Dorset’s Christmas Markets
Christmas markets in Dorset guaranteed to fill you up with festive cheer…
The autumn leaves are falling and the nights are drawing in. In towns and villages across the handsome county of Dorset communities are busily preparing to set up stall for their traditional Christmas fairs and markets.
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Crammed with tasty seasonal treats, artisan trinkets and handcrafted knick-knacks, where better place to revel in some festive cheer than one of the county’s many winter gatherings.
Here’s a handpicked selection from Dorset’s long list of seasonal shindigs, from bustling lamplit street markets to merriment in market halls…
Bournemouth Christmas Market
15th November – 1st January, Opens 10am
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and nowhere more so than the parks and gardens of Bournemouth which once again will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Explore the bustling Alpine Market full of festive stalls choc-a-bloc with handcrafted gifts and delicious delicacies, then relax with a glass of mulled wine in the two-storey alpine lodge – back by popular demand. Take a stroll through the enchanting Christmas tree wonderland and then lace up for some dancing on ice when you glide forth on the ice rink beneath the tree canopies of the town’s lower gardens.
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Weymouth’s Christmas in the Square
30th November – 1st December, 12 noon – 5pm
You’re invited to join a weekend of festive family fun on Hope Square in the historic maritime town of Weymouth. The return of this sparkling event for its second year has been met with much excitement. Set in the heart of Old Weymouth on the South Harbourside, you can expect to find an array of food and gift stalls on Brewers Quay as well as loads of festive fun and street entertainment.
Dorchester Christmas Cracker
5th December
Another of Dorset’s popular and jolly Yuletide gatherings that combines the switching on of the town’s light display by this year’s special guest…yet to be revealed. Churches around the town will be hosting carol services accompanied by mulled wine and mince pies, while Brewery Square will once again mark the beginning of the magical lantern parade led by the Town Crier. Enjoy some Victorian themed festivities in the Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum on High West Street where those indomitable thespians, the New Hardy Players, will be singing corals and Santa Clause himself will be ‘holding court’.
Bridport Christmas Cheer
4th December, 4pm – 8pm
The characterful market town of Bridport will once again be pulling out all the stops during its annual Christmas Cheer event. The whole parish will be in a festive party mood when the crowds gather on the iconic Bucky Doo Square to enjoy some ‘non-stop’ live music before taking a lamplit stroll to The Borough Gardens and the Electric Palace for some exciting dance performances. The town’s shops will be keeping their doors open for late night shopping and the historic streets will be lit up by an entrancing lantern procession. Expect to find more than thirty stalls on West, East and South Street, all touting their Christmas wares and helping to spread some of that famous ‘Bridport Cheer’.
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Corfe Castle’s Magical Tudor Christmas
Step back in time this year when you visit the dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle to indulge in some classic Tudor celebrations full of lights, lanterns, beacons and braziers and led by mischief-making Lord of Misrule. The grounds will be adorned by twinkling Christmas trees, including a magnificent twenty-three-foot tall spruce at the ancient gatehouse. Listen to captivating medieval storytellers and soak up the atmosphere amid one of Dorset’s most iconic settings.
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Swanage Christmas Market
7th December, 10am – 4pm
Organised by the Swanage & Purbeck Rotary Club, the Swanage Christmas Market promises to be a high-spirited and cheerful mustering of locals and visitors in the heart of this much-loved Victorian seaside town. Father Christmas is also expected to make a welcome appearance along with a fleet of stall holders all amply stocked with Christmas goodies. There’ll also be carol singers and all the traditional festive favourites, including plenty of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.
Symondsbury Estate Christmas Market
1st December, 11am – 6pm
In the heart of the beautiful Dorset countryside, surrounded by rolling hills and farmer’s meadows, the Symondsbury Estate is surely one of the West Country’s most stunning locations. The estate’s Christmas market promises to be a heart-warming affair with stalls, mulled wine, mince pies and all the festive trimmings.
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The Ollerod Christmas Market, Beaminster
7th December, 11am – 5pm
Set in the beautiful west Dorset borderlands and encompassed by acres of rolling countryside, The Ollerod is a magnificent 13th century dwelling that once housed members of the clergy. The house is now a hub for the region’s burgeoning arts and crafts scene, showcasing the workmanship of award-winning artisans. You’re invited to come and discover this historic and timeless corner of Dorset when the house opens its doors for its traditional Christmas market, now gearing up for its second year.
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Christmas Craft Fair at The Town Mill, Lyme Regis
Sat 5th – Sun 6th December
The Town Mill lies in the artisan quarter of Lyme Regis, a pretty seaside town on the magnificent Jurassic Coast. Lining the cobbled courtyard are several art galleries and craft studios, as well as a bakery, deli, and a micro-brewery. The ancient watermill provides the attractive backdrop for the annual Christmas Craft Fair, a wonderful opportunity to browse the wares of the local artisans while enjoying some festive treats and the switching on of the Christmas tree lights.
Poole’s RNLI Christmas Market, West Quay Road
Sunday 9th December
More than forty festive stalls are expected at this year’s RNLI Christmas Market in the famous seafaring town of Poole. Expect lots of family activities, demonstrations from the incredible Dr Balloon Man, fun and games at the Creative Station, face painting, scrumptious food, and seasonal live music to help get you in the Yuletide mood. The guest of honour will be none other than Santa Claus himself, who will be testing his sea legs when he swaps his sleigh and reindeers for a RNLI Lifeboat.
Dorset is home to some of Toad Hall’s most adorable holiday cottages. From cosy boltholes in rural hamlets to plush apartments with incredible sea views, it’s easy to see why so many of our guests are returning to this beautiful region year-on-year.