Dorchester Christmas Cracker 2019
Tuesday, November 26th, 2019Dorchester Christmas Cracker 2019 is coming to the town centre once again to mark the official start of Christmas in Dorchester. We know this can be a time of the year when calendars fast become filled up with festive parties and celebrations, so make sure to note that the big date is Thursday 5th December.
With a jam-packed programme of events, Dorchester Christmas Cracker 2019 promises to be a fantastic evening for the whole family. See the night sky illuminated with the Christmas lights switch on by The Snow Sisters and a cheeky Snowman. Pick up some last minute gifts with late night shopping, sample the delicious food and drink on offer. A perfect time to get together with friends, family and loved ones to soak up the Christmas atmosphere!
Dorchester Christmas Cracker 2019 Events
There are 8 events taking place on the evening with the fun starting at Christmas Craft Fair in the Corn Exchange. Here’s a full programme of events:
4:00 pm: Christmas Craft Fair (Corn Exchange)
4:30 pm: Santa in his Grotto at Shire Hall
5:00 pm: South Street Christmas Market
5:00 pm: Mulled Wine and Mince Pies in St Peter’s Church
5:45 pm: Stage Entertainment starts
6:00 pm: Lantern Parade (leaving from brewery square)
6:30 pm: Lights on at ST Peter’s Church (Photos afterwards with Snow Sisters and Snowman)
6:45 pm: Carols with Damers First School
Lantern Parade
Starting at Brewery Square at 6pm, the lantern parade follows the route in the dotted line (marked above), and finishes at St Peter’s Church. Kate Parkman is organising lantern making workshops in the Dorchester Youth & Community Centre. Edd Moore, Eco-Coordinator at Damers First First School will be working with pupils to make special Eco-friendly lanterns.
The lantern making workshops have already been taking place throughout November, with the final workshop on 2nd December, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Dorchester Youth & Community Centre. A chance to get involved and get creative to support the lantern parade on Cracker Night in Dorchester!
Santa in his Grotto at Shire Hall
From 4pm onwards the wonderful historic courthouse at Shire Hall will be opening its doors for an evening of festivities. Enjoy a warming mulled wine with the sounds of Christmas carols by The New Hardy Players. Little ones will also get the chance to meet Father Christmas in his Grotto.
Late Night Shopping
With many Dorchester shops opening late especially for Cracker Night, this is great opportunity to have a browse for those last minute seasonal gifts. Some participating stores may even provide a festive freebie to welcome you inside!
Christmas Market
You can’t beat the good cheer and festive atmosphere of the Christmas Cracker market on South Street. Winter warmers and festive gifts galore – take your pick from mulled wine, mince pies, hog roast and hand-crafted gifts. A visit to the Christmas Market is a must to see familiar faces and get into the Christmas spirit.
Craft Fair
Make your way to Dorchester’s Corn Exchange for a Christmas-themed Craft Fair featuring a host of fine local traders. A chance to pick up some unique Christmas gifts from the large selection of fine crafts, home accessories, jewellery, clothing and homemade items. With 30 exhibitors to choose from there’s likely to be something to suit all tastes. You can also enjoy a mulled-wine and mince pie from the bar.
There’s lots of other great entertainment to discover throughout the evening around the town. View the Cracker event programme here. We hope you can join us to celebrate the official start of Christmas in Dorchester!
