IT'S the most wonderful time of the year, and residents and visitors will be spoilt for choice when it comes to this weekend's line up of Christmas events.

From markets to fairs and Christmas light switch-ons, it's time to enjoy some festive fun as we say goodbye to November and kick off the merriest month of the year.

Weymouth was transformed into a Cinderella-themed winter wonderland last night as a festive fairytale celebration took adults and children on a magical animated journey around the town.

Six stages saw scenes from the popular children's classic brought to life by light, sounds and animation on the 'Cinder Trail.' A glass slipper princess led the first trail around the town, starting at 12pm when she set off from a stage outside Debenhams.

The official switch-on of Weymouth's Christmas tree and lights took place last night at 5pm.

Organised by Weymouth BID, the packed line up of entertainment will continue through until 4pm today.

And the town centre isn't the only place to be for a festive feel in Weymouth later– Hope Square will come alive as Christmas in the Square returns for a second year.

The two-day event, organised by WeySOHO and the Pilgrim House Trust, is sure to get everybody in the Christmas spirit from 12pm until 5pm today. There will be family entertainment, live music and children's activities on offer as well as stalls from local traders to browse.

Over in Dorchester, Brewery Square was filled with Christmas cheer yesterday for the annual lights switch-on.

Weymouth Concert Brass provided entertainment, followed by a hoops and fire performance from The Breathing Space before the lights were switched on. Ze Trio and the Bovington Military Wives Choir rounded off the event.

Today, the Wyke Christmas Street Fayre is sure to get the community feeling merry and bright. Various stalls will be raising money for good causes, while performances on the main music stage will have visitors bopping along.

Get your best Christmas jumper on and head to Old Wyke Square as the fayre returns for its tenth year with a feast of festive entertainment.

Run entirely by volunteers, this fantastic and long-running event aims to raise as much money as possible to give to local charities and raise their profiles.

The fayre will officially start at 12pm, when the church bells at All Saints Church will ring out.

Visitors will then be treated to live music from The Wyke Ukedelics, Wessex Singers and Sophie Barnes Singers.

The pupils from Wyke Federation Infants School's choir will also be performing.

As well as the many stalls there will be a children's fancy dress competition, judged by the new Rector of All Saints Church, Brother Alastair Kay.

As another special treat for the young ones, Father Christmas himself will be in attendance. Santa's grotto will be found at Wyke Social Club.

Motorists are warned of temporary road closures in Wyke Regis while the fayre takes place between midday and 5pm.

Also happening today, Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park is hosting a Christmas event exclusively for children with special educational needs (SEN).

SEN children can be guided through the festive forest by a jolly elf to meet Father Christmas in his Christmas cabin. Families can book 15-minute time slots during the park’s ‘Quiet at the Aquarium’ day.

Daytime visits before 3pm cost £8.50 per child, with accompanying adults entering for free.

Parents and carers will need to take their DLA letter or equivalent along in order to take part in the SEN-only event.