The best Christmas Markets in Dorset & Wiltshire

Twinkling lights, mulled wine, a festive atmosphere and fabulous gifts, get ready for this years Christmas Markets. In this blog we will highlight some our our favourite Christmas Markets in Dorset & Wiltshire.

The best Christmas Markets in Dorset

Christmas Markets in Dorset offer a lovely festive experience that are perfect for enjoying with the family.

Bournemouth Christmas Market

Location: Lower Gardens, Bournemouth BH2 5AY

The wonderful Bournemouth Christmas Market runs yearly from late November until early January and is open daily. This Alpine inspired market in the heart of Bournemouth will certainly fill you with festive cheer. There’s set to be a two-storey custom built Alpine Lodge which will be serving delicious drinks and food and giving you a lovely place to sit and soak up the feeling of the Season. It’s a wonderful day out for all the family and includes the chance to meet Santa himself. There’s a wonderful outdoor ice rink, plenty of stalls and entertainment to make your day. As well as Christmas Tree Wonderland a magical spectacle of over 100 glittering trees and illuminations lighting your path from the Market all the way down to the seafront.

Dorchester Christmas Cracker

Location: High Street, Dorchester, DT1 1UJ

A wonderful one day only event in the county town of Dorchester. The main attraction of the day is a traditional street market which is packed full of locally made produce, gifts and tasty treats. Santa will also be on hand for children to meet.

Upton Country Park Christmas

Location: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, BH17 7BJ

Upton Country Park, near Poole, will be home to a Santa’s Grotto and Magical Light Garden from late November through to Christmas eve. There’s just something about the beautiful surrounds of a stately home and beautiful park that gets you ready for the Christmas season. Tradition with Santa and all things Christmas mixes with the beautiful modern Magical Light Garden. This is a great place to take younger grandchildren who will both love to meet Santa and enjoy the pretty, colourful lights. Santa’s Grotto is open daily and you can pre-book your tickets for any weekend in December to make sure your grandchildren aren’t disappointed.

The best Christmas Markets in Wiltshire

Get into the festive spirit with these Christmas markets happening in Wiltshire.

Salisbury Christmas Market

Location: Guildhall Square, Blue Boar Row, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 1TP

In the heart of the medieval cathedral city of Salisbury Christmas comes alive in this authentic German Christmas market. House in the historic Guildhall Square there will be many award winning stalls and products ideal for gifts. Whether it’s delicacies for the tummy, beautiful jewellery, handcrafted furniture of all-flavoured liqueurs it’s almost certain even the pickiest of Christmas gifter receivers will be delighted with something chosen from this market. There is even an ice rink if you fancy putting on your skates. All-in-all this will make a wonderful family day out for any Grandparent and their family.

The Rockbourne Fair

Location: Salisbury Racecourse, Netherhampton Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 8PN

Possibly the earliest Christmas fair we’ve come across, the Rockbourne Fair takes place annually in late October at Salisbury Racecourse. The early Christmas fair is pack with gifts, edible treats and beautiful jewellery, clothes, accessories and much, much more. So there is oodles Christmas present inspiration (and those all important treats to yourself).

There are so many wonderful Christmas Fairs and Markets found near our properties. We choose our locations because of their close proximity to amenities and for their strong community feel. Find out more about our retirement villages.