You can really feel the Christmas spirit in the area this weekend - take a look at what's on offer.

*A WEYMOUTH tradition returns on Sunday with the popular Chase the Pudding - which is now complemented by Chase the Elf for under 14s!

The festive beach race has been named as one of the top things to do in the country in December.

Money will be raised for local charity the Will Mackaness Trust.

Everybody is invited to support this colourful festive event. It starts at 11am, with warm-up and ‘Santa Stretch’ from 10.45am.

The course is approximately 5km from the Pavilion end of the beach to the groyne at Greenhill and back again.

Entry fees are £10 (£15 with Santa suit included).

For full entry and registration details visit: willmackanesstrust.org.uk/christmas-pudding-race

Or alternatively, just show up and cheer the many participating Santas and elves on!

*SPEND Christmas with jailbirds Charlie and Toby with Christmas. Time in Buckland Newton tonight and Broadmayne tomorrow.

Charlie and Toby are feeling low, and why wouldn't they? It's Christmas Day and they're serving time at Her Majesty's pleasure. But why shouldn't they be having a Merry Christmas in spite of their incarceration? What's stopping them from creating Christmas around them? Absolutely nothing!

This show, suitable for those aged 10 and above, is touring rural Dorset on the Artsreach website.

See artsreach.co.uk to buy tickets.

*ENJOY musicians Máire and Chris's alchemy on harp and guitar which will create a very special magic in Martinstown tomorrow night at 7.30pm.

A Festive Feast of Harps and Guitars features a breathtaking blend of traditional Irish music, swing jazz and bluegrass, plus festive favourites. Go to artsreach.co.uk for tickets.

*GATHER in Weymouth town centre on Sunday afternoon from 2pm to 3.30pm for Carols Around the Christmas Tree.

Join local church groups led by the Prayerhouse, on behalf of Refresh, for some traditional Christmas music and carols around the town's Christmas tree in New Bond Street.

All are welcome and children are invited to come dressed up as shepherds, angels and wise men.

See weareweymouth.co.uk/event/carols-round-the-tree/ for more information.

*LISTEN to festive music courtesy of the Canzonetta Choir in Tolpuddle on Sunday.

Enjoy an hour of seasonal song with this renowned ensemble at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Dorchester Road, Tolpuddle. Admission is free. There will be a retiring collection.

*HEAR the music Thomas Hardy would have grown up listening to.

The Ridgeway Singers and band led by Tim Laycock and Phil Humphries have once again tuned their fiddles and voices to present a joyous celebration of Christmas past and present.

Their concert will be in St Christopher's Church, Winfrith, on Sunday from 4pm to 5pm. Go to artsreach.co.uk for tickets.