Poundbury's Christmas Market Sparkles with Community Spirit

Crown Square came alive with festive magic on November 29th as a few thousand visitors flocked to Poundbury's fifth annual Christmas Market, spending an impressive £200,000 at over a hundred stalls brimming with food and gifts and all sorts.

Once again, the event was lovingly organised by Charlotte and Jonathon Jackson, who run the wonderful local toy shop, Boos Toys. For Charlotte, the planning of the fair never really stops: 'It takes a year – I start planning this the day after!' she laughs.

Despite the year-round commitment, Charlotte's passion for the community shines through. 'I do it because I live here and I love Poundbury, and this year it's just bigger and better. Every year I wake up and I think no one's coming and then the crowds are just incredible!"

The fair transformed Crown Square into a wonderland of local artistry and craftsmanship. Children queued excitedly to share their Christmas wishes with Santa, while their parents browsed stalls offering everything from artisan cheeses and handcrafted pottery to handmade jewelry and hand-carved walking sticks. Dorset-made delights featured prominently – gin, honey, jams, and chocolates – alongside homemade mince pies and jelly doughnuts that quickly disappeared. Art lovers found plenty to admire, from original paintings and drawings to stunning glass and ceramic ornaments.  

For Charlotte, the success reflects something deeper than just commerce. 'All I can say is thank you so much to all of the supporters, all of the small businesses, all of the residents and all of the visitors for coming out and supporting this amazing event. This one was extra special, so we're definitely be coming back next year.'

The date for the next Christmas Market is already set for Saturday November 28, 2026.

For more information on the shops and food and services that Poundbury offers, visit the LovePoundbury Virtual Community Hub.