CHRISTMAS is coming... and communities are preparing for a feast of festive fun.

The mulled wine and chestnuts are being warmed, Santa’s grotto is getting filled with presents and Christmas trees are decorated.

There’s a range of events coming up to get residents in the spirit beginning this Saturday when Weymouth’s Christmas lights are switched on in an event organised by the chamber of commerce and borough council.

The fun starts at 12.30pm with carols and entertainment in New Bond Street square outside Debenhams. Later, a parade featuring the land train and 10 vintage cars will wind its way from the Pavilion to the square with the switch-on at 4.30pm next to the Christmas tree.

Weymouth’s pantomime star Andy Abraham, plus Carnival Queen Elysia Munday, the singer Sophie, Mayor Margaret Leicester and Father Christmas will be joining in the fun. The event will be hosted by James O’Neill from Wessex FM.

Organiser Alison Cocks said it promised to be a great day and urged people to wrap up warm as it is expected to be bright but cold.

Also on Saturday, the third Sparkle in the Park is at Lodmoor Country Park in Weymouth from 3.30pm.

More than 100 people joined in last year marking sparkly decorations and jam jar lanterns.

There will be refreshments, fun and games. For more details call 01305 772075.

A cracking night is promised in Dorchester on Thursday, December 6 for the evening shopping and entertainment extravaganza.

The Christmas lights will also be switched on during the Christmas Cracker – Andy Abraham and others from the pantomime will do the honours at 6.30pm.

Festive fun comes to Portland on Friday, December 7 when the Easton Christmas Promise is held from 5pm-9pm.

It will include stalls, businesses staying open to provide festive cheer and special treats, singing, games, and Santa’s sleigh with donkeys.

Wyke residents will honour the tradition of holding an annual Christmas street fair in the village with this year’s event on Sunday, December 9.

More than 40 stalls are booked together with games, rides and entertainment. The start of the fair will be marked by the ringing of church bells at noon and Father Christmas will arrive at 2pm to open the new Wyke Stores before settling in his grotto. This year’s event will have an Olympic theme.

Weymouth will have to wait its turn for late night shopping on Thursday, December 13 when the Christmas Sparkle is held.

The Rotary Club of Weymouth Harbourside, its sponsors and supporters have lined up an exciting programme of entertainment, food and fun from 3pm-9pm.

Stalls will be dotted throughout the town and shoppers can get in the festive mood with mulled wine and a hog roast. There will be a children’s lantern parade, a treasure hunt and music.