The festive fun continues across Dorset this week. Here's a look at some of the switch-ons and Christmas events taking place. 

Poole's popular lantern parade takes to the streets on Thursday, December 8. The procession leaves Falkland Square at 6pm and travels down the High Street with stilt walkers to the Guildhall where they will join Poole Old Town Conservation Group for carols and mince pies.

Read more: Bournemouth's getting a big wheel on the seafront this Christmas

The residents of Runton Road in Poole will be turning on their famous Christmas lights on Saturday. The big switch-on takes place at 5.30pm with Disco Mad Dance Academy providing entertainment. Visitors are advised park away from Runton Road and make sure they don't block access to people's driveways. As usual, the residents will be collecting for a host of charities including Forest Holme Hospice, Julia's House Childrens Hospice, Sarah Waters Ms Treatment and Freia Barry Leukemia Treatment. 

Corfe Castle's Winter Lights will be illuminated on Saturday, December 10. Take in the festive atmosphere with contemporary lanterns, braziers, beacons and lights. The castle will be open until 7pm, weather permitting. There will also be mulled wine. Usual admission fees apply but the event itself is free. The event includes Wish Christmas trees where visitors can share a special memory.

The 28th annual Save the Children Christmas Parade takes place in Wimborne on Saturday. Participants will leave Cobham's at 2.15pm before parading to the Square. There will be around 50 floats in this year's procession. There will be road closures around the Square from 8am-5pm, East Borough from Hanham Road and the High Street from 12.30pm-5pm and the rest of the route from Cobhams to the Square on a rolling basis from 2pm-4.30pm. 

A 3km fancy dress walk in aid of Poole Hospital Charity takes place on Sunday. The Elf Dash event is open to children and adults, and all participants will receive an elf hat, bespoke medal, and mince pie and drink. Children will be able to visit Santa in his grotto at the end of the route. Visit elfdash.eventbrite.co.uk for tickets.

The annual Wareham Christmas Parade takes place on Sunday. Entertainment starts at 4pm, with main parade including Santa coming down the chimney of the Red Lion Hotel, North Street, at 4.45pm.

Join Hattie Miles for a Westbourne Christmas themed guided walk on Saturday, starting at 10.45am from the Seymoor Road end of the arcade. Come along to find out about the development of our traditional Christmas celebrations, fun facts about famous people connected to the area and their Christmas stories. £4 for all. No need to book. Another walk takes place on Thursday, December 15. More details on walkingtalks.wordpress.com

A Christmas craft fair takes place at Parkstone Grammar School in Sopers Lane on Saturday. The event runs from 11am to 4pm featuring over 40 craft stalls, bottle tombola, cakes, a mini raffle and entertainment from a brass band. It is free to attend, with wheelchair access and disabled toilets available, and there is free parking in the school car park.

The Great Pudding Stir will be held at the Priest's House Museum in Wimborne on Saturday December 10 from 10am to 4pm. Stir a bowl of Mrs Beeton's Christmas pudding mix. Adults £1.50. Children £1.

The Christmas 10k run takes place in Christchurch on Sunday. The race, which usually starts in Burton, will now begin at East Christchurch Sports and Social Club in Grange Road.