Christmas is now just a short period away now and people might be wondering where the local Christmas lights switch-on might be this year.
Along with Christmas markets, lights switch-ons are a celebrated part of the festive period bringing many people together.
Town centres will be illuminated against the backdrop of the winter darkness, bringing a sense of wonder.
Many different events will be taking place around Dorset to switch on Christmas lights, or to get people ready for the season.
Dorset Christmas lights switch-on events for 2023
Christchurch Christmas lights switch on
Christchurch will have a Christmas lights switch-on event taking place on Saturday, November 25.
This will occur in the High Street and Saxon Square at 5.30pm.
Elsewhere on the day between 11am and 7pm there will be performances from singers and groups including Soul To Soul Choir, The Choir Engine Christchurch and Charlie Greenwood.
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland
Bournemouth's Christmas Tree Wonderland is returning this year with more than 100 glittering trees lighting the path from the market all the way down to the seafront.
These impressive attractions will be switched on from Friday, November 17 to Monday, January 1.
Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail
This free attraction going through Poole High Street and onto the Quay will be switched on on Friday, November 25.
On its website, it says: "2023 features a number of impressive light installations, including a galleon, walk-through lantern and bauble, an anchor as well as Christmas tree installations including the 13-metre blue sealife tree in Falkland Square.
"We also have garlands, icicles, beautifully wrapped trees, and a marine 'ceiling of light' featuring fish and starfish."
It will run until January 2, 2024.
Swanage Pier Lighting up Lives
The 'Lighting Up Lives’ campaign will be back on Swanage Pier where people are invited to dedicate a light to someone or a group of people they want to show their appreciation for.
On Friday, December 8 these lights will be switched on at 6pm by a special guest.
On the Swanage Pier website, it says: "Enjoy music from local groups Kelp! and the Allsort'd Choir, be entertained by Christmas characters and watch the lights being switched on at 6.00pm by our special guest."
Christmas in Ferndown Market lights
Address: The Barrington Centre, Pennys Walk, Ferndown BH22 9TH
Christmas in Ferndown Market is a free public event that welcomes all the family with various attractions.
Taking place on Saturday, November 25 the switching-on of the Ferndown Christmas Tree Lights will take place here.
Alongside that, there will be market stalls, food stalls, Santas Grotto, music and other entertainment.
Ringwood Winter Wanderland
Ringwood Town Council's Winter Wanderland event is back for another year and will see plenty going on.
Taking place on Sunday, November 26 the event will feature a market with over 60 stalls, two Santa parades, street entertainment and The Polar Express miniature railway.
On top of that there will be a Christmas lights switch on with Santa at 6pm on the day.
Corfe Castle Village Christmas Lights switch-on
Corfe Castle's Christmas lights switch-on will be taking place on Saturday, December 2 at around 5pm.
Refreshments will be available at 4pm and some children's carol singing will take place.
After that, Father Christmas will arrive and the lights in the village will be switched on soon after.
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 hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel