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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.
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.
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 Nov 2025: I’ve started updating this page with all the dates for this year’s events – some are TBC so I’ll keep adding as we go.
Dorset Christmas Events: Quick List by Date
Below you’ll find a quick list of all the Christmas events happening around Dorset, in date order. The next section of this article has more info about each one:
- Christmas Tree Wonderland, Bournemouth: 13 November – 4 Jan 2026
- Poole Christmas Light Trail 22 November – 1 January 2026
- A Dorset Christmas At The Tank Museum, Bovington: 15-16 November
- Christmas at the Russell-Cotes, Bournemouth: 18 November – 4 January 2026
- Moors Valley Christmas: Various dates from 19 November – 5 January (see below for details)
- Illuminate at Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens: 21 November – 31 December
- Nutley Farm Christmas Lights & Reindeer Experience: Selected dates between 28 November – 30 December
- Christmas on Swanage Railway, Swanage: Selected dates beteen 29 November – 24 December (see below).
- A Kingston Christmas: every weekend from 29 November
- Christmas at Moreton Walled Gardens: Various dates from 29 November
- Christmas at Kingston Lacy: 30 November to 5 January 2025
- Living Advent Calendar, Christchurch: 1 – 24 December
- Christmas Magical Tour of Bournemouth and Christchurch: 4 – 31 December
- Christmas at Upton Country Park, Poole: 4 – 20 December (various events, see below for details)
- Christmas at Symondsbury Estate: 5-6 December
- Meet “Farmer” Christmas at Farmer Palmer’s: 6-23 December
- Christmas at Corfe Castle: Various dates from 5 December – 3 January (see below for details)
- Christmas at Compton Acres: Various dates from 7 – 24 December (see below for details)
- Santa Visits Shillingstone Station: 14 December
- Christmas at Spetisbury Station: 14 December
- Christmas Events at Durlston Country Park, Swanage: Various dates from 14 December – 7 January (see below for details)
- Yule Be Merry – festive family show: 18 – 19 December
- Candlelight Concert at St Peter’s Church, Bournemouth: 20 December
- Weymouth Harbour Christmas Day Swim: 25 December
- Enchanted Night Garden at Minterne House: TBC
17 Christmas Events in Dorset
Christmas Tree Wonderland, Bournemouth
2025 Dates: 13 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026
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). Plus Santa’s workshop, an xmas tree maze, festive mini golf, and more!
READ MORE: Bournemouth Christmas Markets and Events
Poole Christmas Light Trail
2025 Dates: 22 November – 1 January 2026
Location: Poole Town Centre, High Street, and Poole Quay
More Info
The Poole Christmas Light Trail will feature dazzling illuminations that weave through Poole Town Centre from the Lighthouse to Falkland Square, along the High Street and down to the Quay.
There’ll also be a Christmas market, festive food and attractions, a spectacular flotilla of lights and much more. Step back in time and celebrate Poole’s maritime history with a modern twist!
A Dorset Christmas At The Tank Museum, Bovington
2025 Dates: 15-16 November
Location: The Tank Museum, Bovington, BH20 6JG
More Info
Enjoy a Christmassy day out for all ages at Bovington Tank Museum. There’s a Christmas Market packed with independent local traders, activities, live entertainment, and the “Frank on a Tank” elf trail for kids. Plus – you can see Santa arrive in a tank!
Christmas at the Russell-Cotes, Bournemouth
2025 Dates: 18 November – 4 January 2026
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 Crafty Christmas Weekend on 6-7 December, two Candlelight Nights with special late opening hours on 11 and 18 December, and Father Christmas will visit the Russell-Cotes on 29-30 November.
Plus, Victorian Christmas Tours will be running Tuesdays and Fridays at 11am, starting on 23 November 2025. These are £6 plus your admission to the museum.
Christmas at Moors Valley
2025 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:
- Wreath Making: 19 November, 10:30am-12:30pm, £35pp.
- Christmas Quest Activity Trail: 28 November to 5 January, 9am-4.30pm £2 per pack.
- Christmas Tree Shop: From 29 November – 19 December, 9:30am-4pm. Park for free when you buy a tree!
- Festive Breakfast: 1-24 December, 9am-11am, £18.95 adults and £13.95 children (booking required).
- Pinocchio Family Theatre: 11 December, 6pm, £13pp (booking required).
Illuminate at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, nr Weymouth
2025 Dates: 21 November – 31 December
Location: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Buller’s Way, Abbotsbury, DT3 4LA
More Info
Head to Abbotsbury, a picturesque village near Weymouth, for the return of ILLUMINATE. In the run-up to Christmas, Abbotsbury’s stunning Subtropical Gardens will be illuminated after dark for a truly spectacular experience.
Nutley Farm Christmas Lights & Reindeer Experience, nr Dorchester
2025 Dates: Selected dates between 28 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 2025, 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.
- Seasonal food, mulled wine & cider, hot chocolate and hot drinks in the Christmas courtyard (new for 2025)
- Live music on selected dates.
Chistmas on Swanage Railway, Swanage
2025 Dates: 29 November – 24 December
Location: Swanage Railway, Railway Station Approach, Swanage BH19 1HB
More Info
Father Christmas Yuletide Express: Selected dates from 29 Nov – 24 Dec. A return journey on board a historic steam train, during which Santa visits every passenger and brings a present for all children on board.
Christmas Belle: 6-7, 13-14, and 20-21 Dec. A special one-hour return journey in the luxurious Pullman Observation Car, with a glass of fizz and canapes served at your seat.
Christmas Carol Trains: 11 and 18 December. A festive evening train ride with accompanying live music – a joyful mix of choir performances, sing-alongs, and instrumental Christmas tunes.
A Kingston Christmas
2025 Dates: Every weekend from Saturday 29 November
Location: Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, DT2 8PX
More Info
This Christmas, Kingston Maurward is set to transform into a winter wonderland as it welcomes Santa Claus himself for an exclusive, enchanting event created by Dorset-based producers, ABC (Andy Brennan Creative).
Every weekend, families are invited to experience the magic, music, and mistletoe in a theatrical extravaganza featuring the North Pole Elves. This extraordinary event promises to be an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Christmas at Moreton Walled Gardens
2025 Dates: Various, see below
Location: Moreton Walled Gardens, DT2 8RG
More Info
- Festive Afternoon Tea in The Dovecote Café: Every day from 29 November.
- Wreath Making Workshops: 22 and 30 November.
- Christmas Market: 7 December
- Christmas Bug and Exotic Animal Experience: 20 December. get up close and personal with the Gardens’ exotic residents, this time with a festive twist.
- Moors Valley Christmas, Ringwood
- 2025 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 29 November – 19 December 2025, 9:30am-4pm. Park for free when you buy a tree!
- Christmas Quest activity trail: 28 November to 5 January, 9am-4.30pm, £2 per pack.
- Festive Breakfast: 1-24 December, 9am-11am, £8.95 adults and £13.95 children (booking required).
- Wreath Making: 19 November, 10:30am-12:30pm, £35pp.
- Pinocchio Family Theatre: 11 December, 6pm, £13pp (booking required).
A Christmas ball at Kingston Lacy, Wimborne
2025 Dates: 30 November to 5 January 2025
Location: Kingston Lacy, Wimborne BH21 4EA
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, all ready for a glistening festive ball. Outside, the Laundry Courtyard will be filled with twinkling lights and decorated with Christmas trees.
There’s also a festive post box for your letter to Santa, Christmas origami craft, bubble magic with Squidge and Pop (22, 23, 29 and 30 Nov), and a nature-themed trail along the Woodland Walk throughout December and January. Plus, there are special Storytelling with Santa sessions on selected dates.
Living Advent Calendar, Christchurch
2025 Dates: 1 – 24 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 Magical Tour of Bournemouth and Christchurch
2025 Dates: 4 – 31 December (selected dates and times)
Location: Avenue Road, Bournemouth (outside Boots)
Price: £10 per person, £45 for a group of 5
More Info
Hop aboard a festively decorated single-decker bus playing Christmas tunes for a 90-minute bus tour of the lights, festive spirit, and joys across Bournemouth and Christchurch on selected dates and times. Includes a chocolate treat for all onboard!
Enchanted Night Garden at Minterne House
2025 Dates: TBC
Location: Minterne House & Gardens, Minterne Magna, Dorchester DT2 7AU
Times: TBC
More Info
Last year, Minterne House and Gardens held an ‘Enchanted Night Garden’, with the beautiful stately home lit like you have never seen it before. Here’s hoping it returns in 2025.
Christmas at Upton Country Park, Poole
2025 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: TBC (unclear if running this year)
- Family Adventure Trail: TBC
- Santa Paws: Bring your dog for a cute photo op with Santa Paws (£7 per dog). 4-6 December 2025.
- Rustic Wreath Making at Upton House: 12-13 December 2025, £38pp.
- Christmas Afternoon Tea in Upton House: 13-14 December 2025, £32.50pp.
- Christmas Candle Making with hot chocolate at Rock & Rose Rituals: 13 and 20 December 2025, £54.88pp.
Christmas at Symondsbury Estate
2025 Dates: 5-6 December
Location: Symondsbury Estate Bridport, DT6 6HG
Times:
More Info
Friday 5th: Merry & Bright Christmas event, 4pm – 8pm. A magical Christmas Trail, choirs, a Santa’s grotto, food & drink, and late-night shopping in Manor Yard with demos, tastings, discounts and gift wrapping.
Saturday 6th: Pop-Up Christmas Market & Wild Words Literary Festival, 10am-4pm. A handpicked selection of 19 local artisans and makers inside the Tithe Barn – with workshops, live music, Santa’s grotto, festive treats, and a Christmas Trail. The Wild Words Literary Festival is a brand-new literary event celebrating stories rooted in nature, sustainability and local life (£9 per talk).
Meet “Farmer” Christmas at Farmer Palmer’s, nr Poole
2025 Dates: 6-23 December (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 (12, 13, 18-23 December, 4:30pm – 7.30pm). With an enchanted barn, photo opportunities, tasty food and, of course, Farmer Christmas himself!
Christmas At Corfe Castle, nr Wareham
2025 Dates: See below
Location: Corfe Castle
More Info
There are lots of festive Christmas events on at Dorset’s iconic Corfe Castle this year…
- Monty and Matilda Mouse – family quest (5 December – 4 January). Explore the castle ruins to search for festive scenes and follow the adventures of Monty & Matilda Mouse throughout the year.
- Christmas at Corfe Castle (19 December – 3 January 2026). Natural decorations, collected from across the Purbeck estate will be sprinkled throughout castle.
- Winter lights (13 & 19 December) – For two nights only, experience the magic of exploring Corfe Castle at night, with braziers and festoon lights illuminating the paths.
- Christmas crafts at the castle (20 – 23 December). A relaxed crafting activity in the castle lodge with all materials provided.
- Winter Solstice sunrise at Corfe Castle (21 December). Wake up bright and early to experience the rare opportunity of watching the sun rise over East Hill on the shortest day of the year from within the castle. Castle gates open at 7am.
READ MORE: Best Castles to Visit in Dorset
Christmas at Compton Acres
2025 Dates: See below
Location: Compton Acres, Poole, BH13 7ES
More Info
- Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair: 7 December 2025, 10:30am to 4pm, Free Entry
- Festive Lunch at the Italian Villa: 18 December, 12pm, 3-course menu with tea, coffee & mince pies, £42.50 per person
- Breakfast with Santa: 21 and 24 December, 9:30am-11am, from £26.50 (under 2’s from £5.95).
Santa Visits Shillingstone Station
2025 Dates: 14 December
Location: Shillingstone Station, Station Road, Shillingstone, DT11 0SA
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 01258 860696, or pop into the station cafe or shop to book in person.
Christmas at Spetisbury Station
2025 Dates: 14 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.
Christmas Events at Durlston Country Park, Swanage
2025 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…
- Glass Engraving Workshop – Led by Rob Page from the South West Guild of Glass Engravers. 14 December.
- Crazy Christmas – Children’s Trail – The trail will take you on a trip around the park to get into the festive spirit! 17 December – 7 January
- Christmas Parkrun – A festive version of Durlston’s weekly 5k community event (in fancy dress). 20 December.
- ‘Have a Very Merry Durlston’ Guided Walk – includes a mulled wine or hot chocolate & a mince pie. 21 December
- Craft and Activity Drop In – Drop in to the Belvedere to discover the fossil dig trays or make some Christmas craft. 22-24 December
Yule Be Merry – festive family show
2025 Dates: 18-19 Dec
Location: St Nics Gallery
More Info
Weymouth-based award-winning theatre company Brave Bold Drama are
delighted to be bringing their Christmas characters, the hapless but well-meaning
event organisers Noel and Holly, to Weymouth this December.
Expect broad visual comedy, bold, engaging characters, and quirky humour for
all ages in this heartwarming, family-friendly show. A pay-what-you-can
festive treat and antidote to panto – shorter, sillier, and bursting with joy!
READ MORE: Pantos and Other Xmas Shows
Candlelight Concert: Christmas Movie Soundtracks
2025 Dates: 20 Dec
Location: St Peter’s Church
More Info
This festive season, Candlelight®, the globally acclaimed series of live concerts presented by Fever, will transform St Peter’s Church with thousands of flickering candles to host an unforgettable performance featuring classic Christmas carols and festive holiday melodies, performed by a talented local string quartet.
Weymouth Harbour Christmas Day Swim
2025 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?
2025 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…
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Bournemouth: 13 November 2025, Lower Gardens. It appears there is no specific event planned, but the Christmas Tree Wonderland opens on the 13th.
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Poole: 22 November 2025, from 4pm. There’s a santa parade and live music. More info.
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Christchurch: 22 November 2025, 11am-7pm (lights at 5pm). More info.
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Lyme Regis: 22 November 2025, from 2pm (lights at 5pm), Town Centre. There will be events throughout the day,inlucing a lantern-making workshop and competition. More info.
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Shaftesbury: 24 November, 6pm. More info.
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Westbourne, Bournemouth: 29 November 2025.
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Brewery Square, Dorchester: 29 November 2025 (5:30pm-7pm). More info.
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Weymouth: 29 November 2025, 9am-6pm (lights at 5pm), New Bond Street. There’s also an Elf Parade (1:15-2pm), plus live entertainment and activities throughout the town centre. More info.
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Wimborne: 29 November 2025, 1pm to 5pm (lights at 5pm). More info.
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Swanage: 29 November, town centre (outside The Mowlem), 3pm-4:30pm. More info.
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Sturminster Newton: 29 November, 10am-7pm (lights at 5pm). More info.
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Ferndown: 29 November, Penny’s Lodge Car Park, 11am-5pm. More info.
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Verwood: 29 November, Ferrett Green, Memorial Hall, and United Reformed Church. 3pm-6pm. More info.
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Ringwood: 30 November, Ringwood Market Square. From 11:30am, lights at 6pm. There will be a Christmas market and events throughout the day, including a santa parade. More info.
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West Bay: 30 November, from 3pm (lights at 4pm). More info.
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Blandford Forum: 5 December. Lights at 6pm, entertainment until 10pm. More info.
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Canford Heath: 5 December, Adastral Square. 6pm-8pm (lights at 7pm). More info.
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Corfe Castle: TBC click here for details.
READ MORE: Full List of all Light Switch-Ons in Dorset
Map of all Dorset Christmas Events
Dorset Christmas Markets for 2025
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 2025 festive season!
- Christmas Market at Bournemouth’s Christmas Tree Wonderland: 13 November – 31 December
- Longthorns Farm, Wareham: 1 & 2 November
- Athelhampton Christmas Fair, nr Puddletown: 8-9 November
- Highlands End Christmas Makers’ Market, Bridport: 15 November
- A Dorset Christmas Fair at The Tank Museum, Bovington: 15-16 November
- Kingston Maurward Christmas Craft and Food Fair, Dorchester: TBC
- Shire Hall Christmas Market. Dorchester: 15 – 16 November
- Littledown Christmas Market, Bournemouth: 23 November
- Upton House Christmas Craft Fair, nr Poole: TBC
- Christmas Mind Body Spirit Fayre, Sherborne: 22 November
- Poundbury Independent Christmas Market, Dorchester: 29 November
- Poole Grammar School Christmas Fayre, Poole: 29 November
- Mapperton House Christmas Market, Beaminster: 29-30 November
- Magic of Christmas Food and Drink Market, Gillingham: 30 November
- Symondsbury Estate Christmas Market, Bridport: 5-6 December
- Swanage Christmas Market: 6 December
- Cerne Abbas Christmas Street Fayre: 6 December
- Steampunk Yuletide at Nothe Fort, Weymouth: 6-7 December
- Dorset Team Christmas Fair, Wimborne: 6-7 December
- Sherborne Festive Shopping Day: 7 December
- Festive Fair Compton Acres, Poole: 7 December
- Handmade Wimborne Christmas: 13 December
- Shaftesbury Christmas Market: 14 December
- Winter Market at The Oaks, Highcliffe: TBC
- Dorchester Christmas Cracker: 14 December
Read More
24 Christmas Markets in Dorset
Dorset Christmas Lights Switch-On Events for 2025
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!
