1. Poole will be getting into the Christmas spirit with a host of family-friendly activities taking place over the next few days. The Christmas lights will be switched on in Falkland Square this evening at 5.45pm with popular former CBeebies presenter Chris Jarvis, who is appearing in Dick Whittington at the Lighthouse, attending along with the Mayor of Poole. A day of children’s entertainment, face painting, games, activities, and magic shows will take place on Saturday with Professor Bubblewubble performing his live show. Then on Sunday (December 2), the festivities culminate with the annual Santa Parade. Santa will arrive at 11am on Poole Quay, transported by City Cruises, after which the procession will lead through the town to Falkland Square where there will be entertainment from 12pm.

2. Ringwood will be switching on its Christmas illuminations on Sunday (December 2). From 10am, there will be a Christmas market, a funfair and Father Christmas will be in his grotto until 4pm. At 12noon, there will be street entertainment followed by carol singing and other live music from 2pm. Then at 5pm, Santa will leave the Gateway on his horse drawn procession before arriving in Market Square to switch on the Christmas Lights at 5.15pm.

3. Westbourne’s Victorian-themed Christmas celebrations begin tomorrow (November 30) with a Carols by Candlelight service complete with snow in Westbourne Arcade between 4pm and 7pm. Visitors will also be able to enjoy late night shopping and children’s entertainer Jamie Jigsaw will be entertaining youngsters. On Saturday, Santa will take up residence in his grotto and there will be a festive feel to the Artisan Farmers Market while Peter Treble Butchers will be holding their annual sausage eating competition.

4. Winton Salvation Army will be performing an evening of music and carols at the Regent Centre tomorrow night (November 30) from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £7 for adults and £5 for under 16s.

5. Father Christmas is coming to Boscombe for his annual parade on Saturday. He will be making his way from Boscombe Pier at 9.45am by sleigh to the Sovereign Centre where the parade will come to a stop at 10am. Santa will officially open his grotto at 12pm.

6. The Coca-Cola truck will be rolling into Bournemouth this weekend as part of its UK tour. People will be able to see the iconic truck at Pier Approach between 12pm and 8pm on Saturday and Sunday.

7. Synth-pop outfit The Human League headline the BIC tonight while over at the Pavilion Theatre, The Overtones will be performing favourites from their previous albums and songs from their new record. Tomorrow night sees Billy Ocean bring his tour to the BIC with Blake performing Christmas classics at the Regent.

8. The residents of Byron Road in New Milton will be lighting up their street at 4pm on Sunday. Father Christmas will be stopping by along with the Highcliffe Charity Players and Shaine Singer from Channel 4 show, The Undateables. There will also be music from Scott Haynes and Emma Hardy. The event will raise money for the Anthony Nolan Trust.

9. Southbourne's popular Christmas on the Green event returns on Saturday. visitors will be able to meet Santa and his elves, enjoy mince pies and mulled wine and enter the Christmas raffle. Takes place between 10am and 3.30pm.

10. Hengistbury Head is switching on its Christmas lights in the Visitor Centre courtyard on Saturday at 4.30pm. There will be mince pies and Christmas songs. The event is free but booking is essential.

11. A Christmas and toy parade comes to Castlepoint on Saturday with parades taking place at 11am and 2pm. It will feature much-loved fairy-tale characters, singers and bands. There will also be real reindeer at the centre and snow.