Top Christmas Markets in Dorset this December
The very best Christmas Markets in Dorset
One of the best festive days out has to be going to a Christmas market. It’s a perfect way not only to find some artisan gifts or delicious treats, but also to immerse yourself in festive cheer. Whether you choose to go as a family, or for a romantic weekend stroll, sipping on mulled wine as you go, a Christmas market will only ever fill you with all the festive feelings that come with this time of year.
This is why we felt it important to pick out the ‘best’ Christmas markets, to help inspire your winter itineraries. When we say the best Christmas markets in Dorset, we are looking for the best for families, for couples and by location, choosing those that are either easy to get to, or have the ‘wow’ factor and are worth heading off the beaten track to. Whether you’re staying in Poole and taking in the festive lights throughout the town whilst sipping on a mulled wine, or browsing the incredible stalls in Bournemouth before trying a little ice skating, the activities vary hugely but we promise they are all festive.
Bournemouth Christmas Market
Best for: Families looking for a festive afternoon
The Christmas market in Bournemouth is the biggest in Dorset. It is part of the greater ‘Christmas in Bournemouth’ event the city hosts every year, starting on the 13th November. The market is open daily until the 31 December, with the ice rink and Christmas Tree Wonderland staying open until the 4th January 2026.
Bournemouth Christmas Market is full of artisan treats and locally made gifts; perfect for your Christmas shopping. Once you’ve worked your way through the present list, you can reward yourself with something warm to drink or eat from the Alpine Lodge and soak up the Christmas spirit of this vibrant festive market.
When: Daily from 11am – 8pm (7pm on Sunday), 13 November – 31 December 2025
Where: Bournemouth Town Centre, Bournemouth, BH2 6ED
Compton Acres Christmas Arts & Crafts Fayre
Best for: Locally made gifts near Poole town centre
This is a rather special Christmas market in Dorset and one we recommend you visit, particularly those who are looking for a Christmas market in Dorset that is a little more intimate.
Held in the Italian Villa at Compton Acres in Poole, this Christmas market, or ‘Arts and Crafts Fayre’, is spread throughout the villa, with market stalls across all three floors.
They also offer mulled wine and the opportunity to buy a Christmas tree from their garden centre next door – perfect!
When: 10:30 – 16:00, Sunday 7 December 2025
Where: Compton Acres, Poole, BH13 7ES
A must visit when you’re in Poole!
Poole Light Trail
Whilst you’re in the area, you must also check out Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail. Running from the High Street and along the Harbour, visitors are taken on a magical journey through incredible light displays, where the twinkling installations combine Christmas with Poole’s nautical heritage. A must-see display in Dorset at Christmas.
When: Daily from 22 November 2025 – 1 January 2026
Where: Falkland Square, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1ER
Symondsbury Estate
Best for: Boutique and creative shoppers
This has to be one of the most curated and charming Christmas markets in Dorset. Rather than hosting a market over two days, the team at Symondsbury Estate decided to do things a little differently. Whilst the market is still one of the main events of the weekend, open from 10am – 4pm on Saturday 6 December, with a small but special selection of local makers, there will be a number of other events and activities happening over the full weekend. This includes a Christmas trail, carol singing, festive workshops and even a literary festival, where you can lose yourself in some spell-binding tales.
When: Friday 4pm – 8pm & Saturday 10am – 4pm, 5 – 6 December 2025
Where: Symondsbury Estate, Mill Ln, DT6 6HG
We hope our list of Christmas markets in Dorset has given you a good understanding of what each event can offer, depending on what you’re looking for this festive season. With Grandeur Property specialising in holiday homes across Dorset’s popular city and town locations, why not make a plan for a short break to Dorset to enjoy the markets, throw on some ice skates in Bournemouth, or simply sip on a mulled wine or two whilst strolling through Poole’s festive light displays.
Our properties are only a stone’s throw from the town and city centres so you can make the most of a weekend away somewhere new and festive. Take a look at our holiday homes in Bournemouth and Poole and start to plan your festive break! Alternatively, find more inspiration for your next Dorset stay on our blog. Enjoy!