The countdown to Christmas has unofficially started now that the clocks have gone backwards and shops are slowly turning into a winter wonderland.

Here is all you need to know about the Christmas events in our area:

Weymouth

Weymouth lightsWeymouth lights (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

The streets of Weymouth will be illuminated by Christmas lights at a big switch-on party taking place on Saturday, November 30 at 5pm.

The magical moment will see the huge New Bond Street tree and streetlights plunge the town into festivities.

Earlier on in the day, the town will be filled with elves as ‘Dorset’s largest Elf Parade’ hits the streets at 11.30am, starting from outside the Range.

There will also be street entertainers throughout the town centre from 10am-4pm, with plenty of elf workshops for everyone to get involved with, including writing a letter to Santa, gingerbread decorating and more in various businesses throughout the town.

There will be live music throughout the day and into the evening from performers like the Leggomen.


Brewery Square - Dorchester

Brewery Square lightBrewery Square light (Image: Hollie Carr)

Another exciting date to add to the list is the Brewery Square Christmas Light Switch On which will take place on Saturday, November 23.

A time is yet to be announced, but last year it took place from 5pm-6.30pm.

There will be a sleigh load of activities and entertainment from skating in the square, balloon modelling, stilt walkers, a Christmas market, and the big man himself – Father Christmas.


Dorchester Christmas Cracker

Dorchester Christmas CheerDorchester Christmas Cracker (Credit: Christmas Cracker team)

The ever-popular Christmas Cracker event will be back in Dorchester on Sunday, December 15 with festive fun for all the family from 11am until 4pm.

This year there will be an Entertainment Stage at St Peter’s Church with festive musical acts entertaining across the day.

The Santa Hat Children’s Parade will leave the top of High West Street at 12pm with free hats for the first 100 to arrive.

Another first this year will be a display of classic cars in High East Street from the Dorchester Classic Vehicle Club.

Steve Bulley, Cracker chairman said: “High West Street in Dorchester will be transformed into a festive shopping spectacular, new for 2024 we will have stalls in Trinity Street for the first time. Our Christmas fair extends over both floors of the Corn Exchange with a further 45 tables, our thanks to our Christmas fair supporters Handelsbanken.”


Bridport

Bridport Christmas CheerBridport Christmas Cheer (Image: Graham Hunt Photography)

In west Dorset, Bridport Christmas Cheer will be held on Wednesday, December 4 from 4pm – 8pm, with the all-exciting light switch on will be at 6pm by the Mayor.

There will be an abundance of street stalls, arts and crafts, and local food.  Stalls will line the streets as well as inside Bridport Arts Centre & The Town Hall.

The festive event is set to kick off at 4pm with local school choirs singing carols in Bucky Doo Square.

This will be followed by a full programme of entertainment and live music in the square. Local businesses and hospitality venues will also be opening late to welcome customers

The United Church in East Street will again be hosting the Christmas Tree festival with sparkling and illuminated trees. 

Terri Foxwell of Bridport Christmas Cheer Committee said: “Bridport Christmas Cheer promises to offer a wide range of festivities and Christmas celebrations for each and every one to enjoy.”


Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis Christmas lightsLyme Regis Christmas lights (Image: Archive)

Lyme Regis will be illuminated by Christmas magic on Saturday, November 23 shortly after 5pm.

It will follow a day of festive cheer with a Christmas lantern workshop at 2pm in the Lyme Regis Baptist Church Pine Hall – this is a free event with all materials provided.

At 4pm the lanterns will be judged with prizes given for the best entries in each category.

Then at 5pm, Lyme Regis Majorettes, Fitsteps and Lyme Morris will be performing in Broad Street, followed by a parade of Christmas lanterns before Santa arrives to switch on the lights.

Cllr Philip Evans, mayor of Lyme Regis and chairman of the council’s Tourism, Community and Publicity Committee, said: “The Christmas lights’ display in Lyme Regis is a spectacular sight and is widely regarded as the best in the area.

“The Christmas lights’ switch-on and the lantern parade draws in hundreds of people and signals the start of the festive season in the town.

“As mayor, I will have the honour of leading the countdown and Santa will press the button to light up Lyme, something I am thoroughly looking forward to.

“The volunteer committee work hard throughout the entire year to fund the display and Lyme Regis Town Council is proud to be a major sponsor.

“It’s great to see businesses in the town getting behind the event, with sponsorship, beautifully dressed windows and decorated trees on buildings. It’s a real community event which the whole town eagerly awaits each year.”

Do you have details of any events that we may have missed? Email our reporter Hollie: hollie.carr@newsquest.co.uk.