Five festive family things to do in Hampshire this weekend

There's Christmas shows, Santa events and festive fun galore across Hampshire this weekend. 

Here's our pick of five of the best things to do for all the family.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Mayflower Theatre...

It's the fairest pantomime of them all - and it opens this weekend. 

The South's biggest pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs takes to the Mayflower stage on Saturday with a press night on Tuesday. 

Expect comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes, and stunning scenery. Throw in a magical mirror, the magnificent seven and plenty of audience participation and you have the perfect recipe to outwit the Wicked Queen and let love prevail in this glittering festive treat for all ages.

Leading the cast of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be Britain’s Got Talent winners and Street Dance sensations Ashley Banjo & Diversity as Prince Ashley and The Palace Guards. They will be joined by pantomime legend, the one-and-only, Christopher Biggins as the Man in the Mirror.

Christmas event weekend at Exbury Gardens...

Exbury Gardens gets a merry festive makeover again this weekend.

A traditional Christmas Fair with crafts, gifts, music, carol singing, and festive food and drink will be on offer on Saturday and Sunday.

A festive family trail through Exbury’s renowned woodland gardens will be included in admission to the Hampshire visitor favourite, and festive donkey rides will also be available for youngsters.

A Festive Express steam train ride will be running too with live music, decorations and elves leading jolly carol singing as passengers steam along.

Father Christmas at Berry Theatre...

Bloomin' snow! Bloomin' reindeer! Bloomin' Christmas!

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Raymond Briggs' joyful (and at times a bit grumpy!) Father Christmas.

From the writer of The Snowman and co-produced by the Lyric Hammersmith with Olivier Award-nominated Pins & Needles, this much loved family story of Father Christmas getting ready for a night's hard work on bloomin' Christmas Eve will bring festive cheer to all ages, 0 to 90!

The Christmas classic is at Berry Theatre Hedge End from Saturday until New Year's Eve.

Glow Ride, Southampton...

It's party time! 

Join a glow ride around the city centre parks and Bargate on Sunday from 3.30pm. 

Anyone on a bike is welcome to meet in Guildhall Square, ready to set off on a tour of the parks at 4pm.

Bring drinks, snacks and anything that glows! 

At the Santa run in Totton...

Take part in a Santa run around the streets of Totton, ending with a fabulous Christmas fayre. 

Have a blast as you dash round a circular route starting in Library Road and racing up Salisbury Road and Testwood Lane.

Organisers will get you warmed up and ready at the start line for the race and be there at the end with your medal.

Choose between a family friendly 2.5km dash or the new 5km route for serious Santas, taking you further up Salisbury Road.

This route is ideal for all, whether you’re a running pro who wants to race round, or a family looking for a gentle jog to get your started on a Sunday morning.