Autumn and Christmas Markets - Press Release

Three Dorset markets bring early Christmas finds, festive family days out and a Wimborne favourite

A first glimpse of handmade Christmas collections, a huge festive market featuring 130 makers each day, and the return of a much-loved Christmas fair are all on the calendar as Dorset Team prepares for three seasonal events.

The events include the October Makers Market in Wimborne on Saturday 31st October, A Dorset Christmas Market at The Tank Museum on 14–15th November, and the Dorset Team Christmas Fair in Wimborne on 5–6th December.

Dorset Team brings together independent artists, makers and creative businesses from Dorset and beyond. Also the local Etsy Team for the area, the community welcomes both Etsy sellers and other independent makers, organising carefully curated fairs where visitors can discover beautiful items in person.

Across the three events, shoppers will find everything from original artwork, jewellery and ceramics to textiles, homewares, decorations and gifts, with each market offering something different.

October Makers Market – A first glimpse of Christmas

Saturday 31st October | 10am–4pm | Allendale Centre, Wimborne | FREE ENTRY

Autumn themed makes meet the first of this year's handmade Christmas collections at Dorset Team's new October Makers Market.

Over 60 makers each day will fill two halls of the Allendale Centre, giving visitors the opportunity to discover new artists and makers, celebrate autumn and get an early start on Christmas shopping.

Rachel, organiser of the Dorset Team events said: "I love this time of year for a market. We're still enjoying all the lovely autumn themed items and you also get the added bonus of that first glimpse of Christmas and see what makers have been working on for the festive season."

A Dorset Christmas Market – 130 makers each day under one roof

Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th November | 10am–4pm | The Tank Museum, Bovington

With over 130 makers, artists and independent creative businesses each day.

A Dorset Christmas Market returns to The Tank Museum for the largest Christmas shopping event in Dorset Team's calendar.

A collaboration between The Tank Museum and Dorset Team, the event brings together an enormous variety of independent creative businesses, offering visitors the chance to discover hundreds of handmade products, meet the makers and find Christmas gifts for everyone on their lists.

From small stocking fillers to original artwork, one-of-a-kind pieces and gifts for the whole family, the sheer variety of stalls makes it an opportunity to get plenty of Christmas shopping done in one place.

Alongside the market, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, festive food and drink, children's activities and the museum's exhibitions, making it a Christmas day out for the whole family.

Rachel said: "With over 130 makers and traders each day, there's an incredible amount to discover. I love seeing the variety of things people create, and bringing so many different independent businesses together in one place. You can arrive with a Christmas shopping list and leave having found things you never even knew existed!"

Museum admission applies, with discounted advance tickets available. Existing annual passes and memberships are valid. Parking is free.

Dorset Team Christmas Fair – A festive favourite returns to Wimborne

Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th December | 10am–4pm | Allendale Centre, Wimborne | FREE ENTRY

Dorset Team's longest-running and much-loved Christmas Fair returns to Wimborne for a weekend of festive shopping in the heart of the town.

With 60 stalls each day across two rooms, the fair has a lovely Christmas atmosphere offering visitors the chance to find thoughtful handmade presents, decorations, stocking fillers and gifts that are a little different from the high street.

Taking place just a few weeks before Christmas, it's an ideal opportunity to tick off those gift lists, discover something unique and enjoy a few hours of Christmas shopping without the usual high street rush!

ENDS

Notes to editors

About Dorset Team

Dorset Team is a community of independent makers, artists and creative businesses from Dorset and beyond. As well as being the local Etsy Team for the area, it welcomes makers who sell through other platforms and independently. As well as the in-person events throughout the year, they also have an active online community that provides opportunities for makers to connect and support one another in running a creative business.

Event information:

October Makers Market