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A quick guide to all the Christmas lights switch-on events happening at towns across Dorset this year.
Kick off the festive season in style! Most towns in Dorset host an annual event to celebrate the start of the season and switch on the lights with plenty of fanfare and fun. I’ve compiled a list of all the events, with times and other helpful info. If I’ve missed one, let me know in the comments and I’ll get it added.
Christmas Light Switch-On Events
The list below is in alphabetical order by location, to make it easy to find your nearest event!
Bournemouth
When: 13 November 2025
Where: Lower Gardens
It appears there is no specific event planned, but the Christmas Tree Wonderland opens on the 13th.
Blandford Forum
When: 5 December. Lights at 6pm, entertainment until 10pm.
Where: Town Centre
More info
The Yuletide Festival is an annual tradition in Blandford Forum. There’s also a Craft Fair in the Sealy Suite at The Crown Hotel, carol singing, and live performances from local community groups in the evening. Blandford Library will be open until 8pm, offering Christmas crafts for children and adults.
Canford Heath
When: 5 December, 6pm-8pm (lights at 7pm).
Where: Adastral Square.
More info
Christchurch
When: 22 November 2025, 11am-7pm (lights at 5pm).
Where: Town Centre
More info
Corfe Castle
When: TBC
Where: TBC
More Info
Dorchester
When: 29 November 2025 (5:30pm-7pm)
Where: Brewery Square
More info
Dorchester’s pop-up ice rink will also be open, and there will be a live choir at the event.
Ferndown
When: 29 November, 11am-5pm.
Where: Penny’s Lodge Car Park
More info
Lyme Regis
When: 22 November 2025, from 2pm (lights at 5pm)
Where: Town Centre
More info
There will be events throughout the day, including a lantern-making workshop and competition.
Poole
When: 22 November 2025, from 4pm.
Where: Lighthouse Poole, Poole Quay, Falkland Square, and more (see poster)
More info
There’s a Santa parade and live music.
Ringwood
When: 30 November, from 11:30am, lights at 6pm
Where: Ringwood Market Square
More info
There will be a Christmas market and events throughout the day, including a Santa parade.
Shaftesbury
When: 24 November, 6pm
Where: Town Centre
More info
Sturminster Newton
When: 29 November, 10am-7pm (lights at 5pm)
Where: Town Centre
More info
There’s a programme of events all day, including live music, a lantern parade, an illuminated tractor parade, and a Christmas Market at The Exchange.
Swanage
When: 29 November, 3pm-4:30pm
Where: Town centre (outside The Mowlem)
More info
There’ll be live entertainment, a formal countdown, and Father Christmas will be arriving on his sleigh to join the festivities.
Verwood
When: 29 November, 3pm-6pm
Where: Ferrett Green, Memorial Hall, and United Reformed Church
More info
West Bay
When: 30 November, from 3pm (lights at 4pm)
More info
Westbourne, Bournemouth
When: 29 November 2025
Where: TBC
Weymouth
When: 29 November 2025, 9am-6pm (lights at 5pm)
Where: New Bond Street.
More info
During the day, there’s an Elf Parade (1:15-2pm), plus live entertainment and activities throughout the town centre.
Wimborne
When: 29 November 2025, 1pm to 5pm (lights at 5pm)
Where: Wimborne Minster Square
More info
Do you know any other Christmas Light Switch-On events in Dorset this year? Contact me and I’ll add it to the list!
