Christmas is just around the corner, so let festivities begin!
There really is something for everyone this festive season with a wide range of festive events taking place across the region.
Here are some of the best Christmas events in Dorset:
Steam and lights
Where: Swanage Railway, Station House, Swanage, BH19 1HB
Price: Adults £20 and children £15.
Dates: Between December 5 and 30 from 5.15pm and 7.15pm.
Take your Christmas festivities to the next level this year with a magical trip through the Purbecks.
The steam train and carriages will be covered with brightly coloured lights while the cosy steam-heated carriage interiors will be festively decorated for the one-hour evening round trip passing the historic ruins of Corfe Castle.
Stations and key points along the line will be specially lit as the Steam and Lights train passes through in the dark.
On board the train, there will be festive music synchronised to the lighting displays passing the carriage windows as well as an informative on-train commentary.
You must pre-book before and there is limited availability due to Covid.
Elf Trail
Where: Nothe Fort and Weymouth Town Centre
Price: Adults £8, Children £2, under five's go free.
Date: Every weekend in December except 26 and 27.
As part of the We Are Weymouth Elf Trail, Nothe Fort and Weymouth town centre will be invaded by elves through the weekends of December.
In this groundbreaking partnership with the North Pole, Nothe Fort has agreed to become the new training ground for future Elves on the Shelf.
Elf spotters are needed to help find all the mischevious elves around the fort each day - exploring the fort and all of its underground passageways will be a festive day out like no other.
Tickets do not need to be bought in advance. For more information visit the website.
Christmas market
Where: Shire Hall, Dorchester
Date: December 12 and 13 from 10am to 5pm.
Stock up on locally made Christmas gifts, cards and produce for you and your loved ones.
Expect the stalls to include cards, festive refreshments, ornaments, personalised gifts and more.
Visit their Facebook page to find out more.
Chase the pudding race
Where: Online
Price: £10 for over 16s and £3 for under 16s.
Dates: All weekend on December 19 and 20.
Even Covid cannot stop the iconic and hilarious Chase The Pudding Christmas Race which will be taking place virtually this year.
Sign up and run the 5km wherever you like, festive dressing up encouraged! For the under 16s there is also the Chase The Elf, a 2km option.
All the money raised will go to The Will Mackaness Trust.
This article has been ammended from the original.
Will you be going to any festive events this year? Let us know in the comments.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here