Stewarts Garden Centres is opening bookings for its much-loved Santa’s Winter Wonderland in Christchurch and Broomhill, returning for Christmas 2026.
29th August 2026
It may still be summer, but one of Dorset’s best-loved festive traditions is already preparing to return.
Stewarts Garden Centres has announced that tickets for its 2026 Santa’s Winter Wonderland experience will go on sale at 10am on Tuesday 1 September - a full month earlier than usual.
The popular family experience will return to Stewarts’ Christchurch and Broomhill garden centres from Saturday 21 November until Christmas Eve.
Stewarts has been welcoming families to its Winter Wonderland for around 40 years, making it a familiar part of Christmas for generations of Dorset children.
Visitors are guided by Santa’s elves along a magical walkway, passing festive scenes including the Elf Village, Santa’s workshop and Rudolph’s stables before arriving at Santa’s Grotto.
After meeting Santa, children can visit the Secret Toy Store and choose their own present from a selection of toys, games and arts and crafts. Professional photographs with Santa will also be available for an additional charge.
Martin Stewart, managing director of Stewarts Garden Centres, said the earlier ticket release would give families more time to secure their preferred date and begin planning their festive celebrations.
The free Christmas selfie walkway will also return to Stewarts’ Dorset and Hampshire centres.
Families will be able to take photographs inside a gingerbread house, pose as Santa’s elves or climb aboard his sleigh, all surrounded by decorated Christmas trees.
Anyone sharing their pictures on Facebook or Instagram and tagging Stewarts will also have the chance to win a £50 garden centre voucher.
Special SEN sessions will be available for children who may benefit from a quieter and more relaxed visit.
These sessions will have no flashing lights, gentle background music and fewer visitors inside the Winter Wonderland walkway. Stewarts is working with regional charities Naomi House and Jacksplace, which will each receive a share of the proceeds from the SEN sessions.
SEN tickets cannot be booked online. Families will need to telephone or visit their chosen garden centre from 10am on 1 September so the team can discuss each child’s individual needs.
Tickets cost £19.95 for children aged seven months to 12 years and include a present of their choice. Babies up to six months and accompanying adults cost £3.95 each, with babies receiving a small cuddly toy.
Bookings open at 10am on Tuesday 1 September through the official website. The experience runs from 21 November to 24 December 2026 at Stewarts Christchurch and Stewarts Broomhill.
Instagram: stewartsgardencentres
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