Christmas carols, concerts and festive events in Dorset - December 2014

From candlelit carols and classic ballets to stargazing and a Solstice walk there are plenty of exciting events happening around the county this month

• Christmas lights, shops and festivals in Dorset - December 2014

• Winter in Dorset - photography, things to do and walks to enjoy

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4-5 December - Slightly Fat Features Variety Soup

The smash hit comedy troupe will be cavorting at the Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis prior to a Christmas West End run.

Box office 01297 442138

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4 December - The Nutcracker

Vienna Festival Ballet perform Tchaikovsky’s magical ballet at Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne.

Box office 01202 885566

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6 December - Medieval Winter Day

Take part in traditional skills carried out over thousands of winters including charcoal burning at Cranborne’s Ancient Technology Centre.

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6 December - Christmas Wreath Workshop

Morning and afternoon wreath workshops at Highway Farm, Bridport. Make one for you and then one to sell for charity.

Book early 01308 424321.

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7 December - Stargazing at Durlston

Join the Wessex Astronomical Society to view the winter constellations through a telescope. Weather dependent.

Phone 01929 424443 after 4pm on the day to confirm.

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7, 14 & 21 December - Brownsea Island Christmas Walk

A rare chance to visit this magical island out of season 10.30am – 3pm. Booking essential 01202 707744.

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9 December - Festive Willow Workshop

Make contemporary Christmas decorations at this workshop for adults at Moors Valley Park.

10am – 1pm. Booking essential 01425 470721.

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9 December - Christmas Concert

The New Elizabethan Singers perform festive music and readings at St John’s Church, West Bay, 7.30 pm.

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10 December - Carol Train

Carols on the Swanage Steam Railway. Limited seating.

Booking 01929 425800.

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11 December - A Victorian Christmas

Blast from the Past brings festive tunes of your ancestors to the Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis.

Box office 01297 442138

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12 December - Christmas Crackerz

Supersonic 70s Christmas Show at Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne featuring festive hits and crazy outfits from the Glam Rock era.

Box office 01202 885566

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12 December - A Medieval Christmas

Blast from the Past perform tunes from Yuletide on cittern, bagpipes and shawm as well as a Canterbury Tale or two at Dorchester Arts Centre.

Box office 01305 266926.

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13 December - Messiah

Bournemouth Bach Choir & Orchestra perform Handel’s masterpiece by candlelight at Christchurch Priory at 7.30pm.

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13 December - Christmas Soirée

Pianist Duncan Honeybourne and violinist Izabau Rothman perform Franck’s Violin Sonata and Christmas pieces at The Old School House, Tincleton. Starts 7.30pm. Booking 01305 848909

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15 December - An Albion Christmas

A tour through the Christmas customs of Britain with a seasonal mix of carols, words, humorous readings and dance at Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis

Box office 01297 442138

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16-17 December Oh Whistle...

Supernatural Victorian Christmas tales by Montague Rhodes James are bought to life in this gripping performance at Lighthouse Poole.

Box office 0844 406 8666.

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17 December - Noël! Noël!

Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir perform this festive celebration at Dorset County Museum with mulled wine, mince pies and readings. Starts 7.30pm.

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17 December - Messiah

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) perform Handel’s Christmas classic at Lighthouse Poole.

Box office 0844 406 8666.

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17-18 December - Swan Lake

Ballet Theatre UK’s spectacular new production of a timeless ballet classic at the Corn Exchange, Dorchester.

Box office 01305 267992

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18 December - Carols with the Mayor

Community carols at Christchurch Priory 7.30pm.

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19 December - Carols in the Corn Market

Traditional Christmas carols in Wimborne’s candlelit Corn Market accompanied by a local band 6pm -7pm.

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20 December - Christmas Carolling

Join folk musician Tim Laycock for an afternoon of traditional carols at Max Gate, Thomas Hardy’s Dorchester home and celebrate Christmas Hardy-style Runs from 1pm – 5pm.

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20 December - Last Night of the Christmas Proms

Family concert with the BSO featuring seasonal classics old and new at Lighthouse Poole.

Box office 0844 406 8666.

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20 December - Winter Birds of Poole Harbour

Winter bird watching led by Paul Morton of The Birds of Poole Harbour 1pm – 3.30pm followed by a festive mince pie or two.

Booking essential 01202 641003

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21 December - Winter Solstice

Watch sunrise on the shortest day of the year from Corfe Castle ruins followed by breakfast.

Booking essential 0844 249 1895