The countdown to Christmas is on!

It may only be mid November, but Southampton is already feeling festive.

Families can enjoy the first weekend of the city's festive fun, plus there's a brand new drone show at the home of Hampshire Cricket, the conclusion of Southampton Film Week and much more. 

Here's our guide to the best family fun available in Hampshire this weekend (November 16 and 17).

In Southampton city centre...

(Image: GO! Southampton) It's the first weekend of the city's Christmas lights, starting with the switch on on Friday night by panto star Kev Orkian and Britain's Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas and continuing with two more days of free family fun and entertainment. 

The Christmas Market will be in full swing and the Bargate lit up at night with an impressive light projection. 

There will be roaming street theatre across the city, young fans can meet Paddington Bear, and there will be a full programme of live music right through to Sunday. 

At Utilita Bowl...

(Image: Celestial)

A drone light show which uses 'the sky as the stage' will come to the home of Hampshire Cricket on Saturday night. 

Celestial presents Evolution for one night only. Described as 'a captivating new stadium experience for all the family', the show will include hundreds of animated drone lights telling an extraordinary story from the dawn of time in an immersive show.

Witness the recreation of monumental moments in history - from the Big Bang and reign of the dinosaurs right through to the modern-day moon landings and life as it is today.

Expect immersive storytelling in a brand-new narrated show with a powerful cinematic soundtrack.

Guests will be able to soak up pre-show entertainment with music and a DJ and tuck into food and drink from independent traders. 

The 45 minute show will feature more than 600 animated drones.

During Southampton Film Week...

(Image: Ryan Hanan) The 17th celebration of cinema in Southampton draws to a close this weekend. 

Southampton Film Week, created by City Eye, has showcased an eclectic mix of features, shorts, documentaries, and live music-enhanced cinema experiences, including an immersive Monty Python cinema experience.

The festival ends on Sunday with the legendary Southampton Film Week Quiz at Mettricks Guildhall.

At Furzey Gardens...

(Image: Pixabay) Kicking off this weekend and running until Christmas Eve, let your little ones dive into the magic of Christmas with the How to Train a Reindeer craft activity and trail. 

Craft your own reindeer: Unleash your kids' creativity as they craft their very own reindeer hobby horse. 

Ride to the training stations: Hop on and guide your reindeer to the special training zones! 

Take on fun challenges: Build reindeer skills by completing fun challenges.

Complete all the challenges then head to the Christmas cottage to collect a special treat!

At God's House Tower...

(Image: 'a space' arts)

Jane Austen’s travelling writing desk has gone on display in Southampton for the first time since she lived in the city over 200 years ago, providing literary and history fans the chance to see up-close what she used to pen early drafts of now internationally famous novels.

From this weekend until February 2025, the famous novelist’s travelling writing desk will be displayed in God’s House Tower, just a stone's throw from where she lived during her time in Southampton.

This marks the start of a city-wide programme of activities and events celebrating the writer’s 250th birthday in 2025.