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Christmas in Dorset 2026
This fantastically festive guide to Christmas in Dorset shows you all the best family friendly Christmas events in 2026, where to go for a delicious Christmas day lunch in Dorset, things to do on boxing day, and the ultimate Christmas gift guide.
Whether you're stuck on where to go to get your perfect Christmas tree in Dorset, or unsure on how you can keep the kids occupied during the festive season, no matter what it is, Total guide to Dorset should be your first port of call.
From bright, festive light switch-ons to Christmas markets and carol singers in Dorset, we bring you an incredibly helpful guide to the most magical season of them all.
Christmas in Dorchester 2026
Planning Christmas in Dorchester? Enjoy festive lights, seasonal shopping and Christmas entertainment, with Brewery Square, the sponsor of our Dorset Christmas guide, a great place to start your celebrations.
Christmas at Brewery Square
Brewery Square’s Christmas Lights Switch-On takes place on Saturday 28 November 2026 from 5pm. This free event brings festive stalls, roaming performers, hot chocolate and pop-up bars to the square, alongside performances from Wessex Theatre, a Michael Bublé tribute and the Brewery Square House Band.
Make time for Christmas shopping and a meal while you’re there. Browse independent shops for gifts, stop for a warming drink or gather friends and family at one of the square’s restaurants. Skating in the Square is also returning for the festive season, with advance booking recommended for busy sessions. Check Brewery Square’s latest information for skating dates, prices and booking arrangements.
Where: Brewery Square, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1GH, beside Dorchester South railway station.
Lights switch-on: Saturday 28 November 2026, from 5pm.
Admission: The lights switch-on is free; check separate arrangements for skating.
Explore Christmas at Brewery Square.
Christmas Concert in Dorchester
Enjoy an evening of seasonal music with Dorchester Choral Society at St Mary’s Church on Saturday 12 December 2026, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. The programme includes works by John Rutter alongside Christmas carols, with refreshments available during the interval.
Tickets cost £20 for reserved seats or £15 for unreserved seats, plus booking fees. Doors open at 6.45pm.
Find out more and book concert tickets.
Christmas in Bournemouth 2026
Looking for things to do at Christmas in Bournemouth? Combine a visit to the Christmas market with festive lights, skating in the Lower Gardens and a seasonal meal with friends or family.
Bournemouth Christmas Market
Bournemouth Christmas Market runs from Thursday 12 November to Thursday 31 December 2026 in Bournemouth Square. Browse the stalls for gifts and seasonal treats, pick up something to eat or settle into the Alpine Lodge for a festive drink. Entry to the market is free, with food, drinks and purchases charged separately.
The market opens daily from 11am to 8pm, with food traders staying open until 10pm. Bring a card or contactless payment method, as the market and Alpine Lodge are cashless.
Christmas Lights and the Festive Trail
Explore Bournemouth’s free Festive Trail from 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, taking in illuminated displays through the Lower Gardens towards the seafront. Make an evening of it with a walk beneath the lights and a warming drink along the way. Some additional attractions and experiences are ticketed, so check individual booking details before visiting.
Check the latest Bournemouth Christmas activities and booking information.
SKATE Bournemouth
Get out on the ice at SKATE Bournemouth in the Lower Gardens, running from 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. The outdoor rink and Moguls Bar offer another way to enjoy a festive outing in the town centre. Check session availability, ticket prices and booking details before you travel.
Christmas Parties in Bournemouth
Planning a work celebration or a festive get-together with friends? Explore our Christmas parties in Bournemouth guide for local party nights, group dining and private hire options.
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