Christmas in Dorset: The Ultimate Guide to Events in 2024!

Some posts on this site contain affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Take a look at my privacy policy for more information.

It’s Christmas time in Dorset – and that means dozens of fab festive events, markets, and more. Perfect for getting yourself into the festive spirit!

Things like festive-themed trails at our scenic country parks, pop-up Christmas markets selling brilliant handmade gifts, and specially illuminated trails to explore after dark.

Not to mention numerous chances to meet Santa and his elves and reindeer. This year, you can even meet live reindeer on a working farm!

I’ve divided this post into three sections. First up is a list of all the Dorset Christmas events which will be running throughout the festive season. The second section is a list of Christmas Lights Switch-On Events in Dorset, while the third is a quick list of all upcoming Christmas Markets (full list in this post).

Use the table of contents to skip ahead, or browse through the post for inspiration. There’s so much on, you’re bound to find something fantastic near you!

If you know of any great Christmas events and markets around Dorset that aren’t listed here, leave a comment at the end of this post or get in touch and I’ll add it in. Merry Christmas…

Update Oct 2024: We’ve made a start updating all the dates for this year’s events – but not all of them have been announced yet. Stay tuned!

17 Christmas Events in Dorset

Christmas Tree Wonderland, Bournemouth

2024 Dates: 15 November – 31 December 2024
Location: Lower Gardens and Town Centre
More Info

One of the biggest and best-known Christmas events in Dorset is Bournemouth’s annual Christmas Tree Wonderland. It’s a free trail of festive-themed illuminations throughout the Lower Gardens in the town centre.

This year, the lighting features and installations will stretch all the way from the Seafront, through the Square, and up to the Triangle, Beale Place, Horseshoe Common and the Lansdowne roundabout.

Amongst all these magical lights and decorations, there’s also a traditional Christmas market in the Town Square, the fantastic pop-up Alpine Lodge Bar, and an outdoor ice rink (one of two ice rinks heading to Bournemouth this Christmas).

READ MORE: Bournemouth Christmas Markets and Events

Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival

2024 Dates: 23 November – 1 January 2025
Location: Poole Town Centre, High Street, and Poole Quay
More Info

The Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival will feature dazzling illuminations that weave through Poole Town Centre from the Lighthouse to Falkland Square, along the High Street and down to Poole Quay.

There’ll also be a Christmas market, festive food and attractions, a spectacular flotilla of lights and much more, so step back in time and celebrate Poole’s maritime history with a modern twist!

Christmas at the Russell-Cotes, Bournemouth

2024 Dates: 19 November – 5 January 2025
Location: Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, East Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, BH1 3AA
More Info

Step back in time and discover the magic of a traditional Victorian Christmas at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. The halls of the historic house are stunningly decorated for Christmas in traditional Victorian style.

Follow the Christmas Trail to find out more about Christmas traditions and collection items linked to this magical time of the year. There’s also a special Victorian Christmas Weekend on 7-8 December, a Candlelight Night with special late opening hours on 19 December, and Father Christmas will visit the Russell-Cotes on the 30 November – 1 December.

Plus, Victorian Christmas Tours will be running every Tuesday at 11am, starting on 26 November 2024. These are £4.50, plus your admission to the museum.

Christmas at Upton Country Park, Poole

2024 Dates: See Below
Location: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Poole BH17 7BJ
More Info

There are lots of great Christmas events going on at Upton Country Park in Dorset this year…

• Upton House Christmas Makers Market: 30 November – 1 December 2024 10am-4pm
• Walking trail: TBC
• Further events TBC

A Dorset Christmas At The Tank Museum, Bovington

2024 Dates: 16-17 November
Location: The Tank Museum, Bovington, BH20 6JG
More Info

Enjoy a Christmassy day out for all ages at Bovington Tank Museum. Watch live entertainment and buy unique presents from local crafters. Plus, children can explore the “Frank on a Tank” elf trail. You can even see Santa arrive in a tank!

Illuminate at Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens, nr Weymouth

2024 Dates: TBC
Location: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Buller’s Way, Abbotsbury, DT3 4LA
Timings: TBC
More Info

Head to Abbotsbury, a picturesque village near Weymouth, for the return of ILLUMINATE.  In the run-up to Christmas, Abbotsbury’s stunning Sub-Tropical Gardens will be illuminated after dark for a truly spectacular experience.

Nutley Farm Christmas Lights & Reindeer Experience, nr Dorchester

2024 Dates: Selected dates between 29 November – 30 December
Location: Nutley Farm, Winfrith Heath, Dorchester DT2 8DT
More Info

This brilliant Christmas event at Nutley Farm in Dorset is returning for 2024, and will be raising funds for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Enjoy the festive season under the stars with Nutley Farm’s Christmas Lights and Reindeer Experience…

• Meet the farm’s friendly reindeer.
• Wander along the magical illuminated 600m walkway, with glittering archways, twinkling trees and light installations.
• Follow the tale of The Lost Reindeer as you enjoy the illuminated walk.
• Seasonal food, mulled wine & cider, hot chocolate and hot drinks in the festive barn.
• Live music on selected dates.

The Polar Express on Swanage Railway, Swanage

2024 Dates: 23 November – 24 December
Location: Swanage Railway, Railway Station Approach, Swanage BH19 1HB
More Info

The Polar Express is coming to Swanage Railway! This is a very special, hour-long train journey from Swanage Railway Station with characters from the book and film of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ onboard.

There will be singing, dancing, and interaction! Guests will receive a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie on the journey, as well as a special present on the return journey from the North Pole.

Living Advent Calendar, Christchurch

2024 Dates: 1st – 24th December
Location: Different venue each night
Times: 6pm
More Info

Throughout December, you can enjoy the “Living Advent Calendar” in Christchurch. A “door” is opened every evening for a different surprise performance at a different venue in the town. There’s a variety of local performers including choirs, singers, bands, dance troupes, and theatre.

Christmas at Kingston Lacy, Wimborne

2024 Dates: 30 November to 5 January 2025
Location: Kingston Lacy, Wimborne BH21 4EA
More Info

There are lots of magical Christmas events coming up at Kingston Lacy, one of the most splendid stately homes in Dorset!

Explore the traditionally decorated house, with extravagant Christmas trees, garlanded fireplaces, and a dining room set for a fabulous Christmas feast. There’s also a magical Christmas wishes trail for kids to follow through the house, and a vintage carousel (£3) to ride outside.

This festive season, you can also take the kids on an adventure to find Santa in his hidden storybook nook for a cosy Christmas tale, an early gift and a photo with the man himself (£15 per child).

Buffet with Santa at Moreton Walled Gardens

2024 Dates: 7 December 2024
Location: Moreton Walled Gardens, DT2 8RG
Times: 10am and 1:30pm sittings
More Info

Head to Moreton Walled Gardens for a specially prepared festive buffet breakfast of pastries, pancakes, hash browns, pigs in blankets, fresh fruit and yoghurt – with a special visit from The Walled Garden Father Christmas and his Elf helper. Enjoy a special Christmas story reading, and every child receives a gift from Santa.

Christmas At Corfe Castle, nr Wareham

2024 Dates: Various dates throughout December
Location: Corfe Castle
More Info

There are lots of festive Christmas events on at Dorset’s iconic Corfe Castle this year…

• Lord of Misrule Story Telling (see website for dates). “Take a step back to the 17th century where our very own Lord of Misrule will take you on an interactive journey through the ruins of the castle and teach you the games, dances, stories and Christmas traditions of days gone by.”
• Monty and Matilda’s Castle Christmas – family quest (7 December – 12 January 2025). Explore the castle on a fun festive quest to learn about different winter traditions such as plays, decorations, food, songs and feasting from the Stuart era. 
• Marshmallows, Firepits and Festivities (21 December – 5 January). Gather around a fire pit with a hot chocolate or a mulled wine and toast some tasty marshmallows.
• Winter lights (13 & 14 December 2024) – For two nights only, experience the magic of exploring Corfe Castle at night, with braziers and festoon lights illuminating the paths.

READ MORE: Best Castles to Visit in Dorset

Moors Valley Christmas, Ringwood

2024 Dates: see below
Location: Horton Rd, Ashley Heath, Ringwood BH24 2ET
More Info

There are lots of fantastic festive events at Moors Valley this Christmas, including:

• Christmas Tree Shop: From 30 November – 20 December 2024, 9:30am-4pm
• Christmas Quiz Trail: TBC
• Festive Breakfast: TBC
• Robin Hood Panto: TBC

Meet “Farmer” Christmas at Farmer Palmer’s, nr Poole

2024 Dates:  7-23 December 2024 (see website for times & dates)
Location: Farmer Palmers Farm Park Ltd, Wareham Road, Organford BH16 6EU
More Info

Children can enjoy a farm-tastic day out at Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park and experience the wonder and excitement of meeting “the man in red” and all his festive friends in the Magical Christmas Barn. PLUS every child with a ‘Farmer Christmas Experience Ticket’ receives a great gift from the Elves at Ye Olde Toy Shoppe!

There’s also the super special Christmas Twilight Event (13, 14, and 19-23 December inclusive 4.45pm – 6.30/7.30pm). With an enchanted barn, photo opportunities, tasty food and, of course, Farmer Christmas himself!

Santa Visits Shillingstone Station

2024 Dates: 15 December 2024
Location: Shillingstone Station, Station Road, Shillingstone, DT11 0SA
Price: TBC
More Info

Meet Father Christmas at the historic Shillingstone Station – part of the North Dorset Railway with all proceeds going to support the railway and its restoration projects. Call ahead to book a timeslot on 01258860696 or pop into the station cafe or shop to book in person.

Christmas at Spetisbury Station

2024 Dates: 15 December
Location: Spetisbury Station, Spetisbury Close, BH9 3QU
Price: Donation to the Spetisbury Station Project 
More Info

This historic railway station on the old Somerset & Dorset Railway is hosting a special Christmas party to raise money for the station restoration project. There will be festive treats such as mulled wine, hot dogs, mince pies and savoury snacks – plus entertainment from a local ukulele band and Poole’s Quayside Choir.

Bincombe Bumps Christmas Spectacle, Weymouth

2024 Dates: TBC
Location: Bincombe Bumps Events, West Farm, Weymouth, DT3 5PS  
Price: TBC
More Info

Meet Father Christmas, his reindeer, and the mischievous elves in this entertaining immersive experience. Folk young and old will enjoy the magical atmosphere getting creative in the elves’ workshop whilst delighting in festive drinks and nibbles. Children love to perch on the big bales whilst listening to a Yuletide story from Mother Christmas in the snowfall barn.

Meander the decorative tree light trail, spotting the unusual visitors to Bincombe, before you are free to meet nativity animals, and relax in the Christmas courtyard.

Christmas Events at Durlston Country Park, Swanage

2024 Dates: see below
Location: Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Road, BH19 2JL  
More Info

There are always lots of fab Christmas events running at Durlston Country Park on Dorset’s Isle of Purbeck. This year they have…

• Christmas Tree Decoration – make and decorate your own wooden Christmas tree decorations. 8 December 2024.
• Glass Engraving – engrave your own glass Christmas card. 14 December.
• Crazy Christmas Trail – Santa needs your help to get Christmas back on track. Follow the map around the park and help save Christmas. 18 December – 8 January
• Festive Parkrun – A festive version of Durlston’s weekly 5k community event (in fancy dress). 21 December.
• ‘Have a very Merry Durlston’ Guided Walk – 21 December

Christmas Nativity in Easton Gardens, Portland

2024 Dates:TBC
Location: Easton Gardens, Portland, DT5 1EB

An interactive Nativity event hosted in Easton Gardens by Easton Methodist Church. Everyone can come with Nativity outfits on and torches or Christmas sparkly lights and join in. It promises to be a very special time!

Weymouth Harbour Christmas Day Swim

2024 Dates: 25 December
Location: Weymouth Harbour
More Info

Every year, the Weymouth & Portland Lions Club host the popular Christmas Day Swim in Weymouth Harbour. That’s right, a pre-Christmas-lunch dip in the chilly waters of Weymouth Harbour to raise money for the Lions Club Charities. Are you brave enough?

2024 Dorset Christmas Lights Switch Ons

Looking for your nearest Christmas Lights Switch-On event in Dorset? There are loads going on across the county, check the list below for dates and locations…

Bournemouth: 15 November 2024, Lower Gardens. It appears there is no specific event planned, but the Christmas Tree Wonderland opens on the 15th.

Poole: TBC

Brewery Square Dorchester: TBC

Weymouth: 30 November 2024, 10am-6pm (lights at 5pm), New Bond Street. There’s also an Elf Parade at midday and street entertainment throughout the town centre.

Lyme Regis: 23 November, from 5pm, Town Centre. There will be events throughout the day and a lantern-making workshop and competition at 2pm.

Christchurch: 23 November 2024, 11am-7pm (lights at 5pm).

Wimborne: 30 November 2024, 1pm to 7pm (lights at 4:30pm).

Ringwood: 1 December, Ringwood Market Square. From 11:30am, lights at 6pm. There will be a Christmas market and events throughout the day, including two parades.

Swanage: 30 November, town centre (outside The Mowlem), 3pm-4:30pm.

Corfe Castle: TBC

Shaftesbury: TBC

Map of all Dorset Christmas Events

Dorset Christmas Markets

Below, you’ll find a quick list of all the Christmas Markets happening around Dorset this year – in date order.

Need to know more? There’s a full list of Dorset Christmas Markets here, which includes more information like location and pricing details. Save both these posts to help plan your 2024 festive season!

• Longthorns Two Day Christmas Market, Wareham TBC
• Alpine Market at Bournemouth’s Christmas Tree Wonderland, Bournemouth, 15 Nov – 31 Dec 2024
• Upton House Christmas Craft Fair at Upton Country Park, TBC
• Highlands End Christmas Makers’ Market, Bridport, TBC
• Festive Fair Compton Acres, Poole, TBC
• Sherborne Festive Shopping Day, Sherborne, TBC
• Littledown Christmas Market, Bournemouth, TBC
• Mapperton House Christmas Market, Beaminster, TBC
• Athelhampton Christmas Fair, Puddletown, TBC
• Shire Hall Christmas Market, Dorchester, TBC
• Swanage Christmas Market, Swanage, TBC
• Cerne Abbas Christmas Street Fayre, Cerne Abbas, TBC
• Poundbury Independent Christmas Market, Dorchester, TBC
• Nothe Fort Christmas Steampunk Festivities & Market, Weymouth, TBC
• Symondsbury Estate Christmas Market, Bridport, TBC
• Handmade Wimborne Christmas, Wimborne, TBC
• Dorchester Christmas Cracker, Dorchester TBC
• Shaftesbury Christmas Fair, Shaftesbury, TBC

Read More

24 Christmas Markets in Dorset

9 Christmas Markets and Events in Bournemouth

Locally Made Foodie Gifts for Dorset Lovers

Ice Rinks in Bournemouth & Dorset

8 of the Best Dorset Music Festivals

If I’ve missed any fab Dorset Christmas events from this list, please leave a comment below and I’ll be sure to add it. Have a great Christmas everyone!