IT MAY still only be November, but the Christmas festivities are already ramping up.
A host of festive fun for families has been announced across Hampshire and the surrounding areas throughout November and December, including the ever-popular winter light trails, Santa’s grottos, pantomimes and an indoor Christmas experience.
Here is a roundup of events in the area including in Basingstoke and Deane, Hampshire and beyond to get you in the Christmas spirit.
The Magical Christmas Adventure
Billed as one of the UK’s largest indoor Christmas attractions, families can enjoy an exciting immersive story within a 100,000-square-foot indoor attraction. Now in its 12th year, the magical journey will take visitors on a trip to the North Pole during a three-hour immersive and interactive walk-through pantomime tour.
New for 2024, guests will be transported to the North Pole via Santa’s Shuttle, powered by ‘sprout energy’, the cleanest fuel on the planet. However, the speed of travel does have its consequences - a ‘unique aroma’.
READ MORE: The Magical Christmas Adventure at 4 Kingdoms opening soon
Festive light trails
Providing the perfect festive treat for the family, there are numerous magical illumination light trails being held in the area in the run-up to Christmas, including at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, near Romsey.
The trail opens from November 28 to January 1, with tickets costing from £12.50 for children and from £20 for adults.
West Green House, near Hook, is also hosting a light trail from November 23 to December 29.
Visitors can follow a sparkling mile of “yellow brick road“ through an illuminated garden, passing giant dancing fountains and mysterious follies.
Locally produced food stalls will sell hot chocolate, mulled wine and Christmas treats,
READ MORE: Seven winter light trails in and around Hampshire in 2024
Breakfast with Santa
Hillier Garden Centres, which has branches in Aldermaston, Winchester, Newbury and Weyhill, has revealed its Christmas celebrations with a range of exciting events for all ages.
The popular Breakfast with Father Christmas will return every weekend in December, and every day from December 16 where guests can make magical memories with a festive breakfast and a special visit from Father Christmas.
Children will enjoy a fun session filled with Christmas activities, a delicious meal, and a memorable gift from Santa himself. Children’s tickets are from £20, and adults are £15, which includes breakfast and a hot drink.
READ ALSO Hillier Garden Centres announces 2024 Christmas activities
Christmas Village
There is also a new Christmas Village where visitors are transported into a festive wonderland where they can meet Father Christmas and his elves in a woodfire lit grotto before heading to the Enchanted Hollow to see the elves in their toy workshop.
Visitors can also enjoy a festive silent disco playing all the top Christmas hits to get into the spirit.
The interactive, immersive trail is a special treat for families with children, who can meet the reindeer afterwards before heading to the rest of the park to enjoy a selection of rides open throughout.
Christmas getaway
If you’re looking to get away for a Christmas break, Sandy Balls in the New Forest is hosting a Forest of Light until January 2.
The woodland wonderland is brought to life by thousands of twinkling fairy lights. Guests can explore illuminated trails and enjoy festive activities, including Santa’s arrival at a Festive Fire and Light event, where storytelling, carols, and fire pits set the perfect scene for the season.
Pantomimes and shows
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to the theatre to see a festive show or pantomime.
Proteus Creation Space always offers a delightful immersive and magical storytelling experience for families at its venue in Basingstoke.
This year it is putting on The Christmas Elf Inspector, created by Scratch Built Productions, from December 7 to December 24.
The show invites audiences to follow the story through themed rooms, interacting with characters and engaging in activities.
The production begins at Christmas HQ, where Father Christmas' friend The Gingerbread Man is visiting, the halls are decked, the presents are almost wrapped and the reindeer are fit as a fiddle.
The story unfolds with an audit from the Elf and Safety Inspector.
Tickets are priced at £10 plus a booking fee, with under-12 months attending for free.
READ MORE: Proteus Creation Space: The Christmas Elf Inspector
If you’re looking to combine a theatre trip with a day out, Newbury’s Corn Exchange is showing Dick Whittington for its festive pantomime.
Starring Harry Potter actor Chris Rankin, best known for playing Percy Weasley in the wizarding world franchise, the festive production runs from Friday, November 29 to Sunday, January 5.
The show, directed by Hobbit star and Newbury local Adam Brown, will tell the story of Dick and his trusty cat on a quest to seek fame and fortune, in a show packed with plenty of magic and chart-topping songs from across the decades.
SEE ALSO: Harry Potter star in cast of Corn Exchange Christmas panto
In Basingstoke, The Anvil will present Sleeping Beauty from Thursday, December 12 to Sunday, January 5, 2025.
The family pantomime will be laugh-a-minute extravaganza with stunning sets, top musical hits, fantastic costumes, and exciting special effects to keep both young and old entertained.
An Outnumbered star, CBeebies presenter and Mr Stephen from Basil Brush are all part of the cast in this year’s The Anvil pantomime.
READ MORE: Cast announced for The Anvil pantomime this Christmas
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