CHRISTCHURCH

With plenty of great shows and entertainment planned, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this year's festive line up at The Regent Centre.

Christmas simply wouldn't be Christmas without Scrooge, and this year the Regent Centre will be hosting the Christchurch Gilbert & Sullivan Society's version of A Christmas Carol, from Thursday, December 9 to Saturday, December 11 at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 3pm.

This year's Christmas ballet is Tchaikovsky's classic, The Nutcracker. Join Ballet Creations for this traditional Christmas favourite from Wednesday, December 15 to Saturday, December 18, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

And after the celebrations of Christmas Day and New Year, The Bournemouth Concert Brass New Year Viennese Concert will be taking place on Sunday, January 2.

And to top the season off in style, The Regent Centre will be hosting the Highcliffe Charity Players' panto, Robin Hood & The Babes in the Wood, from Sunday, January 23 until Saturday, January 29.

Call the Regent Centre box office on 01202 499148.

BLANDFORD

The beautiful market town of Blandford is currently gearing up for what looks set to be their most memorable and exciting Christmas ever!

With plenty of planning already underway to celebrate the 400 year anniversary of the granting of Blandford Forum's charter next year, the town's Chamber of Trade have been busy finalising the last details for Blandford's Christmas festivities.

With brand new Christmas lights adorning the town, the people of Blandford are invited to shop until they drop under the twinkling illuminations right up until 9pm on the evening of Friday, December 17.

And it's not just the late night opening hours that will make this night a must for seasonal shoppers. A large farmers market will be dominating the Corn Exchange throughout the evening, selling all kinds of delicious, fresh goodies from all over the county.

There's something going on in every street around the town centre, and many shopkeepers will be offering shoppers festive treats like mulled wine and mince pies to keep the winter chill at bay.

With street entertainers keeping the crowds entertained throughout their shopping spree, and music from the Blandford School Choir and jazz band, Blandford's special shopping night looks set to be full of festive fun.

BOURNEMOUTH

Ice Skating at the BIC

December 1- January 7.

Nine daily sessions

Wrap up warm and get into the Winter spirit as the ice rink at the BIC returns this Christmas - approximately one third the size of an Olympic rink! Skaters of all ages and abilities are welcome, and can choose from nine daily sessions, each lasting one and a quarter hours. For admission prices and to book call 0870 111 3000

Christmas Cracker - Carol Concert

Friday, December 17

The hour-long concerts are at 1pm, doors open 12.30pm. For more information call 01202 451891.

Carol singing around the town

Wednesday 15 and Friday, December 17

Lanterns and Carols

Thursday, December 16 at 6pm

A community event produced by Bournemouth Arts Development

Enjoy a display of magical lanterns made by West Howe residents, and young people from Townsend School, plus carols sung by Townsend School Choir.

New Year's Eve Fireworks

December 31 from 10pm

Pier Approach

See in the New Year with a spectacular Fireworks Display from the end of the Pier.

Classic Cars on the Prom

New Year's Day

Behind the BIC - all day

Come and see the gleaming classic cars.