Best Christmas markets and attractions near Dorset
Traditional Christmas markets are a great way to celebrate the festive season. Source tree decorations, shop for unique gifts, or sip mulled wine and nibble a mince pie as you explore.
Dorset provides several seasonal markets, many within a short drive of our Rockley Park spot. Our park is open over Christmas from 13 December, so you can come and join us for a slice of festive fun. We’ve found six fun and festive Christmas Fairs and Christmas Markets in Dorset to stoke up the Yuletide cheer!
Grab your hat, scarf and gloves and join us.
1. Hennings Christmas Market, Poole
3 miles from Rockley Park
Where: Hennings Wharf, The Quay, Poole BH15 1GZ
When: weekends, late November to Christmas Eve
Scenic Poole lies right on your doorstop when you stay at Rockley Park, and there are two events here worth a visit over the festive season.
The first is the annual Christmas Market taking place at Hennings Wharf, Poole Quay. Its scenic location showcases a wide range of stalls from local produce to jewellery, fresh fish and warming seasonal soup.
2. Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival
3 miles from Rockley Park
Where: Ball Lane, Poole BH15 1EJ
When: late November until New Year
2024 will see the third year of the Christmas Maritime Light Festival, in which the city centre is transformed with an array of twinkling lights. There are also rides, food trucks, and entertainment.
Start at the “gateways to Poole” and take in the Twin Sails Bridge, Hunger Hill, and the Lighthouse. All will be brightly illuminated and reflected in the water as you stroll the Quays.
3. Bournemouth Christmas Market
9 miles from Rockley Park
Where: Lower Gardens, Bournemouth BH2 5AY
When: mid-November until New Year
Probably the best-known of the Dorset Christmas markets, neighbouring Bournemouth always puts on a show during the festive season. Head for the city centre and expect a 60ft walk-through Winter Wonderland tree in the Lower Gardens. This is just the beginning, however, as the gardens are illuminated throughout with sparkling lights.
With its pop-up Alpine Bar, market stalls and outdoor ice rinks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this bustling event. From gifts to mulled wine – it’s all here.
4. Weymouth's Big Christmas
30 miles from Rockley Park
Where: various venues across Weymouth Town Centre
When: mid to late-December
Although it begins in November, this coastal town’s festive season peaks mid-December with a weekend of kids’ events including a carols concert, face-painting, street entertainment and a chance to meet Santa Claus. It’s one of Dorset’s best Christmas Market destinations.
The Weymouth Pavilion is showing Peter Pan from 20 December until 5 January, and New Year’s Eve is famous for its city-wide revels, so don your finery and step out in style!
5. Salisbury Christmas Market, Wiltshire
36 miles from Rockley Park
Where: Guildhall Square, Salisbury SP1 1JH
When: 17 November - 31 December
Although technically in Wiltshire, the cathedral town of Salisbury is a highlight of any trip south, and its annual Christmas Market is must-see. Situated in Guildhall Square, the market boasts dozens of decorated stalls offering a mix of the traditional (roast chestnuts) and the modern (hand-crafted jewellery).
There’s a host of international food and drink stalls, with bars open until late at the weekend. Santa’s grotto can be found in the corner – he’s waiting to take your requests!
6. Southampton Christmas Market
40 miles from Rockley Park
Where: Above Bar Street, Southampton, Hampshire SO14 7SJ
When: 16 November - 2 January
Not to be outdone by its coastal rivals, Southampton celebrates Christmas in style. Part fairground, part traditional market, there’s plenty to see and do. Shop for handcrafted gifts or tasty treats or visit Santa each Sunday lunchtime.
For the little ones, there’s a Christmas Fun House with toddler-friendly rides. For a more traditional experience, try the Victorian Christmas carousel or the Ferris wheel. You won’t go hungry either, as this German-styled market has plenty of bratwurst and schnitzel on offer, plus crepes, mulled wine and more.
Start planning your Great British break
Related Posts
What to expect on a Christmas break at Haven
New Year at Haven - what can you expect?
Top 5 reasons to choose Haven for your festive break
Important information
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.