Dorset Christmas fairs and markets for 2012

With Christmas fast approaching, and shopping still to be done, here are some dates for your diary for opportunities to support local crafts and tradespeople, and buy unusual and unique gifts for friends and family. 

15th November 2012 to 2nd January 2013 - Bournemouth Christmas Market. “Held in the heart of Bournemouth in the Town Square and surrounding streets this festive extravaganza will be bursting at the seams with Christmas ambience. It will be beautifully dressed with Christmas lights and snowy decorations and animated figures, truly a wonder to behold.”

24th to 25th November - Macmillan Christmas Craft Fair at Kingston Mauward, Dorchester. Sat. More than 40 stalls selling a wide range of quality gifts. Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sunday 10am to 3pm. Entry £4.00. Coffee, tea & wine served all day, and homemade soup at lunchtime.


24th November - Bridport Craft Fair, Bridport Town Hall, from 9am - 3pm.

24th November - Grand Christmas Bazaar at Frampton Village Hall, Dorchester Rd, Frampron. Cookery demonstration and tasting at 1pm. Christmas Bazaar from 2pm to 5pm. Craft stalls by local Artists and crafts people. Refreshments are available, together with delicious Mulled Wine. Entry £1 adults, children free.

1st December to 2nd December - Christmas Craft & Gift Fair at Highcliffe Castle. he Castle's annual craft and gift fair returns to the Castle for this two day show. The fair is a popular event with a beautiful range of high quality crafts and gifts from local artists and suppliers displayed in the Castle’s heritage rooms. It is an ideal opportunity to purchase unique Christmas presents. The Castle's Library galleries will also be open for visitors to enjoy our art exhibitions. Adult admission £1. Accompanied children under 16 free. 11am to 4pm.

1st December - Christmas Makers Market, Eype Centre for the Arts. Lots of ideas for gifts from talented local makers, bakers, growers, potters, painters, quilters, beaders, and photographers. 10am-4pm. Refreshments all day. Free entry and parking.

5th December Bridport Christmas Festival and Late Night Shopping with crafts, food and charity stalls, farmer's market, Santa's Grotto, and entertainment. The Mayor will be switching on the Christmas tree lights at 6pm, and then Father Christmas will arrive.

9th December - Wyke Christmas Fayre, Old Wyke Square, Weymouth There will be mulled wine under the Christmas tree, music and singing, childrens' fancy dress, bells ringing in the tower, a roundabout, and much more.

15th December - Putlake Farm Christmas Market, near Swanage

16th December - Shaftesbury Christmas Market with the Anonymous Travelling Market.

If all this talk of Christmas markets and fairs has ignited your Christmas spirit, why not pop along to your local markets with your Christmas shopping list and support your local businesses, wherever you live.

And if you’re thinking of booking accommodation in Dorset for Christmas we would love to welcome you and your family and friends here. Please contact us to find out more, or to book accommodation.