Dorset is, without doubt, a superb holiday destination for the family. The summer months can be filled with Mackrel fishing, visits to the beach, days out at historical castles and fun-fuelled adventure parks.
But Dorset can also be a winter retreat.
Gone are the bustling towns and villages and the buckets and spades that fill the Jurassic coast empties a little and is replaced by warmer and more waterproof apparel.
Lazy Sunday-lunches in a Charmouth beer Garden soon changes to cosy retreats in front of open-fires, autumn colours with blustery weather-fronts.
As part of this change in season, there are
things to do in Dorset and a thriving winter calendar such as Christmas Markets and the annual Christmas lights “switch-on”. Here's our guide to the towns switching on their Christmas Lights in 2017.
Lyme Regis Christmas Lights
Date:2 December 2017
Location: Lyme Regis, Dorset
Website: Visit Website
West Bay Christmas Tree Lights
Date:3 December 2017
Location: West Bay, Dorset
Website: Visit Website
Bridport Christmas Cheer
Date:6 December 2017
Location: Bridport, Dorset
Website: Visit Website
Seaton Christmas Lights
Date:4 December 2017
Location: Seaton, Devon
Website: Visit Website
Dorchester Christmas Cracker
Date:7 December 2017
Location: Dorchester, Dorset
Website: Visit Website
Axminster Christmas Lantern Parade
Date:24 November, 2017
Location: Axminster, Dorset
Website: Visit Website
Further Afield
Weymouth Christmas Lights
Date:1 December 2017
Location: Weymouth, Dorset
Website: Visit Website
Corfe Castle Winter Lights
Date:9 to 30 December 2017
Location: Corfe Castle, Dorset
Website: Visit Website
Bournemouth Christmas Lights Switch on
Date:17 November 2017
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
Website: Visit Website
Southbourne Christmas Lights Switch on
Date:25 November 2017
Location: Southbourne, Dorset
Website: Visit Website