What's On
Christmas on Swanage Pier
This year we are in full festive swing.
Get ready for the return of the incredible ‘Lighting up Lives’.
Come and meet Father Christmas and his reindeer. The ever-popular donkeys will be returning, along with your favourite Christmas characters. Enjoy live music, entertainment and so much more!
Click below to make your ‘Lighting up Lives’ dedication and book your tickets for Father Christmas’ Grotto.
Click here for further details on on what is happening over Christmas.
Big Winter Raffle
Tickets are just £1 each and can be purchased from the gate, shop and online
Prizes have been donated by fantastic businesses 👉
All proceeds raised go towards the ongoing maintenance of Swanage Pier.
The draw will take place on Sunday 5th January 2025
Lighting up Lives – ‘The Switch On’
Friday 13th December
Come and join us on Friday, 13th December, starting at 5:30pm, for the first night of the Pier illuminations! Enjoy live music from local bands Kelp! and the Allsort’d Choir. Be entertained by festive characters and watch the lights being switched on by our special guest at 6:00pm. Make your evening complete with a festive treat or a delicious barbecue offering from the 1859 Café and Bistro and find the perfect gift in our shop.
Bring your family and friends for a magical evening at Swanage Pier!
- Adult - £2.00
- Child - £1.00 (between 2 - 14 year old)
- Family Ticket - £5.00 (2 adults & 2 children)
(tickets to be purchased on the night)
Click Here to dedicate a light to someone special or a group you appreciate. With a suggested donation of £12.00, you can honour, celebrate, show thanks, remember loved ones or wish someone a joyous Christmas.
Father Christmas and his real reindeer as well as the ever-popular donkeys will be creating an atmosphere like no other here at Swanage Pier. Come along with family, friends and loved ones to experience the joy of Christmas.
Ho, Ho, Ho, Father Christmas is returning to Swanage Pier!
Take in the atmosphere as you arrive at our enchanting winter wonderland. A warm welcome from the Merry Elves will greet you upon arrival. Gather everyone together in Father Christmas’s sleigh and our mountain cable car photo booths, play snowy games and post your Christmas letters to Father Christmas in our magical post box before meeting the man himself!
It is a truly magical Christmas experience that the whole family will enjoy.
Don’t just take our word for it, read what families thought last year…..
It was good last year but this year it was brilliant. They loved the fun they had in the grotto throwing snowballs and being a snowman. The elves were fab and the big man was brilliant! Thank you so much. Two very happy kiddies.
Elves were really lovely and made the experience for my children really special. The children loved Santa; he was amazing.
Tickets are £10.00 per child (All children will receive a gift. Children under 2 are free **)
Entrance to the Winter Wonderland Christmas Marquee is included in the grotto ticket price. Subject to availability, donation of £2 per person to the Christmas marquee.
** If you have an under 2/baby who is accompanying you into the grotto with your other child (who have a ticket), you do not need to purchase a separate ticket – unless you want them to receive a gift.
Just pick the time below to book your tickets
* sold out
If anyone in your party has additional needs, please email to arrange a dedicate slot.
Along with visiting Father Christmas, we also have…..
Saturday 14th December
Magical Christmas Entertainment
10.30am – 1.00am & 2.00pm – 4.30pm
Kevin Burke will be back on the Pier, adding his own special brand of Christmas cheer to the festive mix! Expect magic, juggling, balloon models and of course, plenty of ho! ho! ho!"
Christmas Donkeys
11.00am - 4.00pm
Christmas Donkeys back by popular demand, will be on the Pier for you to come and meet, adding a little bit of festive magic.
Saturday 21st December
Magical Christmas Entertainment
10.30am – 1.00am & 2.00pm – 4.30pm
Kevin Burke will be back on the Pier, adding his own special brand of Christmas cheer to the festive mix! Expect magic, juggling, balloon models and of course, plenty of ho! ho! ho!"
Christmas Reindeer
11.00am – 4.00pm
Father Christmas’s reindeer will be visiting The Pier! Come along and wish them good luck before they head off to deliver presents on Christmas Eve.
Karen Grant
12.00pm
Come and join Karen Grant who will be singing all your favourite classic Christmas tunes. Helping to get you in the mood for the festive season.
* Access to the Pier and to see the Reindeer £2 per adult.
Come and join us for a great festive experience.
Thank you to our amazing sponsors
2025
February
Park to Pier Walk
Sunday 9th February at 10.30am
Meeting at Durlston Castle, join a Ranger for a stroll from Durlston Castle to Swanage Pier, on the way discovering the history, wildlife and geology of Durlston Bay. Once you reach the Pier, you will have the opportunity for a history talk led by a Pier Volunteer.
Adult - £5.00
Child - £3.00
No booking required just turn up on the day.
Meeting at Durlston Castle.
March
Park to Pier Walk
Saturday 22nd March at 10.30am
Meeting at Durlston, you will firstly have the opportunity to learn more about the country park led by a Ranger. You will then be joined by a Jurassic Coast Volunteer for a stroll from down to the Pier, on the way discovering the history, wildlife and geology of the bay.
Adult - £5.00
Child - £3.00
No booking required just turn up on the day.
Meeting at Durlston Country Park at 10.30am