14 November
20 & 27 November
30 November
Throughout December
Christmas Lights Switch on Winchester, The Guildhall 3pm - 7pm, switch on is at 6pm There will be food, drink, market stalls, live music and more.
NCT Shirley Bumps and Babes 10am - 12 noon St James Road Methodist church, St James Road, Shirley, Southampton SO15 5HE.
16 November
20 November
NCT Breastfeeding Support Group 1pm - 3.30pm Parklife Cafe, St James' Park Shirley, SO15 5SD No booking required. Come along for breastfeeding support and advice with a qualified breastfeeding counsellor
A Spinnaker Tower Christmas Spinnaker Tower Open 10am to 6pm daily. Adults: £8.55, Children: £6.75, Concessions: £7.55 Visit the Spinnaker Tower this winter when families will be challenged to explore the tower and follow the reindeer trail for a chance to win a fabulous prize. Plus, festive foodie treats will be awaiting visitors in the tower’s two cafes, the Waterfront Café and Café in the Clouds.
NCT Nearly New Sale Southampton 10am - 12 noon Oasis Academy Lordshill, Romsey Road, Southampton SO16 0XN. Doors open at 10am for NCT members (bring your card for early entry) and 10.15am for the general public. We will be selling children's equipment, maternity, baby and young children’s clothing and toys. Intriguing Egyptians SeaCity Museum Learning Deck 1 1.30 - 3.30pm £6. 4–11 yrs Venue entrance charges do not apply, entry for duration of activity only. Pre-booking required Come and find out about Egyptian gods by handling genuine Egyptian artefacts and creating headdresses fit for pharaohs. Try out the heart weighing scales and costumes, and practice mummification with an orange!
Percy the Park Keeper Royal Victoria Country Park 11am – 12noon or 1.30pm – 2.30pm, £2.50 per child (adult must attend) Come and join in the adventures of Percy and the Park animals. Price includes a walk, drink, biscuit and craft activity. Suitable for children of all ages and abilities. Spaces are limited so please book in advance.
21 November Christmas Market and Ice Rink Opening Ceremony Winchester Cathedral 6.30pm The launch of Christmas activities with a spectacular opening ceremony. Starting at 6.30pm around the Ice Rink in The Inner Close, there will be ice skating displays, musical entertainment and fireworks. Refreshments will be available and the Christmas Market will be open to browse.
16 November
21 November
Santa’s Christmas Wonderland at Paultons Park Pre-book only. Please see the website for opening dates.Entry is at a set time. Prices from £20.75 each. paultonspark.co.uk call 02380 814442. Tickets include entry to Santa’s Christmas Wonderland, as well as access to some of the park’s other rides.
Ice Rink Winchester Cathedral Open daily 10am - 7.30pm The open-air real ice rink can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Ice skating sessions last for 1 hour and includes time to fit your skates so expect to have approximately 50 minutes on the ice. Free skate hire is included. This event runs to 5th January
18 & 25 November NCT Wessex Wobblers 1.30pm - 3.30pm St Mary's Church Hall, Off Wessex Lane, Swaythling, Southampton, SO18 2ST. Soft play session for babies and toddlers.
19 November NCT Breastfeeding Support Group - Hedge End 10am - 12 noon The Nest Childrens Centre Wildern Lane, SO30 4EJ
November/ December 2013
21 November Winter Birds Walk and Lunch Lepe Country Park 10am – 12.00 noon, £9.50 per person, booking essential Enjoy a gentle stroll along the shore and learn about the winter wildfowl and waders that visit the Solent. Part of the time will also be spent in the hide overlooking the Dark Water estuary. Warm up in the café afterwards with a delicious hot lunch.
Christmas Crafts Workshop Lepe Country Park Morning session 10am –12.00 noon, Afternoon session 1pm – 3pm, £20 per session per person, £35 for the whole day, booking essential. Come and join us for a morning, afternoon or the whole day for a fun Christmas craft making bonanza. We’ll be decorating candles, making cards, exploding boxes, table settings, alternative wreaths and Christmas crackers. Bring your own lunch or book a delicious hot meal at the Lepe café. Children over 13 are welcome. Santa's Grotto & Procession The Marlands Shopping Centre From 10am
Join Santa, his jolly elves and the Heart Angels for a funpacked procession through the Centre, to welcome Santa for the opening of his magical grotto. Entertainment will start at 10am and the procession starts at 11.30. 30 November & Throughout December Santa Specials Watercress Line Join Santa as you steam on a magical one hour round trip through the scenic Hampshire countryside as he visits you in your seat! Departs from either Alresford or Alton. Dates event is available: 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 20th - 24th December. Visit the website for more information and booking. Space Mission for Santa Winchester Science Centre 11:30am, 1:30pm & 4:20pm A live planetarium show with a Christmas twist, especially designed with families in mind. Blast off into space and help save Christmas! Runs to 22 December
Sunday Lunch with Santa The Holiday Inn Winchester £15.95 per adult for a three course meal and children under 12 eat for half price with a gift from Santa. Perfect for catching up with friends and family to exchange gifts before Christmas Day. Available on Sunday's throughout December. The Swan Queen’s Ball Mottisfont National Trust 11am – 5pm, The Swan Queen invites you on a magical journey in preparation for her Christmas Ball, through a winter wonderland of trees, decorated rooms, and fantasy evening gowns. Join the Swan Queen at her Ball in a beautiful room filled with sparkling lights, dancing silhouette shadows, and at the centre, an 18th century-style swan ball gown. Christmas at Marwell Marwell Zoo
Contact the venue for cost and available times Make your family’s Christmas magical this winter and join in the festivities at Marwell Zoo. Join the elves in their toy factory at Marwell Hall and warm yourself with a glass of mulled wine, or blackcurrant, and a festive treat. Follow Mrs Claus as she welcomes you through to her parlour for the classic festive tale of The Night Before Christmas. Step into the elf workshop to decorate your own festive stocking before meeting Santa in his sparkling grotto and receive a special gift. Meet our costume character reindeer and enjoy time with Santa’s elves in what promises to be an enchanting Christmas experience.
Families Solent West Magazine
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