HERE are eight of the best festive things to do in the run up to Christmas...

1. Bournemouth’s ice rink in the Lower Gardens opens on November 15 until January 6. Tickets £9-£11 (family ticket £36).

2. Head to Upton Country Park from November 24 to see real reindeer, friendly elves and, if you’re on the nice list, collect a gift from Santa himself. Prices start from £7.95.

3. Witness a one-man show adaptation of A Christmas Carol, featuring Olivier Award winner Guy Masterson on Friday, November 23 at the Shelley Theatre. Tickets £14.

4. Snuggle up under the stars for a classic Christmas film at an outdoor screening at the Sainsbury plaza in Poole. Food adn drink available. The film, which is yet to be confirmed, will have two showings at 4.30pm and 6.30pm on Thursday, December 6 and best of all entry is free.

5. Santa will be swapping his sleigh for a boat in December for cruises around Poole Harbour, courtesy of City Cruises Poole, including magic tricks, balloon modelling and Christmas carols. Tickets £16.50.

6. Poole Hospital’s Elf Dash is back! Don festive fancy dress and run, jog or walk to raise money for the trust at Poole Park on Sunday December 9. Registration 11.30am. Prices from £5.

7. Be part of the biggest conservation volunteering event at Pull a Pine at RSPB Arne on December 1 from 11am to 3pm. £5 for RSPB members and £15 for visitors. Do your bit for conservation and take home your own sustainably sourced Christmas tree. A Christmas fair will take place on December 2.

8. Experience the festive installations at Beaulieu Abbey and Palace House on selected dates between November 23 and December 24. Adults £14.50, children £8.