Dorchester Christmas Cracker 2018
Tuesday, November 27th, 2018Get into the festive spirit at this year’s Christmas Cracker in Dorchester town centre. Coming with many festive events not to be missed, the date to mark in this year’s calendar is Thursday 6th December.
The Christmas Cracker makes for a fantastic evening the whole family can enjoy. See the big Christmas lights switch on. Wander through the Christmas market on South Street for those last minute gifts (and nibbles). Get together with loved ones and soak up that Christmas atmosphere with live music.
Christmas Cracker Events
There are 8 events this year with the evening’s kick-off being Christmas Craft Fayre in the Corn Exchange. Here’s a full list:
4:00 pm: Christmas Craft Fayre (Corn Exchange)
4:30 pm: Judge Santa in Shire Hall Courtroom
5:00 pm: South Street Christmas Market
5:00 pm: Carols and Mince Pies in ST Peter’s and Holy Trinity churches
5:15 pm: Rock Choir Concert, Holy Trinity Church (1st performance)
5:45 pm: Lantern Parade (leaving from brewery square)
6:30 pm: Lights on at ST Peter’s Church (Stage entertainment from 5:45 pm)
6:45 pm: Rock Choir Concert, Holy Trinity
Lantern Parade
In the lead up to Dorchester’s Christmas lights being switched on, the popular and impressive Lantern Parade will be making its way through the town, starting from Brewery Square and finishing at St Peter’s Church. Get involved by making your own lanterns for the parade with guidance from Sarah Butterworth in the FREE drop in lantern making workshops. The parade is a great opportunity to get together, get creative and have some fun!
The lantern making workshops will be taking place on the 1st and 2nd December, 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm at the Dorset County Popup museum situated in the festively transformed Brewery Square.
Late Night Shopping
Don’t panic if you’ve still got some last minute shopping to do. The Majority of Dorchester’s shops, restaraunts and cafes are staying open late on Cracker Night. You may even find a festive freebie during your visits to participating businesses so keep your eyes peeled.
Christmas Market
When it comes to winter warmers and festive gifts, the Christmas Cracker market on South Street comes second to none. With many offers from mulled wine, mince pies and perfectly cooked hog roast to hand-crafted gifts, a visit to the Christmas Market is a must for a complete Christmas evening.
Craft Fair
From 4 pm to 8 pm the Craft Fair is taking place in Dorchester’s Corn Exchange. Choose from a large range of fine crafts, home accessories, jewellery, clothing and home made items from many different exhibitors. The Craft Fair is a fantastic place to pick up those odd gifts to be appreciated by loved ones. Hot mulled-wine and mince pies are also available from the bar.
Victorian Christmas at Shire Hall
Take a wander to Shire Hall for an authentic Victorian Christmas experience where you’ll find Judge Santa giving out presents along with carols being sung outside. There’s even festive treats you can indulge in that include hot chocolate, mulled cider, mince pies and gingerbread.
Meet Bravo and Juliette
Dorchester police volunteers will be making an appearance at this year’s Christmas Cracker. From 2pm, keep an eye out for Bravo and Juliette for a great photo opportunity for the kids.
With the exciting evening that Dorchester’s Christmas Cracker has in store for us, it makes the lead-up nearly as good as the big day itself. Enjoy the upcoming holidays everyone!
