Christmas in Dorchester 2020

Thursday, December 10th, 2020

It has been the most unusual of years, but Christmas is still going ahead in Dorchester in 2020. We may not have been able to enjoy the Cracker night this year, but the decorations are up around the town and there are other festive activities to enjoy.

Please remember to shop local and support our retailers in Dorchester this Christmas!

Christmas Events at Shire Hall 2020

Afternoon Teas – 2nd December to 31st December – Booking Essential, subject to availability.

Christmas Market – 12th and 13th December – FREE Entry.

Christmas in the Courtroom with the New Hardy Players – 17th and 18th December.

Breakfast with Father Christmas – 22nd and 23rd December – Booking essential, subject to availability.

Dorchester Window Trail

12 Days of Christmas competition sees young and creative volunteers from Dorchester transforming some of the shop windows in the town centre. All with a view to bringing a little extra festive cheer on the run up to Christmas.

Track down the posters and enter the special Christmas competition.

1st prize is a £50 gift voucher to spend at Goulds Stores.
2nd prize is a £30 gift voucher to spend at Frank Herring & Sons.

Pick up your entry form from Dorchester Post Office, Tourist Information Centre, Goulds Stores, Frank Herring & Sons and other shops in Dorchester.

The competition closes on 5th January 2021. Good luck!

Christmas at Brewery Square

Brewery Square is partnering with Diverse Abilities to provide families with virtual visits from Santa. Book in at the Christmas-themed Square for a suggested £10 donation to receive a personal video call with the man himself. Limited spaces are available!

Saturday 19th December
Brewery Square, Dorchester, DT1 1GH

Disclaimer: please be on time for your slot, as sufficient time will be needed to clean and wipe down the area inline with government guidelines. All staff will be wearing PPE and social distancing rules will be in place. Please remember to follow the rule of six!

Community Christmas Film 2020

Dorchester Town Council in collaboration with Dorchester Choral Society has produced a wonderful new film. Christmas at Dorchester 2020 aims to conjure up seasonal magic through a number of media forms. A combination of traditional carols, music, readings and images from the town will make up the video. A fabulous community project to make Christmas special even in these most difficult of times.

The project has been backed by some big names who have freely contributed their talents. Famous names include Kate Adie, Martin Clunes, Julian Fellowes, Tim Laycock and Harriet Walter. All schools in Dorchester have been invited to take part.

The film will be distributed for free to hospitals, hospices, care homes and others who may be isolated. There will also be a chance to purchase a copy of the film in mid-December. Money raised will be used to support local charities.

Filming Dorchester at Christmas 2020 — Image credit: Pageant Productions

Church services and carols

There will be Holy Communions, Carol Services, Christmas Poetry readings, Midnight Mass and Christmas Services at churches in Dorchester. However, please note that due to coronavirus the numbers at services are restricted. Services will take place at the following churches in Dorchester:

St Georges CofE
St Peter’s CofE Church
United Church Dorchester
The Storehouse Church
St Mary’s Church
Holy Trinity RC Church

Please look on church notice boards around the town for updates.

Support local retailers in Dorchester

It’s been an extraordinarily difficult year for shops up and down country. Let’s keep on supporting our beautiful town’s high streets and side streets.

Dorchester needs us more than ever right now and so, on behalf of all the town’s businesses and attractions thank you so much for all your loyal custom this year.