IT IS the first weekend of December and that means one thing - Christmas festivities have officially started.
So it’s time to get into the yuletide spirit, pop your hat and scarf on and get out to some of the wonderful events taking place across Dorset.
There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from fun runs to deep house yoga and Christmas markets.
Here are a handful of the best events taking place this weekend:
Elf Dash
The popular Elf Dash will be returning for its sixth year this Christmas in aid of University Hospital Dorset NHS Charity.
Taking place at Branksome Dene Beach, the annual sponsored event, previously hosted by Poole Hospital Charity, returns on Saturday, December 4.
Members of the public are invited to take on a sponsored walk, run, skip or dance along a 2km promenade route.
Elf Dash tickets are priced at £10 for adults (age 16+) and £6 per child and attendees are also encouraged to raise additional sponsorship to support the charity.
READ MORE: Popular Elf Dash in aid of hospital returns this Christmas
Festive fun day at Moors Valley
Get into the festive spirit, with a full day of Christmas fun, including childrens crafts of tree decorations, willow stars and party hats, and performances by the Dorset Youth Marching Band.
There is no need to book and the event will run from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Saturday, December 4.
Latino night at Poole Hill Brewery
Poole Hill Brewery is hosting a free Latino night from 8.30pm on Friday, December 3.
Salsa, merengue, bachata and kizomba music will be played by Mr Eversley, from Cuba, to get people moving on the dancefloor.
The New Forest off-road half marathon
End your 2021 season with the New Forest half marathon starting from Lyndhurst.
Consisting of wide, hard-packed gravel pathways, the route weaves through magnificent forests where you'll encounter the native New Forest ponies as well as horses, donkeys, and deer roaming free and grazing on the side of the trails.
The route can be described as slightly undulating / relatively flat with only a 183m elevation gain over the full half marathon route.
At the finish runners will receive a well-deserved medal, protein bar, pair of running socks and neck buff.
Wimborne Rotary Great Santa Fun Run
After a year's absence due to Covid restrictions, the Great Santa Fun Run will return to Wimborne this weekend.
Organised by Wimborne Rotary, the event which aims to raise funds for local children’s charities, will take place on Saturday, December 4.
Starting at 10am from Allenbourn Middle School, entrants for the run will be able to choose from a 2K or 5K course.
Entry is £10 for adults and £5 for under-18s with all proceeds going to Julia’s House.
READ MORE: Wimborne Rotary Great Santa Fun Run 2021
Entrants can either turn up on the day or pre-book by registering via email at santarun2021@wimbornerotary.org.
Percy the Park Keeper’s winter wander trail
Treat your little ones to a world of adventures at on the Percy the Park Keeper's winter wander trail at Kingston Lacy on Saturday, December 4 from 9.30am.
Join in the fun with Percy and his animal friends and give nature a helping hand.
The trail costs £2, plus standard admission.
Swanage Christmas Market
The popular Swanage Christmas market is back following its absence last year due to the pandemic.
There will be numerous stalls selling gifts, crafts, food and drink - Santa will also be paying the event a visit. Accompanying all of this will be a music programme.
The market is running from 10am to 4pm and is hosted by Swanage Rotary - it will take place in Station Road and Commercial Road in Swanage.
Handmade Christmas Fair at the Drovers Inn
Buttons and Bows Events are running the handmade Christmas Fair with the Drovers Inn on Sunday, December 5.
Held at the Drovers Inn, Wimborne, the event will trade from 12pm to 3pm.
There will be 25 traders selling a range of handmade items alongside refreshments, a Christmas raffle and roast dinners (though booking is advised).
The event is free to attend and there is also free parking on-site.
Groove Om Yoga
Groove Om Yoga is hosting a new ‘deep house yoga’ event at Halo nightclub on Sunday, December 5.
Described as a ‘totally guilt-free’ night out, the yoga event will be hosted by DJ Michael French and is a chance to stretch, breathe and move to a ‘disco house mix’.
Guests must bring their own yoga mat, doors open at 6.30pm - the yoga starts at 7pm.
Tickets cost £17 and can be found on the Groove Om Yoga website.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel