Remember, remember the fifth of November... and if you're lucky enough to call the Dorset area home, you're in for an absolute treat when it comes to Guy Fawkes Night celebrations. From the stunning waterfront displays at Poole Quay to the community spirit of Littledown, our slice of the Dorset coast knows how to put on a fireworks show that'll have you planning next year's visit before the last sparkler has faded.
Discover the best Christmas events in Dorset for 2026, including festive markets, illuminated attractions, steam-train experiences, pantomimes and family days out. From Christmas in Bournemouth and Poole to celebrations in Christchurch, Swanage, Dorchester, Sherborne and Weymouth, this guide will help you plan a magical festive season across the county.
Discover firework displays and Bonfire Night events across Dorset for 2026, from free waterfront celebrations in Poole, Weymouth, West Bay and Lyme Regis to large family events at Littledown and Broadstone. This guide brings together confirmed dates, display times, ticket information and quieter alternatives without traditional fireworks. Find events across Bournemouth, Poole, West Dorset and rural Dorset, with links to our detailed local guides to help you plan your evening.
Christmas in Christchurch returns on Saturday 28 November 2026 with a festive town-centre celebration and the official Christmas lights switch-on. The full programme is still to be announced, but local artisan traders are being recruited for the event and visitors can expect seasonal shopping, food, entertainment and activities for families. We will update this guide with confirmed times, performers and attractions as soon as the organisers release further information.
Purbeck Film Festival 2026 takes place from 16 October to 1 November, bringing independent, international, classic and contemporary films to cinemas and unusual venues across Purbeck and wider Dorset. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the UK’s longest-running rural film festival is expected to feature special guests, filmmaker events, themed screenings and community cinema experiences. The complete programme and ticket prices will be announced nearer the festival.
Welcome to Poole Beer Festival, where autumn afternoons become an art form and the humble pint is elevated to something rather special indeed. The festival showcases 85+ carefully selected real ales and craft beers alongside a great range of real ciders, perries and international bottled beers, making it a proper treasure trove for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life.
Fireworks at Poole Quay 2026 takes place on Thursday 5 November, bringing one of Dorset's favourite Bonfire Night celebrations back to the waterfront. Enjoy free live entertainment, family activities and a spectacular fireworks display over Poole Harbour, with the festivities starting at 5pm before the much-anticipated 8pm firework finale lights up the historic quayside.
The Bridport Literary Festival 2026 takes place from 7-14 November, bringing a week of inspiring author talks, workshops and literary events to venues across Bridport. Featuring fiction, history, poetry, politics, nature writing and more, BridLit is one of Dorset's leading cultural festivals, welcoming readers of all ages to celebrate books, ideas and creativity.
Stewarts Santa’s Winter Wonderland returns to Christchurch and Broomhill from 21 November to 24 December 2026. Tickets cost £19.95 for children aged seven months to 12 years, including a present, while babies and adults cost £3.95 each. Find booking information, locations, SEN session dates and what families can expect from this popular Dorset Christmas experience.
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