Fill your Christmas in 2022 with festive sparkles, from magical winter wonderlands to town-centre light switch on celebrations.
Nothing says Christmas quite like lighting up the dark with colourful and twinkling lights. Once you've decorated your own home, or if you're looking for inspiration, there are plenty of places to go and enjoy a festive atmosphere in Dorset this year.
In no particular order, we've found ten places to enjoy the show with trails, illuminations, and switch-on events.
Lyme Regis Christmas Lights Switch On
Broad Street, Lyme Regis
November 26th
In 2021 the festive extravaganza is set to be bigger and better than ever. Start your countdown to Christmas in style with an illuminated Carnival, lantern parade, and switch on of the town’s Christmas lights. Bring your own decorated lantern for a chance to win a prize.
Christmas Lights and Reindeer Experience
Nutley Farm, Winfrith Heath, DT2 8DT
November 27th - December 30th
This will be the third year of festive fun at Nutley Farm and all proceeds go to the Somerset and Dorset Air Ambulance Service. Meet the friendly reindeer, enjoy an even longer light trail, and have the chance to say hello to Father Christmas on certain days.
Christmas Lights Illumination at Brewery Square
Brewery Square, Dorchester, DT1 1GH
TBC
Enjoy live music, entertainment, mulled wine, illuminations, late night shopping and more at this year's celebration. There will also be a skate rink where you can practice your best Torvill and Dean impression.
Christmas at Kingston Lacy
Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, BH21 4EA
December 2nd - 4th and December 7th - 24th
The National Trust's hugely popular illumination trails are coming back to the Dorset countryside this year. Join family and friends for a night-time walk and be amazed by how the grounds are lit up alongside festive music.
Steam and Lights
Swanage Railway, Swanage, BH19 1HB
Various dates through December
Children and adults alike will love our next event with a "festive, evocative, dramatic and colourful Steam and Lights train journey through the Isle of Purbeck countryside". On board the train, there will be festive music synchronised to the lighting displays passing the carriage windows.
Christmas Tree Wonderland
The Square, Bournemouth BH2 5LY
November 18th - January 2nd
Bournemouth is set to be lit up by more than 100 festive-themed illuminations this winter. The wonderland, including a 60-foot feature tree and trail, are part of a larger celebration this Christmas in the town which includes an excellent Alpine Market too.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN DORSET
Runton Road Christmas Lights
Runton Road, Branksome, Poole, BH12 1NX
By the second week of December
Our next Christmas light event is a delightful community event where the residents of a little cul-de-sac get together to decorate their homes and gardens for the enjoyment of visitors.
Ferndown's Merry Christmas Lights Switch On
Ferndown Town Centre, Ferndown, BH22 9TH
November 26th
There will be festive fun in the centre from 10am with a big switch on at 5pm. Santa will also be on hand in his grotto to meet with children after he has helped turn on the beautiful lights.
Poole Maritime Light Festival
Falkland Square, Poole BH15 1ER
November 19th - January 2nd
The Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival which celebrates Poole’s rich nautical heritage, features a spectacular trail of maritime-themed lights that will see the gateways to Poole including Hunger Hill and Lighthouse, lit up, welcoming people to the town centre.
Corfe Castle Lights Switch On
The Cross, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5EZ
December 3rd
Celebrate the switching on of the village Christmas lights with special guests reported to be in attendance. There is nowhere quite as atmospheric, so wrap up warm and enjoy the magic of the evening.
