BASINGSTOKE residents are invited to get into the festive spirit with two Christmas markets in the lead-up to the big day.

Organised by the Hampshire Cultural Trust and taking place at Milestones Living History Museum and Basing House, these markets will be the perfect chance to get all the Christmas shopping done early, while also enjoying some festive treats.

The first market will take place at Basing House from Saturday, November 26 to Sunday, November 27.

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The majestic Tudor barn will be decorated for a wonderfully festive shopping experience, with dozens of stalls offering locally made crafts, produce and gifting ideas to browse and buy.

Mulled wine will also be available.

On Saturday, visitors will be able to enjoy a Nativity scene with animals from Mill Cottage Farm, while on Sunday re-enactors from the Marquess of Winchester Regiment will be staging an English Civil War living history event.

Tickets for the market will cost £3.50 per person with under-5s entering free.

The second market at Milestones will take place on Saturday, December 3 to Sunday December 4.

Visitors will be invited to explore more than 40 market stalls, children’s entertainment, festive treats, Christmas choirs and music on the bandstand over the two-day annual Christmas market.

Stalls will be selling seasonal gifts and treats throughout the museum, and the award-winning Milestones shop provides the perfect place for visitors to find a unique gift for a friend or loved one.

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As well as the Christmas market, visitors to Milestones will also be able to enjoy cobbled streets decorated for the season, while children can help Father Christmas find his lost reindeer with a special Reindeer Spotter trail taking place around the museum.

At the same time, the smell of mulled wine and the taste of minced pies will transport adults into the atmosphere of a perfect Christmas.

Tickets for the Milestone Christmas market cost £6 per person with under-5s entering for free and must be booked in advance.

For more information and to book tickets for both Christmas Markets please visit hampshireculture.org.uk/event/basing-house-christmas-fayre and milestonesmuseum.org.uk/event/milestones-christmas-market.