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 for seasonal visitors, so you can come and join us for a slice of festive fun. We’ve found some exciting and festive Christmas Fairs and Christmas Markets in Dorset to stoke up the Yuletide cheer!
Grab your hat, scarf and gloves and join us.
Book your Dorset Christmas break or Dorset New Year break
1. Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival
3 miles from Rockley Park
Where: Ball Lane, Poole BH15 1EJ
When: late November until New Year
2025 will see the fourth 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.
2. Bournemouth Christmas Market
9 miles from Rockley Park
Where: Lower Gardens, Bournemouth BH2 5AY
When: Dates to be confirmed
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.
3. 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!
4. Southampton Christmas Market
40 miles from Rockley Park
Where: Above Bar Street, Southampton, Hampshire SO14 7SJ
When: Dates to be confirmed
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.
5. Swanage Christmas Market
20 miles from Rockley Park
Where: Station Road, Swanage, BH19 1AF
When: 6 December
Lined up and down the streets of Swanage, Dorset traders get ready for the annual Swanage Christmas Market.
There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy, from the merry-go-round rides and Father Christmas’ grotto for the little ones, to the delicious hot mulled wine to keep the grown-ups warm! Stroll the many stalls, showcasing one-off handmade gifts, and local delicious bites, while you listen to the festive entertainment playing on the main stage.
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Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As of 28 February, price is available at Kent Coast, Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cardigan View, Greenacres, Hafan-y-More, Lakeland, Seton Sands, Berwick, Cardigan View, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hopton, Littlesea, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Thornwick Bay and Weymouth Bay,
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.
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Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 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 as of 2024.
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.
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Any pie, fishcake or large sausage, small chips, any side and a soft drink
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Only available in Cook’s venues and not from our Cook’s vans. Offer includes any pie: Minced Beef and Onion, Chicken and Mushroom, Steak or Cheese and Onion, fish cake or large sausage (choose from plain or battered) and a portion of small chips, any side and a soft drink. Sides include curry sauce, gravy, beans or mushy peas. Drinks include any soft drinks can or bottled water (excludes Coca Cola). ^Some of our Cook’s do not serve haddock - in this case, an upgrade to cod will be the only option of fish to purchase. Dishes cannot be changed or swapped for alternatives. Non-inclusive of upgrades or add-ons. Discount is applied if all dishes and drinks are purchased together, and this must be in the same transaction. Available daily, subject to venue opening hours. *Some of our Cook’s do not open for lunch trading. Offer is only available when ordering via QR code, app or website and for collection only. Offer is only available to Owners who are staying on park. Owners can use their owner discount on top of this offer. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time, without notice. Offer is valid March 2025 - November 2025. Prices include VAT. This offer can be used in conjunction with all other offers. Offer not available in any on-park franchises. Haven Holidays is a trading name of Bourne Leisure Limited. Registered office: 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL. Registered in England and Wales, no 0401166
Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995 – UPDATED 17 January 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 17 January 2025, price is available at Kent Coast, Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cardigan View, Greenacres, Hafan y Mor, Lakeland, Seton Sands, Berwick, Cala Gran, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hopton, Littlesea, Presthaven, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Thornwick Bay and Weymouth Bay.
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.