.jpg)
Swanage Pier is set to sparkle once again this festive season, with the return of its much-loved Winter Wonderland, Father Christmas and the annual ‘Lighting up Lives’ campaign. Packed with family-friendly entertainment, festive characters, Christmas lights and special seasonal experiences, Christmas at Swanage Pier promises magical moments for visitors of all ages.
Lighting up Lives Switch-On Event
The festivities begin on Saturday 5th December with the Lighting up Lives Switch-On Event, when Swanage Pier's Christmas illuminations will officially be unveiled. Visitors can enjoy an evening of live entertainment from local favourites Kelp! and the Allsort'd Choir, alongside roaming festive characters bringing seasonal cheer throughout the Pier.
The Winter Wonderland Marquee will be open during the evening, offering festive photo opportunities in Father Christmas's sleigh and the popular snowy mountain cable car. At 6.00pm, guests can gather for the highlight of the evening as a special guest arrives to officially switch on the Christmas lights, transforming the Pier into a spectacular festive display.
The event also supports the Pier's Lighting up Lives campaign, giving people the opportunity to sponsor a light in memory of a loved one or in celebration of someone special while helping to support Swanage Pier Trust.
Every sponsored light forms part o.jpg)
f the Pier's stunning Christmas display, creating a lasting tribute while helping to preserve and maintain this much-loved local landmark for future generations. Sponsors can dedicate a light with a personal message, making it a meaningful way to remember a loved one, celebrate a family member or friend, or simply show support for Swanage Pier.
Sponsoring a light is easy. Simply visit the Swanage Pier website, choose your sponsorship, make a donation and submit your dedication message. Each sponsored bulb helps keep Swanage Pier shining brightly throughout the festive season while raising valuable funds to support the ongoing work of Swanage Pier Trust.
Sponsor Your Light Here
Winter Wonderland and Father Christmas
Following the switch-on, the festive celebrations continue throughout December with the return of Swanage Pier's Winter Wonderland, featuring Father Christmas, his friendly elves, festive games and activities, Christmas crafts and magical photo opportunities. Visitors can meet Father Christmas in his grotto and receive a special Christmas gift while enjoying a festive atmosphere filled with twinkling lights and seasonal entertainment.
This year's programme also includes the return of the popular Christmas Donkeys, Father Christmas's reindeer and festive entertainer Kevin Burke, whose magical performances, juggling and balloon creations are sure to delight younger visitors. The Pier Christmas Choir will also be returning to provide a soundtrack of festive favourites.
Event Dates%20(1)%20(1).jpg)
Festive Fun Days
- Saturday 12th December
- Sunday 20th December
These special days include access to the Winter Wonderland, a meeting with Father Christmas, a visit from either the Christmas donkeys or Father Christmas's reindeer, festive entertainment and a Christmas gift.
Father Christmas's Grotto & Winter Wonderland
- Sunday 13th December
- Saturday 19th December
- Monday 21st to Wednesday 23rd December
Guests will enjoy the full Winter Wonderland experience, including a visit to Father Christmas and a special gift for every paying child.
Whether you're looking to create magical Christmas memories with the family, meet Father Christmas, enjoy festive entertainment or remember a loved one through the Lighting up Lives campaign, Swanage Pier offers something for everyone this festive season.
For more information, to sponsor a light or to book your visit to Father Christmas, visit the Swanage Pier Trust events pages.