CHRISTMAS might be next weekend, but there's lots of events on the Island to keep yourself occupied before the big day. 

Do some last minute Christmas shopping at Cowes Yacht Haven this weekend, as it hosts the Cowes Christmas Festival from 11am - 6pm today (Saturday) and 10.30am - 4pm tomorrow (Sunday). There will be live cookery demonstrations from local chefs, and an appearance from MasterChef 2016 winner Jane Devonshire, alongside live music.

Ventnor Exchange will be performing their Christmas production The Boy Who Didn't Like Sweets—the perfect family treat for those looking for an alternative to a pantomime. The show opens today (Saturday) with performances at 2pm and 5pm, and there will be further shows next week.

Make your way down to St Mary's Church in Brighstone tonight (Saturday) at 7.30pm to watch Shanklin and Sandown Military band. Christmas trees from last week's Christmas tree festival will still be there.

Are you brave enough to take the penguin plunge tomorrow (Sunday) at Appley Beach? The event is in aid of Age UK, and a £10 donation includes a penguin mask, a blanket and a hot drink. It starts at 2pm.

From 5pm-7pm on Sunday, the Battery Gardens at Sandown will be transformed into a Christmas Garden, with live music, carols and children's activities.