What’s Going On in Dorchester this Christmas 2024

It’s that time of year again when Dorchester transforms into a winter wonderland and we couldn’t be more excited! Our beloved town is buzzing with the spirit of Christmas this festive season. The town is ready to welcome you with twinkling lights, joyous events and warm community vibes.

Whether you’re searching for family-friendly fun, a romantic outing or a chance to meet new faces and share the holiday cheer, Dorchester has something special for everyone. From magical markets to dazzling light displays, cosy gatherings and exciting activities, this is the place to make your Christmas unforgettable.

The countdown to Christmas has begun and we can’t wait for you to join us in celebrating the season in style. Here’s what the wonderful businesses in Dorchester have planned this festive season to bring the Christmas spirit to the town.

Brewery Square Festive Celebrations

Tis the season to be jolly at Brewery Square this Christmas! There are plenty of festive treats happening here this Christmas. Let’s find out what’s going on in the square.

Dorchester Christmas Market

Open daily in Brewery Square from 23rd December – 22nd December, between 10am – 7pm.

Head over to Brewery Square from 23rd December – 22nd December as this unique shopping square transforms into a winter wonderland! With over 30 festive stalls to explore, packed with artisan treats, along with live music, carols, entertainment and an ice skating rink, there’s plenty to do to get into the festive spirit.

Santa’s Grotto

Open daily in Brewery Square from 23rd December – 22nd December, between 10am – 7pm.

A very special guest is coming to Brewery Square this Christmas. Step into the enchantment of Santa’s Grotto, where you’ll meet Santa himself and his jolly elf in a world of holiday magic! Reserve your magical moment.

Christmas Light Switch On

*Postponed from 23rd November to 30th November due to storm Bert.

The countdown to Christmas is ON! Come and celebrate Christmas in Dorchester and join Brewery Square for its Christmas lights switch-on, happening on Saturday 30th November from 4pm, when the Rock Choir will kick off the evening. While you’re here, don’t forget to check out the market and meet Santa in his grotto!

Crafty Cuppa Festive Celebrations

The Crafty Cuppa in Dorchester is hosting a wide range of fun workshops and events to get you and your loved ones into the festive spirit. Here’s what’s going on at their shop this festive season.

Macrame Christmas Tree Workshop

Friday 29th November, 11:30am – 2:30pm 

Want to create your very own Macrame Christmas Tree? The Craft Cuppa is hosting a workshop to create a unique macrame Christmas tree to decorate your home for the festive season. Book your tickets here to join this workshop

Festive Calligraphy Workshop

Saturday 30th November, 2pm – 4pm

Looking to add a unique, handmade touch to your Christmas cards or festive decorations? Let your creativity flow at one of Nicky’s beloved calligraphy workshops, where she’ll guide you through the basics of brush pen calligraphy. Perfect for adding a personal, magical flair to your holiday season. Reserve your spot here.

Wreath Making Workshop

Wednesday 10th December, 1pm – 3pm

The Crafty Cuppa is bringing back its popular wreath making workshop! Join Angie on Wednesday 11th December and create your own stunning fresh foliage wreath – just in time for Christmas. Spaces are limited and from what we saw last year, spaces fill up fast! Here’s the place to book your tickets.

St Paul’s Church Celebrations

Get ready to sing your way into the Christmas spirit! This December, St Paul’s Church in Dorchester is filling the season with festive cheer through the joy of song. Everyone is warmly welcome, making it the perfect opportunity to celebrate Christmas with our wonderful community. Here’s what St Paul’s Church have going on in December.

Christmas Lunchtime Concert – Mini Messiah!

Saturday 7th December, 12:30pm – 1pm

Music at St Peter’s proudly presents Mini Messiah – a charming selection of Handel’s most beloved Christmas arias and choruses, performed by a talented ensemble of singers and instrumentalists.

Carol Service

Saturday 21st December, starting at 4:30pm

Delight in beautiful choral arrangements and sing along to your favourite traditional carols. The church is thrilled to welcome guest organist Sam Hanson for this special occasion.

Choral midnight mass

Christmas Eve, Tuesday 24th December, starting at 11:30pm

Enter into Christmas with song and cheer and join St Peter’s Church for their midnight mass on Christmas Eve night. The music includes Schubert ‘Mass in G’, Will Todd ‘My Lord has come’ and Adolphe Adam ‘O holy night’.

More Christmas Events Happening in Dorchester & Poundbury

A Day of Crafts and Lunch

Thursday 28th November, all day, King’s Arms in Dorchester

Looking to add some stunning new Christmas decorations to your handmade collection? Join us at the King’s Arms on Thursday 28th November for a special Christmas workshop day event where you’ll create two beautiful Christmas keepsakes or gifts.

Tickets are £75 per person, which includes two workshops, all materials and lunch. Here’s the place to book.

Poundbury Christmas Market

Saturday 30th November, 10am – 4pm, Crown Square in Poundbury

Poundbury Christmas Market is back! Come celebrate the holidays in style at Crown Square on Saturday 30th November 2024 and explore a delightful array of locally made, one-of-a-kind gifts. The little ones are in for a treat too! They can meet Father Christmas himself at Boo’s Toy Shop.

Culture Club Wreath Making Workshop

Monday 2nd December 6:30pm – 8:30pm, Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

Love creating festive crafts? We’ve got just the workshop you’re looking for! Join us for a magical workshop led by Jenny from Sage and Fern Florists, where you’ll design and craft your very own wreath.

Settle in under the twinkling fairy lights of our enchanting Victorian Hall, savour a mince pie and a warm cup of tea and create a stunning, hand-made yuletide decoration to brighten your home this holiday season. Book your tickets here.

The Secret Garden Wreath Making Workshop

Tuesday 3rd and Thursday 5th December, 6pm – 8pm, The Secret Garden

Looking for a festive evening of bubbles, mulled wine and creative fun? Join The Secret Garden for a Christmas Wreath Workshop! Start the night with a glass of bubbly before following step-by-step guidance to craft your own unique wreath. Add your personal touch with a selection of dried fruits and ribbons to create the perfect bow. Book your tickets here.

Christmas Carols at Julia’s House

Tuesday 3rd December, Doors open at 6:15pm and start at 7pm, Julia’s House in Dorchester

Visit Julia’s House for a magical evening of Christmas carols at St. Mary’s Church, Dorchester. Join us to sing along to timeless carols, enjoy a special performance by the Dorchester Rock Choir, hear heartwarming readings by Julia’s House families and savour mulled wine & mince pies. All proceeds support local families caring for seriously ill children this Christmas. Here’s the place to book.

Dorchester Christmas Cracker

Sunday 15th December, 11am – 4pm, Dorchester Town

Dorchester Christmas Cracker is back! On Sunday 15th December, Dorchester will transform into a winter wonderland brimming with joy, laughter and holiday cheer! Bring the whole family to enjoy a magical day packed with festive fun, delightful stalls and Christmas entertainment.

Discover last-minute treasures for everyone on your list or simply soak up the heartwarming holiday vibes as the town comes alive across the Corn Exchange, Cornhill, South Street, Trinity Street, and High West Street.

Highlights include,

• Santa makes a surprise arrival in a camper van
• The ever-popular Santa Hat Parade
• Classic cars on display
• Live Christmas music and performances

Carols in the gardens

The magical carol concert is coming to Borough Gardens. Get ready to fill the air with holiday cheer and join us for a free carol concert in the heart of Borough Gardens, where live music and timeless Christmas carols will bring the festive season to life. Warm up with a cup of mulled wine as you sing along to your favourite holiday tunes.

Make it extra special and bring your creativity and craft a lantern to bring along to light up the evening with a stunning festive display of glowing lights.

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