FESTIVE frolics galore. There’s plenty of events to get you in the Christmas spirit across Hampshire this weekend.

Here’s our pick of ten of the best in Southampton and beyond...

1 At Beaulieu...

STEP back in time to a magical Victorian Christmas at Beaulieu with Montagu family pantomime rehearsals, craft activities, traditional decorations in every room of Palace House and carols and punch to enjoy from tomorrow.

Join the Montagu family, played by costumed actors, as they prepare for Christmas and new year festivities in their ancestral family home in 1889. See Palace House come to life as the family and servants rehearse a Christmas Day pantomime and Beaulieu visitors are invited to get on stage to be a part of the seasonal tomfoolery.

The script, based on one performed by a 19th century local Mummers group, will give an insight to how people created their own entertainment before the electronic age.

Then join the family Governess in the library for craft activities to make your own Christmas card or create a sparkling decoration to hang on the tree. For photo opportunities, dress up in period-perfect accessories for a family portrait and take pictures with the sleigh and wicker reindeer and life-size gingerbread house.

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a special feast, so head to the kitchen to talk to Lord Montagu’s cook and her kitchen maid as they prepare for Christmas Day lunch. Then join in with carol singing and festive music around the grand piano in the lower drawing room, before enjoying a glass of mulled punch and warming yourself beside the roaring log fire.

See beaulieu.co.uk.

2 At Longdown Activity Farm...

COME and visit the wonderful Longdown Farm Christmas Barn. Children and adults alike will delight at the festive atmosphere with its traditional theme, Nativity scene and real live animals.

Look out for Father Christmas’ tractor sleigh parked outside his Farmhouse Grotto where he will be waiting to greet the children and their parents. As well as a gift, Father Christmas also has a special Longdown goody bag to give to each visiting child.

The Christmas Barn is open daily until December 23, along with the soft play area, crazy golf, mini tractors, tea room, gift shop and Farm Produce Shop.

No booking – just turn up on the day. Visit longdownfarm.co.uk

3 At Spinnaker Tower...

ELVES will be setting up home at Emirates Spinnaker Tower this festive season!

Visitors to the tower are invited to follow a fun family trail to track down Santa’s little helpers who are hidden around the iconic building.

The Elf Trail runs every day until Christmas Eve.

Go to spinnakertower.co.uk

4 At Sir Harold Hillier Gardens...

HEAD to Romsey and try your hand at making a beautiful yuletide wreath for your front door in the Christmas Door Wreath Workshop on Saturday.

With a wide selection of foliage, berries and unusual stems supplied from the Gardens, let Hillier’s head gardener guide you through the process. Refreshments and lunch are provided. Booking is essential.

Visit hants.gov.uk/hilliergardens

5 In Oxford Street, Southampton...

COME and enjoy live music and some festive fun on Southampton’s most historic street with Music on the Street, which takes place tomorrow.

With performances from Jack Dale, Katie Kelly, Sam Solace and more, the stage is being set just outside of The London Hotel.

Audiences can also enjoy mulled wine, mince pies, hot chocolate, mulled cider, beer, ale and whiskey in the Oxford Street venues.

Music on the Street will finish at 8pm but the venues will continue to party with you long into the night.

Wear a Christmas jumper and you’ll receive discount vouchers for many of the Oxford Street venues! Simply pick up your vouchers from The London during the event.

6 At Port Solent...

EAT, drink, be merry and feel the festive cheer this weekend at Port Solent’s annual Festival of Christmas.

For the sixth year running, Port Solent will be hosting its Festival of Christmas tomorrow and Sunday.

The festival will include free festive entertainment, live music, street theatre, a Christmas market, with more than 70 stalls of beautiful gifts, and tasty food and drink, and more.

Around the Edges, Local Vocals Southsea and Fine Voice Academy will be entertaining guests throughout the day on Saturday, making them truly rock around the Christmas tree. Sam the Christmas juggler will also be roaming the centre impressing visitors with his talents, joined by balloon modeller Steve King and festive costumed characters.

On Sunday, female barbershop group, The Pitch Pipers, will be spreading Christmas cheer with classic barbershop tunes and rock ‘n’ roll, followed by a variety of festive tunes from local ukulele band Pompey Pluckers.

Go to portsolent.com.

7 At Tudor House, Southampton...

TAKE a step back in time at Tudor House this weekend. Deck the halls with boughs of holly and ivy for some festive fun! Meet some costumed characters, book a slot to meet Father Christmas and make fun holiday crafts to take away.

Ho ho ho! Father Christmas is scheduled to fly in for one weekend only to Tudor House and Garden. Meet with the man himself to receive a special Christmas gift and a souvenir photo for a truly magical experience.

Pre-book on 023 8083 4536.

8 At Nuffield Southampton Theatres...

JOIN feisty Hetty Feather on an audacious adventure as the Olivier-nominated West End hit based on the book from best-selling author Jacqueline Wilson continues at Nuffield’s Campus venue.

Roll up and join Hetty on her escape from the Foundling Hospital. Tremble as she faces Matron Stinking Bottomly. Thrill as she discovers the squirrel house and Tanglefields Travelling Circus. Gasp as she endures a night locked in the attic. Quake as she braves the scary streets of Victorian London. Cheer as she overcomes all in the search to find her real mother and a true family of her own.

With beautiful storytelling, spectacular circus skills, original songs and live music, this critically acclaimed five star production offers the perfect treat for the whole family. Be excited and delighted by this unmissable adventure story.

Tickets: 023 8067 1771 or nstheatres.co.uk

9 At Hampshire cinemas...

DAVID Gordon Green’s uplifting drama Stronger relives the 2013 Boston marathon bombing from the perspective of Jeff Bauman, who was a well-wisher in the crowd that fateful day and lost both of his legs in the blast.

Adapted from Bauman’s memoir, Stronger chronicles events before and after the race, capturing the unbearable toll on Jeff and the people around him.

Jake Gyllenhaal delivers an Oscar-worthy performance, bristling with raw emotion, as the survivor, who became a symbol of Boston Strong – the manifestation of a city’s unity in the face of barbarism.

It’s a muscular and harrowing portrayal that powerfully captures every strained sinew and aching muscle of Jeff’s nervous return to the land of the bruised but living.

Director Green earns our tears without resorting to shameless emotional manipulation. His film stands tall and proud like the defiant everyman at its centre.

10 At Southampton Sports Centre...

TRAVELLING around the world in 24 hours is no small feat, neither is navigating furniture, squeezing down a chimney or carrying a sack full of presents. You might even say Santa needs the skills of a warrior.

You can join him as he prepares for his big day by taking part in the Active Warrior Santa Dash. A fun, festive, family orientated event taking place over a 3-4km course through the beautiful setting of the Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre. It’s not a race, it’s a fun run, jog or walk around the course, allowing you to be a part of a fantastic Christmas experience as one of hundreds of Santas taking part. It’s the perfect way for you and your family to get active this Christmas.

The obstacles are distinctly Christmas themed and include a sledge pull, a chimney climb and even a present sack carry.

See activewarrior.co.uk