A much loved tradition in Wareham!
Did you know that Father Christmas arriving in Wareham dates back to the late 1940’s!
The first event was the brainchild of three friends including local town Councillor Reg Spiller and the landlord of the Red Lion. They wanted to create a special event for local children. The local story is that they managed to fund the first event from money they won on a horse race!
Taking inspiration from an event in Corfe, where Father Christmas would go up onto the roof a local shop, they asked Santa to come down the ‘chimney’ of the Red LIon Hotel!
The event was a great success and the arrival of the man in the ‘Golden Boots’ has continued to be one of the most popular events in Wareham. Sadly the Red Lion Hotel is currently closed but Santa has made arrangements to come to Wareham Town Hall instead!
Wareham’s Christmas Elves
Wareham Christmas Elves have been extremely busy during the last couple of years. Thanks to some fantastic fund-raising they have put up extra lights on North Street and St Johns Hill. Along with the annual Christmas Tree, the Wareham usually looks very festive!
Wareham’s elves are always looking for new elves to help them make Wareham sparkle! Check out the ‘christmasinwareham’ Facebook page for details.
Timetable for the day
For full, updated details of the Father Christmas Parade in Wareham check out our event page for Christmas in Wareham at Visit Purbeck Dorset.
4.00 The event usually starts around 4.00 pm with performances on the crossroads in town centre.
5.10 approx – there is usually a Tree Blessing
5.20 approx a parade from North St.
6.00 approx Santa’s Grotto: After the parade Santa will go to his Grotto at the Town Hall Museum where children can visit and receive goody bags.
