Christmas Concerts & Festivals 2025

The sound of Christmas spirit is filling the air in Dorchester this season, as the town comes alive with a wonderful line-up of concerts, events and festive performances. It’s the perfect way to soak up the magic of the holidays and celebrate with our fantastic community.

If you’re looking to add a little extra sparkle to your celebrations, here’s what’s happening in Dorchester throughout the Christmas holidays to bring joy, music and festive cheer.

Christmas Concert (Dorchester Choral Society)

When: Saturday 6th December 7:30pm – 9:30pm

Where: St. Mary’s Church

The Dorchester Choral Society is opening the festive season in style with their much-loved Christmas Concert. This year’s performance features a beautiful and atmospheric Requiem, alongside a selection of traditional Christmas carols, all perfectly complemented by mince pies and mulled wine to make the evening feel truly magical.

The concert will be conducted by the choir’s Director of Music, Duncan Emerson, and will feature an exceptional line-up of professional soloists, including Sophia Brumfitt (Mezzo-Soprano), Samuel Mitchell (Baritone), John Carnelley (Organ) and Sally Flann (’cello).

Tickets start from £15, and you can purchase yours here.

Julia’s House Dorchester Carols Concert

When: Tuesday 9th December 7pm – 8pm

Where: St. Mary’s Church

Join Julia’s House for a truly special evening of festive music, reflection and community spirit at their Dorchester Carols Concert. This heart-warming event raises vital funds to support the charity’s incredible work providing care, comfort and much-needed support for children with life-limiting, life-threatening or terminal conditions and for their families, especially during the Christmas season.

Enjoy all the classic carols we know and love, beautifully performed by the Encore Singers and the Julia’s House choir. The evening will also feature thoughtful readings and words from Julia’s House families, offering a touching reminder of the real meaning of Christmas.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a festive concert without a treat or two. Mulled wine and mince pies are included with every ticket.

Tickets are £10 per adult (18+) £5 per child (5-18).

Lunchtime Concert St Peter’s Church

When: Saturday 13th December 12:30pm – 1pm

Where: St Peter’s Church

St Peter’s Church in Dorchester is hosting a beautiful lunchtime Christmas concert featuring Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols, performed by a vocal consort and accompanied by harpist Marni Lai.

This enchanting performance is the perfect midday festive treat, and entry is free. Simply turn up, take a seat and enjoy the music and atmosphere.

Carols in the Gardens

When: Thursday 18th December 6:30pm – 7:30pm

Where: Borough Gardens

The much-loved Carols in the Gardens event is returning once again, bringing a wonderful evening of festive cheer to Borough Gardens. A firm favourite among locals, this heart-warming celebration brings the community together through music, laughter and that unmistakable Christmas spirit.

Wrap up warm and enjoy a cosy night of mulled wine, snacks and seasonal singing as the gardens come alive with carols. You can also help light up the evening by creating your own lanterns from recycled materials, adding to a beautiful and sustainable festive display. Need a little creative inspiration? The organisers have plenty of ideas to get you started.

Entrance to the carolling event in Dorchester is free, just turn up and join in the festivities.

The Albion Christmas Band

When: Monday 22nd December 7:30pm – 9:30pm

Where: The Thomas Hardye School

For many, Christmas simply doesn’t begin until they’ve seen The Albion Christmas Band perform. This nationwide phenomenon is once again touring the UK, and we’re delighted that Dorchester is one of their stops!

Widely regarded as the premier seasonal show, The Albion Christmas Band has been enchanting audiences for an incredible 26 years, consistently performing to sold-out crowds across the country.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening of traditional English Christmas music, songs and celebratory readings, performed by an exceptional lineup: Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie While (Albion Band), Simon Care (Edward II), and the Guvnor himself, Ashley Hutchings MBE.

Tickets start from £30, and you can purchase yours here.

Visit Dorchester this Christmas

Dorchester is always a hub of festivities in Dorset, with the town pulling out all stops this year in bringing the festive spirit to town. That’s not all that’s happening! Many cafes, shops, restaurants and small independent retailers are hosting their own festivities, from workshops to Christmas parties and other celebrations. Make sure to check out the our Visit Dorchester socials or Discover Dorchester website to see what’s on in Dorchester this Christmas.

Share:

Facebook WhatsApp X Email