Our regular 'five things' column is starting to feel very festive.
From Father Christmas to winter illuminations, there's plenty to do to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Here's our pick of five of the best things to do across Hampshire this weekend (Saturday November 25 and 26).
At Marwell Zoo...
Expect half a million twinkling lights, brand new illuminations, dazzling photo opportunities and interactive elements as Glow Marwell returns for its first weekend dates in 2023.
Organisers are promising the enchanted nature lights event will be bigger and better than ever before with double the magic of last year's inaugural event.
Children of all ages will be able to play in the LED playground, walk across light-up stepping stones, and strike a pose on Rainbow Road.
This year’s multicoloured light tunnel spans 36 metres and the event also features a specially created enchanted tree.
The whimsical Wishing Tree will return, along with snow machines, Christmas trees and the incredibly popular fire pits for marshmallow toasting.
Marwell’s ancient trees will enjoy a gentle colourwash of light and the silhouette boxes will be back for the perfect selfie!
At Places Leisure Eastleigh...
There’s a chance for children to meet Santa Claus this weekend at Eastleigh’s indoor Christmas Market.
He’ll be at the Places Leisure Eastleigh health and fitness centre on Sunday, from 10am to 3pm as part of a fun-packed event designed to get everyone in the mood for the festive season – and provide an opportunity to buy unique Christmas merchandise.
As well as meeting and greeting Santa, young ones can create and send him their Christmas list through the post box that wings them straight to his workshop at the North Pole - and not forgetting a fun snowball game on-site.
The market will see as many as 100 independent businesses from Sussex, Hampshire, Dorset and beyond will showcase a tempting range of festive products.
At the Watercress Line...
The Watercress Line’s Steam Illuminations has returned to the heritage railway.
The special train will be in operation from this weekend to Saturday, January 6, and will be lit up both inside and out by thousands of LED lights, creating a kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns.
A new addition for this year is the Canopy of Lights, adding to the Christmas atmosphere.
The train will also feature a “sound to light” show inside every carriage. This will be hosted by the Voiceover Man (as heard on Britain’s Got Talent and X-Factor), with memorable music, corny jokes and a singalong “FlashyOke” game on every trip.
All passengers will be given an LED wristband which interacts with the on-board music and light show. The journey will feature the seasonal sounds of the Watercress Line’s Christmas Chart Crackers DJ mix-up until Christmas Day, followed by the Pop Anthems Journey, tunes from the 1960s to present day, until January 6.
The trains depart from either Alresford or Alton and complete a round trip.
At Richard Taunton Sixth Form College...
Students will be showcasing their talents at the second family Winter Fest at Richard Taunton Sixth Form College this weekend.
The free festival, on Saturday, will be attended by Southampton Mayor Valerie Laurent and will feature craft stalls, food, and festive activities as well as performances by students and visiting musicians.
Attractions will include extracts from the college’s Christmas pantomime, Dick Whittington, contemporary rock and indie classics from music students, choirs from local schools and performances by Emjay Dance Academy and Pickup Dance Academy.
Southampton Arts Society will be exhibiting work at the festival, which was attended by 700 people last year.
There will be sports demonstrations, an art and craft area, and a raffle featuring a Nintendo Switch.
The festival will offer some early Christmas shopping with 15 craft stalls offering jewellery, decorations, art, toiletries, clothing and beauty products.
Street food, including Warsash Wood Fired Pizza, vegetarian and vegan options, will be available, alongside sweet snacks, hot drinks and mince pies.
The festival runs from 11am to 3pm.
In Ringwood...
The winter wanderland starts at 11.30am on Sunday with the first Santa Parade setting off around the town.
A market with over 60 stalls of local arts and crafts, produce, gifts, charity stalls and a selection of yummy food options follows.
There's free children's entertainment as well as choirs and stalls, plus the Polar Express miniature railway.
Enjoy street entertainment throughout the afternoon and an exciting line-up of lots of wonderful local performers on stage in the Market Place.
Ahead of a second parade by the big man himself, Ringwood and Burley Band will make their way down the High Street.
The Christmas lights switch-on takes place at 6pm with a Santa's Grotto also available.
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