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A small child accepts a gift from Father Christmas
Christmas at Kingston Lacy | © National Trust/Rob Stothard

Christmas in and around Dorset

Discover sparkling trails, magical walks, and timeless Christmas traditions at Dorset’s houses and gardens. With Santa visits and seasonal cheer for all ages, you can plan a perfect day out to celebrate the season.

Top Christmas days out in and around Dorset

A Christmas ball at Kingston Lacy 

A glistening Christmas deserves an equally elegant ball that will sweep you off your feet. Follow the story of a wondrous woodland winter ball in the house and gardens, alive with sparkling festive magic.

A pyramid of champagne glasses, decorated with strings of pearls. In the background the lights of a Christmas tree.

Christmas at Corfe Castle 

Experience the charm of Corfe Castle this Christmas. Explore the ruins to find festive scenes, toast marshmallows around firepits, enjoy family crafting activities or for an extra touch of magic, experience the ambience of the castle at night.

Corfe Castle at dusk with lights and fire pits

Christmas at Studland Bay 

Enjoy bracing beach strolls with hot chocolates in hand, experience a Winter Solstice sunrise walk at Old Harry Rocks followed by a full English breakfast or run our 10k events – all with breath-taking views.

Shell Bay - wooden crossroads sign, Winter

Just over the border...

Christmas at Stourhead 

A million twinkling lights are set to bring the garden to life as the Christmas at Stourhead illuminated trail returns in 2025.

A family looking out at one of the Christmas at Stourhead installations for 2025

Festive fun at Stourhead 

Get ready for a season of festive joy at Stourhead, with a schedule full of wonderful activities and a spectacular after-dark illumination trail. Experience a magical Christmas season and make magical memories.

Festive house decorations and spectacularly decorated Christmas trees, Stourhead, Wiltshire

Montacute House Sings 

Experience the sounds of Christmas at Montacute House this winter. Listen for the echoes of song around the grounds, where you will hear Christmas carols that have been specially recorded by local Somerset choirs.

Sheep in the parkland on a frosty day, with Montacute House in the background.

Christmas at Mompesson House 

Just over the border in Wiltshire, you can step back in time and experience a Regency-style Christmas at Mompesson House on select dates from Friday 21 November.

Three visitors looking at a Christmas tree in the Entrance Hall at Mompesson House, Wiltshire

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Christmas in and around Somerset 

For Christmas 2025 discover magnificent houses, enchanted winter woodlands, Elizabethan revelry and seasonal food and drink in and around Somerset. Here's a few suggestions to start planning your festive visit in 2025.

A child running towards a Christmas tree at Dunster Castle in Somerset

Christmas in Wiltshire 

From after-dark illuminated trails to festive decorations, we've something for the whole family this Christmas around Wiltshire. Here's a few suggestions to start planning your visit.

Image shows part of the illuminated Christmas trail at Stourhead, with a bridge lit up in pink-purple light and lights floating in the water. The house illuminated in the distance

Christmas around Bath and Bristol 

There are plenty of opportunities for wintry walks, warming treats, festive family trails and Christmas decorations galore around Bath and Bristol.

Two woman adjust decorations on a large lit indoor Christmas tree at Dyrham Park

Christmas around Devon and Exmoor 

Discover unique houses and gardens in Devon and Exmoor transformed for Christmas.

Images show an adult holding a small girl who is reaching towards the Christmas decorations in the house at Killerton
An early morning view across Corfe Castle, Dorset in winter

Discover more in Dorset

Home to everything from an island, ancient coasts and hidden gems to a castle and a house inspired by an Italian palace.

Explore Dorset

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