CHRISTMAS might still be a little way off, but for those who live in Dorset, plenty of Christmas markets will be popping up soon.

It will be an opportunity for people to purchase Christmas-related crafts and enjoy some street food as the temperatures get a little colder.

Plus, you may even be able to try out an ice rink, go on some funfair rides and see some live music.

With that in mind, we have put together a list of some of the best Christmas markets across the county that you need to explore during the most wonderful time of the year.

Dorset Christmas Markets for 2024

Bournemouth Alpine Christmas Market

Bournemouth's annual Christmas Market will be returning once again, running from Saturday, November 16 until Wednesday, January 1.

Features will include dozens of wooden chalets selling gifts, food and drink to fulfil your festive needs.

Alongside that, The Alpine Lodge will be back where visitors can grab a cup of mulled wine or cider, a stein of beer or a warming hot chocolate.

To cap it all off visitors can take in the Christmas Tree Wonderland as more than 100 glittering trees light the path from the market all the way down to the seafront.

Littledown Christmas Market

The Littledown Christmas Market will return to the BH Live Active Centre on Sunday, November 24.

A wide range of stalls will be selling Christmas decorations, Christmas cards, wrapping paper, wreaths, artisan food and hampers.

Entertainment will include festive music from Sing-People-Sing whilst kids can meet Giggles the cheeky elf as well as get their face painted.

There is no need to book but there will be an entry fee of £1 for adults and 50p for children aged between 5 and 15.

Swanage Christmas Market

Traders will line the streets around Station Road in Swanage on Saturday, December 7, for its Christmas market.

Running from 10am to 4pm, there'll be plenty of handmade goodies to browse, plus lots of food and drink stalls to take in.

Children will be able to visit Father Christmas in his grotto and they can also enjoy merry-go-round rides on site.

Plus, there will be a small stage with festive entertainment for the whole family.

See what's on in your local area See what's on in your local area (Image: Newsquest)

Shire Hall Christmas Market

Shire Hall in Dorchester will be hosting a Christmas market on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24 from 10am to 4pm.

Admission is free and local businesses will be selling everything from food and drink to jewellery and photography.

Its website adds: "The museum at Shire Hall will not be open for visitors over the market weekend, however, people will still have the chance to look around this Grade I listed building.

"Market stalls will be spread across Shire Hall, from the café and exhibition rooms to the historic courthouse and cells."

Poundbury Christmas Market

Poundbury Christmas Market will be returning on Saturday, November 30 between 10am and 4pm.

Located in Crown Square, the market will welcome plenty of local traders selling gifts, food and drink.

Additionally, there will be live music and kids can get the opportunity to meet Santa at Boo's Toy Shop on the day.

The Oaks Christmas Market

The Oaks in Highcliffe will be hosting a Christmas market on Saturday, December 14, from 11am to 5pm.

There will be a few artisan stalls to browse, an Alpine lodge-themed tent and kids will get the chance to meet Santa.

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Symondsbury Estate Christmas Market

Symondsbury Estate in Bridport will be hosting a Christmas market over the weekend of Friday, December 6 to Sunday, December 8.

Admission to the event is free and visitors can enjoy more than 80 local businesses selling handcrafted food, drink and gifts.

Alongside that, there will be live music and performances from choirs, brass bands and more.