Events and what's on in Dorchester
The historical town of Dorchester has built a range of strong communities over the years, and is now home to many fun and interesting events. Shows, fairs, music festivals and historical events regularly occur in Dorchester.
Dorchester welcomes the ever-popular Dorset County Show on an annual basis, an event certainly worth going to.
For most Dorset towns and villages, Dorchester is relatively easy to get to, so take a look at the upcoming events below.
View Dorchester Events by Date:
The next 4 events in Dorchester appear below.
14 December 2025
Dorchester Christmas Cracker
Dorchester, Dorset
Join us on Sunday 14th December 2025, for a day full of stalls and entertainment for the whole family.
There will be Christmas entertainment, Santa in a camper, the Santa Hat Parade, classic cars and loads of festive spirit.
The Children's Santa Hat Parade is also back. Meet at top of High West Street for a 12-noon start. There will be free Santa hats for those taking part.
Get into the festive spirit and enjoy everything that's on offer at the Dorchester Christmas Cracker!
29 Nov 2025 to 23 Dec 2025
A Kingston Christmas
Dorchester, Dorset
Step back into the Magic
Following the sell-out success in 2024, ABC (Andy Brennan Creative) is thrilled to be returning to Kingston Maurward this year to produce the enchanting Santa experience, A KINGSTON CHRISTMAS!
Kingston Maurward will once again be transformed into a winter wonderland as it welcomes Santa Claus himself for an exclusive, enchanting event created by Dorset based producers, ABC.
Every weekend from Saturday 29 November 2025, families are invited to experience ...
28 Nov 2025 to 30 Dec 2025
Christmas Lights and Reindeer Experience
Dorchester, Dorset
Nutley Farm’s much-loved Christmas Lights and Reindeer Experience is back for 2025 and is set to be our most spectacular Christmas yet.
Our popular festive event attracts visitors from the South West England and beyond and has become a magical Dorset tradition. To date, we have raised over £52,000 for the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, and we look forward to adding to our total during this year’s event.
We add something new each year, and for 2025, we’ve pulled out all the stops. ...
06 June 2026
Let's Go Fly - Dorchester Kite Festival
Dorchester, Dorset
A new festival is coming to Dorchester on Saturday 6th June 2026. Let’s Go Fly! Kite Festival is being hosted on The Great Field between 10 am and 4:30 pm.
It is being organised by Dorchester Town Council with White Horse Kite Flyers. They are very professional organisation with public liability insurance and experience of organising events. They are members of the British Kite Flying Association so you can rest assured that this will be a well organised, safe and spectacular ...
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The latest Dorchester articles from Resort Dorset are previewed below.
17 Nov 2025
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and you will be when you discover the fantastic selection of Christmas markets and festive fairs that are set to be held around Dorset in the coming weeks.
If you’re getting organised with your Christmas shopping, these events are a great way to find those perfect gifts. If delicious Dorset food and drink is on your wish list, then you’ll love the tasty selection available from local producers; or maybe you’d like a day out to ... Read more...
11 Nov 2025
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For families looking for sen-friendly christmas events, we have compiled a list of what's on in Dorset from attractions and businesses who are hosting sensory-friendly events.
Read more...
10 Nov 2025
Whether you call him Santa Claus, Father Christmas, St Nicks or simply Santa, your little one will want to meet the real Santa in Dorset this year. Lucky for you, many of Dorset's businesses have arranged magical experiences and Santa's Grottos throughout Dorset for you and your family to do just that.
Maybe you're looking for breakfast with Santa, a magical winter wonderland, or a SEN Santa visit.
We are building up all the best local events, so take a look at ... Read more...
8 Oct 2025
So, it’s the October half term and you may be wondering how you’re going to keep the kids entertained!
Well don’t worry, whether you are local resident or are staying in Dorset on a break, there’s lots to do throughout the half term holidays. If you're looking for things to do in Dorset we have found lots of Dorset events to keep you entertained. Our Resort family has children of different ages, here are some of the things we plan to enjoy during the ... Read more...
1 Oct 2025
Over 60 Spooktacular Halloween Events!
The October half-term is now synonymous with Halloween and all the spooky fun that comes with it. If you’re planning to celebrate Halloween in Dorset, you’re in for a treat! From ghostly adventures to pumpkin-filled family fun, the county is bursting with events for all ages. Grab your broomsticks, sharpen those fangs, and prepare to have one hell of a good time!
It's scary how much there is to choose from. Whether ... Read more...
More articles available in the features section.
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