Best Events and Christmas Markets in Dorset

Enjoy a cup of mulled wine this Christmas as you explore some of Dorset’s Christmas markets and events. From craft markets to Christmas crackers, you can have a wonderfully festive time at any of the Christmas markets in Dorset.

Christmas in Dorset is truly magical. Wander twinkling market stalls adorned with trinkets and homemade gifts. Warm your hands on a glass of gluhwein or a mug of hot chocolate whilst listening to local musicians. With the Jurassic Coast as a backdrop, Dorset has all sorts of unique events happening throughout the county during this wonderful festive season.

Choose which Christmas markets you are going to visit this year below…

Weymouth Events

Weldmar Light up a Life – Supported by Dream Cottages

When: 10th December at 5 pm
Where: Lodmoor Country Park

Each year Light up a Life hosts several community events across the South West. Here at Dream Cottages, we proudly support the Weymouth event.

The service allows communities to come together and remember those that are unfortunately no longer part of our lives. With hymns, songs and reading, the service bring together people from all different backgrounds.

Weldmar is a hospice that aims to provide end of life care to those who need it most.

To maintain the upkeep and running of this vital service, the Weldmar team are continuously fundraising. Light Up a Life is one of a small number of events in Dorset at Christmas, but it is a great opportunity to remember our loved ones.

If you want to get involved and donate, head over to the Light Up a Life website to get started. No matter how much you can afford to give, every little helps.

Dorchester Christmas Events

Dorchester Christmas Cracker

When: 10th December from 11 am – 4 pm
Where: Dorchester’s High Street

As the festive season approaches, the Dorchester Christmas Cracker is one of the best Christmas markets in Dorset.

Dorchester High Street is shut down on the market day to allow for a range of stalls and street vendors.

If you are taking children along with you, why not get them involved in the fancy dress parade. You will see elves, Santa’s, angels and a host of other movie characters. Plus for any children taking part, they will receive a free prize.

It is a great day out for the whole family.

Swanage Events this Christmas

Swanage Christmas Market

When: 2nd December between 10am – 4pm.
Where: Swanage highstreet

Taking place on 2nd December, the Swanage Christmas Market in Dorset is one of the most spectacular. Wander among the festive spirit and add some Christmas cheer to your families weekend.

If you are visiting for the day, why not pick up some traditional Christmas market food and enjoy one of the market’s favourite mulled wines. Or, if you need to keep the kids entertained, take them to Santa to ask for their favourite toys this year.

At Dream, we love a Christmas Market. Whether heading out with a group of mates for the day, or an afternoon with the whole family, the Christmas markets in Dorset are a fantastic day out for all.

Bournemouth Christmas Markets

Alpine Market

When: 16th November – 1st January
Where: Bournemouth town centre

With one of the larger Christmas Markets in Dorset, Bournemouth is a festive wonderland throughout December. The Bournemouth Christmas Market serves up many seasonal activities including, the popular Alpine Bar.

Here you can get involved in the weekly quiz, sing Christmas karaoke or grab a bite to eat with your loved ones.

Opening at 11 am, the Alpine Bar is open for everything from Christmas parties to a romantic tipple with your partner.

You can also find a winter wonderland at the Bournemouth Christmas Market, wander around the enchanting Christmas tree trail that illuminates the centre of Lower Gardens.

If you find your way to the centre of the trail, you will be greeted with a view of the towering Bournemouth Wonderland Tree. Visiting during one of the spectacular light shows will surely get you into the Christmas spirit.

Christmas is a magical time of the year for the whole family. The Christmas markets in Dorset are some of the most festive, heart-warming events in the region. Head out with the whole family and enjoy a day of visiting stalls, trying great food, and spending valuable time with the ones you love.

If you like the sound of a Christmas market in Dorset, why not book a stay in one of these Christmas cottages. It is the perfect way to get in the Christmas spirit.