Swanage is a hive of activity in December, with a number of special events happening to celebrate Christmas and New Year. Join in the festivities and get involved with one of the many family friendly activities that are on offer. We’ve selected just a handful of our favourites events within the Purbeck region to sample during your stay at Ulwell Cottage Caravan Park.
Santa Special, Swanage Railway
1st – 24th December 2018
Throughout December something very special is happening aboard the Swanage Railway. Every day up until Christmas Eve children can meet Santa on a one-hour return trip through the beautiful Dorset countryside. Join the historic steam engine at the beautifully decorated station and wait in anticipation of a visit from Santa whilst enjoying a soft drink and mince pie. Santa will present each child with an age appropriate present to take home.
Swanage Christmas Market
8th December 2018
Wrap up warm and head to Swanage’s Christmas Market to stock up on last minute gifts. With a wide selection of stalls selling local produce, you’ll be spoilt for choice! As well as indulging in a spot of shopping, there will be live music, drinks and a range of tasty foods to sample. Santa will also be making a special appearance during the day.
Christmas Belle, Swanage Railway
8th – 24th December 2018
Get in the festive spirit this Christmas and treat your loved one to a trip in a Pullman Observation Car along the Swanage Railway. Don your finest attire and enjoy champagne and canapés in style from the comfort of your chair in the decorated carriage. You will be treated to spectacular views along the route, including the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle in the distance. All patrons will be treated to a personalised card and gift as a special memento to remember the day.
Artisans on the Beach
Fridays – Sundays throughout December 2018
Take a walk along Swanage seafront and pop into the beach huts lining the esplanade. Each weekend throughout December, local makers and producers will be selling their wares, including hand made gifts and artisan produce. As an added incentive, there will be free parking every Saturday in the towns long stay car parks.
Christmas Pudding Plod Charity Fun Run, Durlston Country Park
16th December 2018
Get the family together and head to Durlston Country Park this December for the Christmas Pudding Plod. Take either the 2k or 5k route and raise funds for two wonderful local charities, Dementia Friendly Swanage and the Durlston Pleasure Grounds Project by participating in the charity fun run. Be sure to wear your most festive fancy dress!
Winter Lights, Corfe Castle
Begins 14th December 2018 plus various other dates
Marvel at the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle as you explore the grounds at dusk. Weather permitting, the castle will be opening it’s doors until the later time of 7pm, allowing you to admire the Christmas decorations, traditional lanterns and beacons, which illuminate the towers. Savour winters warmers by the roaring log fire and look out for the Lord of Misrule, who will be making an appearance in the early evening to cause some mischief and play games with visitors.
Christmas Eve and New Years at the Village Inn
On Christmas Eve, New Years Eve and New Years day the newly refurbished Village Inn will be serving a delicious festive menu. Situated in the grounds of Ulwell Cottage Caravan Park, our wonderful bar and restaurant is the place to be! Enjoy a 2 or 3 course meal using only the finest ingredients and soak up the festive atmosphere.
New Years Eve in Swanage
New Years Eve is a popular event in Swanage town centre. Revellers congregate in the square at the bottom of lower high street for the big count down and to bring in the New Year together. Fancy dress is the order of the day, so be sure to wear your finest costumes! Most of the pubs and bars will be hosting parties to celebrate.
