Events & Entertainment, Wimborne | Posted on November 12th, 2025 | return to news

Father Christmas to welcome all children at Wimborne museum

Little ones will be welcomed to the Museum of East Dorset to meet Father Christmas, with a special day planned for SEND children.

Father Christmas is coming to a grotto at the Museum of East Dorset, where he will share his favourite seasonal stories with little ones.

As well as story time, each session will include a photo opportunity with Father Christmas, a chance to choose a special gift, and festive crafts. Children will also be able to write a letter to Father Christmas.

Tickets include full-day entry to the Wimborne Minster museum, all craft activities, the grotto visit, and a gift to take home.

The sessions take place on Saturday 6 December and Saturday 20 December, with a special session for under-fives on Wednesday 3 December.

In response to community feedback and the success of last year, the museum is also running SEND Santa visits — gentle, sensory-aware sessions designed for children with special educational needs. Taking place on Thursday 4 December, this experience offers a calm, joyful alternative to traditional Santa visits. There will be no queues, and each five-minute slot provides time to meet Santa in the peace and quiet of the museum’s new Sensory Shed.

Museum of East Dorset Director Francesca Hollow said: “We understand that some children with special educational needs may find Christmas activities a bit of a challenge, and we aim to provide a calmer opportunity for them to meet Santa with this session devoted to them. Visitors can expect a relaxed, sensory-friendly environment and tailored conversations based on their child’s interests — even if they’re non-verbal.”

All profits from these events go directly towards supporting the museum’s ongoing work in preserving and celebrating local heritage.

Booking is essential via the museum website: www.museumofeastdorset.co.uk.