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A quick guide to all the Christmas lights switch-on events happening in 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 add it to the list.
UPDATE: Last updated 3 November 2026 with all the latest info and dates.
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: 12 November 2026
Where: Lower Gardens
There’s no specific event planned for Bournemouth Town Centre, but the lights are part of Christmas in Bournemouth, which opens on Thursday 12 November 2026. There’s an event in Westbourne (details further down the page).
Blandford Forum
When: 4 December 2026
Times: Lantern parade at 6pm, lights at 6:15pm, entertainment until 9pm.
Where: Market Place
More info
The Yuletide Festival is an annual tradition in Blandford Forum, opening with a lantern parade from East Street to the Market Place. There’s also a Christmas Fair at The Crown Hotel, carol singing, and live entertainment. Father Christmas will be in his grotto in the Woodhouse Gardens from 6:30pm.
Canford Heath
When: 29 November 2026
Times: 2pm-5:30pm
Where: Canford Heath Community Centre
More info
Christchurch
When: 28 November 2026
Times: 2:30pm-6:30pm (laser display 5:30pm, lights at 5:45pm)
Where: Town Centre
More info
Fairground rides, children’s entertainment, Father Christmas and his festive elves, artisan fair, live music, the big switch-on countdown, and a spectacular laser light display set to music!
Corfe Castle
When: TBC
Where: TBC
Dorchester
When: 28 November 2026
Times: Lights at 5pm
Where: Brewery Square
More info
A Michael Bublé tribute and the Brewery Square House Band provide live musical entertainment alongside a mini Christmas market and Dorchester’s pop-up ice rink.
Ferndown
When: 28 November 2026
Times: 11am-5pm
Where: Penny’s Lodge Car Park
More info
A free public event with entertainment for the whole family: market stalls, food stalls, Santa’s Grotto, music, entertainment, and the switching-on of the Ferndown Christmas Tree Lights.
Lyme Regis
When: 21 November 2026
Times: From 2pm, lights and parade at 5pm
Where: Broad Street
More info
Events will run throughout the day, including a lantern-making workshop and competition, before Santa arrives on his sleigh at 5pm to lead the countdown to the big lights switch-on!
Poole
When: 21 November 2026
Times: Parade departs at 4pm
Where: Town centre / Falkland Square
More info
Poole Town’s Christmas celebrations officially launch with a festive parade led by Santa and the Bournemouth Concert Brass marching band! The parade leaves Lush HairLab on Poole Quay at 4pm and finishes in Falkland Square with a spectacular fire performance, featuring beautiful choir performances along the route.
Ringwood
When: 29 November 2026
Times: 11:30am-6:30pm, lights at 6pm
Where: Market Place
More info
The annual Ringwood Winter Wanderland takes over the town centre with a Christmas market, Children’s fair, Santa’s Grotto, and more.
Shaftesbury
When: 23 November 2026
Times: Lights at 6pm
Where: Town Centre
More info
The town centre comes alive with music and atmosphere as the High Street lights up for the festive season.
Sturminster Newton
When: 28 November 2026
Times: 10am-7pm (lights at 5pm)
Where: Town Centre
More info
The programme includes live music, a lantern parade led by Father Christmas, an illuminated tractor parade, and a Christmas Market at The Exchange.
Swanage
When: 28 November 2026
Times: 3pm-5pm
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: 28 November 2026
Times: 3pm-6pm
Where: Verwood Memorial Hall and Ferrett Green
More info
More information to follow; keep an eye on the Facebook event listing for updates (click here).
West Bay
When: 29 November 2026
Times: From 3pm, lights at 4pm
Where: St John’s Church & Harbour Green
More info
Head to Harbour Green outside St John’s Church to celebrate the switch-on of the Christmas tree lights. Light refreshments will be available, including mince pies, mulled wine, etc.
Westbourne, Bournemouth
When: TBC
Where: Poole Road / Westbourne Arcade
More Info
Weymouth
When: 28 November 2026
Times: 9am-11pm, lights at 5pm
Where: New Bond Street
More info
A day full of Christmas activities, including live entertainment, workshops, and Dorset’s largest Elf Parade (1:15-2pm).
Wimborne
When: 28 November 2026
Times: 1pm to 5pm
Where: Wimborne Minster Square
More info
The Switch-On Day transforms Wimborne into a winter wonderland, with activities and entertainment running throughout the afternoon. Visitors can expect live music and performances from local choirs, bands, and community groups on the stage in the Square.
Do you know any other Christmas Light Switch-On events in Dorset this year? Contact me, and I’ll add it to the list!
