Christmas in Dorset: The Ultimate Guide to Events in 2026

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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 plenty of chances to meet Santa, his elves, and reindeer.

I’ve divided this post into three sections. First is a list of all the Dorset Christmas events running throughout the festive season. The second section lists Christmas Lights Switch-On Events in Dorset, while the third is a quick list of 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 2026: I’ve updated this page with all the dates for this year’s events.

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 in Bournemouth: 12 November – 3 January 2027
• Christmas in Poole: 21 November – 3 January 2027
• Illuminate Poole: 20 November – 3 January 2027
• A Dorset Christmas At The Tank Museum, Bovington: 14-15 November
• Christmas at the Russell-Cotes, Bournemouth: 17 November – 3 January 2027
• Moors Valley Christmas: Various dates from 28 November – 24 December (see below for details)
• Illuminate at Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens: 20 November – 31 December
• Nutley Farm Christmas Lights & Reindeer Experience: Selected dates between 27 November – 30 December
• Christmas on Swanage Railway, Swanage: Selected dates between 28 November – 24 December (see below).
• A Kingston Christmas: TBC
• Christmas at Moreton Walled Gardens: Various dates from 28 November
• Christmas at Kingston Lacy: 21 November – 3 January 2027
• Living Advent Calendar, Christchurch: 1–19 December (excluding Sundays)
• Wreath Making at Minterne House: 21 & 26 November and 5, 11 & 12 December
• Christmas at Upton Country Park, Poole: Various dates between 5-24 December (see below for details)
• Christmas at Symondsbury Estate: 5-6 December
• Meet “Farmer” Christmas at Farmer Palmer’s: 5-23 December
• Christmas at Corfe Castle: Various dates from 12 December – 3 January (see below for details)
• Christmas at Compton Acres: Various dates from 20 November – 24 December (see below for details)
• Santa Visits Shillingstone Station: 13 December
• Christmas at Spetisbury Station: 13 December
• Christmas Events at Durlston Country Park, Swanage: Various dates from 14 November (see below for details)
• Yule Be Merry – festive family show: TBC
• Candlelight Concert at St Peter’s Church, Bournemouth: 19 December
• Weymouth Harbour Christmas Day Swim: 25 December

Christmas Events in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Christmas in Bournemouth

2026 Dates: 12 Nov – 3 Jan 2027
Location: Lower Gardens and Town Centre
More Info

Christmas in Bournemouth is one of Dorset’s biggest and best-known festive events. It features a Festive Trail, a Christmas Market, a pop-up Alpine Bar, and a huge outdoor ice skating rink.

The Festive Trail is the centrepiece: a free trail of illuminations and decorations through the Lower Gardens in the town centre. There are a few paid-for attractions amongst the twinkling lights, including a Christmas Tree Maze, Festive Mini Golf, and the Santa’s Express mini-train. You can also book a cosy Story Time with Santa experience in his magical Alpine Workshop.

Alongside the Festive Trail, there’s also a traditional Christmas market in Bournemouth Square, the fantastic pop-up Alpine Lodge Bar, and the outdoor ice rink SKATE (one of two ice rinks heading to Bournemouth this Christmas).

READ MORE: Bournemouth Christmas Markets and Events

Christmas in Poole

2026 Dates: 21 November – 3 January 2027
Location: Poole Town Centre
More Info

There’s a lot happening in Poole’s town centre this festive season:

• Christmas Launch Day: A festive parade led by Santa and the Bournemouth Concert Brass marching band! The parade leaves Lush HairLab on Poole Quay at 4pm and finishes in Falkland Square with a spectacular fire performance, featuring choir performances along the route (21 November).
• Santa’s Postbox: Drop your letters to the North Pole in Santa’s postbox at Poole Museum (21 November to 7 December).
• Weekend Entertainment: Santa visits and live choir performances every Saturday throughout December, plus brass band music every Sunday lunchtime.
• Christmas Window Display Competition: Town businesses dressing their windows with a Christmas theme (5th–21st December).

Illuminate Poole

2026 Dates: 20 November – 3 January 2027
Location: Upton Country Park
More Info

Experience Dorset’s newest winter light trail within Upton Country Park, Poole. Follow a magical 60-80 minute route through beautifully illuminated grounds, where captivating light installations will transform the estate into a glowing seasonal spectacle. Towards the end of the route, you’ll find a food and drinks court.

A Starlit Christmas ball at Kingston Lacy

2026 Dates: 21 November to 3 January 2027
Location: Kingston Lacy, Wimborne BH21 4EA
More Info

Throughout the festive season, Kingston Lacy is traditionally decorated, ready for a glistening festive ball. Outside, the Laundry Courtyard will be filled with twinkling lights and decorations.

• Storytelling with Santa: Select dates from 28 November, £15.50 per child.
• Bubbles with Squidge and Pop!: Daily, come rain or shine.
• Festive twilight opening: Open till 7.30pm (last entry to the house at 6.30pm) on 4 and 5 December.
• Winter Garden and Woodland Walk: Wander through the gardens to see what’s flowering at this time of year. 

Christmas at the Russell-Cotes

2026 Dates: 17 November – 3 January 2027
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, and there’s a festive trail for families to enjoy.

• Victorian Christmas Evening Event on 17 December (6pm-8:30pm), with music, Christmas readings and short talks on festive subjects.
• Visit Father Christmas at the Russell-Cotes on 12-13 December.
• Victorian Christmas Tours will be running on select dates (more info here), starting on 4 December 2026. These are £6 plus your admission to the museum.

Christmas at Moors Valley

2026 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:

• Moors Valley Railway’s Santa Specials: Selected dates from 5 to 21 December 2026, £32.95pp, booking required.
• Room on the Broom Activity Trail: From 4 November, £4 per pack.
• Christmas Trail: £3.50 per pack (dates TBC)
• Christmas Tree Shop: From 28 November until sold out, 9am-4pm. Park for free when you buy a tree!
• Festive Breakfast: 1-24 December, 9am-11am, £20.95  adults and £15.95 children (booking essential).

Christchurch Living Advent Calendar

2026 Dates: 1 – 19 December (except Sundays)
Location: Different venue each night
Times: 6pm
More Info

Throughout December, you can enjoy the “Living Advent Calendar” in Christchurch. Each evening, a different surprise performance takes place at a different venue in town, featuring a variety of local performers. These events raise funds for a different local charity each night.

Christmas at Upton Country Park

2026 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 Craft Fair: 5-6 December, Free.
• Ulluminate Poole: Winter Light Trail (see above entry)
• The Upton House Santa Experience: A magical Christmas adventure through Upton House, with festive storytelling, interactive fun, and a special visit from Santa (£15 per child). 19-24 December.
• Santa Paws: Bring your dog for a cute photo op with Santa Paws (from £8.50 per dog). 3-5 December 2026.
• Christmas Barket: 3-day market for dog-related treats and supplies. 3-5 December 2026.
• Wreath Making at Upton House: 11-12 December 2026, £38pp.
• Christmas Afternoon Tea in Upton House: 13 December 2026, £29.95pp.
• Christmas Candle Making with Rock & Rose Rituals: 21 & 28 November and 5, 12, & 19 December 2026, from £55pp.

Meet “Farmer” Christmas at Farmer Palmer’s

2026 Dates: 5-23 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. Choose from three magical Christmas experiences:

•  Breakfast with Father Christmas (5–6 December): Festive breakfast, a visit with Santa, and exclusive early access to the farm park.
•  Daytime Christmas Experience (12–23 December): A full day of farm park fun, with the option to add a magical visit to Farmer Christmas in the Christmas Barn.
• Twilight Farmer Christmas Experience (11–23 December): A magical evening of festive lights, Christmas activities and a special visit to Farmer Christmas.

Christmas at Compton Acres

2026 Dates: See below
Location: Compton Acres, Poole, BH13 7ES
More Info

• Compton Acres Christmas Market: 20-21 November, Free Entry
• Festive Lunch at the Italian Villa: 17 December, 12pm, 3-course menu with tea, coffee & mince pies, £44pp
• Breakfast with Santa: 19 and 24 December, 9:30am-11:30am, from £27.50 (under 2’s from £6.50).
• December Late Night Shopping: Every Wednesday in December until 8pm.

Candlelight Concert: Christmas Movie Soundtracks

2026 Dates: 19 Dec
Location: St Peter’s Church
More Info

This festive season, Candlelight® will transform St Peter’s Church with thousands of flickering candles to host an unforgettable performance featuring classic Christmas carols and festive holiday songs, performed by a talented local string quartet.

Christmas Events in Weymouth & Around

Illuminate at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

2026 Dates: 20 November – 31 December (selected dates)
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.

This year, the longest Illuminate route yet takes you further into the gardens, with more spectacular displays and magical moments to discover along the way.

Yule Be Merry – festive family show

2026 Dates: TBC
Location: St Nics Gallery
More Info

Award-winning theatre company Brave Bold Drama is delighted to bring 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

The Big Christmas Assembly

2026 Dates: 20 Dec
Location: Weymouth Pavilion
More Info

Fans of festive cheer and school assembly nostalgia, rejoice! The nation’s favourite primary school teacher-turned-Glastonbury sensation James B Partridge is bringing The Big Christmas Assembly to Weymouth in 2026. Sing along with all your favourite school Christmas songs, from Jingle Bells to This Little Light of Mine.

Weymouth Harbour Christmas Day Swim

2026 Dates: 25 December
Time: 9:30am-midday
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?

Christmas Events in Dorchester & Around

Nutley Farm Christmas Lights & Reindeer Experience

2026 Dates: Selected dates between 27 November – 30 December
Location: Nutley Farm, Winfrith Heath, Dorchester DT2 8DT
More Info

This brilliant Christmas event at Nutley Farm in Dorset is returning this year, 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 Christmas Light Trail, with dazzling illuminations, immersive displays and festive soundscapes.
• Seasonal food and drink in the Christmas Courtyard, including a marshmallow toasting area, Mother Christmas’s Hot Chocolate Hut and a festive sweet shop.
• Funfair rides.
• Elf Trail for younger visitors.
• Live music on selected dates.
• Father Christmas’s Grotto (additional tickets required)

Dorchester Christmas Cracker

2026 Dates: 13 December
Location: High Street, Dorchester and inside the Corn Exchange
Time: 11am-4pm
Price: Free
More Info

An all-day Christmas celebration in the Dorset county town, with a Christmas Market on Dorchester High Street and a craft fair in the Corn Exchange.

A Dorset Christmas At The Tank Museum

2026 Dates: 14-15 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 a special Christmas trail for kids. Plus, you can see Santa arrive in a tank!

A Kingston Christmas

2026 Dates: TBC
Location: Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, DT2 8PX
More Info

It seems this event may not be returning in 2026; I’ll keep an eye out for details!

Christmas at Moreton Walled Gardens

2026 Dates: Various, see below
Location: Moreton Walled Gardens, DT2 8RG
More Info

• Festive Afternoon Tea in The Dovecote Café: From 28 November.
• Wreath Making Workshops: 29 November and 5, 6 & 13 December.
• Christmas Market: TBC

Wreath Making at Minterne House

2026 Dates: 21 & 26 November and 5, 11 & 12 December
Location: Minterne House & Gardens, Minterne Magna, DT2 7AU
Times: Varies
More Info

Festive wreath-making workshops at the beautiful Minterne Estate, complete with festive nibbles and mulled wine. Some include a foraging walk (21 Nov & 5 Dec). On 12 December, the workshop will be held in the Great Trafalgar Hall with the fire roaring and a festive feast served while you work.

#Willdoes Christmas Tractor Run 2026

2026 Dates: 13 December
Location: Dorchester and various surrounding villages
Times: 4pm-7:30pm; see link below for schedule
More Info

An annual favourite, the Dorset Tractor Run sees hundreds of lit-up and decorated tractors parading through the villages around Dorchester to raise money for the local #Willdoes charity. Starting from Milborne, the tractors trundle through towns and villages including Bovington, Wool, Broadmayne, Dorchester, Crossways and more: click here for the schedule.

Christmas Events in Swanage, Wareham & Purbeck

Christmas on Swanage Railway

2026 Dates: 28 November – 24 December
Location: Swanage Railway, Railway Station Approach, Swanage BH19 1HB
More Info

Father Christmas Yuletide Express: Selected dates from 28 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: 28-29 Nov and 5-6, 12-13, and 19-23 Dec. A special return journey in the luxurious Pullman Observation Car, with a glass of fizz and a festive afternoon tea served at your seat.

Christmas Carol Trains: 3, 10 and 17 December. A festive evening train ride with accompanying live music – a joyful mix of choir performances, sing-alongs, and instrumental Christmas tunes.

Festive Gin and Rum Express: 28-29 Nov and 5-6, 12-13, and 19-23 Dec. A round trip featuring gin, rum, festive cocktails, delicious nibbles, and Christmas tunes.  

Christmas at Corfe Castle

2026 Dates: See below
Location: Corfe Castle
More Info

Dorset’s iconic Corfe Castle has lots of festive Christmas events this year…

• Christmas at Corfe Castle (19 December – 3 January 2027). Natural decorations, collected from across the Purbeck estate, will be sprinkled throughout the castle. Toast marshmallows on the fire pits and follow the Medieval Christmas Quest.
• Winter lights (12 & 19 December, 4pm – 7.15pm) – For two nights only, experience the magic of exploring Corfe Castle at night, with braziers and festoon lights illuminating the paths, and fire pits for toasting marshmallows.
• 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 Events at Durlston Country Park

2026 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…

• Wood Engraving Christmas Card Workshop: 14 November
• Glass Engraving Workshop: Led by Rob Page from the South West Guild of Glass Engravers. 22 November & 13 December
• December Birds and other Wildlife Guided Walk: 5 December.
• Jingle Jumper Jog Parkrun: A festive version of Durlston’s weekly 5k community event. 19 December.
• ‘Have a Very Merry Durlston’ Guided Walk: includes a mulled wine or hot chocolate & a mince pie. 20 December
• Christmas Craft Drop In: Drop in to the Belvedere to discover the fossil dig trays or make some Christmas craft. 21 December

Christmas Events in Bridport, Lyme Regis & West Dorset

Christmas at Symondsbury Estate

2025 Dates: 5-6 December
Location: Symondsbury Estate, Bridport, DT6 6HG
Times: See below
More Info

Set within the historic Tithe Barn and Manor Yard, the Christmas Market at Symondsbury Estate brings together beautifully curated stalls, seasonal food and drink, live music, family activities, and plenty of Christmas cheer.

There are also Wreath Making workshops on 8-9 December (£65pp) and a very special Live Fire Christmas Feast with High Grange on 12 December (£95pp).

Christmas Events in North Dorset

Santa Visits Shillingstone Station

2026 Dates: 13 December
Location: Shillingstone Station, Station Road, Shillingstone, DT11 0SA
Price: £5.50 per child
More Info

Meet Father Christmas at the historic Shillingstone Station, part of the North Dorset Railway. All proceeds go to support the railway and its restoration projects. Call ahead to book a time slot on 01258 860696, or pop into the station cafe or shop to book in person.

Christmas at Spetisbury Station

2026 Dates: 13 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 hosts an annual Christmas party to raise money for the station restoration project. Festive treats will be available, and the waiting room will be decorated.

2026 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: 12 November 2026, Lower Gardens. It appears there is no specific event planned, but the Christmas in Bournemouth Festive Trail opens on the 12th. More info.
• Blandford Forum: 4 December 2026. Lantern parade at 6pm, lights at 6:15pm, entertainment until 9pm. More info.
• Canford Heath: 29 November 2026, 2pm-5:30pm, Canford Heath Community Centre. More info.
• Christchurch: 28 November 2026, 11am-7pm (lights at 5pm), Town Centre. More info.
• Corfe Castle: TBC; click here for details.
• Dorchester: 28 November 2026, lights at 5pm, Brewery Square. More info.
• Ferndown: 28 November 2026, 11am-5pm, Penny’s Lodge Car Park. More info.
• Lyme Regis: 21 November 2026, from 2pm (lights and parade at 5pm), Broad Street. Events include a lantern-making workshop and competition. More info.
• Poole: 21 November 2026, from 4pm, Falkland Square. There’s also a Santa parade, live music and a fire performance. More info.
• Ringwood: 29 November 2026, 11:30am-6:30pm (lights at 6pm), Ringwood Market Square. The day will include a Christmas market and events, including a Santa parade. More info.
• Shaftesbury: 23 November 2026, 6pm, Town Centre. More info.
• Sturminster Newton: 28 November 2026, 10am-7pm (lights at 5pm), Town Centre. More info.
• Swanage: 28 November 2026, 3pm-5pm, Town Centre (outside The Mowlem). More info.
• Verwood: 28 November 2026, 3pm-6pm, Verwood Memorial Hall and Ferrett Green. More info.
• West Bay: 29 November 2026, from 3pm (lights at 4pm), St John’s Church & Harbour Green. More info.
• Westbourne, Bournemouth: TBC
• Weymouth: 28 November 2026, 9am-11pm (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.
• Wimborne: 28 November 2026, 1pm to 5pm, Wimborne Minster Square. More info.

READ MORE: Full List of all Light Switch-Ons in Dorset

Map of all Dorset Christmas Events

Dorset Christmas Markets for 2026

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 2026 festive season!

• Christmas in Bournemouth Alpine Market: 12 Nov 2026 – Jan 3 2027
• Poole Christmas Market: TBC
• Longthorns Farm: 7-8 November
• Athelhampton Christmas Fair: 7-8 November
• Highlands End Christmas Makers’ Market: 14 November
• Mind Body Spirit Fayre, Sherborne: 14 November
• A Dorset Christmas Fair at The Tank Museum, Bovington: 14-15 November
• Kingston Maurward Christmas Craft and Food Fair: TBC
• Compton Acres Christmas Market: 20-21 November
• Littledown Christmas Market, Bournemouth: 22 November
• Poundbury Independent Christmas Market: 28 November
• Mapperton House Christmas Market: 28-29 November
• Magic of Christmas Food and Drink Market, Gillingham: 29 November
• Handmade Wimborne Christmas: 4-5 December
• Swanage Christmas Market: 5 December
• Cerne Abbas Christmas Street Fayre: 5 December
• Upton House Christmas Craft Fair, nr Poole: 5-6 December
• Poole Grammar School Christmas Fayre: TBC
• Symondsbury Estate Christmas Market: 5-6 December
• Dorset Team Christmas Fair, Wimborne: 5-6 December
• Sherborne Festive Shopping Day: 6 December
• Traditional Christmas Weekend, Weymouth: 12-13 December
• Christmas Market at The Walled Garden, Moreton: TBC
• Shaftesbury Christmas Market: 13 December
• Dorchester Christmas Cracker: 13 December

Read More

24 Christmas Markets in Dorset

Dorset Christmas Lights Switch-On Events for 2026

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 add it. Have a great Christmas!