WINCHESTER is like a box of chocolates this Christmas – you never know what you're going to get.

A new festive arts programme is hosting a surprise event every day until Christmas, turning the city into a live Advent calendar.

Every day at 5pm the Woolly Hat Fair holds a performance or exhibition behind a new door in the city.

So far families have been treated to a play in a cafe, an acoustic gig in a tunnel, costumed capers in an upmarket restaurant and more.

And on Wednesday punters will enter the little-known air raid shelter beneath Winchester Discovery Centre for a demonstration of 'World War II soundscapes'.

Organised by the summer Hat Fair, the project encourages locals to explore off-beat corners of the city and stumble upon a "small moment of magic".

After drama at Westgate Museum on December 1, woodland creatures invaded the Chesil Rectory to spread festive cheer to diners.

And those who braved the cold in the Chesil Tunnel on Saturday were treated to a performance by Winchester songwriter Josh Savage.

Michelle Walker, the Hat Fair's artistic director, said: "It's been completely fantastic. The reception has been just brilliant.

"I guess the point of doing 24 different events is each appeal to a slightly different group of audiences. That said, there's a small core of people who've been to every one so far!"

On Monday Oxfam in the High Street set up writing stations with quills and ink for children to write to Father Christmas, while adults were encouraged to pen loved ones.

Each venue door can be viewed online with a clue to what's inside. Hints for upcoming events include 'musical lasers', 'punter's panto', 'festive fashion upcycle' and 'living room art'.

Ms Walker said the Hat Fair has long been planning offerings beyond its summer festival.

"We think this idea carries on the ethos of the summer fair, about getting people to see there city in a different way," she said.

"We'd love to do it again next year – the idea of it feels slightly terrifying but the response has been so wonderful. We'd love it to become part of Winchester's annual Christmas schedule."

All events are free and open at 5pm. Clues and photos can be viewed at hatfair.co.uk/advent.

The programme is supported by Arts Council England, Hampshire Cultural Trust, Winchester City Council and Winchester BID as well as 15 commercial sponsors.