What's on in Poole - December
Welcome to the Diary for what's happening in Poole. Select the month of your choice below, to see what's on in Poole.
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JAN ; FEB ; MAR ; APR ; MAY ; JUN ; JUL ; AUG ; SEP ; OCT ; NOV ; DEC
December 2009 - Santa Specials at Swanage Railway
Swanage Railway, Station House, Swanage, BH19 1HB
Meet Santa in Dorset at the Swanage Railway this Christmas!
Santa Specials will run on 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd & 24th December 2009
The Swanage Railway's Santa Specials are famous around the world as Dorset's leading family Christmas attraction. Our premier heritage steam railway, is pleased to be host to Santa each year when he visits our events at our family friendly, premier heritage steam railway in Dorset each Xmas. Regarded by many as the most entertaining seasonal attraction in Dorset, our magical services are popular with families looking for a safe and reliable fun day out in Swanage, Dorset, during the Xmas period.
The event offers Christmas Fun for the whole family with the opportunity to meet Santa visiting the Swanage Railway during December each year.
Every child receives a present from Santa during the hour-long train journey and adults receive a hot mince pie and seasonal drink. Advanced booking for Santa Specials is essential. Children under 2 go free.
For further details visit www.swanagerailway.co.uk
Sunday 22 November - 24 December 2009 - Poole Park Railway Festive Grotto
Poole Park, Poole, BH15 2SF
Weekdays 11am - 5.30pm, Weekends and school hols 10am - 5.30pm
Come visit Santa at Poole Park Railway this Christmas, jump aboard the little train and take a trip around the Ice Lake to Reindeer Junction, meet the Real Turkeys, Piglets and Reindeer (carrots and feed supplied) . Just a short walk over Yuletide Bridge and you'll be able to visit the resident Poole Park Bunnies. Then if you've been good this year you can go and visit Santa in his Grotto and collect your great present and massive fun filled Christmas Goody Bag.
Prices: Child £9.50, Adults £2.50.
More information available from their website at : www.pooleparkrailway.co.uk - for group rates call 07947 846262
24 November - 24 December 2009 - The Peacock Gallery Open Exhibition
Upton Country Park, Upton House, Upton, Poole, BH17 7JB
The Peacock Gallery Open Exhibition at Upton Country Park in the Peacock Gallery.
Open daily 10.30 - 3.45 - Free Entry with full disabled access
AFFORDABLE ART FOR CHRISTMAS. More info from : www.peacockgallery.org.uk
December 2009 - Late Night Shopping
Thursday Late Night Shopping Starts Thursday 19th November until Christmas with FREE Christmas Parking in Town Centre Car Parks :
- Thursday November 19th and 26th: 6pm to 9.30pm
- Thursday December 3rd, 10th and 17th: 6pm to 9.30pm
- Sunday November 22nd and 29th: 10.30am to 4.30pm
- Sunday December 6th, 13th and 20th: 10.30am to 4.30pm also
- Thursday 24th December from 10.30am to 4.30pm
Christmas Park and Ride
There's great news for shoppers this Christmas as Borough of Poole runs its successful Park and Ride service again.
Shamrock Buses will operate the service on each of the Saturdays before Christmas :
- 5 December
- 12 December and
- 19 December.
The distinctive orange buses will leave Creekmoor Park and Ride site every 15 minutes from 8am and run until 6pm. The journey takes just 10 minutes and shoppers will be dropped within easy each of the high street at the entrance to Falkland Square. Buses then return from the Falkland Square stop every 15 minutes from 8.15am with the last bus leaving town at 6.15pm.
Thanks to sponsorship from the Dolphin Shopping Centre, the fare has been held at last year's bargain price of £1.50 for an adult return and up to two accompanied children travel free.
English National bus pass holders can also use the service free of charge.
So, hop on and ease the load this Christmas with this convenient and cheap service that has plenty of room for all your bags!
View Park and Ride in a larger map
Wednesday 2 December 2009 - Christmas At Compton Acres
Compton Acres, 164 Canford Cliffs Road, BH13 7ES
Every Wednesday night from 25th November - 16th December (From 5pm - 8pm on Nov 25th and Dec 2nd/9th/16th) you will find :
- Carol singing in the Italian Villa,
- Santas Grotto,
- Shopping in the Ark Shop
- Illumination of the Italian Garden
- Christmas trees, mistletoe and festive plants from the plant centre
- Mulled wine, mince pies and roast chestnuts
More information is available from their website at : www.comptonacres.co.uk - Tel 01202 700778
Thursday 3 December 2009 - Farmers Market
Farmers Market in Falkland Square, Poole, BH15 1AB
Poole's Farmers Market takes place every Thursday at Falklands Square (outside the Dolphin Shopping Centre) from 9am – 2pm. Customers will find the best local Organic and Free Range products brought by the Farmers, Nurserymen, Bakers and Pie Makers who breed, grow and make their own produce.
Friday 4 December 2009 - Christmas on The Quay
Poole Quay, Poole, BH15 1HJ
Friday 4th December from 5pm - 8pm.
An evening of celebrations to welcome Father Christmas to Poole Quay. Entertainment will include live music on the Fish Shambles, carol singing, the Dolphin Marching Band, festive side stalls & Farmer Palmer.
Children can post their letters to Santa in a special post box on the Quay.
There will be a colouring competition & spot the Pirate competition for the children and have a go at painting with Poole Pottery in the Poole Welcome Centre.
A flotilla of lights will illuminate the harbour (weather permitting).
Saturday 5 December - Sunday 6 December 2009 - Spirit of Christmas - Arts Market
Poole Quay, BH15 1HJ
The Spirit of Christmas Arts Market brings you music and entertainment, seasonal speciality cafe, as well as a wonderful selection of talented artists, designers and creators to give you the opportunity to find those extra special Christmas gifts this year, from stocking fillers to children's and adult's gifts, to suit all budgets.
The Arts Market will be officially opened at 12 noon on Saturday 5th December, and close on Sunday 6th December at 3pm. Musicians and performers will be playing throughout the weekend and The Bournemouth Community Gospel Choir, Freeplay musicians and many more will joining us over the weekend to perform under the beautiful fairy lit trees in the Old Orchard in the historic old town of Poole. So come and join us for a fabulous weekend of arts and music and a wonderful shopping opportunity for original gifts.
Sunday 6 December 2009 - A Date with Nature - Birdboat to Brownsea Island
Poole Quay, Poole, BH15 1HJ
Sunday 6th December 2009,
Sailing 10.30 am.
For a chance to experience Brownsea Island - home of the red squirrel, on of the UK's rarest mammals - hop on this exciting cruise. You'll spend around two hours walking through Dorset Wildlife Trust's nature reserve on Brownsea Island. Thousands of birds flock to the island's freshwater and saline lagoons during winter to feed - up to 1,400 avocets have been recorded here at once. With flooded woodland, reedbeds and pine woods to explore, you're guaranteed to make a new discovery. Friendly RSPB guides will be on hand to point out different bird species and answer questions throughout the trip, which lasts 3 ½ hours. The boat leaves from the yellow kiosk on Poole Quay.
Price: Adult £15.00, child £7.50
All bookings must be made through Brownsea Island Ferries on 01929 462383.
Wednesday 9 December 2009 - Christmas At Compton Acres
Compton Acres, 164 Canford Cliffs Road, BH13 7ES
Every Wednesday night from 25th November - 16th December (From 5pm - 8pm on Nov 25th and Dec 2nd/9th/16th) you will find :
- Carol singing in the Italian Villa,
- Santas Grotto,
- Shopping in the Ark Shop
- Illumination of the Italian Garden
- Christmas trees, mistletoe and festive plants from the plant centre
- Mulled wine, mince pies and roast chestnuts
More information is available from their website at : www.comptonacres.co.uk - Tel 01202 700778
Thursday 10 December 2009 - Farmers Market
Farmers Market in Falkland Square, Poole, BH15 1AB
Poole's Farmers Market takes place every Thursday at Falklands Square (outside the Dolphin Shopping Centre) from 9am – 2pm. Customers will find the best local Organic and Free Range products brought by the Farmers, Nurserymen, Bakers and Pie Makers who breed, grow and make their own produce.
Thursday 10 December 2009 - Childrens Lantern Procession
Poole High Street, Poole, BH15 1AR
Starting at 6.15pm in Falkland Square the Dorset Youth Marching Band will lead the procession of lanterns made by children from Kings High and Manorside down the High Street to the Guildhall. There they will join the Old Town Conservation Group to sing Christmas Carols and enjoy mince pies !
Friday 11 December 2009 - Sunday 3 January 2010 - Jack and the Beanstalk
Lighthouse, Kingland Road, Poole, BH15 1UG
Get ready to join hero Jack on a magical adventure to climb the beanstalk, defeat the giant and retrieve the golden treasure. With great gags, catchy tunes and lots of audience participation.
Starring :
- Neil Fingleton (UK's Tallest Living Person)
- Rupert Hill and Jenny Platt (Coronation Street)
- Antonio Fargas (Starsky & Hutch).
- Fairy played by Caroline Verdon from Heart Breakfast and Silly Billy played by Mike Newman Jnr.
Get ready to join our hero Jack on a magical adventure to climb the beanstalk, defeat the giant and retrieve the golden treasure!
Dame Trott's behind with the rent and her two sons need to make some money fast. When Jack goes to sell his beloved cow all he can get is a measly bag of beans, but these are no ordinary beans! When a giant beanstalk appears in the back garden, Jack realises his extraordinary adventures are just about to begin ....
With great gags, catchy tunes and lots of audience participation Jack and the Beanstalk remains one of the best-loved family pantomimes of all-time
For full list of prices and availabity please call box office or check the website.
To book :
- By phone 08444 406 8666
- Online www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
- Or call in to Lighthouse, Kingland Road, Poole, BH15 1UG
Saturday 12 December 2009 - Poole Santa Jog
Baiter Harbourside Park, Poole Harbour, BH15 1UX
Walk or jog 2 miles in festive dress, supporting the British Heart Foundation's Hearts of Poole Appeal. Registration is at 10 am in the car park at the water's edge, at Baiter Harbourside Park.
Start 10.30 am
Registration fees: Adults £5.00 (includes a Santa suit given on the day) Children £3.00 - prizes for best fancy dress.
To register email south@bhf.org.uk or call 01892 893918. Registrations will be accepted on the day.
Wednesday 16 December 2009 - Christmas At Compton Acres
Compton Acres, 164 Canford Cliffs Road, BH13 7ES
Every Wednesday night from 25th November - 16th December (From 5pm - 8pm on Nov 25th and Dec 2nd/9th/16th) you will find :
- Carol singing in the Italian Villa,
- Santas Grotto,
- Shopping in the Ark Shop
- Illumination of the Italian Garden
- Christmas trees, mistletoe and festive plants from the plant centre
- Mulled wine, mince pies and roast chestnuts
More information is available from their website at : www.comptonacres.co.uk - Tel 01202 700778
Thursday 17 December 2009 - Farmers Market
Farmers Market in Falkland Square, Poole, BH15 1AB
Poole's Farmers Market takes place every Thursday at Falklands Square (outside the Dolphin Shopping Centre) from 9am – 2pm. Customers will find the best local Organic and Free Range products brought by the Farmers, Nurserymen, Bakers and Pie Makers who breed, grow and make their own produce.
Monday 21 December 2009 - Winter Solstice
Studland Beach, Visitor Centre, Knoll Beach, Studland, BH19 3AX
Experience the sunrise on the shortest day of the year at Old Harry Rocks. Finish with a cooked breakfast at Knoll Beach Cafe.
Monday 21 December 2009 from 7.15am - 9.15am , bring torches. Meet at South Beach Car Park ( next to Bankes Arms)
Booking essential - 01929 450259. Adult £10 Child £6 . More info from : www.nationaltrust.org.uk
JAN ; FEB ; MAR ; APR ; MAY ; JUN ; JUL ; AUG ; SEP ; OCT ; NOV ; DEC
