The Christmas count down is on! In preparation for this festive season, here’s my guide to Christmas events in Hampshire this year.
Ticket sales for some of the most popular days out go live in the summer. Don’t delay in booking your tickets for these Christmas events happening in 2025. They’re bound to get snapped up fast.
Here’s more Christmas days out happening around the UK.
Contents - jump to what you'd like to know
Christmas events at Hampshire family attractions
Ho ho how do you fancy a thoroughly festive day out?
Read on to find out what’s on this December including where you’ll find Christmas events at attractions as well as festive shows, light trails and Santa himself!
Steam Illuminations on the Watercress Line
All aboard the Watercress Line which is back for an extended ride into Christmas 2025 and beyond.
The vintage loco and carriages are covered in thousands of fully controllable colour mixing LED lights making the the scene magical both inside and out.
During the journey you’ll be entertained by festive tunes and the legendary ‘Voiceover Man’ (as heard on Britain’s Got Talent and X-Factor).
Trains depart from either Alresford or Alton and complete a round trip, back to the starting station.
Please note: this is not a Santa train.
Steam Illuminations, Watercress Line, Alton, selected dates from November to January .
Christmas at Longdown Activity Farm
Enter a magical world of twinkling trees, snow, sparkling lights and festive decorations to meet Father Christmas who will be waiting to talk to the children and to give them a jolly wave.
Longdown Activity Farm, Ashurst, selected dates from November to December.
The Magical Christmas Adventure at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park
Santa is returning to 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park in Headley which hosts the UK’s biggest indoor Christmas experience.
The Magical Christmas Adventure is a spectacular 2.5 hour storytelling journey filled with immersive experiences.
Book tickets for your children to experience a private audience with the big man himself before exploring his magical North Pole village of Sparkle Copse.
From toys to teddies, snowballs, and sleighs, immerse yourself in a seasonal extravaganza; take lots of fantastic photos and come away laden with goodies and filled with Christmas cheer.
4 Kingdoms Adventure Park, Headley, November to December.
Portsmouth on Ice
Portsmouth’s ice rink returns to Guildhall Square this winter.
The ice rink includes a canopy for guaranteed skating whatever the weather. Sessions can be booked in advance and last an hour.
Portsmouth on Ice rink, Guildhall Square, from November to January.
Find more fun things to do in Portsmouth with kids.
Hayling Island Winter Wonderland
The elves at Funland have been busy creating a spectacular wonderland experience.
Join them for a walk through Wonderland, stopping at the Gingerbread Factory and riding a festive train before meeting Santa Claus himself at the North Pole.
Entry into the Kidz Kingdom indoor play area as well as unlimited outdoor children’s rides is included in your ticket.
Funland, Hayling Island, selected dates from November to December.
Christmas at Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World
Visitors to Paulton’s Park near Southampton will be able to see Peppa Pig World decorated for the season as well as a new Christmas show and illuminations around the park.
Paultons Park, Romsey, December.
Take a look at more days out near Southampton.
Christmas at Milestones
Wander the cobbled streets decked for the season and enjoy the Christmas market which takes place from early in the festive season.
Milestones Classic Christmas, Basingstoke, November to December.
Paddle with Santa in the New Forest
Christmas events in Hampshire don’t come much more unique than this chance to paddle down Beaulieu River to find Santa.
New Forest Activities will take you on a guided canoe trip lasting 90 minutes during which you’ll meet Father Christmas. There will be a gift for each child and a hot chocolate to keep everyone toasty.
Christmas Canoe Paddle, Bailey’s Hard, New Forest, selected dates in December.
Father Christmas Flying Visit at the Hawk Conservancy, Andover
Father Christmas and his magical team of owls will be stopping at the Trust for this special family event.
Find out what mischief Evergreen the Elf is up to and watch the magical owls fly.
Girls and boys will meet Mother Christmas, who will share some freshly-baked treats from her kitchen for the children to enjoy whilst she tells them about the magical owls.
Hawk Conservancy Trust, Andover, December.
Christmas light trails in Hampshire
Soak up the magic of winter light trails at these illuminating Christmas events in Hampshire:
Festive light trail at Marwell Zoo
Glow Marwell returns with half a million twinkling lights adorning illuminations and interactive displays.
Expect more details about this years’ event in the autumn.
Father Christmas will also be there in a new grotto.
Marwell Zoo, Winchester, selected dates from November to December.
Light up Hellier Gardens, Romsey
This Christmas light trail in Hampshire is back for a third year with new light and sound installations, weaving through a changed route around the gardens.
Light Up Hellier Gardens, Romsey, selected dates 28 November to January.
The Illuminated Garden Adventure at West Green House Gardens
This extraordinary mile long light trail at West Green House has the there ‘Over the Rainbow’ this year with characters you may recognise from the land of Oz.
Warming drinks, hot food and treats may be purchased along the trail.
The Illuminated Garden Adventure, Hook, November to December .
Enlightened at Staunton Farm in Havant
Staunton Farm will be transformed into a magical illuminated light trail with mesmerising light installations around the grounds.
There will be interactive games of light and illuminated shapes and tunnels to dance through. The trail is about 1.2 Kilometres in length and suitable for the whole family.
Staunton Farm, Havant, December.
Here’s some more Christmas light trails happening around the UK.
National Trust Christmas events in Hampshire
National Trust properties are always a wonderful place to experience traditional decorations and winter walks.
Expect winter activity trails and decorated houses.
Find out more about what’s on at National Trust properties in Hampshire this Christmas.
Hampshire pantomimes and Christmas shows
Love pantomimes? Oh yes you do! Here’s some of the Hampshire theatres with Christmas shows this year:
- Theatre Royal Winchester
- The Kings Theatre, Portsmouth
- The Haymarket in Basingstoke
- The Anvil in Basingstoke
- New Theatre Royal Portsmouth
- Fareham Live
- The Mayflower Theatre in Southampton
Christmas Markets in Hampshire
If you fancy immersing yourselves in all the sights and smells of the winter season while doing your gift shopping here’s where to find Christmas Markets in Hampshire:
Ringwood Winter Wanderland
Ringwood is marking the start of the festive season with the return of its winter wonderland market and events.
This community Christmas event in Hampshire will have gift stalls, festive food, live music and possibly an appearance by the man in red.
Ringwood Winter Wanderland, Market Place, Ringwood, December.
Southampton Christmas Market
Southampton Christmas Market features a traditional German market with alpine chalets offering traditional German fayre, from bratwurst and waffles to gingerbread hearts and candied fruit.
The market includes independent stallholders offering a range of hand-made, authentic gifts and Christmas decorations, as well as two bars and live entertainment.
Southampton Christmas Market, Above Bar, November to January.
Winchester Christmas Market
Winchester has one of the best known UK Christmas markets – in fact it’s regularly recognised in the top 10 in Europe.
What makes it so special is its unique location in the Cathedral’s Inner Close, its handpicked high quality exhibitors and bustling atmosphere.
It’s inspired by traditional German Christmas markets with pretty wooden chalets, festive lighting, the sound of Christmas carols and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting in the air.
Find out more about what to expect at this year’s Winchester Christmas Market.
Winchester Christmas Market, Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire, November to December .
Here’s some more Christmas markets around the UK.
Christmas events near Hampshire
There’s plenty of season spirit in the air in neighbouring county’s too. Here’s some things to do near Hampshire:
Santa Specials on Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Board one of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s historic steam trains at Havenstreet for an atmospheric ride through wintery woodland.
Back at Havenstreet follow the pathway to Santa’s North Pole station, where you’ll be welcomed by a seasonal Station Master and his helpers. Next Meet Santa himself on board a traditionally festive Victorian carriage.
There’s also magic shows, a traditional carousel and pop up stores selling unique Christmas gifts.
Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet, selected dates in December.
Find more suggestions for things to do in the Isle of Wight with kids.
Christmas in Bournemouth
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Festival is back! This seaside town in Dorset will be transformed into an open-air alpine village.
Experience the magical spectacle of glittering trees and illuminations, and explore the Alpine market and skate in the enchanting Victorian lower gardens.
Read about what to expect from the Christmas Tree Wonderland and take a look at our video from our last visit.
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland, November to December.
Christmas Wish at Kingston Lacey
Discover the magic of Christmas wishes at Kingston Lacy where the Wish Makers have been busy transforming the house with beautiful decorations to fulfil every Christmas wish.
Meanwhile, in the gardens, a problem at the wish sorting office means the Wish Makers are going to need help from the whole family to find all the escaped wishes before Christmas.
There will also be bookable Santa storytelling sessions on selected dates.
Kingston Lacey, Wimborne Minster, November to January
Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival
Enter a world of Christmas in Poole this year, with this FREE Christmas attraction!
Be prepared to be dazzled as thousands of twinkling lights take you on a nautical journey through the town and culminating in the glistening lit-up harbour.
This year’s event features a galleon, walk-through lantern and bauble, an anchor as well as Christmas tree installations including the 13 metre blue sea life tree in Falkland Square.
Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival, Poole Town Centre, November to January.
Longleat’s Festival of Light in Wiltshire
This year’s spectacular lantern trail is a historical wonderland just waiting to be explored.
The Festival of Light, Longleat, from November to January.
Christmas light trail at Stourhead in Wiltshire
Watch reflections of the festive lights dance across the lake at Stourhead this winter.
This year’s trail lights up the waterside and forest landscape.
There will be music and street food to accompany you walk around the gardens while they are illuminated with lasers and light installations.
Stourhead, Mere, November to January.
Christmas at Blenheim in Oxfordshire
The Palace’s gardens will be illuminated by a million lights, while inside you’ll find rooms transformed into Neverland®.
Outdoors you’ll also find Blenheim’s famed Christmas market.
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, November to January.
Glow Wild at Wakehurst
Glow Wild features beautifully hand-crafted lanterns and captivating light installations.
Alongside the much-loved Glow Wild regulars such as the iconic moon and stars, the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree and cheeky Percy the Peacock, you’ll also meet new awe-inspiring creations to fill you with wonder and make lasting memories.
Glow Wild, Haywards Heath, selected dates between November and January.
Leonardslee Illuminated at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens
With the event in its sixth year, the historic 240-acre Grade I Listed estate will transport visitors into a magical world as the gardens are transformed with illuminations, large-scale installations and atmospheric soundscapes.
Guests are welcomed with a funfair, a small Christmas market, a selection of seasonal food and drink and other entertainment before entering the mile long trail.
Leonardslee Illuminated, Horsham, selected dates from November to December.
For more seasonal events take a look at my guide to Christmas days out across the UK.