Illuminate Poole is bringing a new winter light trail to Upton Country Park from 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Discover illuminated installations, festive food, hot drinks and marshmallow toasting, with timed entry slots and advance booking required. Here’s what to know before planning your visit.
Explore seven brilliant things to do in Dorset in November 2026, from Weymouth’s Bonfire Night celebrations and Bridport Literary Festival to Athelhampton’s Winter Food & Drink Fair. Discover an exhibition in Dorchester, enjoy wildlife watching at RSPB Arne, join a social walk at Kingston Lacy and welcome the festive season in Bournemouth. Our guide brings together seasonal events, cultural experiences and outdoor ideas for making the most of November across the county.
Looking for something creative to do in Dorset this November? From pottery throwing in Christchurch and glass fusing in Wimborne to needle felting, Japanese ink painting and festive willow decorations, these six workshops offer the chance to learn a new skill and make something to keep. Discover November 2026 dates, prices, locations and booking information for a selection of hands-on creative experiences across Dorset.
Christmas in Christchurch returns on Saturday 28 November 2026, bringing festive entertainment, artisan market stalls, seasonal food and family activities to the historic High Street. Running from 2.30pm to 6.30pm, the free celebration features live music, street performers, Christmas characters and a musical laser show at 5.30pm, followed by the official Christmas lights switch-on at 5.45pm. With free parking available at participating council-run car parks, it promises a festive afternoon for the whole family.
Discover what's on in Dorset this November 2026, with art exhibitions, literary festivals, theatre, ballet, live music and cultural events taking place across the county. From Japanese prints at Bournemouth's Russell-Cotes and contemporary art in Bridport to performances at Lighthouse Poole, Christchurch's Regent Centre and Wimborne's Tivoli Theatre, explore some of the best arts and cultural events to enjoy in Dorset this autumn.
The Museum of East Dorset in Wimborne welcomes visitors to its new Winter Garden Marquee from 6 November to 19 December 2026. Set within the museum’s historic walled garden, the festive space offers Christmas lights, seasonal refreshments and special evening events. From live acoustic music and mulled cider to wine tasting and family bingo, discover a cosy new place to enjoy the festive season in Wimborne.
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.
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.
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.
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