We look at what our attractions are doing to be even more accessible this Christmas...
We aim to make Winchester accessible for all, and encourage our attractions do to the same. Find out what accessible events you and your family can get involved with this Christmas in Winchester.
Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre
Christmas cheer has taken over the Planetarium! Get transported to an intergalactic wonderland as Christmas comes to life through an immersive theatrical experience like no other at Winchester Science Centre.
A live show, magical effects and an out-of-this-world journey through space on the Planetarium dome will come together as an original Christmas tale comes alive. Children will receive a special Christmas gift and there'll even be time to meet Santa himself and snap a festive selfie.
The planetarium is not very dark, and you can move around, go out and come back in as you please. If you have a wheelchair, there are spaces for you to sit with seats for your family and friends. The stairs have lights to make them easy to see.
Those sensitive to loud noises can borrow ear defenders before the experience starts, and on Monday 23 December a British Sign Language interpreter will be signing during the 2:30pm show. Be sure to contact the Accessibility team so they can reserve a seat for you near the front.
Santa’s Grotto at The Great Hall
This Christmas, unwrap a memory-making adventure with the Santa’s Grotto experience at The Great Hall. On 6 December, there is a session tailored specifically for those with additional needs and a more relaxed environment.
Begin your journey at the Westgate Museum, where you will write a letter to Santa and make a box to plant your very own candy cane seed in, ready to watch it grow! Make your way down Candy Cane Lane towards The Great Hall, where you will be met by one of Santa's friends who will tell you the story The Night Before Christmas as you walk. Then, step into the grandeur of The Great Hall, where Santa awaits you in his cosy Grotto with a special gift.
Within the hall, you will also be able to enjoy sweet treats, hot drinks and take part in festive crafts. Be sure to book early as tickets are likely to sell quickly.
Mother Goose at Theatre Royal Winchester
Theatre Royal Winchester presents the whimsical Mother Goose as this year’s pantomime. Sure to be a cracking show, book relaxed performances specially designed to provide a supportive environment for children and adults with learning difficulties, special needs or Autistic Spectrum Condition.
The auditorium lights will be kept low throughout the show and any loud noises on stage will be softened. Audience members may leave or re-join the performance at any time and relax in the chill-out area. A visual story can also be downloaded in advance explain what to expect from the performance and how to find your way around the theatre. Relaxed performances are on 11 December at 1pm and 1 Jan at 2:30pm.
On 8 December at 11am, visually impaired audiences are invited to book an audio-described performance, where you can listen to a narrator describing the action on stage between the dialogue via a set of headphones. Touch Tours are also taking place one hour ahead of the audio-described performance and allows the audience members to visit the set and feel the props to familiarise themselves ahead of the show.
There will be BSL Interpreted performances on 7 December at 7pm, 11 December at 1pm and 1 January at 2:30pm. During these performances, a British Sign Language interpreter stands at the side of the stage clearly visible to the audience and interprets the spoken word and sound effects.
If you cannot make it to the Theatre Royal Winchester for Mother Goose, be sure to join the livestream performances on 22 December at 7pm and 29 December at 2:30pm.
Glow Marwell at Marwell Zoo
Marwell Zoo's magical light experience returns this winter with breathtaking new displays and interactive experiences. This year’s elemental theme allows guests to dive under the sea with jellyfish in a new ocean display, drift amongst neon clouds in the Sky Zone, stroll in the snow beside a glowing ancient woodland, and tuck into toasted marshmallows at the firepits.
They will be hosting two Quiet Glow Marwell dates during the event on 2 December and 9 December for guests who would like to enjoy a calmer and more relaxed experience. The volume of the music will be lowered and capacity reduced so families can experience the magic of Glow Marwell in a quieter and less crowded environment. Any light displays which have a faster fade will also be changed to a slow fade or static display.
Father Christmas and his elves will be spreading festive cheer in our majestic Grade 1 listed Marwell Hall for families to pre-book on Quiet Glow dates.
Steam Illuminations at The Watercress Line
An unforgettable sound and light show for all the family, visitors with access requirements can reserve a space on the accessible coach by calling 01962 733 810.
Ride through Hampshire countryside on a steam train and enjoy a kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns making the steam train look magical both inside and out!
NEW for 2024: ‘Snowlight Cascade’, an enchanting display of falling lights at the summit of your magical journey.
