Festivals and shows in Dorset are listed here with their dates, the town and the part of the county they're in. Events on soon come first, then places open all year. Every listing links to its source.
Festivals and shows
A free festive trail through Bournemouth's Lower Gardens, lit with thousands of twinkling lights and illuminated displays. Visitors can explore a Christmas tree maze, Santa's Workshop, a festive train and a big wheel, alongside a Christmas market and ice rink nearby. Suited to families looking for a winter evening out.
20 Nov to 3 Jan
A winter light trail through the illuminated grounds of Upton Country Park, with a 60 to 80 minute route of light installations. A food and drinks court near the end offers hot food, mulled wine and marshmallow toasting.
Festivals and shows
An afternoon of festive entertainment in Broad Street, Lyme Regis, including a Christmas lantern workshop, lantern judging, performances by Lyme Regis Majorettes and Lyme Morris, and a lantern parade. The event culminates with Santa's arrival and the switching on of the Christmas lights.
Festivals and shows
A community celebration in Swanage marking the start of the countdown to Christmas, with the town's Christmas lights switched on for the season.
Festivals and shows
Late night Christmas shopping at Compton Acres in Canford Cliffs, with the Plant Centre, shops and Café open until 8pm. A chance to choose a Christmas tree, browse gifts and enjoy a festive bite, with no tickets required.
Festivals and shows
An artisan and makers market held at Down Barn Dairy, Tarrant Rawston, near Blandford. Visitors can browse over 60 stalls of local crafts and gifts, enjoy mulled wine and street food, meet Santa and try wreath making, with live music throughout the day.
Festivals and shows
A Christmas-themed harbour cruise from Poole Quay where Santa joins passengers on board. The 75 minute sail passes Brownsea Island, Sandbanks Peninsula and Studland Bay, with mulled wine, carols and a present for every child.
Festivals and shows
A free community Christmas event in Bridport with a festive market, shopping, arts, crafts, music, dance and food. Father Christmas is also due to attend, and the evening is aimed at the whole family.
Festivals and shows
A festive breakfast event at Key West Coastal Restaurant on Bournemouth Pier, where Santa visits children during a breakfast buffet. Children up to 12 receive a personalised present, and tables come with festive decorations and colouring books.
Festivals and shows
A monthly artisan and crafts market at the Corn Exchange in Blandford, with quality traders selling a range of handmade products. Entry is free and traders are welcome to take part.
Festivals and shows
A wedding fair for people who don't usually enjoy wedding fairs. A balanced mix of Dorset suppliers, each one checked by a real person and asked to be open about pricing. No hard sell, and every kind of wedding welcome, 20 guests or 200. Timed entry, so you can take your time. Tickets £5 per wedding party, up to 4 adults, plus the Eventbrite booking fee. Under-16s free with a paying adult. Free parking.
Each festival or show links to the organiser's or official page for times, tickets and the full programme.
New festivals and shows are added through the year as we find them. If you're running one that visitors would enjoy, you can tell us about it with the Submit an event form.