It's nearly time! All that build up and the big day is nearly upon us. 

If you find yourself at a loose end this weekend before Christmas, or are looking for something fun to do with family, here's our guide to five of the best events around. 

At MAST Mayflower Studios...

(Image: MAST Mayflower Studios / Canva) This Christmas, join Rat, Badger and Mole on Toad’s BIG Musical Adventure as the classic tale of The Wind in the Willows is brought to life packed with musical hits, comedy and thrills for all the family.

50 young people will take you on a wonderful journey through the seasons along the banks of the Test, down the open road (watch out for Toad in his motorcar!) around the snow- covered New Forest, and through the Wild Wood (beware of those weasels!) to the magnificent Toad Hall.

Join us by the riverbank for a riotously uplifting festive treat!

At Paultons Park...

(Image: Paultons Park)

The Celebration of Christmas has arrived! 

See Peppa Pig World decorated for Christmas and meet Peppa and George in their festive outfits!

Meet Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Reindeer and Billy and Belinda Elves.

Enjoy the magical illuminations, Christmas trees and festive family fun, including Santa's Storytime and the Santa's Christmas Wish Show. 

Tornado Springs will be open for Christmas along with rides in Lost Kingdom and Critter Creek!

The park's famous Yorky Wrap is back on the menu this Christmas - a giant Yorkshire pudding, succulent turkey crown, pig in blanket, vegetables, sage and onion stuffing and cranberry sauce! Or choose a festive beef or chicken burger, potato pops and pigs in blankets. For pudding feast on a chocolate brownie, delicious mince pies or festive shortbread! 

The gift shop is a festive treasure trove of treats, toys, and teddies.

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. 

At Beaulieu...

(Image: Supplied) Christmas has arrived at Beaulieu with stunning decorations, shimmering lights, and festive treats for the whole family to enjoy together.

During weekends, and during the school holidays, the Beaulieu attraction will bring Christmas cheer with festive fun activities, including an all-new activity trail and the biggest tree Palace House has ever had on display.

Visitors can stop and admire the gigantic Nordmann Fir which takes centre stage underneath the stairwell of Palace House. Measuring at a whopping 25ft and featuring over 120 metres of twinkling lights, this seasonal spruce is the biggest ever to go on display inside the Victorian country home and is the perfect backdrop for your festive family photo.

Visitors can soak up the Christmas cheer whilst engaging in an all-new festive trail. Families can pick up an activity sheet on arrival and take part in The Montagu Bear Christmas trail, which features a 100-year-old bear that once belonged to the late Edward, Lord Montagu. See this timeless bear on display in Palace House and complete his magical activity trail which will take visitors on a journey around the Beaulieu attraction to find all his lost Christmas possessions.

After completing the trail, head back to Palace House, and step into a beautiful Victorian Christmas and head inside the National Motor Museum to get stuck into more family-friendly activities.