Are you wondering what’s on in Dorset in November? Bonfire night is in November which means there’s lots of exciting events happening. You’ll also find great theatres, family friendly attractions and festivals all waiting to offer things to do. Check out things to do in Dorset in November.
Follow Exploring Dorset on Instagram
Follow Exploring Dorset on Facebook
Halloween At Moors Valley
Date: 23rd October – 2nd November 2025
Halloween At Moors Valley, a spectacular illuminated trail, is set to return this year, with even more thrilling installations than before.
Ghostly forest walks, possessed pumpkin patches and spooky scarecrows will line the trail, with delicious food and drink also on offer, providing Halloween fun for friends, families and couples.
Running from 23rd October to 2nd November, Halloween At Moors Valley takes place during half term, making it a perfect family activity – you can even bring along your dog!
Poole Beer Festival
St Aldhelms Centre, Poole Road, Branksome BH12 1AD
Dates: 31st October – 1st November 2025
The beer festival is open between 11:00 – 15:30 and 18:30 – 23:00 on both days. Tickets are bookable in advance only. This includes a glass, programme & 2 x ½ pints beer.
Lyme Regis Bonfire Night And Fireworks
Date: 1st November 2025
Watch the fireworks as they light up the sky over the harbour and warm yourself by the huge bonfire on the beach.
The Cobb provides a fantastic backdrop for the stunning display with Lister and Langmoor gardens offering a wonderful vantage point to view the explosive night of fireworks.
Wareham Wednesdays Bonfire & Firework Extravaganza
Date: 7th November 2025
At Wareham Recreation Ground, there will be live music, food stalls and a bbq. There will also be a fun fair. Under 10’s go FREE.
Bransgore Fireworks Display
Date: 7th November 2025
The Three Tuns, Ringwood Road, Christchurch
Gates will open at 5.30pm with ticket sales being online only. There will also be plenty of food, drinks and treats available to purchase, as well as novelty glow products.
Allendale Christmas Craft Fair
Dates: 22nd November 2025
Pop along to the Allendale Centre in Wimborne for their Christmas Craft Fair this November. There is FREE entry and you’ll be able to shop local from local makers.
Weymouth Community Beach Bonfire And Fireworks
Date: 5th November 2025
A free annual Big Guy Fawkes Event on Weymouth Seafront. Beginning at 4pm with the family funfair on the Pavilion Forecourt. There’s also some traditional stalls and attractions.
The giant beach bonfire is lit at 7.40 pm, followed by the fantastic fireworks display in Weymouth Bay at 8.00 pm.
Firework Night On Poole Quay
Poole, Dorset, BH15 1BW
Date: 5th November 2025
Starting from 5pm on one of the biggest nights of the year. There will be live music, family entertainment and activities, and the big firework finale at 8pm.
The Quay car parks will get very busy, but there is alternative parking at the Dolphin Shopping Centre a ten minute or so walk away.
This is a free event in Poole.
Butchers Coppice Family Fireworks
Bear Cross, Bournemouth, BH11 9JW
Date: 8th November 2025
Gates open at 5.30pm and the fire is lit at 6pm. The guy competition begins at 7pm with the fireworks being scheduled for 7.30pm.
Dorset Food & Drink Winter Food Fair
Dates: 8th, 9th November 2025
The Dorset Food & Drink Winter Fair is back at Athelhampton House for 2025!
Expect a great line up of Dorset food, drink, artists, and makers, to bring you a weekend of festive shopping and gift inspirations.
Visit whether it’s raining or not as most of the stalls are under cover in the event marquee.
Longthorns Christmas Market
Dates: 1st – 2nd November 2025
There is FREE entry to Longthorns Christmas market. The bar will be open for hot and cold drinks and food. As well as the fantastic stalls offering seasonal goods, you’ll be treated to a performance from Wareham Town Band.
Weymouth Pavilion Christmas Bazaar
Date: 13th November 2025
The Weymouth Lifeboat Christmas bazaar will include plenty of stalls and refreshments. The entry fee includes a hot drink.
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland
Dates: 13th November 2025 – 4th January 2026
Visit Bournemouth from 13th November for a great festive day and evening out. You can enjoy the thousands of illuminations in the Lower Gardens, as well as the open air ice rink, Alpine Christmas market, and plenty of festive fun.
Swanage Railway Christmas Yuletide Express
Dates: 28th November – 24th December 2026
Step into a world of twinkling lights, festive cheer and timeless Christmas traditions. The Yuletide Express is more than a train ride- it’s a heart-warming journey into the magic of the season.
What to expect
Your festive adventure begins at Swanage Station. As the scent of mince pies fills the air and carols drift from the platform, you’re welcomed into a cosy, nostalgic celebration.
- All aboard! Settle into your seat for a one-hour return journey through the stunning Purbeck countryside, where wintry views and festive spirit go hand-in-hand.
- Be greeted by the Magic Ticket Collector, who’ll make sure your family is ready for the enchantment ahead.
- The cheerful Christmas Elves will lead songs, spread joy, and bring smiles to little faces.
- Then, a moment to remember – Father Christmas himself will make his way through the train, meeting each family and delighting every child with a festive gift:
- A quality Christmas present
- A traditional candy cane
- And of course – a satsuma, just like the ones tucked into stockings long ago
- Children can also visit the Christmas Wishing Tree to write and hang up their wishes.
Related Post – A trip on the Swanage steam railway
Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival
Dates: 2025 TBC
Christmas in Poole is set to be very special with this six weeks festival for 2024. There will be pop up events and plenty of Christmas lights.
The Maritime Festival will showcase illuminations from Poole Town Centre to Falkland Square and onwards to Poole Quay. Attractions will include a Christmas market, festive food and attractions.
Tank Museum Dorset Christmas Fair
Dates: 14th – 15th November 2026
A Christmassy day out for all ages. While adults can watch live entertainment and buy unique presents from local crafters, children can explore our Christmas trail and see Santa arrive in a tank.
On 14th – 15th November between 9am – 5pm. You will receive a free annual pass with every ticket purchased.
Illuminate At Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Buller’s Way, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4LA
Dates: 20th November – 31st December 2026 (selected dates)
ILLUMINATE. ‘OT Event Technicians’ will be Illuminating the Gardens in the lead up to Christmas this year. The event will run daily 4.30pm to 8.00pm from the 20th November until 31st December with last entries between 7.00pm and 7.15pm.
Lyme Regis Christmas Lights Switch On
Broad Street, Lyme Regis
Date: 22nd November 2025
One of the spectacular Christmas lights in Dorset displays is happening in Lyme Regis. The afternoon celebrations begin with a Christmas lantern making workshop at Pine Hall, Lyme Regis Baptist Church at 2.30pm.
This is a free event with all materials provided and is great fun for kids and all the family.
Prizes will be awarded for the best lanterns in each age category with judging taking place at 4.30pm. Lanterns made at home are welcome to enter the competition.
The carnival parade makes its way down Broad Street with an illuminated Carnival from around 5pm, with the cross-street lighting displays illuminating as the parade passes underneath. The Christmas tree lights at Bell Cliff will be switched on around 5.30pm.
Christchurch Christmas Lights Turn On Event
Date: 2025 TBC
There will be plenty of activities through the day in Christchurch for their Christmas lights turn on event. You can enjoy face painting, a Christmas market in the high street and street food and refreshments.
There’s also live music and children’s entertainment. The Christmas lights will be switched on around 5.30pm.
Meet Santa At Brewery Square
Dates: 2025 TBC
Santa’s Grotto will be at Brewery Square in Dorchester. Meet Santa and his friendly elf in his grotto and receive a gift.
Weymouth Elf Weekend & Christmas Light Switch On
Date: 2025 TBC
There will be plenty of elf-themed festivities from hat-making and gingerbread decorating. Not forgetting Weymouth’s Elf Parade. The Christmas lights in Weymouth will also be turned on later in the same day.
Storytelling With Santa At Kingston Lacy
Dates: 28th November – 23rd December 2026 (selected dates)
Santa is stopping at Kingston Lacy this festive season! Make memories, start traditions and come on a fantastical journey with his musical helpers to find his storybook nook, before settling in for a festive tale, an early Christmas gift and a chance to take a picture together with Santa!
Brewery Square Skating In The Square
Date: 2025 TBC
The outside ice rink at Brewery Square in Dorchester is back in November for some outside festive skating.
Abbey Farm Abbotsbury Christmas Market
Dates: 29th – 30th November 2025
Abbey Farm, Abbotsbury are hosting a Christmas Market. The market, open daily from 11am – 4pm will feature local makers, crafters, bakers and musicians.
With a focus on gift buying, traders have been handpicked to create a completely varied shopping experience, with every stallholder being part of a local small business. This has culminated in a festive experience to kick-start the Christmas Season soundtracked by local musicians and choirs, including Hamish Jeffcott and The Rock Choir.
Hot drinks, mulled wine, lunch and cakes are available all day from Cherries. Local workshops will also be open during the days to further extend the shopping experience.
Parking is available nearby at Rodden Row Car Park.
Kingston Lacy’s A Starlit Christmas Ball
Dates: 21st November 2026 – 3rd January 2027
Explore the house and gardens, decorated for a spectacular Christmas ball. You’ll follow the story as you move through the rooms, and see glorious costumes and twinkling decorations inspired by the night sky and Christmas magic.
Wimborne Christmas Lights
Date: 2025 TBC
The Wimborne Christmas lights switch on will take place on 29th November 2025.
Mapperton Christmas Fair
Location: The Coach House at Mapperton
Date: 29th – 30th November 2025
Enjoy the magic of Mapperton Estate at Christmas with lots of fantastic stalls focusing on local products and delicious food and drink. You can also explore the Mapperton Gardens in winter!
RNLI Reindeer Run At Moors Valley
Date: 2025 TBC
Join Rookie the Reindeer and team this November at Moors Valley Country Park for the annual RNLI Reindeer Run! Choose from a 10K, 5K or 1K Santa Saunter and help raise vital funds for the RNLI.
All participants will receive a Reindeer Run medal on completion of their run and prizes will be given to the first male and female in the 5K and 10K runs.
Nutley Farm Christmas Lights & Reindeer Experience
Nutley Farm, Winfrith Newburgh, Nr Dorchester, DT2 8DT
Dates: 27th November – 30th December 2026
Wander along the magical illuminated 600m walkway, pass through glittering archways, twinkling trees and light installations. Suitable for all ages and the perfect way to get into the festive spirit with your family.
Read our full review of Christmas at Nutley Farm
There’s also the chance to meet the friendly reindeer, and take part in the Elf hunt along the illuminated walk.
Littledown Christmas Market
Dates: 23rd November 2025
There will be a wide range of stalls selling Christmas gifts including handmade artisan gifts made by talented crafters. Also on offer will be jewellery, fused glass, local preserves, chutneys, award winning fudge, seasonal cakes, chestnuts, cheeses and much more.
Check out what’s on in Dorset in December and stay up to date with all the festivals and events through the year.