd November - 10am to 4pm
Wimborne Art Club Winter Exhibition - Pamphill Village Hall
The exhibition showcases the work of the club’s members and includes crafts, cards as well as paintings, all for sale. If you're looking for a special Christmas present there's a varied selection of subject matters and styles to suit everyone’s taste and pockets. Coffee, tea and mince pies will be available. Entrance and parking is free.
Saturday 22nd November - From 6pm
Diverse Abilities Gala Ball - Poole Lighthouse
It’s time to get glam and join them for their beloved Gala Ball. It starts with a glittering drinks reception in the foyer, and then it's the Concert Hall for the main event of the evening. There will be a delicious three course meal, exceptional entertainment and all of the usual fundraising fun. Search for 'Diverse Abilities Gala Ball' for ticket details.
Saturday 22nd November - 11am to 7pm
Christchurch Christmas Lights Switch On
It’s a free event with market traders, live music, children's entertainment and much more. The light switch on is at 5pm.
Saturday 22nd November
Poole Christmas Lights Switch On And Santa Parade
Santa's Parade starts at Poole Lighthouse at 4pm and finishes at Poole Quay. It'll be led by Santa and the Gugge 2000 Marching Band. There's live music around Poole town centre, with the Citrus Singers in Falkland Square from 4:40pm, Julia's House Choir in Amity Square from 5pm, Bitter Sweet Harmony in Orchard Plaza from 5:20pm, and Rock Choir at the Quay from 5:40pm.
Saturday 22nd November - 10am to 3pm
Corfe Mullen Christmas Fair - Village Hall, Towers Way, Corfe Mullen
There will be crafts, music, kids activities and some delicious treats.
Saturday 22nd November - 7:30pm
Choir Collaborate! - Citygate Centre, Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth
A night of harmony, featuring the Spotlight Theatre Choir, Poole Sounds Like Fun and the Southbourne Resonate Choir. It's a ticketed event, with all profits going to charity.
Saturday 22nd November - 10am to 4pm
Southbourne Church Pre-Christmas Craft Fair - Immanuel Church, Southbourne Road
On offer will be unique handmade holiday gifts, beautiful decorations and festive fun. The chance to support local makers and find that perfect holiday gift.
Saturday 22nd November - Doors Open 6pm, Eyes Down 6:45pm
Christmas Bingo - School Hall, Christ The King, Durdells Avenue
There's three prizes for every game, a raffle, and refreshments will be available. The night is being run by Isaac from the 8th Bournemouth Scout Group, to support him on his fundraising for the Explorer International Camp to Hungary August 2026. To book tickets email them by searching for '8th Bournemouth Scout Group'.
Sunday 23rd November - 11am to 4pm
Littledown Centre Christmas Market - Chaseside, Bournemouth
There will be up to 80 stalls offering a wide selection of handmade artisan gifts, Christmas crafts and seasonal treats. Under 5's go free.
Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th November - From 7pm
Aladdin JR. - The Purbeck School, Worgret Road, Wareham
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International, and features lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.
Thursday 27th to Saturday 29th November - From 7:30pm, with a Saturday Matinee at 2:30pm
Alice In Cuckoo Land - Corfe Castle Village Hall, East Street, Corfe Castle
The award winning Double Act drama group are presenting this fun filled family pantomime. Search for 'Alice In Cuckoo Land Corfe Castle' for ticket details.
Saturday 29th November - 10am to 1pm
Coffee Morning And Christmas Craft Fair - Victoria Park Methodist Church, Jameson Road, Bournemouth
Organised by the 43rd Bournemouth Scouts, they'd like you to join them for a morning of coffee and cake, and the opportunity to buy some Christmas gifts.
Saturday 29th November - 11am to 4pm
Christmas Fayre - Poole Grammar School, Gravel Hill
It’s set to be a fantastic day for families, friends, and the wider community. This year’s fayre will feature over 100 local traders, live music, a climbing wall, Santa, food trucks, alpine bar, fun games and activities and much more! The entire event is run by volunteers, and all profits go directly back to the school.
Saturday 29th November - 10am to 2pm
Stanpit Marsh Reindeer Fair - Stanpit Marsh Scout Hut, Christchurch
There will be cake, hot drinks, artisan craft stalls by local artists, children's crafts, Christmas trees, wooden reindeer and handmade decorations.
Saturday 29th November - 1 to 5pm
Wimborne Market and Christmas Light Switch On - Town Square
Enjoy festive fun with lights, music, food and activities for everyone. Lights will be switched on at 5pm.
Saturday 29th November - 10:30am to 4pm
Museum of East Dorset Christmas Fair - High Street, Wimborne
With gifts, crafts and food, as they'll be raising funds for the running of the museum.
Saturday 29th November - 3 to 6pm
Verwood Market and Christmas Light Switch On - Verwood Ferrett Green, Memorial Hall and United Reformed Church
Fun starts at 3pm.
Saturday 29th November - 3 to 4:30pm
Swanage Christmas Light Switch on - Outside the Mowlem Theatre
There’ll be live entertainment, a formal countdown, and as always Father Christmas will be arriving on his sleigh to join the festivities.
Saturday 29th November - 11am to 5pm
Christmas In Ferndown - Barrington Car Park (Penny's Lodge)
Featuring stalls, rides, music, Santa and food.
Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November - 10am to 3pm
A Dorset Christmas Festival: Pull a Pine at RSPB Arne
Join the RSPB for one of the biggest conservation events in the country at RSPB Arne Nature Reserve. By helping them to remove the pine trees, you'll be helping them to protect the beautiful heathland for the future, and an area which is home to some of our rarest wildlife in the UK, such as Sand Lizards, Smooth Snakes and our specialist heathland birds – Dartford Warblers and Nightjars. By cutting your own pine tree for Christmas, you're not only taking home a piece of Arne, but you will be making a real difference to help the RSPB protect this rare and wonderful environment. So, get your wellies on, dig out your hats and scarves and join them for a special festive day in nature. There will be live music, Christmas craft stalls, with locally made artisan and festive items for you to browse at your leisure, as well as carol singing and delicious festive foods. Advanced ticket sales only - search for 'Arne Pull A Pine'.
Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November
Christmas at the Russell-Cotes - Russell-Cotes Museum, West Cliff, Bournemouth
You'll be able to step back in time and enjoy the magic of a Victorian Christmas at the Russell-Cotes Museum. Follow the Christmas Trail and find out more about Christmas traditions, and also items in their collection which are linked to this magical time of the year. Father Christmas will also be visiting and pre-booking can be made on their website.
Saturday 29th November to Wednesday 24th December
Father Christmas Yuletide Express 2025
Step into a world of twinkling lights, festive cheer and timeless Christmas traditions. The Yuletide Express is more than a train ride- it’s a heart-warming journey into the magic of the season. Your festive adventure begins at Swanage Station, lovingly dressed in its Christmas best. As the scent of mince pies fills the air and carols drift from the platform, you’re welcomed into a cosy, nostalgic celebration. They love seeing passengers wrapped up in Christmas jumpers, festive pyjamas, and woolly hats. Who knows – their Elves might just reward the best-dressed travellers with a little something extra…for all the ticket details and what's included, search for 'Swanage Yuletide Express'.
Sunday 30th November - 1:30 to 4:30pm
Canford Heath Christmas Fair - Canford Heath Community Centre, Mitchell Road
With stalls, food and drink, panto tickets, and the chance to meet Santa and his Elves.
Wednesday 3rd December - 7:30pm
Swanage Town Band Concert - Swanage Methodist Church, High Street
There are two opportunities to hear the Swanage Town Band in December, and sing along to your favourite carols. This concert in the Methodist Church will include the usual mix of Christmas fun, carols and audience participation, with music they don't often get a chance to play on the bandstand, along with maybe one or two surprises. Then on Wednesday 10th December at 6.30pm, it's their traditional "Carols on the Bandstand" evening with song sheets provided. They'll be collecting on the night for band funds and Admiral Nurse.
Wednesday 3rd to Sunday 7th December - 10:30am to 4pm
Christmas Tree Festival - St. Martin's Church, North Street, Wareham
This is a Community Event to raise money for Wareham Parish Church funds. It will be open each day with free admission.
Thursday 4th December - 5 to 6pm
SEND Santa Experience at Wimborne - Museum of East Dorset, High Street
Bringing festive cheer to families this December, as they'll have special Story Time sessions with Father Christmas - set in the museum’s cosy grotto, where little ones can enjoy enchanting tales, festive crafts and a special gift to take home. In response to community feedback and the success of last year, the museum is proud to run SEND Santa visits - gentle, sensory-aware sessions designed for children with special educational needs. These quieter experiences offer reduced visitor numbers, calmer lighting and sound - all in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. All profits from these festive events go directly towards supporting the museum’s ongoing work in preserving and celebrating local heritage. This is a ticketed event with booking essential, so search for 'Museum of East Dorset Santa' to find out more.
Friday 5th December - 6 to 8pm
Canford Heath Christmas Light Switch On And Santa's Grotto - Adastral Square
The light switch on will be at 7pm, and there's lots of entertainment, including a face painter, Poole Borough Band, Festive cocktails, various stalls and a free Santa Grotto at the community centre, which is bookings only.
Saturday 6th December
Swanage Christmas Street Market
Enjoy the festive season with stalls, food, drinks and seasonal cheer at the fabulous Christmas Street Market.
Saturday 6th December - Doors open at 7:15pm
The Careline Appeal Party Night with Ben Waters - West Lulworth Village Hall
A brilliant local charity, the Careline Appeal is celebrating 30 years as a registered charity. They've done amazing work over the years by raising money to help Dorset Young Carers, by providing funding for holidays, away days and fun days out for these amazing young people. It also sponsors Lifelines for parents and for older, vulnerable people allowing them to call for assistance by simply pressing a button. To celebrate, the charity is holding a special party with music by the brilliant, boogie piano player Ben Waters and his Band. It's ticket only and they are available by emailing sarah.jamieson2011@gmail.com - It should be an amazing night so please book your tickets and help them to continue helping these unsung hero's.
Sunday 7th December - From 3:30pm
Wareham Father Christmas Parade
There will be a welcome and Christmas Tree Blessing with entertainment on the cross at 3:45pm. The Parade then takes place through the town at 4:45pm, and there's also Santa's Grotto in the town hall, where they'll be refreshments and stalls from 3:30pm.
Wednesday 10th December - 6:30pm
Carols On The Bandstand - Horsecliffe Lane, Swanage
Their traditional evening of carols, with song sheets provided. If it's wet, they'll play the following week on the 17th at 6:30pm, weather permitting. They'll be collecting on the night for band funds and Admiral Nurse.
Saturday 13th December - 4:30 to 5:30pm
Carols In The Square - Saxon Square, Christchurch
There will be a festive singalong in Saxon Square, and it will be a great opportunity to sing your heart out to some Christmas favourites. Mulled wine and mince pies will be available to buy.
Friday 24th to Sunday 26th April 2026 - 12pm to 10pm
Bournemouth Writing Festival - Various locations around the town
The Bournemouth Writing Festival is back for its fourth year – welcoming over 1,000 writers, authors and writing professionals to the beach to improve and profess their writing journey. The festival again promises to offer tips, guidance, advice and inspiration for writers at all stages of their writing journey. From talks, workshops and masterclasses to networking events and panels, a plethora of events and activities to inspire writers to write is being planned. Search for 'Bournemouth Writing Festival' to find out more.