Christmas Markets and Fairs in Dorset

Local markets and fairs are wonderful places to buy unique and unusual gifts for Christmas, at the same time as supporting the local community and local businesses.

Here are a few of the many that Dorset has to offer…

Bournemouth Christmas Market - Inspired by the “Weihnachtsmarkt” traditional German Markets. Lots of alpine chalets decorated with Christmas lights and offering authentic seasonal gifts and traditional yuletide foods from German, British and other European crafts people. There’s also a traditional Victorian-style “Gallopers” carousel, animated figures, Christmas karaoke, school choirs, carol singing, church bands and dancing. Open until 3rd January – see their website for daily opening times.

Bridport Christmas Festival and Late Night Shopping, 7th December, Bridport Town Centre. Most shops in the town centre will be staying open until late (from 6pm). There will be a farmers’ market, and craft, food and charity stalls, Santa's Grotto, and entertainment. The Christmas tree lights will be switched on by the Mayor at 6pm and then Father Christmas will arrive to join in the celebrations.

Lyme Regis Christmas Market at The Town Mill, Mill Lane, Lyme Regis, from the 9th to 11th December. Quality handmade gifts including: wood, pottery, glass, jewellery, paintings, photos, prints, and metalwork. Friday 5pm - 9pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm.

Putlake Farm Christmas Market , near Swanage, Saturday 10th December 3pm to 6pm. There will be craft stalls, local produce, Christmas trees, wreaths, music, Santa’s Grotto and lots more.

For something a little different, why not try the Sherborne Antique and Fleamarket? Saturday 10th December 8.30 am to 4pm at the Digby Church Memorial Hall, Sherborne. There will be a large number of stalls selling vintage items including china, silver, jewellery, pictures, books, textiles, and furniture.

Wyke Christmas Fayre, Old Wyke Square, Wyke Regis, on Sunday 11th December, from noon to 4pm. Admission is free. Lots of local crafts and food including hot chestnuts and candy, Hundred-Aker-Wood Pottery, Clayford Farm Sausages, Woodland Preserves, Dorset Seafood, and Barrie's Pictures (old photos of Dorset, Devon Somerset).

Shaftesbury Christmas Market Street Fair, High Street, Shaftesbury. 18th December -10am to 4pm. With the colourful Anonymous Travelling Market and live music, and stalls selling items ranging from homemade felt, jewellery, glass, pottery, vintage clothes and china. to cheese, bread, paella, fresh oysters, tapas, hog roasts and much more.

A warm welcome and a sustainable holiday in the beautiful county of Dorset awaits you this winter, so why not contact us and find out more about our eco-friendly self-catering accommodation in Dorset. We look forward to welcoming you here.