CHRISTMAS is quickly approaching and plenty of festive markets will be popping up around Dorset soon.
It will be the perfect opportunity for people to purchase Christmas-related crafts and enjoy some street food as the temperatures get a little colder.
With that in mind, we have put together a list of some of the best Christmas markets across the county that you need to explore during the most wonderful time of the year.
Shire Hall Christmas Market
Shire Hall in Dorchester will be hosting a Christmas market on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24 from 10am to 4pm.
Admission is free and local businesses will be selling everything from food and drink to jewellery and photography.
The museum at Shire Hall will not be open for visitors over the market weekend, however, people will still have the chance to look around this Grade I listed building.
"Market stalls will be spread across Shire Hall, from the café and exhibition rooms to the historic courthouse and cells.
Brewery Square
Dorchester Christmas Market is set to make a triumphant return to Brewery Square from November 22 – December 22.
Organisers promise that it will be ‘the gift that keeps on giving,’ with tonnes of festive entertainment, more than 30 chalets brimming with unique gifts and treats, the fan-favourite ice rink and of course the big man himself Father Christmas.
Poundbury Christmas Market
Poundbury Christmas Market will be returning on Saturday, November 30, between 10am and 4pm.
Located in Crown Square, the market will welcome plenty of local traders selling gifts, food and drink.
Additionally, there will be live music, and children can get the opportunity to meet Santa at Boo's Toy Shop on the day.
Symondsbury Estate Christmas Market
Symondsbury Estate will be hosting a Christmas market over the weekend of Friday, December 6 to Sunday, December 8.
Admission to the event is free and visitors can enjoy more than 80 local businesses selling handcrafted food, drink and gifts.
Alongside that, there will be live music and performances from choirs, brass bands and more.
Abbey Farm Christmas Fair
The Tithe Barn at Abbey Farm will be filled with local traders on Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1, from 10am-4pm, in the perfect opportunity to discover unique Christmas gifts.
As well as shopping, there will also be live music, choirs, Pygmy Goats, and other exciting entertainment throughout the day.
Swanage Christmas Market
Traders will line the streets around Station Road in Swanage on Saturday, December 7, for its Christmas market.
Running from 10am to 4pm, there'll be plenty of handmade goodies to browse, plus lots of food and drink stalls to take in.
Children will be able to visit Father Christmas in his grotto and they can also enjoy merry-go-round rides on site.
Plus, there will be a small stage with festive entertainment for the whole family.
Mapperton Christmas Fair
The Mapperton Christmas Market will return on November 23 from 10am to 6pm and 24 from 10am – 4pm, for a festive extravaganza.
There will be plenty of locally sourced gifts to browse at the estate in Beaminster, alongside live music and a guest appearance from Father Christmas.
Entry is £5 per person and under 12’s are free
The event is supporting Weldmar Hospicecare and tickets can be purchased here: https://mapperton.com/product/mapperton-christmas-market-23rd-24th-november-2024/.
Sherborne Festive Shopping Day
Sherborne will be filled with Christmas delights on Sunday, December 1, including Santa’s grotto, live entertainment from the Sherborne Town Band.
The event will take place from 10am-4pm, with the big Christmas light switch on at 4pm.
There will also be free parking in some town locations on the day.
Bournemouth Alpine Christmas Market
Bournemouth's annual Christmas Market will be returning once again, running from Saturday, November 16 until Wednesday, January 1.
Features will include dozens of wooden chalets selling gifts, food and drink to fulfil your festive needs.
Alongside that, The Alpine Lodge will be back where visitors can grab a cup of mulled wine or cider, a stein of beer or a warming hot chocolate.
To cap it all off visitors can take in the Christmas Tree Wonderland as more than 100 glittering trees light the path from the market all the way down to the seafront.
Bridport Christmas Cheer
In west Dorset, Bridport Christmas Cheer will be held on Wednesday, December 4 from 4pm – 8pm, with the all-exciting light switch on will be at 6pm by the mayor.
There will be an abundance of street stalls, arts and crafts, and local food. Stalls will line the streets as well as inside Bridport Arts Centre & The Town Hall.
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