From an elf world record attempt to a yule ball and a steampunk parade; there is a lot on in Weymouth this festive season.
Weymouth is set to sparkle this Christmas as We Are Weymouth and Weymouth Town Council brings a month of festive events including artisan markets, carols and live music.
Festivities start on Saturday, November 29 with the Christmas light switch-on and world record attempt.
Back by popular demand, Weymouth will once again try to break the world record for a gathering of elves. The town needs more than 1,762 of Santa's little helpers to break the world record.
(Image: We Are Weymouth)
Workshops will help visitors get elf-ready with hat-making, ear crafting, collar design and face-painting between 9am to 12pm on the day.
From midday, participants can register at Weymouth Pavilion to receive their wristbands and be officially counted with a photo opportunity at 1pm.
The celebrations are set to continue with Dorset's largest "Elf Parade" from 1.15pm to 2pm, filling the streets with singing elves and bells, led by stilt-walking elves and Santa in his sleigh.
From 2pm to 6pm, the main stage in New Bond Street will come alive with performances from local choirs, dance groups, and live bands including 'Under the Carousel' and The Wilkinsons' and a brand-new Xmas song created for the town by Du Kane, all alongside stars from the pavilion's pantomime, naughty elves, and street entertainers.
At 5pm, the mayor, the winner of the Primary Times competition and the panto cast will officially switch on the town's Christmas lights, which includes a sleigh and giant elf, followed by live music from 'The Hooked' to get everyone dancing into the evening.
Throughout the festive season, families can follow the Weymouth Elf Trail, with prizes, vouchers, and tickets up for grabs, and take part in voting for the Christmas Sparkle Window Competition as local businesses compete for the title of best-dressed window.
(Image: We Are Weymouth)
The following weekend, from December 5 to December 7, the town will host a weekend of Steampunk celebrations in partnership with the Ministry of Steampunk South.
On Friday from 7pm to 11pm there will be a soiree at Weymouth Drama club featuring live music, poetry, burlesque and more.
The Steampunk Yuletide Market will take over the Nothe Fort on Saturday and Sunday between 10am to 4pm with unique gifts, fashion and artisan traders with free entry for those dressed in steampunk attire.
A steampunk exhibition curated from a year 2 art student at Coastland College will also be on show.
On Saturday, the Steampunk Promenade will depart from Hope Square to Carousel at 3.30pm. At 5pm, Carols by the Coast will take place by the Christmas tree in New Bond Street hosted by the mayor and featuring the Salvation Army Band.
This will be followed by the Dolmen Yule ball at 8pm. There will be live entertainment throughout the weekend including national acts; Kitten Von Mew, the Cogkneys, the Brass Brothers, GurdyBirdy, the Anti Poet, Teapot Racing, Flaming Headcase, A unique Steampunk Time machine, Steam engines, and more.
On Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, the town will play host to a traditional Christmas weekend which will include an artisan market on Weymouth's south harbourside as well as a Bavarian pop-up bar created by Deadwalk Designs inspired by traditional German markets.
At 4pm, the Rock Choir will perform in Hope Square, followed by live music to get everyone in the festive spirit.
From 12pm to 3pm, the public will get the chance to step into an interactive nativity held at St Mary's Church.
On Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21, the town will celebrate Santa weekend.
The free Elf Express will be taking the public on a festive ride with Christmas elves from Hope Square or outside the M&S on the Esplanade. It will run from 10am to 4pm with proceeds supporting the Will Mackaness Trust
(Image: We Are Weymouth)
Santa will be making special appearances throughout the town, so keep an eye out for a chance to meet him.
Santa letter writing will also be taking place all day at The Bridge Fairtrade Shop - a perfect stop for little ones to share their Christmas wishes.
On Sunday, December 21, Weymouth's festive 5km fun run titled 'Chase the Pudding' will return, raising funds for the Will Mackaness Trust.
For younger runners, the 2km Chase the Elf offers big smiles for little legs. Every entry and donation helps support local young people with mental health, education, and life-changing opportunities.
Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Caroline Nickinson, said: "Thanks to the wonderful partnership between We Are Weymouth and Weymouth Town Council, Christmas in Weymouth is set to be bigger and brighter than ever before.
"There are so many highlights to come, and I'm looking forward to welcoming as many people as possible to join us for the Christmas Lights Switch On. It's at 5pm on Saturday, November 29 around the Christmas tree in New Bond Street and should be a wonderful spectacle as hundreds of elves from the elf parade join us to bring a smile to everyone's faces.
"I'm hosting Carols By The Coast on Saturday, December 6, also from 5pm around the tree in New Bond Street. Come and sing some festive tunes accompanied by the Salvation Army Band, and take advantage of free parking in Dorset Council town centre car parks throughout the day."
(Image: We Are Weymouth)
Dawn Rondeau-Irvine, Chief Operations Officer at We Are Weymouth, said: "Weymouth's Christmas events have become a highlight of the year for the whole county, bringing families, businesses and visitors together to celebrate the season in true seaside style. From our Elf world record attempt to the magical Steampunk weekend, and the Elf Express there's something for everyone - and plenty of reasons to visit Weymouth this Christmas.
"We're proud to work in partnership with Weymouth Town Council and the local business community to bring these incredible festive events to life. Together, we're creating experiences that not only kickstart the Christmas season but also encourage visitors and residents alike to explore, shop, and celebrate in Weymouth. It's all about showcasing our town's charm and supporting local businesses while spreading holiday cheer."