Christmas is edging ever closer and people starting to stock up on presents.

If you want to support indepedent traders in the run-up to Christmas, a host of festive markets and fairs will be taking place over the coming weeks.

If you're looking for that perfect gift or want to buy yourself a special something, here's a round-up of some of the events coming to BCP and beyond. 

Bournemouth Echo:

1. Bournemouth Christmas Market will be situated in the Square in Bournemouth town centre between Friday, November 19 and Monday, January 2.

Shoppers will find festive food and drink to gift ideas from preserves and jewellery to wines, chocolate and fudge.

Food stalls will include the likes of German sausages, pizza, churros, crepes, raclette and Yorkshire pudding wraps.

Read more: Bournemouth Christmas market 2022: where is it and when

2. The Tank Museum at Bovington will host a giant Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 19 and Sunday, November 20, between 10am and 5pm.

Around 50 local ‘Etsy’ crafters will be showing off and selling their wares and there will be live music through both days.

Santa will be swapping his sleigh for a tank and children can also enjoy the ‘Frank on a Tank’ Christmas trail.

Festive food and drink will be available, and everything is included in the entry price and it’s all free to those with an annual pass to the Bovington museum.

Read more: The Christmas events coming to Poole's Dolphin Centre

3. A Christmas Arts and Crafts Weekend comes to Pamphill Village Hall on Friday, December 2, from 1pm to 4pm, and then between 10am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4. 

The show features paintings both framed and unframed, greetings cards and handmade craft items all made by members of Wimborne Art Club.

The proceeds of a raffle and donations will be given to Wimborne Community Foodbank Supply at the Allendale Centre. 

Hot drinks and seasonal warm mince pies will be on offer.

Read more: Former Coronation Street and Loose Women star to switch on Christmas lights

Bournemouth Echo:

4. Highcliffe Castle will host A Creative Christmas at the Castle on Saturday, November 26, between 10am and 4pm. 

Visitors will be able to meet and buy items from local makers and creatives. 

Products include cakes, biscuits, chocolate, jewellery, candles, arts and crafts, textiles and homeware. 

Tickets cost £3 and entry is free for children. 

Read more: What's on this Christmas season in BCP area and beyond

5. Around 30 charities and organisations will come together for Wimborne in Bloom's Grand Charities Fair on Saturday, November 12, between 10am and 3pm at the Allendale Centre in Wimborne Minster.

Entrance will be free courtesy Wimborne in Bloom.

6. South Coast Makers Market is holding a Christmas pop-up six days a week at Bobby’s Bournemouth until Christmas Eve.

There will be more than 100 traders and local businesses featured in the run-up to Christmas.

Takes place Tuesday to Saturday between 10am and 5pm and Sundays 10.30am to 4pm. The pop up is closed on Mondays.

7. The Museum of East Dorset hosts a festive shopping evening on Thursday, November 24, between 5pm and 8pm. 

Browse the indoor makers market where you can find some unique, hand crafted wares and meet the local artisans who made them.

Local choir Just Sing Adult Choir will perform festive songs in the garden from 6pm to 6.40pm. 

The museum tea room will be open to purchase refreshments and will be serving warmed mince pies and hot drinks.

Tickets cost £3 and are limited with people urged to book ahead to avoid disappointment.