RESIDENTS are being encouraged to come along to a theatre in Andover to enjoy a whole of magical Christmas shows.

It’s going to be the most wonderful time of the year in Andover this Christmas, with an abundance of festive favourites on the way at The Lights. The multi-faceted cultural space in the heart of Hampshire has something for all the family.

Prior to the Christmas shows, there’s even time for a 1960s rock ‘n’ roll stage show Be Bop a Lula on Friday, December 9 at 7.30pm.

Following the hit show (live and direct from London’s West End), audiences will be entranced by beautiful ballet from Ballet Theatre UK. Beauty and the Beast will take place on The Lights stage on Sunday, December 11, including a matinee and evening performance, so that families can enjoy this stunning show together.

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Perennial favourites return this year too, with both Neil Sands Christmas Memories and The Big Band at Christmas returning to The Lights auditorium in December. Both boasting wonderful musicians and singers, ready to entertain! Both shows are matinees and always prove popular in the run up to Christmas.

Ghosts are rarely spotted in December, but fear not The Lights has the perfect show for people who love winter wraiths. More Christmas Ghost Stories is presented by Don’t Go into The Cellar Theatre Company, who are known for their Victorian style and seasonal spooks. With resting actor Alfred St John Merrimoon ushering you into this special time of year in an amusingly chilling way on Monday, December 19 at 7.30pm. A fun and quirky way to get in the Christmas mood.

There are also a wealth of quality children's shows and workshops coming up in December and beyond with returning and new companies bringing the very best shows to the auditorium. Captain Calamity’s Christmas Santamime is full of all the good cheer that should be expected within a Christmas show. When Captain Calamity gets a call from the Chief Elf at the North Pole, it’ll be up to the audience and the captain himself to bring back the magic and merriment before the end of the day on Wednesday, December 21. There are two shows on at The Lights for this production, at 2pm and 6pm, for ages 5-12 and their families.

Added to this, The Lights is putting on a new Christmas Reindeer Cupcake Decoration Workshop, where all cupcakes are provided (ready for decoration), as well as a gingerbread man to decorate and take home. There are only 10 child tickets available per workshop at £5 per child (adult goes free). The workshop is being held in The Atrium café at The Lights on Thursday, December 22 at 10am and 11.30am.

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Rounding off the week of high-quality Christmas shows, is Santa Saves Christmas. This permanent fixture in The Lights programme is back once again. For not one, not two, but three shows on Friday, December 23 at 10.30am, 1pm and 3pm. The kids will have the option to meet Santa following the hour’s show and this production has proved to be a triumph every time it has been at the local theatre. Book fast as the 10.30am and 1pm shows are now sold out, and 3pm is racing to match these.

The Lights continues to provide excellent shows for the people of Andover and surrounding areas. This accessible venue with top-quality performers and acts will once again raise the spirits this merry season.

Enjoy some winter warmers at The Lights this Christmas, by booking tickets online at thelights.org.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01264 368368.