Meanwhile, the Utilita Bowl hosts Celestial Presents Evolution, a 45-minute drone light spectacle that takes audiences through the story of life on Earth.
Cinema enthusiasts can bid farewell to Southampton Film Week as it concludes with an exciting quiz night on Sunday. For families looking for hands-on fun, Furzey Gardens offers a delightful How to Train a Reindeer trail for kids to craft and complete challenges. Literature fans can also visit God’s House Tower to see Jane Austen’s iconic traveling writing desk, on display for the first time since she lived in Southampton.
The holiday spirit is already in the air in Southampton, even though it's only mid-November. The city is buzzing with festive activities, from dazzling Christmas lights to an innovative drone show, family craft activities, and the finale of Southampton Film Week. Here’s a roundup of the top family-friendly events happening this weekend (November 16–17) in Hampshire:In Southampton City CentreSouthampton’s Christmas lights are officially switched on, marking the start of a magical festive season. Kicking off on Friday night with a special appearance by panto star Kev Orkian and Britain’s Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas, the celebrations continue all weekend.The city’s Christmas Market is in full swing, with stalls, roaming street theatre, and light projections on the Bargate. Families can enjoy live music throughout the weekend, and young visitors will even have the chance to meet Paddington Bear!At the Utilita BowlFor one night only, experience a breathtaking drone light show at Hampshire Cricket's home ground. Celestial Presents Evolution, an immersive, family-friendly display using over 600 drones to tell a vivid story of life from the Big Bang to modern times.Expect a narrated journey through monumental moments in history, accompanied by a cinematic soundtrack. The evening also features pre-show entertainment, including live music, a DJ, and food stalls from local vendors.Southampton Film Week FinaleSouthampton Film Week concludes this weekend, wrapping up an eclectic celebration of cinema with features, documentaries, shorts, and immersive events like the Monty Python cinema experience. The festival ends with the famous Film Week Quiz at Mettricks Guildhall on Sunday.
At Furzey GardensGet into the holiday spirit at Furzey Gardens with the How to Train a Reindeer activity and trail, running until Christmas Eve. Children can craft their own reindeer hobby horse, complete fun training challenges, and collect a special treat at the Christmas cottage.At God’s House TowerLiterature lovers can view Jane Austen’s traveling writing desk at God’s House Tower. On display for the first time in Southampton since her time in the city over 200 years ago, this exhibit marks the start of activities leading up to her 250th birthday celebrations in 2025.
Cinema enthusiasts can bid farewell to Southampton Film Week as it concludes with an exciting quiz night on Sunday. For families looking for hands-on fun, Furzey Gardens offers a delightful How to Train a Reindeer trail for kids to craft and complete challenges. Literature fans can also visit God’s House Tower to see Jane Austen’s iconic traveling writing desk, on display for the first time since she lived in Southampton.
The holiday spirit is already in the air in Southampton, even though it's only mid-November. The city is buzzing with festive activities, from dazzling Christmas lights to an innovative drone show, family craft activities, and the finale of Southampton Film Week. Here’s a roundup of the top family-friendly events happening this weekend (November 16–17) in Hampshire:In Southampton City CentreSouthampton’s Christmas lights are officially switched on, marking the start of a magical festive season. Kicking off on Friday night with a special appearance by panto star Kev Orkian and Britain’s Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas, the celebrations continue all weekend.The city’s Christmas Market is in full swing, with stalls, roaming street theatre, and light projections on the Bargate. Families can enjoy live music throughout the weekend, and young visitors will even have the chance to meet Paddington Bear!At the Utilita BowlFor one night only, experience a breathtaking drone light show at Hampshire Cricket's home ground. Celestial Presents Evolution, an immersive, family-friendly display using over 600 drones to tell a vivid story of life from the Big Bang to modern times.Expect a narrated journey through monumental moments in history, accompanied by a cinematic soundtrack. The evening also features pre-show entertainment, including live music, a DJ, and food stalls from local vendors.Southampton Film Week FinaleSouthampton Film Week concludes this weekend, wrapping up an eclectic celebration of cinema with features, documentaries, shorts, and immersive events like the Monty Python cinema experience. The festival ends with the famous Film Week Quiz at Mettricks Guildhall on Sunday.
At Furzey GardensGet into the holiday spirit at Furzey Gardens with the How to Train a Reindeer activity and trail, running until Christmas Eve. Children can craft their own reindeer hobby horse, complete fun training challenges, and collect a special treat at the Christmas cottage.At God’s House TowerLiterature lovers can view Jane Austen’s traveling writing desk at God’s House Tower. On display for the first time in Southampton since her time in the city over 200 years ago, this exhibit marks the start of activities leading up to her 250th birthday celebrations in 2025.
