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 went live in the summer. Don’t delay in booking your tickets for these Christmas events happening in 2024. They’re bound to get snapped up fast.
Here’s more Christmas days out happening around the UK.
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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 2024 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).
The festive fun with Christmas hits continues until 28 December when the tunes transition into musical journey from the 1960s to the present day with dance floor singalong anthems.
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 29 November 2024 to 4 January 2025.
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 22 November to 23 December 2024.
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, 23 November to 24 December 2024.
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 23 November 2024 to 5 January 2025.
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 23 November to 24 December 2024.
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, 6 to 23 December 2024.
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 30 November to 1 December.
Milestones Classic Christmas, Basingstoke, 30 November to 23 December 2024.
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 from 7 to 23 December 2024.
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, 21 to 22 December 2024.
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 in 2024 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 29 November to 30 December 2024.
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.
There’s a price freeze on standard 2024 tickets and you can upgrade to super peak tickets on selected nights. These will include live entertainment including fire jugglers, aerial artists and larger-than-life characters.
Light Up Hellier Gardens, Romsey, selected dates from 28 November 2024 to 1 January 2025.
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, 23 November to 29 December 2024.
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, 6 to 24 December 2024.
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 Christmas shows happening in Hampshire in 2024:
Mother Goose at Theatre Royal Winchester
This panto promises to be an EGGtraordinary show, full of hilarious gags, original songs and loads of audience participation.
There are relaxed performances at 1pm on 11 December 2024 and 2.30pm on 1 January 2025.
Cinderella, Theatre Royal Winchester, 30 November 2024 to 5 January 2025.
Dick Whittington at The Kings Theatre, Portsmouth
The Pompey Panto is back for Christmas 2024 with the ultimate tale of fame and fortune: Dick Whittington!
Starring Eastenders legend Lorraine Stanley (Karen Taylor) as the deliciously evil Queen Rat, Britain’s Got Talent Winner, George Sampson as Dick Whittington, and the ever-unpredictable Jack Edwards as Dame Dolly this festive show is full of fabulous sets, dazzling costumes and foot-tapping tunes.
Dick Whittington, The Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Portsmouth, 29 November to 31 December 2024.
The Owl Who Came for Christmas
Inspired by a true story, this charming tale celebrates the power of love, kindness, and the magic of Christmas.
With toe-tapping songs, captivating puppetry, and plenty of opportunities for audience participation, The Owl Who Came for Christmas promises to delight audiences of all ages.
The Owl Who Came for Christmas, The Haymarket, Wote Street, Basingstoke, 3 to 8 December 2024.
Sleeping Beauty at The Anvil in Basingstoke
The fabulous family pantomime at The Anvil promises a laugh-a-minute extravaganza with stunning sets, top musical hits, fantastic costumes, and exciting special effects to keep audiences both young and old entertained.
Sleeping Beauty stars Chris Pizzey and Nic Gibney with further cast members to be announced in the autumn.
Sleeping Beauty, The Anvil, Basingstoke, 12 December 2024 to 5 January 2025.
Beauty and the Beast at the New Theatre Royal Portsmouth
Prepare to be enchanted as the New Theatre Royal presents this classic tale as old as time in true pantomime style.
Delight in live music, stunning sets, slick choreography, and sensational costumes, and plenty of panto fun.
There’s a BSL signed performance at 3pm on 15 December 2024 and a relaxed performance at 5.30pm on 4 January 2025.
Beauty and the Beast, New Theatre Royal Portsmouth, 13 December 2024 to 5 January 2025.
Cinderella at Fareham Live
Panto returns to Fareham this Christmas with the most magical tale of them all, Cinderella.
Presented to you by award-winning Imagine Theatre, the show will star TV favourites and dancing duo AJ & Curtis Pritchard as the dashing Prince Charming and Dandini, the hilarious Paul Burling (Britain’s Got Talent).
This family pantomime promises plenty of slapstick comedy, audience interaction and stunning musical numbers.
Cinderella, Fareham Live, Osborn Road – 13 December 2024 to 5 January 2025.
Jack and the Beanstalk at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton
After their first triumphant Mayflower Theatre pantomime last year, street dance sensations, Ashley Banjo & Diversity, and award-winning actor and comedian, Kev Orkian, are back to climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions.
Joining them in Jack and the Beanstalk will be West End stars Matt Rixon as Dame Trot, Anne Smith as Mrs Blunderbore, Jacqueline Hughes as The Spirit of the Beans, and Lauren Hampton as Jill.
This panto will be spectacularly brought to life by sensational song and dance numbers, fantastic special effects, magic beans and bundles of audience participation in this giant of a pantomime.
The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, 14 December 2024 to 5 January 2025.
Santa’s Christmas Cracker at Theatre Royal Winchester
Not only is this a festive show for little ones, they all get to meet Father Christmas and receive a gift at the end.
From the producers of Santa’s Christmas Wish, Santa’s Christmas Cracker is a fun, interactive, musical adventure to discover the wonder of Christmas. The show runs for 45 minutes and is particularly suitable for 2 to 8-year-olds.
Santa’s Christmas Cracker, Theatre Royal, Winchester, 16 December 2024.
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, 1 December 2024.
Southampton Christmas Market 2024
Southampton Christmas Market has been confirmed for 2024 but dates are yet to be set. It will feature 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, 14 November 2024 to 6 January 2025.
Winchester Christmas Market 2024
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, 22 November to 22 December 2024.
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 7 to 24 December 2024.
Find more suggestions for things to do in the Isle of Wight with kids.
Christmas in Bournemouth
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Festival is back in 2024! 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, 15 November to 31 December 2024.
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, 30 November 2024 to 5 January 2025.
Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival
Enter a world of Christmas in Poole this year, with this FREE Christmas attraction! This event has been confirmed for 2024 but dates are still to be announced.
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, 23 November 2024 to 1 January 2025.
Longleat’s Festival of Light in Wiltshire
Turn back the clock and travel the world at this year’s Festival of Light: Journey through time.
This year’s spectacular lantern trail is a historical wonderland just waiting to be explored. Become a time traveller and capture family memories with kings and queens, a giant 12 metre clock and the spectacular colours of The Arabian Nights.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Festival of Light so expect it to be a show stopper.
The Festival of Light, Longleat, from 9 November 2024 to 5 January 2025.
Christmas light trail at Stourhead in Wiltshire
Watch reflections of the festive lights dance across the lake at Stourhead this winter.
The 2024 trail celebrates the sixth anniversary of this popular event with 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, 29 November 2024 to 1 January 2025.
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, 15 November 2024 to 1 January 2025.
Glow Wild 2024 at Wakehurst
Glow Wild is celebrating its 11th anniversary with new 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 28 November 2024 to 1 January 2025.
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 22 November to 30 December 2024.
For more seasonal events take a look at my guide to Christmas days out across the UK.