1 Father Christmas will be making a special visit to the Russell-Cotes Museum this weekend. Youngsters will be able to meet him on Saturday and Sunday for £4.50 which includes a small gift. Booked time slots are available between 11am and 3pm. To book call 01202 451820.

2 Santa will be in his grotto at Boscombe’s Sovereign Shopping Centre on Saturdays throughout December between 10am and 6pm and from 11am until 3pm on Sundays. Then between December 17 to 22, children will be able to see him daily from 10am to 5pm and also on Christmas Eve between 10am and 12.30pm. This year the attraction boasts walk-through “fantasy cavern” featuring with animatronic Christmas characters and animals which visitors will encounter as they make their way to the grotto. Entry costs £5 per person.

3 The big man in red will be dropping by a Christmas coffee morning at Stanpit Village Hall on December 16 at 10am. The event is taking place to raise money for Dorset Cancer Care Foundation. Entry costs £2 for children which includes a drink, cookie and gift from Father Christmas.

4 See Father Christmas in his grotto in the Lower Gardens until Christmas Eve. Ticket prices start from £14.95 which includes entry for one child up to 12-years-old, admission for two adults, a present from Santa, a photo with Santa and discounts for Bournemouth’s Christmas Market.

5 Have breakfast with Santa or simply meet him in his grotto at John Browns Garden Centre, near Wimborne, every weekend until 21 December. All profits will be being donated to Diverse Abilities. The breakfast takes place between 8.30am and 9.30am each weekend and costs £5. It must be booked in advance.

6 Santa will be in his Woodland Grotto at Upton Country Park until Christmas Eve. Visitors can meet him Wednesday to Friday between 10.30am and 5pm and one weekends from 9.30am to 6pm. Costs between £12.95 to £14.95 for children and includes a gift and a photograph.

7 A Christmas canoe paddle on Beaulieu River to find Father Christmas takes place on Saturdays throughout December in the run-up to Christmas. The 90-minute guided tour costs £25 for adults and £19 for children.

8 There's still availability to see Santa at Stewarts Garden Centres in Christchurch and Broomhill on selected dates in December. Entry from £10.95 for children and £1 for adults. Entry is free for babies aged 0 to six months.