Careys Secret Garden has discovered a December sparkle as it gets ready to welcome a special visitor for story selling sessions at the award winning attraction near Wareham, Dorset.
Its enchanted garden evening light trails from Friday 21st November to Saturday 13th December 2025, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings have proved so popular that the event has sold out – but from Thursday 18th until Tuesday 23rd December 2025, there are extra dates which include storytime with Santa for young visitors.
Welcome to a winter wonderland at Careys Secret Garden, near Wareham
Firepits for roasting marshmallows
Careys Secret Garden, which was voted Winner of Winners at the 2025 Dorset Tourism Awards, now has light trails leading around the garden grounds, where stunning sculptures are illuminated and nature is celebrated.
The trail takes in a coffee shop and a new outdoor kitchen where stonebaked pizzas are freshly made, as well as firepits for roasting marshmallows.
Information panels around the grounds offer a fascinating insight into Careys natural visitors, from ospreys to butterflies.
There’s also a chance to buy unique ethical Christmas presents at the gift shop, where Father Christmas will be telling stories every half hour from sunset until early evening.
The garden will welcome Santa, and his storytelling evenings in the week before Christmas
“Magical way to experience Careys”
Emma Shaw, garden experience manager at Careys Secret Garden, said:
“This is a relaxed and magical way to experience Careys after dark – it’s cosy, family friendly, and perfect for couples and friends looking for a unique evening out in Dorset.
“We have our own enchanted forest, which is ideal for a festive adventure along glowing pathways and beneath sparkling fairy lights, into our historic walled garden.
“We have brought the garden to life with colour, warmth, and a spectacular festive light trail designed to delight children and adults.
“With its blend of nature, history, and seasonal magic, it’s the perfect alternative to crowded attractions and a chance to make heart warming family memories.”
Families get to toast marshmallows over firepits on their way around the gardens
“A shared magical moment”
Emma added:
“In the last week before Christmas, this event also becomes a cosy story time with Father Christmas, where children are invited to gather around him as he shares his festive tales, with some delicious treats to make the moment extra special.
“We’re committed to keeping our celebration thoughtful and planet friendly, so Father Christmas won’t be giving out presents at our event, as choosing gifts that suit all ages while also reducing waste can be tricky.
“Instead, we are focusing on creating a magical shared moment that children will treasure long after the story ends.”
An osprey sculpture has been illuminated next to webcam footage of Careys most famous visitors
Striking osprey sculpture
Careys Secret Garden is growing inside beautifully preserved Victorian walls which add character and charm to the landscape.
One of its latest additions is a striking osprey sculpture, to celebrate the annual visit of Dorset’s first breeding ospreys in 200 years and to mark a connection between regeneration projects and art.
There are further curated sculptures within the walled gardens, which have been illuminated for the enchanted garden event, and Careys has also opened an indoor space for winter workshops from painting to pottery.
The garden is also host to regular fungi forays and has installed an illuminated display of toadstools on the trail, along with stopframe photography films of fungi growing, projected onto the garden’s Victorian walls.
A forest of fungi is lit up to welcome visitors on the enchanted trail
“Our glowing winter wonderland”
Emma Shaw said:
“Every aspect of our garden and offerings is designed to inspire, educate, and help foster a more sustainable future for all, and sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.
“We pride ourselves on offering sustainably grown, peat free plants, and our gifts are thoughtfully curated, supporting local artists and makers who share our values.
“Our team is passionate about creating an ethical and responsible space where everyone can experience the beauty of nature while learning about the importance of environmental stewardship.
“We have created a truly magical place where history, craftsmanship and artistic expression blends, and we hope that our glowing winter wonderland offers a festive experience that feels personal, cosy, and different.”
More photos
In praise of the butterflies which visit the garden through summer
Careys Secret Garden is growing its collection of natural sculptures
A pizza oven has been installed at Careys new outside kitchen and bar
The entrance to Careys Secret Garden is through a Victorian archway
An indoor space has been opened for art and craft classes
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