Christmas in Dorset is a magical time of year. What better way to get into the festive spirit than by visiting a pop-up Christmas market?
Discovering these markets is a fantastic way to enjoy unique gifts, delightful treats, and festive entertainment for the whole family.
Whether you’re looking for scenic backdrops or interesting museum venues, there are lots of unique and interesting markets to visit.
With different themes and many activities, these markets are perfect for enjoying seasonal excitement.
Enjoy artisan stalls, family activities, mulled wine and maybe a glimpse of Santa when you visit the Pop-Up Christmas Markets In Dorset.
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Wimborne Christmas Market
Wimborne’s Christmas Market is a vibrant festivity held at the High Street car park. The area transforms into a magical winter wonderland filled with unique gifts and delicious treats.
Visitors are greeted with the sound of cheerful music as local schools and choirs provide entertainment throughout the day. The joyful atmosphere is infectious, making it a perfect outing for families and friends.
The market opens at 1pm, offering plenty of time to explore and enjoy the festive ambience. From handcrafted jewellery to mouth-watering snacks, there’s something for everyone. Many shops open until 7 PM for some late-night holiday shopping.
🎁 Good to know:
- Date and Time: November 30, 2024, 01:00 PM
- Event Price: Free to enter
- Local school performances, Wimborne Christmas Lights’ Switch-On at 4:30pm
📍 High Street Car Park, Wimborne BH21 1HR
Upton House Christmas Makers Market
The Upton House Christmas Makers Market is a must-visit. Held at Upton Country Park, this market is bursting with holiday cheer and creativity.
Set in the picturesque surroundings of Poole, visitors can wander through stalls that showcase the talents of local artisans.
Expect to find an array of crafts and unique handmade gifts. The market provides an excellent opportunity to find one-of-a-kind presents that will delight loved ones.
From handcrafted jewellery to beautifully designed decor items, there is something for everyone.
In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy pop-up tea rooms and indulge in delicious treats. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by live music performances, making it a joyful experience for all ages.
🎁 Good to know:
- Dates and Time: 30th November – 1st December 2024, 10am – 4pm
- Event Price: Free entry
- Artisan stalls, pop-up tea rooms, local choirs
📍 Upton House, Upton Country Park, Upton, Poole BH17 7BJ
Dorchester Christmas Cracker
The Dorchester Christmas Cracker event promises a festive experience filled with joy and cheer. Held on Sunday, 15 December 2024, this market runs from 11am to 4pm.
The Corn Exchange becomes a hub of activity with stalls, food, and entertainment.
High West and East Street are closed for this spectacular day. Visitors can enjoy various performances while shopping for unique gifts.
Notable features include the Santa Hat Parade and classic car display. Families can also enjoy a visit from Santa himself.
🎁 Good to know:
- Date and Time: 15th December 2024, 11am-4pm
- Activities: Santa Hat Parade, classic cars, stalls, and entertainment
- With over 100 traders in the Corn Exchange and High West Street
📍 Corn Exchange, High E St, Dorchester DT1 1HF
Abbey Farm Christmas Fair
The Abbey Farm Christmas Fair is a festive highlight, offering a magical experience for all ages. Held on 30th November and 1st December, this fair is free to enter.
Visitors can enjoy a bustling atmosphere with a wide range of traders featuring handcrafted gifts, delicious treats, and festive decorations.
Music fills the air as the Rock Choir performs alongside the vintage harmonies of The Decadettes.
Enjoy a unique experience as the Tithe Barn brims with local traders, makers, and crafters. This charming setting invites exploration and enjoyment of the seasonal cheer.
🎁 Good to know:
- Dates and Times: November 30th & December 1st, 2024, 10am – 4pm
- Entry: Free
- Activities: Shopping, music, and festive treats
📍 Tithe Barn, Abbotsbury, Weymouth DT3 4JJ
Christmas Market at The Walled Garden Moreton
There’s a magical charm at the Christmas Market at The Walled Garden Moreton. The garden comes alive with the enticing aroma of bratwurst and mulled wine, inviting visitors to explore the festive stalls.
Held on 1st December 2024, this event promises a delightful day out.
Visitors will find nearly 30 stalls offering unique gifts and crafts from local artisans. It’s a wonderful place to find that perfect Christmas present, with a friendly and festive atmosphere.
🎁 Good to know:
- Date and Time: December 1st, 2024, 10am – 3pm
- Event Price: Free entry
- Free parking, Dog-friendly
📍 The Walled Garden, Moreton, Dorchester DT2 8RG
The Oaks Highcliffe Winter Market
The Oaks Highcliffe Winter Market is a magical destination for festive fun. It takes place on December 14th, creating a delightful weekend of holiday cheer.
Visitors can explore a Christmas market brimming with charming stalls from 11 am to 5 pm. The market offers everything from handcrafted gifts to delicious seasonal treats, capturing the true spirit of a winter wonderland.
In the evening, the excitement continues with the Winter Ball, where guests can enjoy live music from Jenny Oag – Female Vocalist, and dance the night away. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for celebrating with friends and family.
🎁 Good to know:
- Date and Time: December 14th, 2024, 11am – 5pm
- Winter Ball in the evening
- A festive experience with crafts, food, and music!
📍 The Oaks, 189 Lymington Rd, Highcliffe, Christchurch BH23 5EA
Poundbury Christmas Market
The Poundbury Christmas Market is a festive highlight, bringing joy to the community each year. Held in Crown Square, this event is a hub for holiday cheer.
With over 100 stalls, visitors can explore a variety of gifts, food, drinks, and local crafts. There’s something for everyone, making it a perfect spot for holiday shopping.
🎁 Good to know:
- Date and Time: November 30th, 2024, 10am – 4pm
- Other activity: Meet Father Christmas at Boo’s Toy Shop
- Features: Gifts, Food, Drinks, Local Crafts
📍 Crown Square, Poundbury, Dorchester DT1 3EN
Swanage Christmas Market
The Swanage Christmas Market is a must-visit event for anyone looking for a unique shopping experience.
Held annually during December, it transforms the streets around Station Road into a festive wonderland. Traders from across Dorset line the streets, offering everything from handmade gifts to delicious festive treats.
Families will find plenty of activities to enjoy. Younger children can delight in the merry-go-round rides.
This market is also noted for its atmosphere, filled with the joyful sounds of Christmas music and the scent of mulled wine. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up a unique present or just soak in the festive cheer.
🎁 Good to know:
- Date and Time: December 7th, 2024, 10am – 4pm
- Event Entry: Free
- A small stage with festive entertainment for the whole family
📍 Station Road, Swanage
Cerne Abbas Christmas Street Fayre
Cerne Abbas transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas Street Fayre. Visitors can wander down Long Street, which is beautifully decorated for the festive season.
The fayre features nearly 40 stalls, offering a delightful assortment of Christmas gifts, local crafts, and delicious food.
It’s a perfect place to shop for unique presents, soak up the holiday atmosphere, and enjoy some tasty treats.
It’s a celebration that reflects the spirit of the holiday season in the lovely village of Cerne Abbas. The village is known for its picturesque beauty and warm community feeling.
🎁 Good to know:
- Date and Time: 7th December 2024, 4 – 7pm
- Highlights: 40 stalls, festive atmosphere, local crafts and foods
📍 Long Street, Cerne Abbas, Dorchester
Bridport Vintage Christmas Market
The Bridport Vintage Christmas Market is a delightful event for anyone who loves nostalgia. Held on Sunday, 15th December, this market transforms St Michael’s Trading Estate into a charming festive scene.
Visitors can browse through a wide range of vintage and retro treasures. The market offers unique gifts perfect for holiday shopping. Most shops and studios in the area will be open, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Live music fills the air, creating a lively, cheerful vibe. Food stalls offer a variety of treats to enjoy as you wander around.
🎁 Good to know:
- Date and Time: December 15th, 2024, 10am – 4pm
- Event Price: Free Entry
- Dog-friendly environment
- Limited free parking is available
📍 St Michael’s Trading Estate, Bridport DT6 3RB
Christmas Shopping Night At The Museum
The Christmas Shopping Night at the Museum offers a festive experience for everyone. Visitors can enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine while browsing through the museum’s ground-floor galleries.
Local artisans present their handcrafted wares at the indoor makers market. This event is the perfect place to find unique gifts while supporting local talent.
Live music fills the air, adding to the festive atmosphere. It’s an event where creativity and community spirit shine through.
🎁 Good to know:
- Date and Time: November 28th, 2024, 5-8pm
- Event Price: £3.00
- Enjoy traditional mulled wine, explore stalls featuring local artisans
📍 Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne BH21 1HR
