Itching to get out of the house and away from those leftover mince pies? Here's a guide to some of the events taking place across Dorset

1. A Family Festive Quiz Trail is being held at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest between 10.30am and 3pm from December 26 until January 1. A self-led trail with activities for everyone plus 2017 trivia questions.

2. Walk off those mince pies and selection boxes with a festive stroll at Holes Bay to Monkey Island on Friday, December 29. Meet in the main car park for 10.30am. Wear suitable clothing and bring binoculars as there will be the chance to see wildfowl and waders. The free walk runs until 1.30pm. For more information contact Ken Yeates at dwtpoole2@hotmail.co.uk.

3. A screening of Paddington 2 takes place at the Regent between Wednesday, December 27 and Sunday, December 31.

4. A social puzzle evening over the Christmas period will be part of an effort to combat loneliness. The Oddfellows Friendly Society is hosting the event on Wednesday, December 27, 7.30pm at Tuckton Social Club in Tuckton Road, with places costing £3. It is part of a national campaign by the mutual non-profit organisation to improve people’s lives by forging new friendships.

5. Christchurch based artists, Jan Clyde and Carol Owen, come together for their first joint art exhibition for the New Year at the Regent in Christchurch from Saturday, December 30 to Friday, January 19. They will be exhibiting about thirty five pieces of their work and these will consist of local, not so local and still life scenes in oils, watercolours, acrylics and pastels

6. A New Year's Day swim will take place at Boscombe in aid of a natural health centre by the sea. The event will start at 11.30am on the beach outside hut 472 near Urban Reef cafe. Refreshments will be available for a donation in the bucket. It has been organised by group Swimming Against Depression.

7. An opportunity to quickly pass on any unwanted Christmas gifts is being hosted by 60 Million Postcards on Boxing Day.From 3pm, the Exeter Road venue will offer people the opportunity to exchange their undesired presents with others.

8. The Talbot Rise annual pantomime takes place on Saturday December 30.The performance of Aladdin from a cast of five top children’s entertainers gets underway at 3pm.

9. Shake off the post-Christmas Day blues by taking part in the Round the Lakes 10k and fun run on Boxing Day at Poole Park. Entries are still being taken for the event, which is organised by Poole Athletic Club.Every finisher in the 10k receives a bottle of wine.