Looking for a Christmas event to get you in the festive spirit? here's our guide to light switch-ons, markets and other activities taking place across Dorset and Hampshire this weekend and beyond.

If you'd like us to add an event to this round-up email digital@bournemouthecho.co.uk

Christmas light switch-ons

Westbourne's first ever 'Christmas Light Fiesta' takes place on December 3. Instead of the usual Christmas lights switch on, Westbourne is set to host an event boasting live music, light performers and dancers, UV lighting, LED balloons and glow paint. There will also be a new pop-up Santa's Grotto in the Arcade, from November 26, and a best dressed Christmas window competition running throughout December. The Christmas Light Fiesta will take place between 4-6pm.

It’s Broadstone’s annual Christmas parade on Saturday. The event begins with the market from 11am before the increasingly-popular procession gets underway at 1.30pm. It starts in Story Lane, following a clockwise route taking in The Broadway where most spectators will turn out. After the parade, Broadstone Methodist Church hosts a free showing of The Jungle Book 2 with coffee and mince pies.

Stilt-walking reindeer and a marching band will herald the arrival of Father Christmas in Boscombe on Saturday. The portly fellow will depart Boscombe Pier at 9.45am for his Grand Parade accompanied by youngsters from the Amelia Grace Rainbow Fund charity in the land train, as well as the Dolphin marching band and Elsa from Frozen. On arriving in the precinct at around 10.15am he will be welcomed into his grotto at the Sovereign Shopping Centre by mayor Eddie Coope. On the day children can enjoy free face painting between 11.30am and 1.30pm, a musical performance by Queen Elsa between 11.15am and 12.45pm, and and a host of other surprises. The grotto, costing £4 which will all go to charity, will officially open at 10.30am.

Ringwood's Christmas lights will be illuminated on Saturday, December 3. There will be festive events taking place throughout the day between 10am and 7pm including a Christmas market, lantern parade, Santa's Grotto, rides for children, stalls and street entertainers.

Santa will be arriving in Southbourne on Saturday, along with real donkeys, stalls, face painting, live nativity scene and children's rides between 10am and 3.30pm.

Corfe Castle's Christmas lights will be illuminated on Saturday between 4.30pm and 6.30pm. 

New Milton will be turning on its lights at 5pm pn Saturday and entertainment will start in the town from midday. Roads surrounding the town centre will also be closed for a lantern parade at 4.15pm.

Christmas fayres and markets

Around 70 crafters will be hosting stalls for the Dorset Etsy Team Christmas Fair 2016 at Allendale House on December 3. The free-entry event runs from 10am to 4pm featuring people who normally sell their handcrafted items on the website including cards, homewares, gifts, art, sculptures, jewellery, candles and more. Go to Facebook.com/dorsetteam

A Christmas fayre will be held at All Saints Church in Castlemain Avenue from 11am until 2pm on December 3. There will be more than 30 stalls and refreshments. Santa will be there too and entry is free.

A Christmas Fair is being held at Christchurch Infant School in Addiscombe Road, Christchurch, from noon to 2.30pm on Saturday, with a range of stalls including toys, a raffle, books, tombola, barbecue and Santa’s grotto.

The RNLI College Christmas Market takes place on Sunday, from 11am to 4pm.Visitors will be able to visit a host of stalls and enjoy homemade crafts and produce at the free-entry event, as well as arts and crafts workshops and live music. Children can also enjoy a special visit from Santa who will be arriving by lifeboat. Go to Rnli.org/college

Pull a pine for Christmas at Arne Nature Reserve, near Wareham, from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, December 3. Help with the conservation work to remove small pines that threaten the heathland and take home a free, sustainable Christmas tree. Details from 01929 553360.

A Christmas Shopping Market takes place at Bournemouth Pavilion on Sunday, December 4. It runs from 11am until 4pm. Entry is just £2.50 for adults and children under 16 are free.  There will be a visit from Santa, Christmas carols and 90 stalls. 

Other events for your diary

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.

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.