1. Kicking off the Christmas festivities is the RNLI Moors Valley Reindeer Run on Sunday (November 25). There's a 5k run at 10am followed by a 10k run at 10.30am. For those who like to take things at a leisurely pace, there's a Santa Saunter at 11am. RNLI mascots Rookie Reindeer and Stormy Stan will be there, too. There are free T-shirts and medals for those taking part. Entry for the 10k for an adult costs £18 or £16 for the 5k. Children can also take part in the events. In addition to the entry fee, participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of £50 in sponsorship for the RNLI.

2. Oakhaven Hospice will be hosting their Santa Dash for another year on Sunday, December 9. Hundreds of Santas will run, walk, hop, skip or jump along the 3k route in Lymington. The event is raising much-needed funds so its specialist services can continue across the community. Entry is from £7 (including your Santa suit), and registration will start at 9am, with the race beginning at 11:30 am. https://www.oakhavenhospice.co.uk/santa-dash-2018/

3. If running's not for you, then take a Santa Stroll round Pamphill cricket ground and raise some money for Forest Holme Hospice. The Christmas-themed walk on December 16 at 10 am is suitable for all ages. Dogs are welcome but must be well behaved and kept on a lead at all times. Entry is £10 for adults and £5 for children and includes a Santa hat. The walk lasts 90 minutes to two hours. To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/santa-stroll-2018-tickets-50863014646

4. Durlston Country Park is holding a Christmas Pudding Plod on December 16 to raise money for Dementia Friendly Swanage and the Durlston Pleasure Grounds Project. The 2k or 5k fun run is suitable for all abilities and ages, and Christmas costumes are highly encouraged. Entry is £6 for adults and £4 for children. Meet at the castle.

5. The 10th annual Great Santa Fun Run takes place at Badbury Rings on December 9 at 10.45am. The event, organised by Wimborne rotary, will see runners make their way along the point-to-point course. Following a cheerful warm-up session, entrants assemble for the start and then choose to run or walk over a challenging course of two or four miles raising sponsorship for their individual or team charities. The oldest participants last year were John and Molly Slow from Wimborne, aged 87 and 86 respectively, who successfully completed the two-mile challenge. Participants will get a free mince pie. Visit rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.php?PgID=723821&ClubID=690