The countdown to Christmas has unofficially started now that the clocks have gone back and shops are slowly turning into winter wonderlands.

Here is all you need to know about the Christmas events in our area:

Bridport

Bridport Christmas CheerBridport Christmas Cheer (Image: Graham Hunt Photography)

In west Dorset, Bridport Christmas Cheer will be held on Wednesday, December 4 from 4pm – 8pm, with the all-exciting light switch on to be held at 6pm by the Mayor.

There will be an abundance of street stalls, arts and crafts, and local food.  Stalls will line the streets as well as inside Bridport Arts Centre and the Town Hall.

The festive event is set to kick off at 4pm with local school choirs singing carols in Bucky Doo Square.

This will be followed by a full programme of entertainment and live music in the square. Local businesses and hospitality venues will also be opening late to welcome customers

The United Church in East Street will again be hosting the Christmas Tree festival with sparkling and illuminated trees. 

Terri Foxwell of Bridport Christmas Cheer Committee said: “Bridport Christmas Cheer promises to offer a wide range of festivities and Christmas celebrations for each and every one to enjoy.”


Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis Christmas lightsLyme Regis Christmas lights (Image: Archive)

Lyme Regis will be illuminated by Christmas magic on Saturday, November 23 shortly after 5pm.

It will follow a day of festive cheer with a Christmas lantern workshop at 2pm in the Lyme Regis Baptist Church Pine Hall – this is a free event with all materials provided.

At 4pm the lanterns will be judged with prizes given for the best entries in each category.

Then at 5pm, Lyme Regis Majorettes, Fitsteps and Lyme Morris will be performing in Broad Street, followed by a parade of Christmas lanterns before Santa arrives to switch on the lights.

Cllr Philip Evans, mayor of Lyme Regis and chairman of the council’s Tourism, Community and Publicity Committee, said: “The Christmas lights’ display in Lyme Regis is a spectacular sight and is widely regarded as the best in the area.

“The Christmas lights’ switch-on and the lantern parade draws in hundreds of people and signals the start of the festive season in the town.

“As mayor, I will have the honour of leading the countdown and Santa will press the button to light up Lyme, something I am thoroughly looking forward to.

“The volunteer committee work hard throughout the entire year to fund the display and Lyme Regis Town Council is proud to be a major sponsor.

“It’s great to see businesses in the town getting behind the event, with sponsorship, beautifully dressed windows and decorated trees on buildings. It’s a real community event which the whole town eagerly awaits each year.”


Bradpole, Bridport

Martin Clunes at the Christmas lights house in White Close, BradpoleMartin Clunes at the Christmas lights house in White Close, Bradpole (Image: Monica Teague)

Once again, Doc Martin star Martin Clunes will head to 2 White Close in Bradpole at 6pm on Friday, November 29.

The owners of the house, Monica and Rob Teague, put on a spectacular lit up display every year, in order to raise money for charity.

Money raised will go to Julia’s House Children’s Hospice, of which Mr Clunes is a patron.

The displays have become one of the highlights of the festive season in the area, but the couple has announced this year will be their last.


West Bay

File image of the treeFile image of the tree

The West Bay Christmas Tree on Harbour Green event is set to take place on Sunday, December 8, from 3pm.

There will be carols and a church service inside St John's Church and then it's time to head outside for the big Christmas light switch-on at 4pm.

The event is hosted by West Bay Days and during the service, they are hoping to give away around £20,000 that they have raised from events this year to local groups and charities.

There will also be mince pies and mulled wine on offer.


Beaminster

Beaminster's Christmas tree twinkles in the SquareBeaminster's Christmas tree twinkles in the Square (Image: Jennie Mulcahey)

The Beaminster Christmas light switch on will take place in Beaminster Town Square on Friday, November 29.

More information regarding the event is set to be announced.

Do you have details of any events that we may have missed? Email our reporter Hollie: hollie.carr@newsquest.co.uk.