As the festive season fast approaches, crowds will flock to Christmas markets across the county.
There are plenty of markets to choose from, featuring handmade gifts, crafts, food and music from local businesses and people.
Here are some of the Christmas Markets in the west Dorset area for 2023:
Bridport Christmas Cheer
On Wednesday, December 6, Bridport Christmas Cheer will return to the town centre.
Stalls will set up shop at the town hall, Arts Centre, South Street, East Street, West Street and Downes Street from 4pm.
Shops are open for late night shopping during the Cheer.
Bridge House Christmas Market
On Sunday, November 26, The Bridge House Christmas Market will be hosted at the Bridge House Hotel on East Street in Bridport.
The market will run from 2pm until 6pm and will feature art and craft stalls, food, drinks and music from the Bridport Ukrainian Choir from 5pm.
Symondsbury Estate Christmas Market
From Friday to Sunday, December 1 to 3, the Symondsbury Estate Christmas Market will return.
For the first time, the 2023 market will be held across three days.
Over 70 local businesses will bring a variety of handcrafted gifts to the market.
Admission is free and car parking is £2.
There will also be live music and performances, from choirs, brass bands and acoustic sets to musical theatre and the impossible-to-define production of the Symondsbury Mummers.
The market will run from 12pm until 6pm on Friday, 10am until 6pm on Saturday and 10am until 4pm on Sunday.
Mapperton Christmas Fair
In Beaminster, the Mapperton Estate will host the Mapperton Christmas Fair.
From November 25 to 26, The Coach House at Mapperton will host a range of stalls fcusing on locally sourced food and drink.
The Dorset Food and Drink Christmas Fair
On Saturday and Sunday, November 25 and 26, The Dorset Food and Drink Christmas Fair will return to Athelhampton House and Gardens.
Early Bird tickets cost £5 until Friday, November 24 and then will cost £7.50 from Saturday (November 25).
The market is free to attend for children under 12.
Abbotsbury Christmas Market
Abbey Farm in Abbotsbury will also host their Christmas Market on Saturday and Sunday, November 25 and 26.
The weekend will showcase the talents of local makers, crafters, bakers and musicians.
Running daily from 11am to 4pm, the Christmas Market boasts a selection of traders, each representing all areas of the local small business community.
Parking is available nearby at Rodden Row Car Park.
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