If you’re dreaming of having yourself a merry little Christmas, why not book a stay at Burnbake to enjoy a stress-free festive escape in spectacular surroundings? This truly is the most wonderful time of year on the Rempstone Estate, when the forest goes into a deep winter slumber, frosty leaves crunch underfoot and our cosy lodges offer a luxurious sanctuary from the cold. Inside, you’ll find squidgy sofas to curl up on, toasty log burners to warm cold fingers and toes and snuggly beds to help you rest and restore. For those of you looking to spend time with loved ones and extended family, it’s also a great way to enjoy a festive get together and let us take the strain without anyone having to host.
During your stay, there are lots of things to do locally at this time of year. These include taking a bracing, windswept walk along one of the Jurassic Coast beaches, exploring the area’s pretty villages and historic towns or whiling away an afternoon or evening in a cosy local pub.
There’s also a huge choice of festive events to enjoy within a 15-minute drive, from twinkling light displays and cosy Christmas markets to seasonal stargazing and magical steam train rides. So, pop on your favourite Christmas jumper, get the classic Christmas tunes on and hold onto your Santa hats as we countdown the best events to bring some festive sparkle to your Burnbake stay:
Swanage Christmas lights and markets
When: Christmas Lights switch-on, Saturday 29 November, 3pm–4.30pm; Swanage Pier Christmas Light switch-on, Friday 5 December, from 5.30pm; Christmas Market, Saturday 6 December, 10am-4pm
Where: Christmas Lights switch on, outside The Mowlem Theatre, Swanage; Christmas Market, Station Road and Commercial Road.
Book a stay at Burnbake at the end of November and you can join the festive celebrations in Swanage as the town’s Christmas lights are switched on for the season. There’ll be live entertainment, a formal countdown and a special appearance from Father Christmas on his sleigh. If you miss the town Christmas lights, then make a beeline for Swanage Pier on 5 December to see Lighting Up Lives – it’s official Christmas lights switch-on and fundraiser. This will then be followed by the Christmas Market on 6 December, where you can buy crafts and gifts from local traders and visit Santa at his grotto market stall!
Father Christmas’s Yuletide Express
When: Saturday 29 November to Wednesday 24 December
Where: Swanage Railway
Enjoy a magical train ride into Christmas past on board The Yuletide Express. Your festive journey starts at Swanage Station, decorated for Christmas as you’re welcomed with carols, mince pies and the magic ticket collector for a cosy, nostalgic celebration. During the 1-hour return journey, every child will get a visit from Father Christmas and receive a festive gift and candy cane while you enjoy the onboard fun and entertainment from the train’s lively elves. At the end of your experience, your little ones will have the opportunity to hang a wish on the Christmas Wishing Tree.
Christmas at Corfe Castle
When: Monty and Matilda Mouse Family Quest, 5 December to 4 January, 10am–3.30pm; Christmas Crafts, 20–23 December, 10am–3.30pm; Winter Lights, 13 and 19 December 4pm–7.15pm; Winter Solstice, Sunday 21 December, 7am–5pm
Where: Corfe Castle
Celebrate the season among the spectacular ruins of Corfe Castle during December with a series of special events. Explore the castle to find festive scenes involving the adventures of Monty & Matilda Mouse in a family quest from 5 December until 4 January. Enjoy a fun, family crafting activity on 20-23 December. Explore the ruins of Corfe Castle lit under warm glowing lights with the stars above you in the after-hours Winter lights events on 13 and 19 December. Or get up bright and early to watch the sun rise over East Hill from the castle on 21 December for Winter Solstice and the shortest day of the year.
The Christmas Orchestra
When: Friday 5 December, shows at 6pm and 8.30pm
Where: St James’ Church, Poole
Don’t miss The Christmas Orchestra – a 16-piece chamber orchestra, supported with full sound production and lighting show – when they come to St James’ Church in Poole. On the night, they will performcompositions from your favourite Christmas films, including Elf, Home Alone, Harry Potter, Love Actually and Muppet Christmas Carol, along with popular sing-along classics to ignite your festive spirit. As the orchestra play, the church will be illuminated with a synchronised light show, amplifying the emotion and magic of every musical moment.
Stargazing at Durlston Country Park
When: Saturday 13 December, 7pm
Where: Durlston Country Park observatory, Swanage
Discover the wonders of the night sky at Durlston Country Park’s observatory. Look out for Santa as you learn about the winter constellations and spot Jupiter, the Geminid meteor shower and Saturn with Dione appearing from behind with a ranger and members of the Wessex Astronomical Society. Your stargazing session will include a talk at the Learning Centre followed by the opportunity to observe the night sky through various telescopes, as well as the observatory dome’s telescope.
Visit Santa and Illuminate at The Blue Pool
When: 15–19 December, 10am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–4.30pm each day
Where: The Blue Pool Nature Reserve & Tearooms, Wareham
Step into a magical woodland setting and visit Santa in his grotto at The Blue Pool Nature Reserve. Designed for children of all ages, this enchanting experience includes a festive trail leading to the grotto to meet Santa himself and receive a special Christmas gift. After Christmas, the nature reserve will be lit up after dark for Illuminate, a professional lighting display with vibrant colours and atmospheric music. For 2026, there will be new elements along the trail as you explore the woodlands all the way around the lake, with stunning views from every side.
Ready for your cosy Christmas holiday at Burnbake? Then book your luxury lodge stay today!
