Weymouth's Big Christmas lighting ceremony will take place on Saturday, December 3. It will also mark the opening of the town’s ice rink, which will be in place for a month. The ice rink will be opened by MP for South Dorset Richard Drax before specially–selected VIPs will don their skates and take to the ice. The evening’s entertainment will feature food, craft stalls, music and Santa arriving in his sleigh pulled by real reindeer. Christmas entertainment starts at 2pm and will include ice skating displays by ice skater Milena Benedetto. Wave at Santa in his parade as he is lead towards his grotto at 5pm, and then cheer as the Mayor of Weymouth and Portland, Richard Kosior, switches on the lights at 6pm.

A festive atmosphere welcomes visitors to Corfe Castle during December with lanterns, braziers and beacons lighting up the grounds, the chance to share a memory on Christmas Wish trees, enjoy mulled wine and festive treats by the log fire. Free event, normal admission charges apply. Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/ corfecastle for details.

Dorchester's ever popular Carols in the Borough Gardens event is set to return for another year. The free festive event organised by the Friends of the Borough Gardens is being held on Thursday, December 15 from 6.30pm. There will be a chance to sing along with all your favourite carols with music from Dorchester’s own Durnovaria Silver Band and local singing group Encore. There will also be hot mull on sale on the night from members of the Friends group.

The Fire Cracker event is being held at Weymouth Fire Station on Sunday, December 11. There will be safety advice about preventing fires in the home, and a blaze display involving a Christmas tree. Money raised will go towards the Fire Fighters Charity, SafeWise and Julia’s House. There will also be festive stalls, refreshments, Santa’s grotto, performances from school choirs and local majorettes, live fire and RTC demonstrations, and more. Raffle tickets now on sale from Weymouth Fire Station.

Swanage's Christmas lights will be illuminated on Saturday, November 26. It takes place at Swanage station at 4pm, with live music and a tombola. 

Swanage Railway is once again holding a Victorian Christmas Carol concert in the goods shed museum at Corfe Castle station. The special event takes place on the evening of Friday, December 9 and features the Swanage Town Band as well as the popular Harmony Rocks ladies’ choir which is based in the Isle of Purbeck. The public can only attend the evening of festive Christmas music and song by steam train from Swanage. For tickets and information visit swanagerailway.co.uk/events or call 01929 475203.

St George’s Christmas Tree Festival will take place from Friday, December 2 until Monday, December 5. The festival gives local families and groups the opportunity to decorate a tree. This year’s theme will be ‘Story Time’.

Christmas markets and fayres

A Christmas market is being held in Poundbury this weekend. The event is taking place at the Buttermarket form 10am to 4pm on Saturday. There will be a range of stalls offering all sorts of food and gifts as well as a Christmas raffle and tombola. Father Christmas will also be setting up his grotto at the event. Entry costs £4 per child and all children will receive a Christmas gift. Entry to the market is free and the event is being supported by Morrish Builders, which is relocating its sales and marketing suite to 47 Peverell Avenue East in Poundbury from December 1. Trinity Street Trees has also donated Christmas trees for the event. For more information contact Charlie at Boo’s Toy Shop on 01305 261132 or email info@ boostoyshop.co.uk

A Christmas sale and coffee morning is being held at Beaminster Museum from 10am until noon on Saturday, December 3. There will be gifts, cards and calendars to buy.

Members of the First Portland Scout Group are holding a Christmas Fayre on Saturday, December 10 from 11am until 1pm at Weston Community Hall, Weston Road. There will be stalls, games and refreshments and all are welcome.

Feel the festive spirit at the Lawns Christmas Fair at The Lawns, Fernhill Avenue, on Saturday December 3 from 11am to 3pm. All money raised will go to the residents’ Christmas fund.

A Christmas bazaar is being held at Buckland Newton Village Hall on Saturday, December 3 from 12pm until 2pm. There will be crafts, brica-brac, gifts and more with proceeds going to the church heating fund.

A Christmas Fayre is being held at a residential home in Sherborne. The event is on Saturday, December 3 from 1.30pm until 5pm at Fayre Hayes Residential Home. Refreshments will be available and all are welcome.

Other events

There is a chance to experience the Christmas Story at the United Church in South Street, Dorchester. The event is on Saturday, December 3 from 11am until 3pm. People are welcome to pop in any time and the average journey to the stable takes 20 to 30 minutes. The display is suitable for children and adults.