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Where to Enjoy Festive Drinks in Dorset This Christmas

Looking for the best places to enjoy Christmas drinks in Dorset? Whether it’s a festive night out with work colleagues, catching up with friends, or raising a glass with family, there’s nothing quite like celebrating the season in one of Dorset’s cosy pubs or lively cocktail bars.

From a warming glass of mulled wine to a sparkling snowball or a creamy eggnog, Dorset is full of incredible spots serving up the ultimate festive tipples. Whether you’re heading out after work for a lively Christmas Office Party in Dorset, planning one of the county’s unforgettable Christmas party nights, or going for drinks before your delicious festive lunch or dinner, there’s a perfect venue waiting. And if you fancy doing something a little different, you’ll also find plenty of unique Christmas party activities in Dorset to make your celebrations extra special.

If you’re wondering where to go for Christmas drinks in Dorset, we’ve rounded up the top pubs, gin bars, and cocktail bars across the county. Perfect for Christmas parties or simply a seasonal night out, these venues guarantee a magical atmosphere and sensational drinks.

If you’re planning to enjoy a few festive drinks and need to stay overnight, check out our Dorset accommodation guide, and if you’re driving, take a look at our guide to parking in Poole to find the best spots for long stays.

For a convenient and reliable ride to your chosen venue, consider booking with United Taxis Poole. With a fleet of over 300 licensed vehicles operating 24/7, they offer easy booking through their free app, phone, or online.

Whether you're heading out for a festive night or need a safe journey home, United Taxis ensures a smooth and timely service.

Read on to discover the very best places for festive cocktails, mulled wine, and Christmas drinks in Dorset this year.

The Britannia

Where: Parkstone, Poole

About: The Britannia, located in Parkstone, Poole, hosts a dedicated draft and craft beers bar. If you are not the biggest beer fan then they also offer an extensive wine list and a great selection of cocktails, gins and spritzes! Expect to be greeted with classic, chic, comfy decor to offer the perfect location to both relax with your friends or party and celebrate the Christmas season!

Address: 20 Britannia Road, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset, BH14 8BB

Telephone: 01202 402212

How to book: Visit here.

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Indi's Ashley Cross

About: Located on Station Road in Ashley Cross, Indi's is a vibrant Bar & Kitchen specialising in modern Indian dining.

The menu brings together tapas-style Indian street food and traditional curries, making it a great spot for everything from a relaxed lunch to dinner and drinks with friends. The bar also serves a hand-picked selection of fine wines and signature cocktails, while those who would rather dine at home can order their Indi's favourites to takeaway.

Menus: 

Address: 4 Station Road, Ashley Cross, BH14 8UB

Contact: 01202 931401

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Harry's Lounge

Where: Bournemouth

About: For relaxed Christmas drinks in Bournemouth, Harry’s Lounge is a great spot for festive catch-ups with friends, colleagues or the whole team. With crafted cocktails, drinks packages and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s made for getting together over the festive season.

There’s also live music on Fridays and Saturdays, plus pool, darts and live sport, giving your Christmas drinks a little extra entertainment.

Price: Drinks packages are available – contact Harry’s Lounge or book ahead for group celebrations.

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Bar Coast Bournemouth

Where: Bournemouth

About: If your Christmas drinks call for cocktails, music and a lively night out, Bar Coast is a great choice. Perfect for festive catch-ups, work celebrations or a Christmas night out with friends, the venue brings together crafted cocktails, DJs and a vibrant late-night atmosphere.

For something extra special, VIP drinks packages and private hire options are also available, ideal for groups looking to make a proper night of their Christmas celebrations.

Price: Contact Bar Coast for VIP drinks packages, private hire and group booking options.

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BOMO House Bournemouth

Where: Bournemouth

About: Looking for the perfect place to enjoy festive drinks in Bournemouth? BOMO House offers a vibrant setting for Christmas catch-ups, after-work drinks and festive celebrations with friends, colleagues or the whole team.

Expect a lively atmosphere, plenty of space to get together and a great choice of drinks, making it an ideal spot to raise a glass and celebrate the Christmas season in Bournemouth.

Price: Contact the venue for festive drinks packages and group booking options.

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The White Hart Lymington

Where: Lymington

About: Make this festive season truly unforgettable at The White Hart in Lymington. Joining them for Christmas drinks is the perfect way to celebrate the festive season with friends, family or colleagues. 

Address: 17 Milford Rd, Lymington, SO41 8DF

Telephone: 01590 615777

How to book: Visit here.

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THE SUNRAY OSMINGTON

Where: Osmington, near Weymouth

About: Settle in by the fire for Christmas drinks at The Sunray in Osmington. Whether you’re catching up with friends, gathering the family or celebrating with colleagues, this welcoming Dorset pub offers a cosy setting to raise a glass over the festive season.

Make an evening of it with the festive menu, available from 17th November, or extend your visit with a stay in one of the holiday cottages just steps from the pub.

Address: Chapel Lane, Osmington, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 6EU

Telephone: 01305 300503

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The Old Beams

Where: Ibsley, near Ringwood, New Forest

About: Gather friends, family or colleagues for Christmas drinks at The Old Beams in Ibsley. This welcoming country pub offers a relaxed setting for a festive catch-up, with local ales and beers among the drinks available.

Stay for a meal and enjoy seasonal dishes alongside pub classics, making it an inviting option for drinks and dinner near Ringwood over the Christmas season.

Address: Salisbury Road, Ibsley, BH24 3PP

Telephone: 01425 473387

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The Old Thatch Wimborne

Where: Stapehill, Wimborne

About: Enjoy Christmas drinks in Wimborne at The Old Thatch, a cosy country pub in Stapehill. Gather around the log fire for a festive catch-up with friends, after-work drinks with colleagues or a relaxed family get-together.

With local beers and ales to choose from, plus a Christmas menu for those making an evening of it, The Old Thatch offers a welcoming setting to celebrate the season.

Address: 285 Wimborne Road West, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7NW

Telephone: 01202 406779

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The Oaks Highcliffe

Where: Highcliffe

About: A stone’s throw from one of the most beautiful stretches of beach and on the edge of both the idyllic New Forest and the seaside buzz of Bournemouth, The Oaks, Highcliffe really does offer the best of all worlds and is a brilliant spot for hosting drinks for your Christmas office party.

Address: 189 Lymington Road, Highcliffe, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 5EA

Telephone: 01425 283377

How to book: Visit here.

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The Goods Yard Broadstone

Where: Broadstone, Poole

About: Catch up over Christmas drinks in Broadstone at The Goods Yard, a freehouse pub and kitchen housed in the former Railway Hotel. Its welcoming setting makes it an inviting spot for after-work drinks, a festive get-together with friends or a relaxed evening with family.

Pair your drinks with something from the food menu and settle in for a leisurely Christmas catch-up.

Address: 14 Station Approach, Broadstone, Dorset, BH18 8AX

Telephone: 01202 694400

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The Greyhound Inn, Corfe Castle

Where: Corfe Castle, Purbeck

About: Raise a glass beneath the historic ruins of Corfe Castle at The Greyhound Inn. This characterful village pub is a scenic choice for Christmas drinks in Purbeck, whether you’re meeting friends or bringing the family together over the festive season.

Choose from cask ales, lagers and locally sourced ciders, alongside wines, spirits and the pub’s own gin infusions. Stay for a meal and make your festive catch-up an occasion.

Telephone: 01929 480205

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BH Live’s Lookout at Littledown

Where: Littledown, Bournemouth

About: Get together for Christmas drinks in Bournemouth at Lookout at Littledown. With a refurbished bar, indoor dining and an outdoor terrace overlooking Littledown Park, it’s a relaxed spot for festive catch-ups with friends or colleagues.

Pair your drinks with sharing plates, stone-baked pizzas or burgers. For a larger celebration, ask the team about private room and bar hire, with food and drinks packages available.

How to book: Visit the website to explore the venue and enquire about group bookings, packages and festive availability.

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The Priory Hotel, Wareham

Where: Wareham

About: Celebrate the season with Christmas drinks at The Priory Hotel in Wareham. Meet friends for cocktails at JJ’s Bar, or enjoy drinks before a festive meal in this characterful Dorset hotel.

For those making an occasion of it, The Priory’s festive lunch and dinner menus are available from 1st–23rd December 2026, offering an opportunity to bring friends or colleagues together over seasonal food and drinks.

Address: Church Green, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4ND

Telephone: 01929 551666

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Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa

Where: Brockenhurst, New Forest

About: Escape the festive rush and gather for Christmas drinks at Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa in Brockenhurst. Set in the New Forest, the hotel offers an inviting setting for catching up with friends, celebrating with colleagues or enjoying drinks before dinner.

Make an evening of it with festive dining at Cambium, or extend your celebrations with an overnight stay.

Address: Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, SO42 7RH

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Little Pickle at the Mill

Where: Wimborne, Dorset

About: This cute café nestled alongside the river can be found in Walford Mill Arts and Crafts Centre in Wimborne, just a brief walk away from the town square. Browse their drinks and food menu this festive period. In addition to the traditional hot drink favourites such as coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, they also showcase unique options, such as charcoal lattes and vanilla chais!

Menus: View here.

Address: Knobcrook Road, Stone Lane. Wimborne, BH21 1NL

Telephone: 07880 827276

How to book: No need to book!

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FAQs & Tips for Festive Nights Out

Christmas Drinks in Dorset: FAQs & Tips for Festive Nights Out

Where can I go for Christmas drinks in Dorset?
Dorset has a fantastic selection of pubs, cocktail bars, and gin bars serving festive drinks throughout the holiday season. From cosy traditional pubs with warming mulled wine to stylish bars offering creative seasonal cocktails, there’s something for everyone. This guide highlights the best venues across the county, so you can find your perfect spot by town or area.

What are the best pubs in Dorset for Christmas drinks?
Some of the top pubs in Dorset for Christmas drinks offer a mix of festive atmosphere, great drinks, and cosy surroundings. Look for venues that serve mulled wine, seasonal beers, or signature cocktails, and check whether they have private areas or party packages for groups. Popular choices often fill up quickly, so booking in advance is recommended.

Are there special Christmas drinks menus in Dorset bars?
Yes! Many bars and pubs in Dorset create special Christmas drinks menus featuring mulled wine, eggnog, festive cocktails, and winter warmers. Some venues also offer themed drinks packages or tasting flights, perfect for trying a few different seasonal options in one visit.

Can I book a Christmas party in Dorset?
Absolutely. Most pubs, cocktail bars, and gin bars in Dorset welcome bookings for Christmas parties. Many offer group packages, private areas, or special festive deals. It’s best to book early, especially for December weekends, as spaces fill up quickly during the holiday season.

Are there family-friendly venues for Christmas drinks in Dorset?
Yes, some venues cater to families and offer non-alcoholic festive drinks, hot chocolate, or seasonal mocktails. These spots are ideal if you want to enjoy the festive atmosphere without worrying about children being excluded.

Is parking available near Christmas drinks venues in Dorset?
Many venues have nearby public car parks or private parking options. It’s a good idea to check in advance, especially if you plan to stay for several hours or attend a busy Christmas night, and to consider public transport if possible to avoid parking stress. We highly recommend United Taxis - call 01202 556677.

Do Dorset bars offer accommodation if I plan to stay overnight after Christmas drinks?
Some venues are close to hotels, B&Bs, or inns, making it easy to stay overnight after enjoying your festive drinks. 

What are the typical prices for Christmas drinks in Dorset?
Prices vary depending on the venue and type of drink. A mulled wine usually starts around £5, cocktails from £7–£10, and drinks packages for groups typically start from £20–£25 per person. Checking each venue’s menu or booking page is recommended to plan your budget.

When do Christmas drinks venues in Dorset open for the festive season?
Most pubs and bars start offering festive drinks from late November through to Christmas Eve. Some venues also run special events or extended hours on weekends in December, so it’s worth checking individual opening times and booking requirements.

Are there any unique or unusual Christmas drinks activities in Dorset?
Yes, Dorset offers more than just drinks. You can find cocktail-making classes, festive gin tastings, themed pub nights, and even Christmas market-style pop-ups. These experiences are perfect if you want a memorable or slightly different festive celebration alongside your Christmas drinks.

Britannia Parkstone (Animated Ad)
BH Live @ Lookout (Animated Ad)
Drgnfly Pan-Asian (Animated Ad)
Carey's Manor & SenSpa (Animated Ad)
BOMO House (Christmas Animated Ad)
Lore of Sky (Animated Ad)
BOMO/Harrys & Bar Coast (Animated Ad)
indi's (Animated Ad)
The Priory (Animated Ad)
The Oaks (Animated Ad)

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