IT'S beginning to look a lot like Christmas across Dorset.

Christmas lights and illuminations are being switched-on all over Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and beyond.

Festive magic is being sprinkled everywhere with displays adding some much-needed sparkle to the long, dark, winter nights.

Photographers have captured some of the wonderful wintry scenes across the area.

Here are some of our favourite pictures of the county in Christmas spirit.

These were all taken by members of the Dorset Camera Club.

To join, visit facebook.com/groups/echocameraclubdorset

Bournemouth Echo: Rob Batson PhotographyRob Batson Photography (Image: Rob Batson Photography)

The anchor and trees at the new Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival by Rob Batson Photography

Bournemouth Echo: Richard SmallRichard Small (Image: Richard Small)

A Christmas card scene in Wimborne by Richard Small 

Bournemouth Echo: Shazz HooperShazz Hooper (Image: Shazz Hooper)

The 'curtain of light' in Poole which forms part of the new Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival by Shazz Hooper 

Bournemouth Echo: Peter HadfieldPeter Hadfield (Image: Peter Hadfield)

Sunset and illuminations at Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland by Peter Hadfield 

Bournemouth Echo: John CokerJohn Coker (Image: John Coker)

Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland by John Coker

Bournemouth Echo: Mark WhittakerMark Whittaker (Image: Mark Whittaker)

Christmas stalls in Poole town centre captured by Mark Whittaker

Bournemouth Echo:

Louise Austin took this image of Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland 

Bournemouth Echo:

Christmas lights in the window of a pub in Poole captured by Chris Hobbs