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Bournemouth Christmas Market
About: Soak up the festive atmosphere in Bournemouth Square, where the Alpine Christmas Market brings together handmade gifts, traditional Christmas presents and seasonal food. Browse the stalls before tucking into a hog roast or warming up with a luxury hot chocolate.
Make an evening of it with a visit to the Alpine Lodge, open until 11pm, and enjoy Christmas choir and carol performances during the festive season.
Location: Bournemouth Square, Bournemouth Town Centre, BH2 6ED.
Dates: 12th November 2026 - 4th January 2027
Times: Open daily from 11am. Gift stalls close at 8pm Monday–Saturday and 7pm on Sundays. Food stalls remain open until 10pm.
Christmas Market at Compton Abbas Airfield
Where: Compton Abbas Airfield, Shaftesbury, Dorset, England
A one-day pop-up Christmas market at Compton Abbas Airfield featuring festive food and drink and stalls for last-minute gifts.
Date: Sunday 6 December 2026
Time: 11.00am – 3.00pm
Vendors: pitches from £75 (by enquiry)
Christmas Market at BH Live Active Littledown
Where: BH Live Active, Littledown, Chaseside, Bournemouth
Browse festive gifts, artisan food and local products at the Christmas Market at BH Live Active, Littledown.
Get into the festive spirit at the Christmas Market at BH Live Active, Littledown, with a wide range of stalls offering gifts, food and seasonal treats.
Browse handmade artisan gifts, jewellery, fused glass, local preserves, chutneys, award-winning fudge, artisan gin, seasonal cakes, cheeses, Christmas decorations, cards, wrapping paper, wreaths, hampers and artwork from local artists and photographers.
Price: Adults £1 | Ages 5–15: 50p | Under 5s: Free
Date & Times: The market takes place on Sunday 22nd November 2026 from 11am until 4pm.
Visitors can enjoy festive music from Sing-People-Sing, while children can meet Giggles the cheeky elf and have their faces painted. The Terrace café will also be open serving hot drinks and snacks. No booking is required.
Mapperton Christmas Market, Beaminster
Enjoy a festive day out in Dorset as Mapperton’s Christmas Market returns on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th November 2026.
Browse local artisan stalls for handmade gifts, Christmas decorations and seasonal food and drink. Live music, twinkling lights, mulled wine and roasting chestnuts will add to the festive atmosphere, with food vans and a seasonal menu at the Coach House Café offering plenty of opportunities to refuel.
Families can also book a visit to Father Christmas for an additional £5 per child. Spaces are limited and must be booked in advance, alongside admission to the Christmas Market.
Adult admission includes garden entry, and well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome in the gardens, outdoor market areas and Coach House Café.
Dates: Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th November 2026
Times: Saturday, 10am–6pm; Sunday, 10am–4pm
Location: Mapperton Estate, near Beaminster, Dorset
Admission: Adults £5; under-15s free. Father Christmas visits cost an additional £5 per child.
Parking: Free on-site parking.
Advance online booking is strongly recommended as daily visitor numbers are limited. Please include free child tickets when booking.
Poundbury Christmas Market
About: Celebrate 10 years of Poundbury Christmas Market with a festive shopping trip to Crown Square, near Dorchester. Discover over 100 independent makers offering gifts, arts, crafts and jewellery, alongside local food and drink from businesses across Dorset, Somerset and Hampshire.
With entertainment throughout the day and Father Christmas joining the celebrations, it’s a lovely opportunity to soak up the festive atmosphere while supporting small businesses.
Location: Crown Square, Poundbury, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 3EN
Date: Saturday 28th November 2026
Time: 10am–4pm
Marwell Zoo Christmas Market
About: Venture beyond Dorset to Marwell Zoo, near Winchester, for festive shopping as part of Christmas at Marwell: Fire & Ice. Browse gift stalls outside Marwell Hall and enjoy seasonal food and drink alongside your Christmas day out. Daytime visitors can also meet the roaming Ice Enchantress and Fire Wizard between 10am and 3pm on market dates.
Location: Marwell Zoo, Thompson’s Lane, Colden Common, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1JH.
Dates: Selected peak dates between 20th November and 30th December 2026: Fridays–Sundays, 10th and 17th December, and 21st–30th December, excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Times: 11am–6.45pm.
Cost: Check admission options and availability when booking.
Swanage Christmas Market
About: Browse over 60 festive stalls as Swanage Christmas Market fills Station Road and Institute Road with local makers, producers and Christmas gift ideas. Pick up handmade treats, enjoy seasonal bakes and warm up with a mulled wine or cider while exploring the market.
There’s plenty for families too, with merry-go-round rides, Father Christmas in his grotto and festive entertainment on a small stage. Organised by Swanage & Purbeck Rotary, it’s a lovely opportunity to enjoy Christmas shopping while supporting local businesses.
Location: Station Road and Institute Road, Swanage, Dorset
Date: Saturday 5th December 2026
Time: 10am–4pm
Careys Ethical Christmas Market
Where: Careys Secret Garden, Wareham, Dorset
An ethical Christmas market in Dorset featuring sustainable traders, independent makers, festive food and drop-in creative workshops in a garden setting.
The market offers a curated selection of eco-conscious traders and artisan makers with sustainable, handmade gifts. Food and drink are available from the wood-fired pizza oven and coffee shop/outdoor kitchen, with seasonal treats and winter warmers. Drop-in creative workshops run during the day without pre-booking.
Date: Saturday 14 November (year not stated on page title; treated as 14 November 2026 based on surrounding listings)
Time: Stalls open 11.00am–3.00pm
Price:
- Adults (12+): £7.00
- Children: Free
FAQs – Christmas Shopping & Markets in Dorset
When do Christmas markets start in Dorset?
Most Christmas markets in Dorset begin in late November and run throughout December, with some opening as early as mid-November. Popular events in Bournemouth, Dorchester, and Poole often extend right up until Christmas Eve.
Is there food and drink at Dorset Christmas markets?
Yes! Many markets feature food stalls serving mulled wine, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, mince pies, street food, and other seasonal delights to enjoy while shopping.
What can I buy at Dorset Christmas markets?
You’ll find a wide range of gifts and festive treats, including handmade crafts, artisan foods, Christmas decorations, jewellery, winter clothing, and locally produced goods that make perfect presents.
Is there a Christmas market in Weymouth?
Yes - Weymouth's Big Christmas. It begins in November and provides kids' events including a carols concert, face-painting, street entertainment and a chance to meet Santa Claus.