There's pantomimes and shows galore gracing our stages among lots of festive family fun to be had. 

Check out our picks of the best things to do in Southampton and around Hampshire this weekend. 

At Mayflower Theatre...

(Image: Stuart Martin/Mayflower Theatre) Fe-fi-fo-fum, a giant panto full of fun opens this weekend. 

After their first triumphant Mayflower Theatre pantomime last year in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, street dance sensations, Ashley Banjo & Diversity, and award-winning actor and comedian, Kev Orkian, are coming back to climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to cloudland in the spectacular family pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack and his family as they fight to outwit the evil giant, win riches beyond his wildest dreams, and earn the hand of the girl he loves.

At Mottisfont...

(Image: National Trust images) Enjoy A Nutcracker Christmas. Enter the magical world of theatre where heroes, villains and dolls come to life. Follow the story through rooms filled with sparkling trees, music and special light effects.

Snowflakes swirl in a frosty wonderland, sugarplum fairies twirl in the Land of Sweets, and there’s a thrilling duel scene between the Prince and the Mouse King. Outside, the adventure continues on a family adventure trail.

At The Berry Theatre...

(Image: Pamela Raith) Tom Fletcher’s There’s a Monster in Your Show, based on his much-loved ‘Who’s in Your Book?’ children’s book series, gets a festive twist this Christmas 2024 with a specially written seasonal show There's A Monster in your Christmas.

A high-energy 60-minute adventure, the production features original music written by Tom Fletcher and Barrie Bignold. Expect plenty of playful fun for your littlest ones as their favourite characters come to life in a show that is packed with interactive moments to enjoy together.

A group of performers are preparing to start their Christmas Show, but quickly discover they are not alone on stage. Little Monster wants to be part of the fun too! With an invitation to his friends, Dragon, Alien and Unicorn to join him, you can expect comedy and chaos as they help to create a magical show, learning about the joy of books and friendship along the way. 

It opens this weekend.

At Places Leisure, Eastleigh...

(Image: Newsquest) Lego lovers will once again flock to Eastleigh to attend a celebration of the beloved brick this weekend.

Brick Festival returns to Places Leisure with a bang.

Attendees will be treated to retro Lego sets, free games, merchandise, and much more.

At Fareham Live...

(Image: Elliott Franks) Fareham Live's first ever panto opens this weekend.

Cinderella, starring TV and dance sensations AJ and Curtis Pritchard, will take to the stage at the £17 million new 800-seat theatre.

You shall go to the ball and make magical memories!