It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas across Dorset today.

Towns and villages across the county are preparing for Christmas by holding Christmas markets and switching on the festive lights.

We have compiled a list of the Christmassy events to get you into the festive spirit.

Weymouth Christmas light turn on and Elf Street Party:

The big switch-on will take place today and will see the introduction of festive lighting installed on the seafront near Greenhill Gardens as well as in the town centre.

There will be street entertainers in the town centre between 10am and 4pm and stage entertainment in New Bond Street from 12pm to 6pm.

This includes an elf street party and parade at 11.30am where people are encouraged to dress up as an elf, along with a host of elf-related workshops and a Father Christmas grotto.

At 5pm the town’s Christmas lights will officially be switched on from the main stage in New Bond Street.

There will also be free parking in Weymouth today in participating town centre car parks, including Weymouth Pavilion, the Pavilion Forecourt, Governors Lane, Cosens Quay, Harbourside, Melcombe Regis, Park Street and the Swannery.

Brewery Square light switch on and Christmas market:

The team at the Dorchester venue is inviting guests to head down and watch the annual light-up from 5pm to 6.30pm.

A sleigh-load of activities will be taking place to coincide with the big event including the return of the ice-skating rink, live music, some fantastic performances and even surprise visits.

Shire Hall Christmas Market in Dorchester:

This free-to-enter market will host over 30 businesses, selling everything from food and drink to jewellery and photography.

Market stalls will be spread across Shire Hall, from the café and exhibition rooms to the historic courthouse and cells.

It will be held today and tomorrow (Saturday and Sunday, November 25 and 26), from 10am to 4pm.

Dorset Food & Drink Christmas Fair at Athelhampton House & Gardens:

Held on Saturday, November 25 and Sunday, November 26 from 10am to 3pm at Athelhampton House & Gardens this Christmas event is for the foodies.

Presented by Dorset Food & Drink it features a curated line-up of its members and guest stallholders, selling locally made food, drink, and artisanal gifts.

Tickets are booked via the Athelhampton website.

Christmas Market at Abbey Farm:

A Christmas market will be held at Abbey Farm in Abbotsbury on November 25 and 26.

Entry is free and the market will be open from 11am to 4pm on both days.

The weekend will showcase the talents of local makers, crafters, bakers and musicians.

Christmas Fayre at St Nicholas' Church:

St. Nicholas Church and St. Laurence Church are holding their combined Christmas Fayre at St. Nicholas Church, Dorchester Road.

It will be held today from 10am to 3pm with a wide range of stalls, raffle, hot and cold refreshments.

Lyme Regis Christmas Lights:

The big Broad Street switch-on will take place at 5pm today.

However, a whole line-up events promise to keep guests entertained and in the festive spirit.

2.30pm: Christmas lantern workshop in Lyme Regis Baptist Church Pine Hall. Children and adults are invited to join in the fun and make a lantern. A free event with all materials provided.

4.30pm: Judging of the lanterns in Lyme Regis Baptist Church with prizes for best entries in each of the age categories. Lanterns made at home are welcome to enter.

5pm: Lyme Regis Majorettes, Fitsteps and Lyme Morris will be performing in Broad Street followed by a parade of Christmas lanterns.

Followed by: The wait for Santa to arrive on his sleigh before he starts a countdown to the big switch on.