Want to get in the festive spirit? Or simply want to avoid the shops and find something different to do? there are plenty of events taking place across Dorset this weekend.

On Saturday, the Winter Solstice Parade will take place in Boscombe. It will leave the Royal Arcade at 5pm and head to Boscombe Pier. It will be led by a Chinese dragon.

The event will finish with a bang as a firework display sponsored by Bournemouth Tourism is set to illuminate the skies at 6pm. There will also be mulled wine and hot chocolate available and the Male Voice Choir will be performing at Urban Reef.

To see pictures from Christmas events so far this year click here

Want to meet Santa and his elves? Then head to Wimborne Square to visit his very special Julia’s House Grotto between 10.30am and 4.30pm.

Entry is £6 per child and includes a gift. Each visit will raise funds to support local life-limited children. Wimborne is a new venue for the Julia’s House Grotto – previously it had been part of the Bournemouth Christmas Market.

Hundreds are expected to turn out for a carol service in Saxon Square in Christchurch at 4pm.

All manner of festive animals will be in Bournemouth Square for the Christmas farmyard petting zoo.

The festive pop-up cinema returns to Falkland Square in Poole and will be showing lots of seasonal screen treats.

Screenings will take place between 11am-6pm with a variety of classic Christmas films showing throughout the day. Shoppers will be able to take a break on colourful bean bag seating areas in the square and enjoy the films for free on a temporary 18 square meter LED screen.

An Ice Queen stilt walker and face painter will be in the High Street between 11am and 3pm to keep little ones entertained.

Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, A Muppet Christmas Carol and Arthur Christmas will be shown throughout the day.

On Sunday, scores of bikers will be dressing up as Father Christmas and snowmen for the Dorset Motorcycle Club’s annual ‘Mistletoe Run’ in Swanage. The ride, which is in aid of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, starts at 11.15am and finishes at Sandford Labour Club at 12noon.

  • Do you have any Christmas events taking place this weekend? Email digital@bournemouthecho.co.uk today and we will include them in our coverage.