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.
3rd November 2026
Christmas shopping is always more appealing with a good stop planned along the way. This year, Wimborne’s Museum of East Dorset is adding a new reason to pause, with a Winter Garden Marquee opening on Friday 6 November 2026. Think hot chocolate between shops, mulled cider with friends and evening events worth putting in the diary.
Tucked behind the High Street, the museum’s historic walled garden stretches towards the Mill Stream, with heritage fruit trees and borders cared for by volunteers. This winter, the new marquee will give visitors another way to enjoy this little corner of Wimborne.
Set alongside the Garden Tea Room, the marquee will be dressed with Christmas trees and twinkling lights, with soup, hot chocolate and mulled cider among the refreshments. Sponsored by Nicholas Humphries Estate and Letting Agents, it opens Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, from 6 November until 19 December 2026. A handy place to meet for a catch up or take a breather during the Christmas shopping.
The opening evening on Friday 6 November brings acoustic music, a bar and light bites from 6pm to 9pm. Local singer Scarlet follows on Saturday 14 November, with classic songs, festive food and drinks during the same evening hours. There is no need to book for either, so these are the dates to choose if you prefer to keep your plans flexible.
For a gathering planned ahead, Majestic Wines will lead a tasting of six wines on Saturday 5 December, from 6pm to 9pm. Tickets cost £25 per person, with cheese platters available to purchase separately. The final evening is family bingo on Saturday 19 December, also from 6pm to 9pm, with four games for £15 per person and prizes donated by local businesses. Both events require tickets.
Find the Museum of East Dorset at 23 to 29 High Street, Wimborne Minster, BH21 1HR. Book wine tasting and bingo through the museum’s Winter Garden page.
For more festive inspiration, explore our guides to Christmas and New Year Events in Dorset, discover Festivals and Events in Dorset, or browse our Events Guide | What's On for more things to see and do across the county.
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