Whether it’s your best rendition of ‘Silent Night’ or an upbeat sing-along to ‘We Wish you a Merry Christmas’, there’s nothing like a bit of carolling to get you in the festive spirit. Here’s our round-up of concerts happening in Dorset…
3 - 5 DECEMBER
CAROLLING AND CRUMPETS
John Kirkpatrick presents a heart-warming look at the timeless rituals and folklore of midwinter England from wassailing and wren-hunting to toe-tapping tunes and cracking choruses. Starts 7.30pm.
3 Dec: Ibberton Village Hall (VH) 01258 817269; 4 Dec: Hinton Martell VH 01258 840066; 5 Dec: Litton Cheney Community Hall 01308 482552
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4 DECEMBER
TCHAIKOVSKY MAGIC
Kirill Karabits conducts the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) in Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite and Mozart's Piano Concert No 24.
Lighthouse Poole 01202 280000
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4 & 11 DECEMBER
JULIA'S HOUSE CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
This annual Julia's House event is a lovely way to start your Dorset Christmas.
4 Dec: St James' Church, Poole with actor Guy Henry (Holby City); 11 Dec: St James' Church, Shaftesbury with espionage author, John Le Carre. Starts 7pm.
Book at juliashouse.org, 01202 644220
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15 DECEMBER
THE GRUMPY OLD CHRISTMAS SHOW
The high wizard of the prog rock keyboard Rick Wakeman shares music and anecdotes from Yes, The Beatles and Bowie.
Lighthouse Poole 01202 280000
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4 - 7 DECEMBER
JINGLE BELL ROCKOUT
Wessex Musical Theatre's Christmas show features a disco classics medley and festive favourites. Starts 7.30pm (also 2.30pm Saturday) Hope Church, Trinity Street, Weymouth.
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8 DECEMBER
CANZONETTA AT CHRISTMAS
Songs and readings for the festive season at the Church of the Holy Rood, Wool. Starts at 3pm.
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8 DECEMBER
LYME BAY CHORALE
Christmas music at St Michael's Church, Lyme Regis at 4pm.
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8 & 13 DECEMBER
CAROLS IN THE CASTLE
Sing Christmas songs old and new in the ruins of Corfe Castle from 5pm.
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16 & 18 DECEMBER
NOËL! NOËL!
Enjoy uplifting Christmas songs and carols, including 18th century carols that Jane Austen and Henry Fielding could well have heard, with the Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir.
Starts 8pm. bschoir.org.uk. 16 Dec: Canford School, Wimborne; 18 Dec: Sunninghill Community Hall, South Walks Road, Dorchester
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17 DECEMBER
JOY TO THE WORLD!
La Nova Singers bring their festive sparkle to Highcliffe Castle - in a glorious celebration of lush harmonies and heart-warming festive classics.
Starts 7.30pm. lanovasingers.co.uk
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18 DECEMBER
HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Nicholas McGegan conducts Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in Handel's ever-popular retelling of the Nativity story.
Lighthouse Poole 01202 280000
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21 DECEMBER
CANDLELIT CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
St Ambrose Church in West Cliff Road, Bournemouth is illuminated by candles as the ethereal voices of La Nova Singers perform Britten's Ceremony of Carols and other festive favourites.
Starts 7.30pm.lanovasingers.co.uk
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21 DECEMBER
LAST NIGHT OF THE CHRISTMAS PROMS
Enjoy festive music from the BSO in this family concert featuring seasonal classics old and new.
Lighthouse, Poole 01202 280000
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22 DECEMBER
THAT'LL BE THE DAY CHRISTMAS SHOW
Topped with lashings of Christmas spirit, get ready to party at this popular Rock 'n' Roll variety show with favourite Christmas classics from the 50s, 60s & 70s to get you rocking around the Christmas tree.
BIC Windsor Hall, Bournemouth 0300 500 0595
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23 DECEMBER
CHRISTMAS CAROLS WITH THE BSO
Sing your favourite carols accompanied by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
Lighthouse Poole 01202 280000
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