Simon L
23 July 2017
Holidays are coming, and there are so many fantastic Christmas events in Dorset this year!
The next few weeks will see Christmas lights go up around the region, Father Christmas will make his way to various Grottos in the county, and there are also a huge range of markets and festivals to get you into the festive spirit.
We've rounded up 19 of the biggest and best Dorset Christmas events for 2018:
Dorset Christmas Markets
Christchurch – 24th November
Christchurch's market offering will be on the High Street from 10am until late. There will be further entertainment taking place in Saxon Square, on the High Street and around other locations in town.
Gillingham – 1st December
The Christmas Market starts proceedings at 2pm, before a fantastic parade kicks off at 6.30pm from the Town Hall. There will also be live music, street food and children's fairground rides.
Shaftesbury – 16th December:
One of the busiest markets in Dorset sees the Shaftesbury streets filled with stallholders offering a range of wares.
Where is it? Poole Quay
When is it? 8th - 9th, 15-16th and 21st-23rd
What's it all about? Santa has swapped his sleigh for a boat in Poole this winter. As the cruise sets off around Poole Harbour, Christmas tunes will fill the air, and Santa will walk through the boat handing out gifts to children.
Where is it? Weymouth Harbour
When is it? Christmas Day (25th December)
What's it all about? The event, organised by the Weymouth and Portland Lions, sees daring swimmers set off across the harbour. More than 150 braved the waves last year, raising money for a variety of local charities and organisations.
NB: You may have already noticed there are no Bournemouth events in here – that's because we've created a separate blog for them! Read up on the town's awesome Christmas activities here.
Where is it? Bridge House, Beaminster
When can I go? TBA
What's it all about? Mixologist Lloyd Brown is running Christmas cocktail masterclasses. Here, aspiring cocktail makers can create (and drink!) three festive cocktails, all of which will be served with Christmassy titbits.
Where is it? New Bond Street, Weymouth Town Centre
When can I go? TBA
What's it all about? The real ice rink will offer a month of festive fun in Weymouth. The 1st December will also be the Christmas lights switch on event, with entertainment including dance groups and a parade starting from 2pm and the switch flicked on at 6pm.
Where is it? Upton Country Park, Poole
When can I go? TBA
What's it all about? Interactive fun for the family, including Santa's Grotto. This year, the historical Walled Garden will be illuminated by gorgeous lights. Expect a giant Christmas tree, an interactive igloo and a nativity scene, as well as a display inspired by the Northern Lights.
Where is it? Buttermarket, Poundbury
When is it? TBA
What's it all about? The Buttermarket in Poundbury's Christmas market returns following a successful 2016 event. There will be 30 stalls offering a variety of gifts, foods and crafts, while Santa will also be in his Grotto. A raffle will be held in aid of local schools.
Where is it? Southbourne Grove
When is it? TBA
What's it all about? Using the special post boxes in Southbourne, children can send Father Christmas a letter asking him what they wish for this Christmas.
Where is it? Blandford Parish Church
When is it? TBA
What's it all about? The concert will be celebrating the 450th anniversary of Monteverdi's birth the with the music he wrote during his final years. Autumn from Vivaldi's Four Seasons and a Christmas concerto by Torelli will also be performed, alongside a selection of Monteverdi compositions fitting for the festive time.
Where is it? Kingston Lacy, Wimborne
When can I go? TBA
What's it all about? The National Trust property will be traditionally decorated, while a light display makes for a lovely winter walk.
Where is it? Teddy Bear Museum, Dorchester
When can I go? 18th November to 4th January
What's it all about? Santa's reindeer are missing, but word on the grapevine says that they're hiding out in Edward Bear's house! Kids can help Edward find the missing reindeer in the decorated house, with the opportunity to win a bear themselves.
Where is it? Forde Abbey
When can I go? TBA
What's it all about? Christmas at Forde Abbey promises to be magical this year, with an enchanting trail around the gardens alongside festive decorations and Father Christmas inside the house.
Where is it? Athelhampton House, Dorchester
When can I go? 25th and 26th November
What's it all about? Dorset Food and Drink's Christmas Fair will offer the chance to sample a wide selection of delicious Dorset produce. The event this year takes place over two days and will offer everything from homemade pastries and meats to vegetarian and vegan delicacies.
Pantomimes
This time of year brings with it some great pantomimes throughout the county. Check back later in the year to see which pantomimes will be hitting the Dorset theatres this year.
Have we tempted you to visit Dorset this Christmas, to enjoy some of these fantastic events? Why not take a look at our accommodation offerings - you might find the perfect match!
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.