Get creative this weekend as much pre-Christmas excitement sets in - and it's not even December yet!

If you're stuck for ideas take a look at our guide to the weekend.

1. HEAR the incredible stories behind author Damien Lewis's bestsellers at a talk in Dorchester tonight.

The author will be signing copies of Hunting Hitler's Nukes at Dorset County Museum in Dorchester tonight from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £10 and includes interval wine. They are available from the Dorset County Museum, Dorchester Tourist Information Centre or call 07751041500 or Paul Sherratt 01305 269266. All proceeds will go to Martinstown Cricket Youth.

2. AN Advent Concert featuring Schubert's Magnificat, Weber's Jubelmesse and Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on Christmas Carols with music director Hilary Kenway will be held tomorrow in St Mary's Church, Beaminster, from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £12 from the church office or the Yarn Barton centre in Beaminster. Under 12s go free.

3. FESTIVE music and Christmas cheer come to Brewery Square, Dorchester, on Saturday from 4.30pm.

Tomorrow also marks the return of the ever popular Skating In the Square.

The big turn on of the Christmas lights will be at 5.30pm. There will also be a Christmas market, musical performances and late night shopping.

4. TURN jam jars into lanterns in Weymouth with Sparkle in the Park at Lodmoor Country Park on Sunday.

Activities start at 3.30pm with lantern and decoration materials provided free of charge.

Youngsters will then walk through the candlelit woodland at 4.30pm.

Children must be accompanied by adults and donations towards the materials will be appreciated.

5. GET into the festive spirit early at Athelhampton House, Dorchester this weekend.

The Dorset Food and Drink Christmas Fair will run from 10am to 4pm and is a unique opportunity to sample the wide selection of delicious produce the county has to offer.

There will be more than 50 local merchants. From scrumptious homemade pastries to unusual meats and vegetarian and vegan delicacies, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Entry is £2.50 per person.

A free park & ride will be operating to Dorset County Council, County Hall, eliminating the need for you to queue in traffic through the narrow roads of the nearby villages. Buses leave on the hour from 10am and return on the half hour from 11:30am.

6. A jazz fairy tale about a young girl and her strange meeting with a saxophone-playing owl comes to Dorchester Corn Exchange tomorrow afternoon at 2pm.

Take this perfect opportunity to watch Molly and the Owl and introduce young minds to the wonder of jazz music as part of Dorchester Arts Jazz Weekend Festival.

Contact Dorchester Arts for tickets.

7. ALL aboard for the first weekend of Santa Specials this weekend on Swanage Railway.

Children can meet Santa on his special train and receive a wrapped age appropriate present from Father Christmas.

Santa's helpers' will serve refreshments- a festive drink and a mince pie for adults, a soft drink and biscuit for children. See swanagerailway.co.uk/events/detail/santa-specials for availability.