Christmas Events in Christchurch 2026: Markets, Santa and Festive Days Out

From the historic High Street to Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch offers a more intimate alternative to Dorset’s larger Christmas celebrations.

Several major 2026 events are already confirmed, including the town-centre Christmas celebration, Stewarts Winter Wonderland, two seasonal events at Highcliffe Castle and Cinderella at The Regent.

Further concerts, carol services and community activities are likely to be announced during the autumn, so we will continue updating this guide as Christchurch’s complete Christmas programme is released.

Date: Saturday 28 November 2026
Expected time: 10am-8pm
Location: Christchurch High Street, Saxon Square and Old Town Hall
Admission: Free

Christchurch begins its main festive celebrations on Saturday 28 November, when the town centre is expected to host a Christmas market, family activities, entertainment and the official lights switch-on.

The historic High Street and Saxon Square provide a naturally atmospheric setting, with independent shops, cafés and restaurants joining the celebrations throughout the day.

Local artisan traders are currently being recruited for the event. Visitors can expect opportunities to find seasonal gifts, crafts, food and locally made products, although the final list of stalls has not yet been published.

The full entertainment timetable and precise lights switch-on time are still to be announced. Santa, a parade, reindeer and a grotto should not be treated as confirmed unless they appear in the final 2026 programme.

Read our full guide to Christmas in Christchurch 2026.

Dates: 21 November-24 December 2026
Location: Stewarts Christchurch Garden Centre, Lyndhurst Road, Christchurch, BH23 4SA
Tickets: £19.95 for children aged seven months to 12 years; £3.95 for babies and adults

Stewarts Santa’s Winter Wonderland returns to Christchurch from 21 November until Christmas Eve.

Families enter a decorated festive experience before meeting Santa and receiving a present. Bookings are made for a particular date and 15-minute arrival slot, so visitors should check the selected garden centre and time carefully before paying.

The 2026 experience costs £19.95 for children aged seven months to 12 years, including a gift. Babies aged up to six months and adults cost £3.95 each.

Stewarts is also bringing back its free Christmas selfie walkway, featuring seasonal displays such as Santa’s sleigh, a gingerbread house and decorated Christmas trees. Families can explore the walkway without booking the full Santa experience.

The live reindeer previously associated with the event have retired and will not be part of the 2026 programme.

Read our complete guide to Stewarts Santa’s Winter Wonderland 2026.

Dates: Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2026
Times: Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 10am-4pm
Location: Highcliffe Castle
Admission: Adults £4; children free; Castle members £1

Highcliffe Castle’s Christmas market returns with more than 40 local traders and makers filling the historic State Rooms.

Visitors can browse independent gifts and handcrafted products while seeing the Grade I-listed castle decorated for Christmas. The Castle bar will serve seasonal refreshments, including mulled wine and mince pies.

Tickets include entrance to Creatives at the Castle, the full visitor route and the winter exhibition.

The market offers something distinctly different from a conventional shopping-centre event. Chandeliers, stained glass and decorated State Rooms provide an elegant backdrop, making this as much a seasonal visit to the castle as a shopping trip. 

Book through the official Highcliffe Castle website.

Image: Facebook

Dates: 28 November–23 December 2026
Location: Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe Castle’s Christmas Tree Festival returns for its third year, filling the building with trees decorated by local businesses, charities, community groups and individuals.

Younger visitors can follow a festive elf trail incorporating the different trees, while admission also includes access to the castle and its exhibition from the Hengist Group of Artists.

On selected peak days, visitors can expect live music, refreshments from the Castle bar and festive food. Precise entertainment dates and opening arrangements should be checked before travelling.

Image: Facebook

Cinderella at The Regent

Dates: 12-30 December 2026
Location: The Regent, 51 High Street, Christchurch, BH23 1AS
Tickets: £19-£23

The Regent’s 2026 Christmas pantomime is Cinderella, running from Saturday 12 until Wednesday 30 December.

The family production promises comedy, audience participation, songs and theatrical surprises, including a flying coach. Performances take place at different times throughout the run, with morning, afternoon and evening options available.

Ticket prices range from £19 to £23. Family and group discounts are available on selected performances.

Special performances include:

• Meet and Greet performances: 12 and 13 December
• Relaxed performance: 18 December at 6pm
• BSL-interpreted performance: 19 December at 6pm
• School and youth-group performances: 16–18 December

The relaxed performance is intended for visitors who may find a conventional theatre environment overwhelming, including people with autism, dementia or additional support needs. 

Book Cinderella through The Regent.

André Rieu’s Christmas Concert: Let It Snow

Dates: Saturday 5 and Sunday 13 December 2026
Location: The Regent

André Rieu’s latest Christmas concert will be screened at The Regent on two dates in December.

The cinema event brings together Rieu, the Johann Strauss Orchestra and invited performers for a programme of seasonal music presented on the big screen.

Performance times and ticket availability vary between the two screenings, so booking through The Regent is recommended. 

Love Soul Choir Winter Show

Date: Sunday 6 December 2026
Time: 8pm
Location: The Regent

Love Soul Choir brings its Winter Show to The Regent for an evening of live seasonal music.

This provides an alternative to the town’s family attractions, offering an evening performance for anyone who prefers live music to markets, trails or pantomime.

Tickets and current availability should be checked directly with The Regent.

Image: Facebook

Christmas Shopping in Christchurch

The town-centre celebration and Highcliffe Castle market provide two dedicated opportunities for seasonal shopping, but Christchurch’s independent shops also make it worth visiting outside the principal event dates.

The High Street, Church Street and Saxon Square contain gift shops, boutiques, food businesses and other local retailers. Visiting on a quieter weekday provides more time to browse without the crowds expected during the 28 November celebration.

Explore our full guide to shopping in Christchurch.

If You Enjoyed This, You May Enjoy…

1. Christmas in Christchurch 2026: Market, Entertainment and Lights
2. Stewarts Santa’s Winter Wonderland 2026
3. Shopping in Christchurch: High Street and Local Shops