1 In Winchester...

THE cathedral ice rink is officially OPEN!

Enjoy festive, rain-free skating at the heart of Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market.

Skate around a huge Christmas tree and then warm up with a cup of hot chocolate in the ice rink café.

Sessions last one hour including time to fit skates.

Tickets include free skate hire and children’s skate aids are available for hire from the skate fit marquee.

Book online to guarantee a place.

2 In Portsmouth...

ONE of the largest and finest festive events on the south coast returns to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to mark 20 years of magical festive fun.

The much-anticipated Victorian Christmas Festival will transport you to the late 19th-century, transforming the cobbled dockyard into a lively harbour side market full of colourful stalls, familiar characters and hair-raising circus performances.

Browse more than 100 stalls under the shadow of HMS Victory for the perfect hand-crafted stocking filler, sip mulled wine and tuck into traditional festive treats in this unique setting.

3 In Winchester...

CATCH the last day of Wine Festival Winchester this Saturday.

This is a chance for everyone (no matter how much or little you know) to enjoy a feast of fabulous wines in the company of Susie and Peter, Masters of Wine from BBC1's Saturday Kitchen.

The festival will feature hundreds of delicious products which all visitors can sample for free, from brilliant English wine producers to prestigious global brands via local wine shops and a wide range of quality wine suppliers.

4 In Winchester...

IMMERSE yourself in dinosaur exploration this weekend at Winchester Science Centre – and meet Father Christmas.

An exciting partnership with the owners of popular children’s book series The World of Dinosaur Roar! sees their beautifully illustrated dinosaur characters brought to life through a dinosaur trail, animated short story and hands-on activity zone, designed especially for younger children.

In addition, and for all ages, the Science Centre team is inviting children to take on the role of a palaeontologist, meet a dinosaur ranger and their baby triceratops and handle real and replica fossils at the mini Fossil Festival.

5 In Ampfield...

IF YOU are looking to learn the fundamentals of modern calligraphy in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, why not head to Sir Harold Hillier Gardens this Saturday to give it a go?

On arrival you will be given your calligraphy kit to use during the session.

There will be plenty of one-to-one time during the group workshop so each student has enough time and attention to help develop their own style and go at their own pace.

You will learn the basic strokes, practice writing the alphabet, learn how to join up the letters to make full words and learn how to flourish.

6 In Winchester...

THEATRE Royal Winchester's traditional family pantomime kicks off this weekend from the same creative team behind Beauty and the Beast.

Dick Whittington comes to Winchester, the 'purrfect' Christmas treat.

Join Dick and his cat on their madcap adventures, as he seeks his fame and fortune in a London bedevilled by the sinister King Rat and his rabble of Revolting Rodents.

With hilarious gags, original songs and loads of audience participation, you're sure to have a feast of fun.

7 In Alton...

BACK by popular demand, the Festival of Bricks returns this Saturday to Eggar's School in Alton, celebrating all things LEGO.

The whole family is welcome to head along and enjoy amazing displays, fun activities, shopping and competitions.

There will be a cafe serving tea, cake and light lunches.

Entry is £3 per person, under threes are free.

8 In Winchester...

GET into the festive mood with Winchester City Mill's new Christmas family trail.

Explore your way around the Mill to find all of the gingerbread people and solve the puzzle.

Suggested donation £1, normal admission applies.

9 In Locks Heath...

HAMPSHIRE Craft and Gift Fair is at Lockswood Centre on Saturday.

Visitors to these events will be able to browse and purchase from a fabulous selection of original, unusual and varied products, created by some talented local crafters offering items not found on the high street.

With plenty to appeal to every budget and price-range, you're sure to take home a gift or two.

If you are interested in a bespoke design or you'd like to personalise a gift, the exhibitors are on hand to help.

10 In Southampton...

ARE you curious about Southampton?

Explore, discover and enjoy the city centre with two unique, quirky heritage walks with a treasure hunt theme.

Southampton is one of Britain’s famous maritime cities, a major departure point for ocean-going liners, as well as the many ferries which scurry to and from its port.

But it is more than that – it has an Old Town, with remnants of a castle to explore and the walls which surrounded it, a medieval merchant’s house, a 12th century city gate, a jaw-dropping Civic Centre and a 15th century Tudor House.

Buy a booklet or instant download format from Curious About’s website and explore at your own pace.