MORE than 60 businesses are involved in festivities in Romsey this weekend as part of the town's annual Saving Santa event.
All the fun starts at 4pm on Friday December 8.
The night, which has traditionally been Saving Santa and late-night shopping, has a different feel this Friday with bands and choirs, Romsey’s own makers market and sprinkle of street food and drink from September’s food fair.
Organised by the Romsey and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the event has been turned on its head by involving 60 shops and businesses throughout the town to create the reindeer trail which starts at 4pm.
Search for the reindeer stickers in windows and inside the businesses to find a letter in each one.
Then crack the code and return your entry to the Romsey Chamber stand in the Market Place to win a gift.
READ MORE: Victorious Festival 2024: Biffy Clyro and Fatboy Slim headlining
In the Cornmarket, the Cookhouse Street Food will cater with gourmet burgers, tacos, vegan food, and fries, plus they have a Romsey favourite Hot Diggerty Dogs there too.
People can wash that down with drinks from the Final Furlong Fizz Box. Mulled wine and cocktails will be available from the bars and hotels in the town.
South Central Makers Market will be selling artisan homemade gifts and treats, and Harlequins Face Painting and Body Art will be offering Christmas-themed designs at their stall by Café Nero.
Reindeer Trail Map are for sale for £2 from Co-ops in Abbotswood, Warren Gardens, Halterworth, Botley Road, Winchester Hill and The Hundred.
Every trail map also gives people entry to win a prize draw for a Christmas hamper supplied by Footner & Ewing.
Adam Clemett, president of Romsey and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “We are really looking forward to engaging with the whole community and bringing the spirit of Christmas back into the town for all to enjoy. Rather than expect shops to open late we have arranged entertainment earlier which is more fitting with the expected audience. By giving an opportunity for visitors to engage with our retailers and businesses, we hope they discover a new shop or business they haven’t visited before to help support the longevity of the town.”
On Saturday, December 9 the weekly Romsey Market and The Antiques House will be selling their wares at Romsey Town Hall. In the evening Maggies Charity Christmas Concert is appearing at Romsey Abbey.
On Sunday, December 10, South Central Makers Market returns to Romsey for their last market of the year. There will be street food offering a South African BBQ and a Christmas themed food pop-up will take over Romsey Town Hall with loaded roast potatoes, vegan food and a crumble corner.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here