CHRISTMAS lights are set to dazzle villages and towns across Dorset and the New Forest this winter.
The Covid pandemic meant that festive celebrations were scaled-back or cancelled in 2020, but this year communities are preparing to host events once again.
Below is a list of some of the Christmas light switch-ons happening across the area.
It is by no means exhaustive so if you'd like to get in touch, you can fill out the form below.
Poole’s big Christmas light switch on at Poole Quay takes place on Saturday, November 20. The family-friendly event, hosted by Poole BID, will feature face-painting and entertainment acts starring Love Soul Choir amongst others, plus snow and bubble machines in Falkland Square. It will run between 11.30am and 5.30pm. Father Christmas will make several guest appearances throughout the afternoon on the Quay along with his elves and real reindeer too.
Read more: Poole’s big Christmas Light Switch On is back in just a couple of weeks
Bournemouth's Christmas Tree Wonderland returns to the town from Friday, November 19 to Sunday, January 2. Back by popular demand, the event includes the 60ft feature tree in the heart of the Lower Gardens. Visitors will be led by a trail from Lansdowne to the Triangle through the gardens to the seafront and can enjoy the 10m Changing Tree of Light, a cascading waterfall, giant reindeer, gingerbread people, polar bears, a giant bauble and trees representing cities from around the globe including the Moscow Tree will also return to Pier Approach.
Read more: Christmas Tree Wonderland to return with more than 100 illuminations
Ringwood’s Winter 'Wanderland' kicks off with a one-day community event on Sunday, November 28, for the official turning on of the Christmas lights in the High Street. The free event takes place between 11.30am and 6.30pm. It will feature a Christmas market, live music, Santa's grotto and his reindeer, hot food and drink, street entertainment, two Santa parades and children's fairground rides.
Read more: Christmas extravaganza returns with lights, competitions and a fairground
New Milton Christmas Festival takes place in Station Road on Saturday, November 27, from 12pm with the town's lights switched on at 5pm. It will feature stalls, street entertainment, a stage, Santa's Grotto, children's funfair and live entertainment.
Kingston Lacy will feature a trail of illuminations this winter. From December 3 2021 to January 2 2022, there will be specially chosen illuminations, all choreographed to a soundtrack of Christmas classics, with opportunities to pause at the mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden and glimpse Father Christmas along the way. The event will be open from 4.30pm, last entry 8pm and closes at 10pm on selected dates. Admission is £18 for adults, £14 for children and £60 for families of 2 adults & 2 children.
Read more: Explore a brand new Christmas Light Trail at Kingston Lacy
Corfe Castle's Christmas light switch-on will be held on Saturday, December 4, between 4.30pm and 5.30pm.
Runton Road's big Christmas light extravaganza will once again bring joy to visitors. Dubbed Britain's most festive street, there will not be a set-time for the switching on as in previous years. The residents of Runton Road in Branksome have been lighting up the street for Christmas for approximately 20 years. Normally the lights are up in time for the second weekend in December. Each day the lights begin coming on at approximately 4.30pm and start to be turned off at 10.00pm.
Read more: Britain’s ‘most festive street’ confirms Christmas lights back on
Moors Valley will be getting in the Christmas spirit on Saturday, November 27. There will be activities from 2pm including a fun festive colouring for children and performances by the Dorset Youth Marching Band. The lights will be switched on between 4pm and 4.30pm.
Swanage Railway will once again host a series of 'Steam and Lights' services. The popular train rides will operate on selected days between Sunday, November 27 and Friday, December 31 - trains will be covered in brightly coloured lights and will pass by a series of line-side lighting displays along the way. This is the second time this service has run, replacing the railway's traditional 'Santa Specials' due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Read more: All aboard! Special Christmas train services are steaming into Dorset
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