Christmas is just a few weeks away now, and people may be getting ready for the season by enjoying some festive markets.

Bournemouth's own Christmas Tree Wonderland and traditional market is already underway and will remain open until January 2, 2023.

However, some may also want to try out some Christmas markets a little further afield.

Here are some that you can find within an hour's drive of Bournemouth, whether that is in Dorset, or venturing into other counties.

5 Christmas markets within an hour's drive of Bournemouth

Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival

A short hop along from Bournemouth you can find Poole's Christmas Maritime Light Festival.

It will run until January 2 and features a whole range of illuminations that weave through Poole Town Centre from the Lighthouse to Falkland Square.

Alongside this, there is also a traditional Christmas market of festive food and attractions.

Dorchester Christmas Cracker

Taking place on Sunday, December 11 the Dorchester Christmas Cracker will see some of the High Street closed for vendors to have their stalls open.

A craft fair will be held in the Corn Exchange and it will run from 11am to 4pm.

READ MORE: All you need to know on Bournemouth's Christmas Tree Wonderland for 2022

Swanage Christmas Market

Taking place on Saturday, December 3 from 10am to 4pm Swanage's Christmas Market will have just the one day for people to come and see it.

It will be situated in Station Road and Commercial Road with there being a wide variety of gifts, crafts, food and drink available.

Plus, Santa will be around to spread a bit of festive joy.

Southampton Christmas Market

Around a 45 minute drive from Bournemouth gets you to Southampton, and there you can take in the delights of their Christmas market.

Running until December 24 there will be many individual stalls selling a whole range of Christmassy gifts, treats and drinks.

A traditional horse carousel with other children's rides will also be part of the fun, along with an ice rink near Westquay shopping centre.

READ MORE: All the Dorset Christmas light switch-ons you can attend

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

Venturing a little further into Hampshire you'll be able to find the Winchester Christmas Market held around its cathedral.

Running until December 22 there will be numerous wooden chalets situated on the historic grounds of the cathedral selling their seasonal wares.

On the Winchester Cathedral website it states: "The wooden chalets are inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets, and combined with the festive lighting, the sound of Christmas carols and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting in the air, visitors will be transported into a festive setting to purchase their Christmas gifts and take in the atmosphere."