Dorchester Christmas Cracker 2017

Monday, December 4th, 2017

December is now here which means Christmas is right around the corner! The annual Christmas Cracker event in Dorchester is a great way to spark the festivities with loved ones!

The official start to Christmas in Dorchester! This year, the Christmas Cracker is bigger and better than ever.

The date for your diary is Thursday 7th December from 5.30pm.

Lantern parade from 6:00pm starting at Top o’ Town Roundabout
The lights will be switched on at 6:30pm at St Peter’s Church in High East Street.
Santa in his FREE Grotto Bus outside of Lloyds bank.
Christmas Craft Fair in the Corn Exchange.
Christmas Market Stalls in South Street.
Late Night Shopping throughout Dorchester.
Free Car Parking in Council carparks (road parking must be paid for).

The 2017 Cracker is one of the biggest nights in Dorchester’s calendar and the event sees the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights at 6.30pm by the Paw Patrol! TV’s popular Fire and Police pups will take to the stage to press the magic button to illuminate Dorchester and will be available for photographs afterwards. There will also be live music to keep all of the family entertained from the Rock Choir.

Dorchester Christmas Cracker 2017 Paw Patrol

There will be a lantern parade from 6:00pm from Top o’ Town Roundabout organised by Dorset Arts with children carrying lanterns made in the “Create a Christmas Lantern workshop on 3rd December. Lots of other entertainment throughout the evening to celebrate the official start of Christmas in Dorchester.

Late Night Shopping

Alongside the exciting entertainment, Cracker Night also offers the opportunity to do a bit of late night shopping. A large number of local shops, restaurants and cafes will be staying open into the evening for you to wander around at your leisure. Many of them will be doing something special such as handing out freebies or mince pies so be on the look out!

Christmas Stalls

It wouldn’t be the Cracker without the stalls that help complete the authentic Christmas market feel, offering everything from mulled wine to mince pies and hog roasts. On top of the street stalls and charity fundraisers, there will also be a Christmas Craft Fair in the Corn Exchange – offering lots of unique festive gift opportunities. (are we in partnership with the anonymous travelling market again?)

Dorset County Museum – Free Entry & Sci-Fi Characters

This year everyone’s favorite Science fiction characters will be back at Dorset County Museum by popular demand. After you have finished your shopping why not drop in and see characters from Star Wars amongst others – and bring the children to see Father Christmas in his grotto in the Museum’s Victorian Gallery. A small donation is requested, and every child will receive a bag of goodies.

Delicious mulled wine and mince pies will be on sale in the Tea Room and the Museum shop will be open with a range of gift ideas including toys, games, books and jewellery.

Entry to the Museum on Cracker Night is FREE and everyone is welcome. The ground floor galleries will also be open on the night.

Rock Choir

The Dorset Rock Choir is much more than a choir, it’s a multi layered singing experience. The power of music, meeting new friends and performing at life changing events, together contribute to an emotional and powerful journey for members. Rock Choir is the pioneering contemporary choir of the UK and remains unique with over 20,000, members enjoying it across the UK.

This year there will be two chances to catch Dorset Rock Choir and their uplifting, powerful set of song. A 70-strong choir will perform at both 5.15pm – 6pm and then again at 6.45pm – 7.30pm at Holy Trinity RC Church, so there really is no reason to miss out! The concert will also feature the fabulous fiery fiddle playing Nina Garcia and a collection will be taken for LEAF a Dorset based Leukaemia charity.