Christmas Events Across Dorset & Hampshire
Christmas is a great time to get out and explore the scenic South Coast with your loved ones, weather you’re off to see some twinkling Christmas lights in Bournemouth or overindulging in a festive feast at one of our many local Christmas markets, there's plenty going on around our parks to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Local Light Switch Ons
As the holiday season approaches, there's one event that signals the official start of Christmas festivities in our communities—the annual Christmas light switch-on. Start off the festivities as towns come to life with twinkling lights and dazzling decs! Come together to celebrate and kick off the most wonderful time of the year at these local light switch-ons.
New Milton Light Switch On & Parade Saturday 23rd November
Spectacular Christmas Light Switch On Christchurch Saturday 23rd November
Lymington Christmas Light Switch On Friday 29th November
Swanage Christmas Lights Switch On Saturday 30th November
Christmas Light Switch On Wimborne Saturday 30th November
Ringwood Winter Wonderland Sunday 1st December
Christmas Markets & Fairs
The air is full with the smell of mulled wine and streets filled with twinkling lights, there’s nothing quite like the charm of a Christmas market! Whether you're browsing, eating, or just soaking in the festive atmosphere, it's an experience that brings the spirit of the season to life. So, bundle up, grab a warm drink, and let's dive into our list of local Christmas markets and fairs!
Bournemouth Alpine Christmas Market 14th November – 1st January | Bournemouth Town Center
Head on down to Bournemouth Square and find the perfect present at the Christmas Alpine Market. Take your pick from a wide array of handmade and traditional Christmas gifts at the outlet market stalls before refuelling with all your festive favourites, including the famous Hog Roast, Award winning Bratwurst sausages, luxury Hot Chocolates and more! Take a stroll through the dazzling Christmas Tree Wonderland while you are there!
Winchester Christmas Market 22nd November – 22nd December | Winchester Cathedral
Winchester Cathedral's Christmas Market is renowned for its bustling atmosphere, stunning location, and handpicked high-quality exhibitors, which attracts visitors from around the world each year who come to shop at the pretty wooden chalets, situated within the historic grounds.
Swanage Christmas Market 7th December | Station Road, Swanage
One of Purbeck’s top winter attractions is the Swanage Christmas Market, where Dorset traders line the streets around Station Road. There’s always plenty to see, as well as the chance of finding a one-off handmade gift from one of the stalls. With children’s rides, Santa's grotto and live entertainment, this is one not to be missed.
Wimborne Christmas Market 30th November |Wimborne Highstreet
Kick off the festive season with the magical Wimborne Christmas Market! Throughout the day, on the Square enjoy entertainment from local schools and choirs on the stage in the square, spreading festive melodies and cheer with the Wimborne Christmas Lights’ Switch-On at 4:30pm.
Upton House Christmas Craft Fair 30th November & 1st December | Poole
Get started on your Christmas shopping with a chance to explore the ground floor of the 200-year-old Upton House. Soak up the festive atmosphere with performances from local choirs throughout the two-day event.
Exbury Gardens Traditional Christmas Fair 30th November & 1st December, 7th & 8th December | Beaulieu
Exbury’s traditional Christmas Fair, held over two weekends, will feature a fantastic line-up of local producers, crafts, gifts, music and lots of festive food and drink! Access to the Christmas Fair includes entry to the gardens and Christmas Trail.
Local Attractions at Christmas
Discover the magic during the Christmas season as the local attractions around us transform into festive wonderlands, offering a perfect mix of holiday cheer, winter magic, and a fantastic day out! Whether you're looking to create new traditions with family or experience the magic of the season with friends, the local attractions during Christmas offer the perfect backdrop for making lasting memories.
A Celebration of Christmas at Paulton’s Park 6th December – 23rd December
Paultons will be transformed into a winter wonderland, with magical Christmas shows and illuminations at every turn. Meet Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Reindeer and Billy and Belinda Elves, watch the Christmas Wish Show and listen to the big man himself at Santa’s story time.
Polar Express with Swanage Railway 23rd November – 24th December
Step aboard the Swanage Railway for a magical journey to the North Pole. Journey through Purbeck on Th Polar Express Train Ride and experience the wonder of the much loved festive film from the comfort of a Swanage Railway heritage carriage.
Christmas Tree Wonderland 15th November – 31st December
This Christmas, enter a world filled with light as trees guide you through an enchanted walkway encountering dazzling features and surprises along the way. Experience the magical spectacle of hundreds of twinkling lights. shimmering against the night skies along our pine-scented walkways.
Christmas At Beaulieu 21st December – 5th January
Celebrate the festive season in style as Beaulieu comes to life with Christmas joy and spirit. Ignite your Christmas spark in Palace House, with its stunning decorations, welcoming log fires, and a pianist and carols to get you in the festive mood. See Beaulieu spruced in seasonal decorations, enjoy a traditional Victorian Christmas in Palace House with the Montagu family rehearsals of the pantomime A Christmas Carol, and catch Father Christmas driving around the attraction in a car from the museum.
Christmas at Exbury Gardens 30th November, 1st, 7th, 8th December
Celebrate Christmas at Exbury Gardens this year with two weekends packed with festive fun over 30th November & 1st of December & the 7th & 8th of December. Enjoy their annual Christmas fair and find crafts, gifts, music, carol singing, festive food and drink and so much more. visit Santa’s grotto and meet the man himself, board the festive express railway experience and follow the trail around the gardens to find festive clues.
You can see all of the wonderful local events going on around our park this Christmas, listed on our calendar here. https://www.shorefield.co.uk/holidays/entertainment-and-activities/local-events
