1. IF you’re in need of some gift inspiration, you can browse with a cup of mulled wine at the Littledown Christmas Market on Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

There will be up to 140 stalls selling a range of artisan gifts, jewellery, local preserves, chutneys, seasonal cakes, chestnuts, cheeses and more. As well as Christmas decorations, cards and wrapping paper, wreaths, artisan food and hampers, there will also be entertainment for children including a visit from Father Christmas, face painting and Christmas carols by Sing People Sing in the main hall. There is also a licensed bar on site. adults £1, children 50p (age 6-15), under 5s – free.

2. Enjoy some traditional Christmas cheer at Wimborne’s Christmas Extravaganza which launches on Saturday at 4.30pm when local school children will light up the town with the Christmas lights switch on. A new addition this year is the arrival of Wimborne’s outdoor rink on the Minster Green. Other highlights include Dorset Etsy Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1, 10am to 4pm, at the Allendale Centre featuring more than 60 stalls with local designers, makers, vintage sellers and craft suppliers from across Dorset. The popular Alpine Bar is back in The Square from Thursday, December 12 where visitors can soak up the atmosphere with friends and family with a glass of mulled wine and a festive treat. The ever popular Wimborne’s Save The Children Parade is at 2pm on Saturday, December 14.

3. The Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair at Upton starts at 10am on Saturday and Sunday. Browse a wide range of festive arts and crafts from local Dorset artisans whilst enjoying musical performances in the grand setting of Upton House. Admission: £1.50 per adult. Under-16s go free.

4. The Fabulous Frost Fair is coming to Kingston Country Courtyard next Thursday on November 28. Toast the start of the festive season with a glass of mulled wine or festive fizz while you peruse stalls by some of Dorset’s finest artisan producers to find some unique Christmas gifts.

5. Kick start the festive season in style and join the Southbourne community and the mayor to celebrate the traditional Christmas lights switch on at 5.30pm on Saturday at Southbourne Green. If you pop along a little earlier, you can join in with the Christmas carols and music that will be taking place throughout the day. There will also be mulled wine, tea, coffee, mince pies and a raffle.

6. Cheer on runners taking part in the annual Boscombe 10K race organised by Bournemouth Joggers on Sunday at 10.30am. Although the main race is sold out, there will also be a children’s 1.5k fun run which will take place before the main event at 9.15pm. Entry is on the day and costs £3.

7. Unwind from your Christmas shopping and relax to the sound of acoustic vocals from talented local acts at the Alpine Lodge in Bournemouth Square on Sunday. Performances are every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm. Festive street food can also be enjoyed inside the lodge.

8. Lights, Camera, Action! at Bournemouth Pavilion is a tribute to BAFTA winners by children and students from local dance schools on Sunday. Doors open at 2pm and 7pm.

9. Clubbers can step back in time at the Manor nightclub’s 20th anniversary reunion at The Old Fire Station in Bournemouth on Saturday from 9pm to 4am with DJs including Scott Bond and Matt Darey.