AS the festive season approaches, we're helping you prepare for the celebrations with a list of Christmas events.

Many Christmas events were cancelled last year due to Covid-19 restrictions, so people are eager to get out and about to soak up the festive atmosphere. 

Whether you want to peruse for gifts at a market or be entertained at the theatre, we've got you covered.

Cinderella 

Daily Echo: Cinderella Panto at The Mayflower Theatre, staring Craig Revel Horwood, Debbie McGee, Richard Cadell and Sooty.Cinderella Panto at The Mayflower Theatre, staring Craig Revel Horwood, Debbie McGee, Richard Cadell and Sooty.

You shall go to the ball!

Craig Revel Horwood, Debbie McGee and Richard Cadell all star in the festive production of Cinderella at The Mayflower.

The pantomime will see Strictly star Craig take on the role of The Wicked Stepmother, while Debbie will play the Fairy Godmother.

Tickets for Cinderella, which runs December 10 to January 2, are on sale from Mayflower Theatre Box Office on 02380 711811 or mayflower.org.uk.

Christmas at Marwell Zoo

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Wrap up warm and get closer to the natural world with a magical visit to Marwell Zoo this Christmas.

Meet a range of exotic and endangered animals, including snow leopards and penguins.

Father Christmas will make an appearance outside Café Graze and inside Marwell's gift shop, ready to receive some special Christmas letters.

Due to his busy schedule, Father Christmas can only visit the zoo on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 December, Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 December, and Saturday 18 until Thursday 23 December.

There will also be some magical decorations and festive scenes, but don't forget to look out for flying reindeer!

To find out more, visit https://www.marwell.org.uk/christmas/

Give A Gift Southampton

Daily Echo: Give A Gift SouthamptonGive A Gift Southampton

Give A Gift Southampton is a community interest company set up by local people with a connection to the children's wards in Southampton General Hospital.

Every year the group hosts a free, festive family friendly event to collect gifts and raise money for the hospital and Families of Ocean Ward - and this year's event is set to be bigger and better than ever.

There will be live music, a large tombola and more at Strawberry Field Tavern on December 4.

All the organisers ask is that those who attend bring a gift that can be taken to the hospital on Christmas morning. 

Visit https://www.facebook.com/giveagiftsoton/ to find out more.

Festive fun at Beaulieu

Daily Echo: Photo: BeaulieuPhoto: Beaulieu

Travel further afield to enjoy a festive feast of family entertainment.

Visit Beaulieu from December 18 to January 2 to celebrate the festive season.

Palace House will be adorned with stunning decorations, log fires, and a Christmas tree in each room. 

Complete a family fun trail that will take you on an adventure across the attraction.

And you never know, you may even catch a glimpse of Father Christmas. 

All of the attraction's Christmas holiday activities are included in a general admission ticket.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/festive-fun-beaulieu/

Winchester Christmas Market 

Daily Echo: Christmas market stock image Christmas market stock image

If you don't fancy the Southampton Christmas Market in the city centre, travel 20 minutes up the road to the bustling city of Winchester

Browse and purchase arts and crafts, clothing, homeware, toys, food and drink and jewellery.

This year, the Christmas market will run for 34 days, opening from Friday, November 19 and  until Wednesday, December 22.

From Sunday to Wednesday, the market will be open from 10am to 6.30pm.

From Thursday to Saturday, the market will be open from 10am to 8pm.