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Festive fun in the town centre
l u f r e d n o w t s o m e h t s ’ t “I ” r a e y e h t f o time Welcome to Christmas in Basingstoke town centre, a handy guide from Love Basingstoke filled with what’s on, ideas, inspiration and useful information to see you through this festive season. List in hand, find all the shops you need in Festival Place, The Malls and the Top of the Town for gift shopping. If you need a break then there are plenty of refreshment options from coffee shops to tapas, sushi to burgers and not forgetting mince pies. Get into the Christmas spirit with Love Basingstoke Presents and look out for our Festive Friday event and other free activities. You’ll also find plenty of events for some festive fun at Festival Place, The Malls and other town centre venues in this guide.
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Presents
as cheer spreading Chrism be ill w ke o st g mber, Love Basin on Friday 17 Nove n w To e th f o p with at the To r a festive evening fo us in Jo . m p 8 s, a market from 5pm to festive walkabout , es iti tiv ac s n’ re free child ore. ders, music and m with local stallhol • Free Christmas crafts with Junk Jodie • Free face painting with Routine Riots • A ppearance from Peter Pan and Hook from this year’s Anvil Arts pantomime • P erformance from PQA Basingstoke at 5pm • Music from Rock Choir between 5.30pm and 6pm • Dance the night away to the latest tunes with our DJ • Browse market stalls for unique gifts and treats • S kating Presents and other festive characters walking around • Free post office and North Pole role play with Pop Up Play • E njoy food and drink from Top of the Town businesses including mulled wine at The Tea Bar.
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FREE Christmas activities
Presents
from Love Basingstoke Presents. Face painting with Routine Riots
Five days of free festive children’s workshops and activities across the Top of the Town. Storytelling with Routine Riots
An interactive storytelling adventure with local company Routine Riots. Hear the tale of Grotty Greta and The Naughty Magic shoes unfold. Includes singing, dancing and drama. Monday 18 December At 11am, 12noon, 1pm and 2pm Chancellors
FREE
Brickmas with the Brick People
Make builds using red, green and white bricks and take part in speed challenges. Tuesday 19 December Drop in between midday and 4pm Dice Tower FREE
BVA Elf Trail
Reindeer hot chocolate cones with Olive Tree Creations
FREE
FREE, prebooking required at https://www.LoveBasingstoke. co.uk/events/love-basingstokepresents-christmas-activities
FREE
The BVA elves are busy out volunteering in the community. Can you find out who they are helping? Wrap up warm and head on an elf trail around War Memorial Park. Monday 18 December Collect your free map between 11am and 2pm War Memorial Park (Map collection from The Orchard) 4
Festive face painting fun. Tuesday 19 December Drop in between 11am and 3pm Willows Coffee House
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Make your own hot chocolate cones to enjoy at home or use as a gift. Wednesday 20 December Workshops at 11am, 11.30am, 12noon, 12.30pm, 1pm, 1.30pm, 2pm and 2.30pm Willis Museum
Christmas arts and crafts with Louise Hight Enjoy festive themed arts and crafts to take home with local artist Louise Hight. Wednesday 20 December Drop in between 11am and 3pm Willis Museum FREE
Christmas storytelling with Junk Jodie
Pine cone bird feeders with The Crafty Hen
Create a sustainable and biodegradeable bird feeder based around a pine cone. Full of seeds and other yummy treats and topped off with a festive robin! Friday 22 December Drop in between 11am and 3pm Gabardine Bar FREE
Head on a festive adventure with local artist Junk Jodie. Meet recycled toys Ronnie Robin, Elfina Elf, Ronald Reindeer, and finally Polly Polar Bear. There will be a craft activity to enjoy after the session. Thursday 21 December 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm The Tea Bar FREE
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e c a l P l a v Festi A classic Christmas kick off Join Festival Place as they dance, sing and leap their way into a joy-filled Christmas with a host of characters from the classic festive ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ song. Expect musical merriment with a marching band and dancing ladies, turtle doves and swansaswimming. The Christmas craft room will be open too. Saturday 18 November 10am to 6pm
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Santa’s grotto
Festive Express
Visit Santa’s grotto for a truly magical Christmas experience for all the family. Please note the grotto will be closed from 1pm to 1.40pm each day and quiet hour runs every Sunday from 9am to 10am. From 4 November to 24 December Various times Tickets are £6 per child, with a £1.50 online booking fee per transaction. www.BookFatherChristmas. co.uk/festivalplace
Take a ride on the Festive Express! Arrive at the station on the upper level for a train ride around the centre! Tickets cost £3 a go, or £10 for 4 people. Running every weekend until 18 December where it will run every day until the end of the year. 10am to 4pm
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s l l a M The Festive fun at The Malls The Christmas lights are on, the Christmas market is open and the festive entertainment begins. Two giant Christmas stockings bursting at the seams with talking puppet presents bring festive fun to The Malls. As the sun goes down, illuminated butterfly stilt walkers light up the evening. Saturday 18 November Stocking up walkabouts at 11.30am, 1.15pm, and 3pm Mariposa stilt walkers at 3.30pm, 4.45pm and 6pm FREE
Father Christmas with Mother Christmas Come and meet Father Christmas by the Christmas tree. Have your photo taken and don’t forget to bring your letters with you. The elegant Royal Argenta stilt walkers will also be making appearances throughout the day. Saturday 25 November From 11am to 4pm FREE
Arts and crafts workshops in the Christmas hut Come and create your own unique Christmas cards and decorations. For all the family. Sunday 26 November Between 11am and 4pm FREE
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The Malls Christmas Market Wooden huts fill The Malls for its annual traditional Christmas market, perfect for gift shopping! Wednesday 15 November to Sunday 24 December 9am to 6pm
The Mirror Men Two striking walkabout characters covered with thousands of tiny mirrors will brighten your day. Saturday 2 December At 11.30am, 1.15pm and 3pm FREE
Hodman and Sally Walkabout Come and meet these charming miniature characters as they bring their own kind of Christmas cheer to The Malls. Saturday 9 December At 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm FREE
Skating Christmas Presents and Starlight stilt walkers Elegant, illuminated Christmas presents glide skilfully throughout The Malls with our stunning Starlight stilt characters on the last Saturday before Christmas. Saturday 23 December Between 3pm and 6.30pm FREE
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Take in a show The Nutcracker
A Christmas Carol
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a dazzling production of the most famous ballet in the world. A highly accessible ballet, full of familiar music such as the Waltz of the Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Friday 24 November at 7.30pm The Anvil Various band and prices https://www.AnvilArts.org.uk/ whats-on/event/the-nutcracker
Chapterhouse Theatre Company returns with its sell-out production of A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens’ beloved tale of hope and redemption. Tuesday 5 and Saturday 23 December at 7.30pm The Anvil Various band and prices https://www.AnvilArts.org.uk/ whats-on/event/a-christmascarol
Christmas at the movies
Dear Santa
Join the renowned 70-piece Studio Orchestra as they take you on a magical journey through some of the mostloved festive films of all time, including Love Actually, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Elf, The Polar Express, Home Alone, The Holiday, Harry Potter, It’s A Wonderful Life, and many more. Tuesday 28 November at 7.30pm The Anvil Various band and prices https://www.AnvilArts.org.uk/ whats-on/event/christmas-atthe-movies 10 www.LoveBasingstoke.co.uk
From the author of the well-loved children’s book Dear Zoo (Rod Campbell), comes Dear Santa, an ideal introduction to theatre for those aged two and over. The yuletide cheer continues with the opportunity to meet Santa in his grotto after the show, where every child will receive an extra special gift. Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 December The Haymarket Various prices, bands, concessions plus a relaxed performance. https://www.AnvilArts.org.uk/ whats-on/event/dear-santa
The further adventures of Peter Pan – The return of Captain Hook Join Peter, Smee, Tinker Bell and Ethyl Mermaid on a brand-new swashbuckling adventure full of fun, laughter… and crocodiles at this year’s spectacular family pantomime. Friday 8 to Sunday 31 December The Anvil Various prices, bands, concessions plus relaxed and signed performances. ‘Hook’ your tickets at https://www.AnvilArts.org.uk/ whats-on/event/the-furtheradventures-of-peter-panthe-return-of-captain-hook
Help! There’s an elf in my house ScratchBuilt Productions, in association with Proteus, presents Help! There’s an elf in my house, a magical and immersive theatre experience. Audiences travel around the creation space arts centre, with each room transformed into an enchanting Christmassy scene, full of wonder. Tickets cost £10 per person (plus booking fee) Saturday 9 December to Saturday 24 December 2023 Proteus Creation Space https://www.ProteusTheatre. com/events/help-theres-anelf-in-my-house/
Take in a show The ‘lock in’ Christmas carol
Tennessee Country Christmas Show
Half gig, half dance show and half panto! Join the BBC awardwinning team of musicians and dancers for the best festive live music, song, and dance. Wednesday 13 December The Haymarket Tickets: £20.50. Under 25s and full-time students: £18.50 (includes £4 booking fee) https://www.AnvilArts.org.uk/ whats-on/event/the-lock-inchristmas-carol
It’s going to be a jolly dolly Christmas all the way from the smoky mountains. Enjoy some yuletide fun and laughter with great music and entertainment, and if you wish really hard, it might even snow. Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 December The Haymarket Tickets: £27 (includes £4 booking fee) https://www.AnvilArts.org.uk/ whats-on/event/tennesseecountry-christmas-show
Philharmonia Brass at Christmas Join the Philharmonia Orchestra Brass Ensemble for a feast of seasonal music. Tuesday 19 December The Haymarket Tickets: £29. Under 25s and full-time students: £12 (includes £4 booking fee) https://www.AnvilArts.org.uk/ whats-on/event/philharmoniabrass-at-christmas
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Other town centre events Night at the Library! A family-friendly party in the library, meet the characters who come to life once the library doors are closed... Basingstoke Discovery Centre Friday 17 November 4pm to 7pm FREE – pre-booking required https://shop.hants.gov. uk/products/night-atthe-library-basingstokediscovery-centre-friday17th-november-2023-4pm?variant=43467663212697
Christmas delights at Elai Unwrap the Taste of Christmas at Elai South Indian Restaurant! Head on a culinary journey that celebrates the warmth and richness of South Indian cuisine. Elai Basingstoke Friday 24 November to Sunday 24 December https://www.elai.uk/ elai-christmas-2023/
Christmas Bottomless Brunch Christmas charcuterie boards, festivities, and a present or two (depending how good you’ve been this year!) Duck and Tipple Sunday 3 December 2023 2pm to 4pm Booking via basingstoke@ duckandtipple.co.uk
Gabardine Christmas market An indoor Christmas market with a range of vendors, mince pies, mulled wine and music from ‘Noteworthy Choir’ playing around Gabardine’s Christmas tree. Gabardine Bar Sunday 3 December 11am to 3pm FREE entry
Other town centre events Breakfast with Santa
Snow Buddies Trail
Enjoy breakfast with Santa where your little ones can enjoy a festive themed breakfast with a visit from Santa, a gift and photo opportunity. Gabardine Bar Sunday 9 December and Sunday 16 December 9am to 12noon Ticketed event
Find the animal buddies hidden in the snow and help Santa make his deliveries. Willis Museum Saturday 16 December to Saturday 23 December 10am to 4pm Free
The Christmas Doodle Room The Basingstoke Gallery will be dedicated to Christmas crafts, make and takes and stories… you can even draw on some walls. Willis Museum Saturday 16 December to Saturday 13 January 10am to 4pm Free to use (special events will have a charge) 14 www.LoveBasingstoke.co.uk
Decorate a pine Christmas cone Drop in during the weekend to give a pine cone a festive makeover. Willis Museum Saturday 16 December and Sunday 17 December 10am to 4pm £1 per pine cone
Meet Santa Paws Afternoon tea with dogs and their families. After meeting Santa, dogs will be given dog treats and toys. Willows Coffee House in association with Basingstoke Dog and Cat Rescue centre.
Other town centre events Sunday 17 December 12noon to 3pm £5 per pet which includes a festive gift
Christmas story time Christmas stories for pre-school children. Sit and relax and enjoy some timeless Christmas stories. Willis Museum Thursday 21 December 11am to 12noon and 2pm to 3pm £1 per child Suitable for those aged five and under
Clay dog planters Inspired by the Sainsbury gallery exhibition, make your own dog themed planter. Willis Museum Thursday 28 December 11am to 12noon and 2pm to 3pm £3 per child Suitable for those aged five and over
Garbardine Bar New Year’s Eve Party Party the night away with music from ‘Delicious Grooves’. Garbardine Bar 31 December 2023 https:// gabardinebar. co.uk/
Party in the pub at Village Basingstoke When the clock strikes 12 o’clock celebrate with Village Basingstoke this New Year’s Eve, offering a premium twocourse buffet dinner with DJ to celebrate going into 2024 Village style - after all they do know how to throw a party! 31 December 2023 Bar opens at 7pm Tickets starting at £35 per person. Book your tickets at https://www.ivvy.co.uk/event/ KT5ZAH/ For more Twixmas ideas, including ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve, visit www.LoveBasingstoke.co.uk www.LoveBasingstoke.co.uk 15
TWIXMas wixmas, T g in r u d do r things to s between fo g in k o o L y re portant da im ll a ve? Here a e E s o ’s h r t a e Y w and Ne Christmas ou busy! y p e e k o t s some idea Shopping Was something missing from your Christmas list or are you just wanting to hit the sales? Festival Place, The Malls and some Top of the Town businesses will be open. Check their websites for opening hours.
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Activities In the town centre, head to The Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery to see the latest exhibition ‘We think the world of you’ by David Remfry. It features a series of portraits that reveal the connections between people and their canine companions. Inspired by the gallery exhibition, make your own dog themed planter from air dried clay on Thursday 28 December 2023. Entry to the museum is free but you’ll need to book a space in advance on the Hampshire Cultural Trust website for the workshop and it costs £3 per person.
TWIXMas Have some fun with family and friends at Exciting Escapes which is open between Christmas and New Year. Find clues, solve puzzles, and complete challenges to finish your mission in 60 minutes! Burn some energy at Flip Out which features trampolines, a laser quest arena, stunt zone, traverse wall, soft play and much more. Splash about in the swimming pool at Basingstoke Sports Centre or take in a film at Vue. If you haven’t seen this year’s pantomime yet, there is still a chance to ‘hook’ tickets to The Anvil to head on a swashbuckling adventure in The Further Adventures of Peter Pan and the return of Captain Hook from Tuesday 26 to Sunday 31 December 2023.
Get outside After some extra time indoors, why not wrap up warm and head out to the great outdoors for some fresh air. War Memorial Park, Eastrop Park and Glebe Gardens are all walkable from Basingstoke town centre. Take in some public art at the same time as stretching your legs with the Streets Alive trail or learn a bit more about the history of the town on the Basingstoke history trail. You can find links to these trails on the Love Basingtoke website. www.LoveBasingstoke.co.uk For more Twixmas ideas, including ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve, visit www.LoveBasingstoke.co.uk www.LoveBasingstoke.co.uk 17
Make this Christmas green Give the gift of local
Christmas supplies
Choose gifts made locally, from renewable sources, or those that have been recycled. Head to support local makers at a pop-up market on Friday 17 November. You can also support local crafters at All Your Own Crafts or local artists at THAT Gallery. For those who prefer to shop online, head to The Borough Basket, Basingstoke and Deane’s directory of independent businesses at www.TheBoroughBasket.co.uk
Try wrapping gifts in plain brown paper, fabric, scarves or even newspaper. Use ecotape or tie with some colourful reusable ribbons, raffia or string. Homemade cards are more personal. Making cards is also a fun activity for the family during the weeks before Christmas. Try to avoid glitter cards. Make your own Christmas crackers from old toilet roll tubes and cracker snaps if you feel really creative – head to YouTube to see how. You’ll have to supply your own cheesy jokes though.
Experiences
nt ho don’t wa For those w ot ‘stuff’ why n to give more ? e c ift experien consider a g : picks below See our top
A cooking experience from Herbs and Spice Cookery. 18 www.LoveBasingstoke.co.uk
Experience the thrill of skydiving at iFly.
A hosted tour to uncover the secrets of the world-famous gin at Bombay Sapphire Distillery.
Love Basingstoke’s top tips for making this a greener Christmas Make it
Treemendous recycling
How about making someone a special Christmas gift such as biscuits or chocolate, bath bombs or beeswax wraps. Feeling crafty? Why not knit, crochet or draw a special gift.
If you are thinking of getting a real Christmas tree this year, don’t forget you can also recycle it. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has tree recycling drop-off points available. Garden waste customers will be able to put their Christmas trees out for collection with their garden waste again this year. For more information visit www.basingstoke.gov. uk/christmas-tree.
Food waste Plan your Christmas meals to help reduce food waste. Make a list before you shop, buy locally, measure your portions properly, freeze leftovers or use them the next day. If you have a home compost bin, don’t forget to put the vegetable peelings from your Christmas dinner in it.
A gift of relaxation and pampering from Basingstoke Wellness.
An unforgettable experience at Exciting Escapes.
A personalised gift voucher to experience a stay at Oakley Hall Hotel. www.LoveBasingstoke.co.uk 19
Getting here Join us this Christmas in Basingstoke. Whether you are arriving by bus, car, train, bicycle or on foot, it’s easy to get to the town centre. Basingstoke train station is perfectly situated across from The Malls Shopping Centre and from here everything is easily reached
on foot. If travelling by car, Basingstoke is conveniently located just off junctions 6 and 7 of the M3. When you arrive, you’ll find plenty of parking at Festival Place and the Top of the Town which are within walking distance to the shopping and leisure facilities.
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Let us take you on a journey to discover Basingstoke and Deane.