Twinkling festive lights, cosy Christmas grottoes, carols by candlelight, and plenty of mulled wine and mince pies, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year!
Whether you’re planning a Christmas break to Sherborne or live locally and want to get into the spirit of the season, here’s our top things to do to celebrate the magic of Christmas in Sherborne this year…
Carols at the Abbey
Where better to experience a Christmas church service than in the ‘cathedral of Dorset’ itself, Sherborne Abbey? Soak up the glorious surroundings of the magnificent Abbey whilst enjoying wonderful choral music and carols to celebrate Advent and Christmas.
Drop in for Festive Shoppers Carols (afternoons of 7 and 21 December 2025), the Christingle Service (13 December 2025, 5pm), Christmas Concert (15 December 2025, 7pm) and Mulled Wine & Mince Pies with Carols (17 December 2024, 7pm).
A full list of Sherborne Abbey services is available here
Sherborne Festive Shopping Day
An annual tradition, for many this this marks the start of the festive season on Sunday 7 December. Visitors can enjoy the Christmas parade and lighting of the Town Tree plus Christmas music and stalls selling artisan gifts and crafts and local food and drink.
Wander down Cheap Street, roasted chestnuts in hand and browse Sherborne’s wonderful array of independent shops, all offering great ideas for Christmas gifts and don’t forget to say hello to Santa in his Grotto.
Shoppers can park for free today in the following car parks: Acreman Street, Coldharbour, Culverhayes, Newland North & Old Market Yard.
Sherborne Christmas Tree Festival
For added sparkle this season, make sure you pay a visit to Sherborne’s charming Christmas Tree Festival at Cheap Street Church from 6 - 13 December. When it’s cold and dark outside, the display of beautifully decorated trees inside the church is a sight you won’t forget.
Castle Gardens' Christmas Display
The multi award-winning Christmas display at Castle Garden Centre on the outskirts of Sherborne has become a much-anticipated attraction for all to enjoy and has even won the top national award in the Garden Centre Association’s annual Christmas Competition on numerous occasions.
Year after year, the displays continue to wow visitors with a meandering wonderland of themed rooms, lovingly filled with twinkly lights, sparkly baubles and shiny ornaments.
Christmas Markets
If you’re looking for a special Christmas gift, you’ll be sure to find one at the Sherborne Christmas Market on 10 December, packed full of eclectic traders across the town along with some holly-jolly entertainment in the Pageant Gardens.
Enjoy a crisp winter walk
With frosty December mornings, pretty hamlets with twinkling lights, the smell of pine and maybe even a snow flurry or two, a winter’s walk in the Sherborne countryside is bound to get you feeling Christmassy.
Take in Sherborne’s two castles on a circular 2hr loop from town, passing through the Estate’s (rein) deer park, drink in the specatular views of the Blackmore Vale on a route from Marnhull or discover the story of a haunted manor house at Purse Caundle.
Discover more walking routes here
It's panto time!
It just wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to the panto with its colourful mix of singing, dancing and good old audience participation! Don’t miss this year’s hilarious fun-filled, brand new, family pantomime, Beauty and the Beast at Westlands Entertainment Centre in Yeovil, filled with all your favourite stars.
Book a winter break
If you’re looking to escape for a night or two to the Dorset countryside, Bookham Court Holiday Cottages enjoy panoramic views over Thomas Hardy's Blackmore Vale and is the perfect place for a festive couples or family break.
Book a magical stay at The Eastbury Hotel and enjoy Christmas cocktails, festive afternoon teas and a boutique luxury spa. Explore the glorious Dorset countryside with a winter walk, join in on a wreath making workshop or simply sit back relax with a good book or a board game in one of the cosy resident lounges and enjoy time spent with family and friends.
Browse more accommodation in Sherborne
Christmas Breaks in Dorset
Shop at festive markets, eat delicious food, say hello to Santa & enjoy a jolly Christmas in Dorset.
Eating Out at Christmas
The Christmas party season is upon us. It's a time for crackers, party poppers and lots of fun.
Christmas Events
Ice-skating, festive markets, pantomimes and not forgetting meeting Father Christmas.
Christmas and New Year Breaks
Book your Christmas or New Year holiday to Dorset and make it one to remember.
