IT WILL ho-ho-hopefully be a very merry weekend as Christmas draws ever nearer with a host of festive events.

There are plenty of activities taking place across the area to kick off your Christmas in style.

On Saturday, the Christmas lights will be switched on at New Bond Street in Weymouth by the Mayor Richard Kosior and the stars of the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk.

There will be entertainment from 2pm until 8.30pm on the main stage and at the ice rink, with the lights switched on at 6pm.

There will be a parade from Brewers Quay at 5pm with the ice rink outside Debenhams also opening for business.

There will also be free parking in the town centre from 12pm.

A new addition for tis year is the Aprés-Skate Cabin where visitors can enjoy hot mulled wine and cider as well as other tasty snacks and refreshments.

Santa will be in his grotto every December weekend and in the three days running up to Christmas Day.

Don’t forget to pop back in to town on Saturday, December 17 for the nativity and entertainment.

For a full programme of events go to www.weareweymouth.co.uk/christmas

One of Weymouth and Portland’s most loved festive street fayres also returns this weekend. The Wyke Christmas Street Fayre is on Sunday and runs from noon until 4.30pm in the streets around Old Wyke Square.

There will be entertainment from the Dorset Wrecks and pupils of Wyke Regis Infant School.

There will also be Father Christmas in the Wyke Regis Social Club, stalls in the Memorial Hall and a Christmas draw with great prizes on offer.

If you still aren’t all Christmas’ed out then Dorchester could also be the place for you on Sunday morning.

The Weldmar Santa Fun Run starts at 11am on Sunday rom Dorchester Rugby Club.

The sixth annual event will see hundreds of people don the red suit to raise money for Weldmar and run, jog or walk the course.

There is still a chance to sign-up by going to weldhospice.org.uk/events/weldmars-family-santa-fun-run/