OUTDOORS: Fabulous fireworks displays, until Sun 10 November, various locations, Hampshire and Isle of Wight

Start the month with a bang at a bonfire night celebration around Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, on until Sunday 10 November. Click here to find a display near you.

FOOD & DRINK: Tom Hamblet Masterclass at Season Cookery School, Sat 2 November, Lainston House, Winchester

Tom Hamblet Masterclass at Season Cookery School, Sat 2 November, Lainston House, Winchester

Back at Lainston House, the 2023 MasterChef: The Professionals champion is leading a leading a series of expert masterclasses at Season Cookery School, starting this November. This one will be a tasty Halibut main course with banana and peanut dessert.

THEATRE: & Juliet, Tues 5 – Sat 9 November, The Mayflower, Southampton

Rewriting the Bard’s famous ending, heroine Juliet gets second chance at life and love – her way. Created by the Emmy-winning writer from Schitt’s Creek and starring Dr. Ranj Sing alongside Matt Cardle, this hilarious new musical flips the script on the star-crossed lovers story and asks, what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo?

WELLNESS: Slomo Winter Warmer at Tapnell Farm, Thurs 7 November – Sun 29 December, West Wight

Fancy a little winter wellbeing in the glorious Isle of Wight countryside? Ex-radio 1 DJ and Camp Bestival co-founders turned Island-based Scandi wellness pioneers, Rob and Josie da Bank, will unveil the UK’s first public floating sauna this November as part of their collaboration at the luxe glamping retreat, Tapnell Farm. The contrast therapy hub will also have two wood-fired Nordic saunas with views over the lake, an ice-cold plunge tank and a hygge-inspired lounging area with fire pit, plus optional extras like Himalayan salt and rose body scrubs and thermal massages.

SHOPPING: Claudia Bradby Jewellery Sample Sale, Fri 8 Nov, Stockbridge Town Hall, Stockbridge

In residence just for the day, meet Hampshire-based jeweller Claudia Bradby at Stockbridge Town Hall (9am-2pm). There’ll be styling tips, a raffle and the chance to pick up some bargain Christmas gifts, starting at £5.

MUSIC: Concert of Remembrance, Fri 8 Nov, The Army Flying Museum, Middle Wallop, Stockbridge

A beautiful way to mark the occasion, Middle Wallop & Andover Military Wives Choir are tuning up their vocal chords and will perform a collection of songs and poems at the Army Flying Museum in honour of Remembrance.

ARTS & CULTURE: Hanger Farm’s Charity Gala, Tues 12 November, Totton

Raising funds for Hanger Farm’s restoration fund and learning disability theatre groups, enjoy music, magic and a glass or two of fizz at this historic arts centre and events venues special charity gala event.

TV & FILM: Anton Du Beke: Showman, Wed 13 November, Fareham Live, Fareham

Got the Strictly bug? Spend a fab-u-lous evening with Anton as he performs songs and dances and shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time on the show. Can’t make the date? You can also catch him at The Anvil, Basingstoke on Sun 10 November.

SHOPPING: Hampshire Medical Fund Christmas Fair, Thurs 14 – Friday 15 November, Black Chalk Winery, Andover

Raising funds for a brilliant cause, find giftable goods and foodie treats at this special Christmas Fair at Black Chalk Winery. Refreshments will of course feature the vineyard’s own tasty homegrown Hampshire wine.

EXHIBITION: Basingstoke’s My Home: Local Stories with Global Roots, Sat 16 Nov – Sun 23 Feb 2025, The Willis Museum, Basingstoke

Basingstoke's My Home exhibition Willis Museum in Basingstoke

A free-to-enter, community-curated exhibition opening this November, Basingstoke’s My Home: Local Stories with Global Roots celebrates the cultures and the diversity that make Basingstoke a special place to live.

MUSIC: A Tribute to Hans Zimmer & Film Favourites Illuminated, Sun 17 November, The New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth

Hear the magic of film soundtracks including ET, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jaws and Harry Potter performed by a live chamber orchestra, illuminated by light, in an immersive tribute to the film score composer and music producer.

KIDS: The Gruffalo, Wed 20 – Thurs 21 November, The Haymarket, Basingstoke

Oh help, oh no! Take the littlies and catch Owl, Fox, Snake and Mouse in Tall Stories entertaining adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s classic tale.

SHOPPING: Christmas Shopping at Delawarr, Wed 20 – Thurs 21 November, Lymington

Lymington’s favourite festive fundraising shopping fest is back, bringing together independent businesses selling everything from cheese to Christmas cakes, handmade jewellery, art and loads of gifts. If you’re feeling crafty there’s a Wreath Making Workshop with Sarah from Corbins Florist in Brockenhurst.

FAMILY: Wonderland Christmas at The Vyne, Wed 20 November – Sunday 5 January 2025, Basingstoke

The-Vyne-at-Christmas-room-shot-National-Trust-Images-Virginia-Langer — Pic: National Trust Images, *Virginia Langer*

Curiouser and curiouser. Coming to The Vyne this Christmas, Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass themed displays and activities will get a National Trust-style holiday makeover with sparkling trees and a giant chess board. Look out for the Queen of Hearts’ army on the north lawn and the Christmas trail for children with nonsensical Alice-themed challenges to complete to snag a little pressie.

OUTDOORS: We Shine Portsmouth, Thurs 21 – Sat 23 November, Portsmouth

Let there be light! Shining bright over three inspiring evenings of visual arts, performances, dance and music at locations around the city, look out for bright installations like Amigo & Amigo’s interactive piano walk and Alexis Richter’s self-choreographing Dancing Fountain in Victoria Park, a 12-foot-tall pedal-powered mandala outside St. Mary’s Church in Fratton and light switch on events in the city centre and Southea’s Palmerston Road.

LIGHTS: White’s Eco Light Festival at Gilbert White’s House and Gardens, Thurs 21 Nov – Sat 21 Dec, Selbourne

A new environmentally consciousness light trail experience about wildlife and the natural world at the renowned ecologist’s home, White’s Eco Light Festival will be lit by renewable energy sources, solar power and low-level lighting. Learn more about the creatures which 18th century naturalist White identified and how we can protect them today.

FOOD & DRINK: Winter Lodge Parties at The Queens Hotel, Sat 22 November – Saturday 1 March, Portsmouth

The annual ski chalet-style party returns to the iconic Queens Hotel at Southsea this month, with resident DJs bringing the party right through until March. Tuck into a festive cocktail and revel in the sounds of funk, soul, house and disco classics.

SHOPPING: Winchester Christmas Market, Friday 22 Nov – Sun 22 Dec, Winchester

Winchester Christmas Market Hampshire November 2024

One of the UK’s biggest and most atmospheric Christmas markets, Winchester Cathedral’s is an absolute winner. Think mulled wine, mooching around the alpine-style chalet stalls and posing for festive Insta pics.

OUTDOORS: West Quay on Ice, Fri 22 November until – Sun 7 January, West Quay, Southampton

Westquay-on-Ice-rink-Southampton-Hampshire

Slip, slide and skate against the backdrop of the historic city walls on Westquay’s Esplanade as West Quay on Ice returns. Afterwards, refresh with winter cocktails, biers and mulled wine at Après Bar Southampton, the cosy ski lodge bar next door.

CHRISTMAS: Farnborough Frost Fair, Sat 23 November, Farnborough

Bringing the festive to the High Street, Farnborough’s Frost Fair will combine a festive market with over 50 stalls along Queensmead with community entertainment. Watch street theatre, listen to music from local brass bands and choirs, let the kids bounce away in a giant snow globe and, if they’ve been good this year, send them in to meet Father Christmas in his grotto.

CHRISTMAS: A Nutcracker Christmas at Mottisfont, Sat 23 November 2024 – Sun 5 January 2024, Romsey

A Nutcracker Christmas at Mottisfont, Sat 23 November 2024 – Sun 5 January 2024, Romsey — Pic: © National Trust, *Lawrence Perry*

Mottisfont always does Christmas well and this year is set to be another cracker. Enter the house to see sparkling trees, music and special light effects, including twirling Sugarplum fairies and a thrilling duel between the Prince and the Mouse King. Outside, the adventure continues on The Nutcracker family trail, with activities, games and challenges to complete.

THEATRE: Nutcracker, Thurs 28 – Sat 30 November, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton

Transporting audiences from Southampton to Christmas Eve in Edwardian London, this English National Ballet world premiere of the classic festive ballet will feature over 100 dancers and musicians performing Tchaikovsky’s iconic score.

LIGHTS: Glow Marwell, Fri 29 – Mon 30 Dec, Marwell Zoo, near Winchester

Marwell’s enchanted nature trail is back, lighting up the 140-acre park (after the penguins have waddled off to bed) with more than 500,000 lights in a rainbow of colours. Wowsers.

LIGHTS: Steam Illuminations at The Watercress Line, Fri 29 Nov – Sat 4 January 2024, Alton and Alresford stations

Steam Illuminations The Watercress Line Hampshire November 2023

All aboard! The ultimate party train is back with its thousands of LED lights. Steam into the season until 28 December with big Christmas hits. Or visit from 29 December for a musical journey from the 1960s to the present day and dance floor singalong anthems. New for 2024, the Snowlight Cascade, a display of falling lights, will end your journey in a magical flurry.

FOOD & DRINK: Fairy Lights and Fizz, Sat 30 November, Bapsy Hall, Guildhall Winchester

Fairylights and Fizz Hampshire Vineyards event in Winchester November

Festive tipple? Taste your way around stellar line-up of top Hampshire vineyards including Black Chalk, Danebury Vineyards, Exton Park, The Grange, Hambledon, Hattingley, Louis Pommery England and Raimes as Fairy Lights and Fizz returns in sparkling style to Winchester’s Bapsy Hall. This year, it’s a drop-in Saturday event (11am – 5pm), so you can fit in some Christmas shopping and a spot of lunch or dinner after, too.

SHOPPING: The 2024 Northwood House Christmas Fair, Sat 30 November – Sun 1 December, Cowes

With loads of local gifts, art, crafts and produce from 40 exhibitors, this is the ideal Christmas Market to find quirky and unique presents for all the friends and family. Children can see Santa in his Grotto and you can even take the dogs to meet and have a photo taken with ‘Santa Paws. Best of all, admission’s free – so more money for the Christmas booze shop.

CHRISTMAS: Father Christmas at Osborne, Weekends from Sat 30 Nov to 22 Dec, Cowes

Father Christmas at Osborne House Isle of Wight things to do kids

What a setting for an audience with Father Christmas! After a festive storytelling session, kids will get the chance to meet the main man himself and take some snaps. Each child will also get a traditional present to unwrap.

Super November! What’s on this month

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