2025 has been great, but could 2026 be even better? Whatever your goals or aspirations next year, it’s always a good idea to celebrate in style. If you’re in Dorset over the new year, we’ve got a range of plans ready for you to note in your (brand new) calendar. From family friendly expeditions to ‘lets let loose and get some bubbly’, we discuss events including Fancy Dress Parties, Firework displays, nice places to dine – even a New Years Day swim!
If you’re after something a little more intimate, with mouthwatering cuisine, a live pianist playing jazz, table magic and so much more, take a look at our very own New Year celebrations at The Priory Wareham…
1. Priory Wareham’s New Year Gala Dinner
Event Date/Time: 30th December 2025 – 2nd January 2026, arrive 7:15pm–7:30pm for 8:00pm dinner
Location: The Priory Hotel, Church Green, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4ND
Price: Contact venue for package pricing
Experience an unforgettable New Year’s celebration at The Priory Wareham with a night of fine food, warm laughter, candlelight and just the right amount of sparkle. Slip into something special and arrive between 7:15pm and 7:30pm, where The Priory’s Restaurant Manager and his expert team will greet you with a glass in hand. Before dinner begins, gather in the Drawing Room and Cloisters Bar for pre-dinner drinks and elegant canapés, accompanied by the talented Julie Lewis at the piano performing jazz, classical favourites, and nods to Cole Porter.
At 8:00pm, take your seat for a spectacular five-course Gala Dinner crafted by Head Chef Stephan Guinebault and his team—theatre on a plate and a fitting finale to the year. Throughout the evening, be delighted by close-up table magic bringing a touch of mischief, mystery and wonder. As the clock nears midnight, gather for the final toast of the year with bubbles in hand, hearts full, and eyes bright with the promise of 2026. Midnight at The Priory—there’s really nowhere else you’d rather be.
2. Coastal Vibes NYE Countdown Cruise
Event Date/Time: 31st December 2025, evening cruise (specific times on website)
Location: Departs from Weymouth Harbour (250-seat passenger vessel)
Price: Check website for ticket prices (prices shown do not include booking fee)
Sail into 2026 in style aboard Weymouth’s stunning Coastal Vibes boat! This adults-only New Year’s Eve party on the waves is the ultimate way to celebrate with a difference. Step aboard the spacious 250-seat vessel for a sparkling evening featuring a welcome glass of fizz and canapés on arrival, followed by a delicious BBQ cooked on deck but served in the warm interior. Enjoy live music from DJ Chris Bonney, festive touches and photo opportunities throughout, and watch bubbles and confetti cannons go off at midnight as you welcome 2026 with coastal views. In keeping with Weymouth tradition, fancy dress is encouraged – so get creative! Plus, every booking includes a 15% discount code for Weymouth Gifts and Fancy Dress Shop, and there’s a prize for best dressed (bottle of Prosecco and £100 gift voucher). A fully licensed onboard bar is available for additional drinks. Note: if adverse weather prevents sailing, the event continues dockside with a 50% refund issued.
3. Bournemouth Pavilion Ballroom New Year’s Eve
Event Date/Time: 31st December 2025, 7:00pm – 1:00am
Location: Bournemouth Pavilion Ballroom, Bournemouth
Price: See website for package pricing
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the iconic Bournemouth Pavilion Ballroom. The package includes a welcome drink, delicious four-course dinner with coffee, and a glass of bubbly at midnight. The Boogie Bumpers will be getting you up on your feet and dancing your way through to the new year. It’s a classic, elegant way to welcome 2026 with style and sophistication in one of Bournemouth’s most beautiful venues.
4. Lyme Regis New Year’s Day Duck Race
Event Date/Time: 1st January 2026, 12:00pm (midday)
Location: River Lim, Lyme Regis – starting at Woodmead Road Bridge, finishing at Jordan Flats
Price: £1 per duck (can be purchased online or on the day from 11:15am)
Everyone goes a bit quackers at this beloved Lyme Regis tradition! Hundreds of individually numbered bright yellow toy ducks are released into the River Lim where they hurtle downstream in a mad paddle towards the finish line. The Mayor and Town Crier Alan Vian officially start the race, and spectators can cheer from the riverbank. Cash prizes are awarded: £50 for 1st place, £25 for 2nd, £10 for 3rd, and even £5 for the last duck home! All proceeds go towards Lyme Regis Christmas Lights 2026, making it a fun charity event for all the family.
5. BSO New Year’s Viennese Gala at Lighthouse Poole
Event Date/Time: 1st January 2026, 3:00pm
Location: Lighthouse, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Price: From £20.90
Start 2026 in elegant style with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s glittering Viennese Gala. Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth and soprano Elizabeth Watts will transport you to the traditional gala halls of Vienna with merry waltzes, polkas and marches from Johann Strauss II and his contemporaries. The programme includes all the classics: the Fledermaus Overture, Thunder and Lightning Polka, Radetzky March, and of course, The Blue Danube! This sparkling concert evening runs for approximately 2 hours including an interval.
6. The Lyme Lunge – New Year’s Day Sea Swim
(This is one of our personal favourites!)
Event Date/Time: 1st January 2026, 1:00pm
Location: Sandy Beach, Lyme Regis
Price: Free to participate or watch
Following the duck race, brave swimmers take part in the quirky Lyme Lunge – an icy dip in the sea from the beach at 1pm. This traditional New Year’s Day charity swim is perfect for washing away the previous year and starting fresh (albeit freezing!). Everyone is welcome at this event, whether you’re dipping or just watching the fun unfold. It’s a wonderfully British way to begin the New Year and all proceeds raised support local charities.
7. SKATE Bournemouth Ice Rink
Event Date/Time: Running until 4th January 2026, daily sessions
Location: Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens, Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5AH
Price: Adults £16, Children £13.50 (see website for full pricing including family tickets)
Ring in 2026 on the longest real ice rink in the UK at 70 metres! This outdoor ice rink in the magical Lower Gardens offers a truly festive experience, skating between Christmas trees under a web of fairy lights. After your skate, warm up at the Moguls Alpine Bar with festive mulled wine, luxury hot chocolate, or award-winning street food. Special sessions include Toddler Time, student nights, and experienced skater sessions. It’s the perfect family-friendly activity for the New Year period.
8. Cool Coast Ice Rink at Bournemouth International Centre
Event Date/Time: Running until 22nd February 2026, 7 days a week (closed Christmas Day)
Location: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH
Price: Adults £14, Children & Students £12.50 (see website for full pricing)
The South Coast’s largest indoor ice-skating rink offers weather-proof festive fun throughout the New Year period. Open from 9am to 10pm with session times varying, it’s perfect for families and skating enthusiasts alike. New for 2026 are themed skate nights with curated playlists from We Break Free DJs – including Taylor Swift nights, Pop Punk sessions, and Musicals Night. Beginner Skater Sessions run on Saturdays at 9:30am with just 100 skaters for a more relaxed pace. After skating, relax at the Alpine Bar for winter favourites.
Bournemouth International Centre
Make your New Year unforgettable
From icey dips to glamorous jazz parties, Dorset offers something for everyone this year. Whether you’re looking to wine and dine, have some family fun, or celebrate our unique local traditions, we’re wishing you find the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of 2026! Remember to try and book early as some of these events might sell out quickly.
Whatever you choose, the team at Priory Wareham are wishing you a very happy New Year.
