FREE Christmas events in Dorset

Christmas is an expensive time. Whether you are looking to save some money or fill in those days in-between expensive days out, I have put together this list of FREE events and activities that you can do with the Children in December to help everyone out a bit.

Christmas concert - Branksome - 9th December 730pm

Train rides - 13th&14th December - Wimborne

FREE Children's party with gifts - 15th December- Rossmore

Branksome community fridge are holding a free Christmas party for children at Rossmore library on 15th December 12-1pm. No need to book, just turn up and join in with the fun.

Christmas in Poole

There is lots to see and do in Poole this year without breaking the bank.

• Enjoy the twinkling lights and trail of magical installations.
• Festive music by a brass band on Sundays in December. 
• Visit the town and vote for your favourite Christmas window display.
• Take part in the magical window trail with exciting prizes.
• Singalong with ‘Poole’s Choirs at Christmas’ every Saturday in the festive run up. Local choirs will be performing in different locations throughout the town. 
• Don’t forget to send your letters in the ’Postbox to Santa’.
•  Santa will be visiting Poole’s shops, restaurants, cafes and businesses every Saturday in December. 

• Window trail around Poole:

Simply follow the trail and complete the form by writing down the letter found in the windows for your chance to win one of few prizes included a family ticket to this year’s pantomime “Dick Whittington” at Lighthouse, Poole).
Collect and return from Truly Scrumptious or Poole Museum Gift Shop, ToyTown and Kaspa’s Desserts.
Available from 22nd November to 24th December. 

Local Christmas Lights

One of our favourite things to do is to drive around and see all the houses decorated for Christmas.
Some of the best local displays are at
Runton Road in Parkstone
Byron Road in New Milton
Corfe Castle
Verity Crescent in Canford Heath
Christopher Crescent in Oakdale
When you visit please park nearby not the street if you can and enjoy them by foot. ​

Poole Maritime Lights Festival

The Poole Maritime Lights Trail is back again this year.
The beautiful light displays run all along the Quay and up the high street.

FREE clay decoration crafts - Poole Library - 23rd December

Clay Decorations @ Poole Library 
Tuesday 23rd December
10:00am - 11:30am

Come along for some festive fun; design, make and decorate your very own clay ornament!

Suitable for children aged between 4-11. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
This is a bookable event. To book on, follow this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../clay-bauble-decorating...

Any problems, call 01202 127100 or email [email protected]

Penguin Playground- Poole Dolphin Centre - various dates

From snowball throwing to fishing with Santa, come and visit the penguin playground in the Dolphin Centre this year.
Upcoming dates:
December 5th, 6th, 7th
December 12th, 13th, 14th
December 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd
Sessions at 11am, 11.45am, 12.30pm, 1.45pm, 2.30pm & 3.15pm
First session each day is SEND-friendly
Places are first-come, first-served on the day, so pop down early to secure your spot!

If you know of any other FREE local events please do leave a comment so that others can find out about them too.
All information is correct at time of publishing, please check with event providers before travelling to events.
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas making memories with your little ones.