IT'S beginning to look a lot like Christmas this weekend as Dorset gets in the mood with a number of festive family events.

With the big day now less than a month away, some magic and sparkle is in the air.

It's also likely to be a blustery weekend with some rain forecast so people heading out are advised to wrap up.

Christmas celebrations start in Dorchester's Brewery Square today as Skating in the Square returns for another year.

The rink will be open from midday – skaters are advised to book early – and later people can browse the craft and food stalls of the Anonymous Travelling Market which will set up from 5pm.

The Christmas lights switch-on is at 5.30pm and there will be live music.

Tomorrow sees scores of Santas dashing around Dorchester for a good cause.

The Family Santa Fun Run in aid of Weldmar Hospicecare Trust starts at 11am at Joseph Weld Hospice. Registration is from 9.30am-10.30am.

Families can walk, jog or run the two-mile course before enjoying a Christmas market in the grounds of the hospice which is from 10am-3pm.

A range of items will be available including mulled wine, cards, gifts, and a chance to visit Santa’s Grotto.

Meanwhile in Weymouth, Lodmoor Country Park will light up on Sunday for the magical Sparkle in the Park event.

Families will make hundreds of jam jar lanterns, jingle bells and glittery decorations, before gathering for a candlelit stroll through the Woodland Walk.

Organisers from the local Friends group have been hard at work preparing the plans for this year’s event.

Activities start at 3.30pm, with the candlelit walk at 4.30pm.

The Rio Grande miniature railway lit with festive lights will be running and the Brass Buttons will be performing festive music.

The event is free, and hot and cold drinks will be on sale.

The Coca-Cola Christmas truck can be seen on Weymouth seafront near the Jubilee Clock from 12pm-8pm on Sunday. A choir will entertain.

Other events this weekend include a vintage Christmas market at the Old Town Hall in Weymouth from 10am-4pm today and a Christmas bazaar at the Chesil Beach Centre from 10am-4pm on Sunday.

Lyme Regis sees its Christmas lights switched on today in an event from 3pm-5.30pm and the Dorset Food and Drink Christmas Fair is at Athelhampton House today from 10am-4pm.

The events are likely to get residents in the mood for Weymouth and Dorchester's festive shopping and entertainment extravaganzas next week.

The Dorchester Christmas Cracker is on Thursday, December 3 and Weymouth's BIG Christmas launches on Friday, December 4.