21+ awesome Christmas events in Hampshire 2024

Are you looking for some magical activities to get you in the festive spirit?  Or wondering where to find the best Christmas events in Hampshire for families in 2024?  Well, we’ve got it sorted for you.

There’s an abundance of awesome things to do with kids this Christmas in Hampshire.  Many of the main family attractions in Hampshire put on special Christmas events, so there’s always plenty of choice.  Whether you’re looking for Christmas markets, illuminated trails, train rides, or festive shows, we’ve got an event for you.

Here’s our round up of over 20 awesome Christmas events in Hampshire. Plus, we’ve added the best Christmas illuminations in Hampshire and some fun festive activities happening further afield.

*may contain affiliate links

Paultons Park, Ower, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 6AL

• Dates:   6^th – 23^rd December 2024
• Tickets:  A Celebration of Christmas at Paultons Park
• Cost:     £38.75 pp (children under 1 metre are free)

One of the best things to do at Christmas in Hampshire for younger kids is a Christmas day out at Paultons Park.

Little children will love seeing Peppa Pig World decorated for Christmas.  Then they can enjoy a selection of rides, meet Frosty the Snowman, hear the Musical Christmas Tree and watch Santa’s Christmas Wish Show.

Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth, PO1 3TZ

• Dates:  30^th November – 24^th December 2024
• Tickets:  Spinnaker Tower
• Cost:  £25 per child + £16.75 per adult

Join Santa’s elves in the Tower’s workshop as they make the finishing touches to their latest batch of toys. Each child will name their cuddly toy, fill it with stuffing and place a magic charm inside before carefully sealing it up. Once they’re finished, no trip to Santa’s workshop is complete without a visit to see Santa himself in his grotto! Then follow the trail around the tower to find those mischievous elves.

Winchester Science Centre, Winchester, SO21 1HZ

• Dates:  14^th – 23^rd December 2024
• Tickets:  Cosmic Christmas
• Cost:  £14.20 with general admission

An immersive theatrical performance filled with live science, magical effects and a Planetarium adventure (there will be audience participation which may be loud and the show will use immersive elements)

A meet and greet with Santa and a chance to take photos

A Christmas gift (for all children who have a regular or annual membership ticket – babes in arms are free but will not receive a gift unless a ticket is purchased for them)

New Forest Activities, Baileys Hard Lane, Beaulieu, Hampshire, SO42 7YF

• Dates:     7 + 8^th December and 14-23^rd December 2024
• Tickets:  Christmas Canoe Paddle
• Cost:        From £28 pp

If you are looking for a unique Christmas activity, what about joining New Forest Activities for a festive paddle on the Beaulieu River to find Santa? Enjoy a 90 minute guided tour of the river’s beautiful nature reserve, with the river offering up some of its more stunning sights on a fresh winter’s day.

4 Kingdoms Adventure Park, Newbury Road, Headley, Hampshire, RG19 8JY

• Dates:     selected dates from 23rd November 2024
• Tickets:  The Magical Christmas Adventure
• Cost:        £40 per child (+ £30 for accompanying adult)

The award-winning Christmas adventure offers a magical experience which lasts 2.5 hours.  This interactive experience will immerse you in fun at the North Play as you embark on this walking tour.  At Santa’s cabin, children will get to meet Santa and can choose a toy from his shop.

West Green House, Thackham’s Lane, West Green, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 8JB

• Dates:     23rd November – 29th December 2024
• Tickets:  Christmas Illuminated Garden Adventure
• Cost:        £68 per family of 4 (off peak)

This year the West Green House in Hampshire is hosting a Wizard of Oz themed lights adventure in the gardens.

Join the Christmas Illuminated Garden Adventure to follow a sparkling mile of “yellow brick road“ through an illuminated garden , passing giant dancing fountains and mysterious follies.   The adventure will take you past a glowing poppy field, an evil witch, and even a Barbie pink watch on the quest to find the favourite Oz characters.

Hawk Conservancy Trust, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8DY

• Dates: 21^st – 22^nd December 2024
• Tickets: Father Christmas: Back in Flight
• Cost:  £21.50

Father Christmas and more of 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.
Father Christmas’ elves will have a special present to give out to every good girl and boy!

West Quay Shopping Centre, Southampton, Hampshire, SP15 1QE

• Dates:   From 22nd November 2024
• Tickets: Westquay on Ice
• Cost:  £12.00 pp (pre-launch)

We’re excited to announce that West Quay Shopping Centre will be home to Southampton Ice Rink this year. Southampton’s premium ice skating experience returns for the 2024 winter season.

We are providing the perfect atmospheric experience for both beginners & skating aficionados. Step inside our alpine winter wonderland and see all we have to offer. 

Hayling Wonderland at Funland, Hampshire

• Dates:  2^nd– 24^th December 2024
• Tickets:  Hayling Wonderland
• Cost:  £30 per child

Step into a world of enchantment and magic at Hayling Winter Wonderland, where a secret doorway awaits to teleport you to a land filled with wonder.

Follow our mischievous Elves into this mystical realm to the Gingerbread Factory, Naughty and Nice room and enjoy a train ride through Elf Village. Not forgetting the chance to meet Father Christmas himself. With twinkling eyes and a jolly laugh, he warmly welcomes children of all ages into his cosy room for an early Christmas present straight from Santa’s workshop.

Winchester Cathedral, Winchester, 

• Dates: 22^nd November – 22^nd December 2024
• Info:     Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
• Cost:      Free

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is recognised as one of the best in Europe.  It is renowned for its bustling atmosphere, stunning location and handpicked high quality exhibitors, which attracts visitors from around the world each year who come to shop at the pretty wooden chalets, situated within the historic grounds.

The wooden chalets are inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets, and combined with the festive lighting, the sound of Christmas carols and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting in the air, visitors will be transported into a festive setting to purchase their Christmas gifts and take in the atmosphere.

The Brickworks, Lower Swanwick, SO31 7HB

• Dates: 24 November 2024
• Tickets:  The Brickworks Christmas Festival
• Cost:  £9.50 adult (children – free)

The Museum’s Christmas steam event  – see the site shining in the glow of Christmas lights and decorations to begin the festive period; shop at the craft market and find out about Christmas’ past in our Victorian cottage display. Father Christmas will also be taking time out of his busy schedule to visit the Museum.

Milestones Museum, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke, RG22 6PG

• Dates: 30^th Nov – 1^st December 2024
• Tickets:  Milestones Christmas Market
• Cost: £7.50* (*additional charge to see Santa)

There will be over 40 stalls selling seasonal gifts and treats throughout the museum and the award-winning Milestones shop to visit, too. With children’s entertainment, including a change to meet Father Christmas in his grotto*, there’s fun for all the family, from live music and enjoy festive refreshments. 

Hawk Conservancy Trust, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8DY

• Dates: 28-30^th November 2024
• Tickets: Christmas Market
• Cost:  £3.50

Enjoy the run up to Christmas with our delightful, festive shopping experience. Discover beautiful gifts for your loved ones while supporting local craftspeople and the Trust.

With over 60 local businesses attending, you can find personalised presents, Christmas decorations, handcrafted treats, beautiful homeware and much more.

Marwell Zoo, Colden Common, Winchester, SO21 1JH

• Dates: 29^th November – 30^th December 2024 (selected dates)
• Info:    Glow Marwell
• Cost:     £22 adult/£18 child (3-16) (This includes admission to the zoo in the afternoon).

Join us this winter as our magical Christmas lights experience Glow Marwell returns with double the sparkle! This year’s theme is an enchanted nature trail featuring brand new illuminations and immersive displays using more than 500,000 lights in a rainbow of colours.

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Ampfield, nr Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 0QA

• Dates: 28^th November – 1^st January 2025
• Info:    Light up at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
• Cost:     £20.00 adult/£12.50 child (off-peak)

Brace yourself for an enchanting spectacle of new and breathtaking light and sound installations, weaving through a changed route that promises to captivate your senses at every turn. Each corner holds a new treasure, igniting joy and creating memories that will last a lifetime. 

Staunton Farm, Middle Park Way, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 5HB

• Dates: 6^th December – 24^th December 2024
• Info:    Enlightened at Staunton Farm
• Cost:     £12.50 adult/£9 child (3-16)

Enlightened are a series of magical outdoor light trails hosted at multiple venues throughout the UK each winter. Our 2024 season brings new installations and interactive elements across all of our trails to make Enlightened 2024 the biggest and brightest season of winter events to date.

Station Road, Alresford SO24 9JG or Station Road, Alton, GU34 2PZ

• Dates:   November 2024 – January 2025
• Tickets:  Illuminations at the Watercress Lane
• Cost:      From £32 pp

Steam Illuminations is an incredible light show on and in a steam train, consisting of thousands of coloured LED lights and LED wristbands, creating a kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns. This makes the steam train look magical both inside and out!

Join the festive action on board with our Christmas Chart Crackers DJ mix up until Christmas Day then after Christmas continue the on board family fun and celebrate the new year with our Pop Anthems Journey.

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1GE

• Dates: 14^th – 5^th January 2025
• Tickets:  Jack and the Beanstalk
• Cost:  From £19.50 pp

Fe-fi-fo-fum, a giant panto full of fun!

After their first triumphant Mayflower Theatre pantomime last year, street dance sensations, Ashley Banjo & Diversity, and award-winning actor and comedian, Kev Orkian, are coming back to climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to cloudland in the spectacular family pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack and his family as they fight to outwit the evil giant, win riches beyond his wildest dreams, and earn the hand of the girl he loves.

Jack and the Beanstalk 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!

Theatre Royal Winchester, 21-23 Jewry Street, Winchester, SO23 8SB

• Dates: Saturday 30^th November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025
• Tickets:  Mother Goose
• Cost:  From £11.00 pp

Poor Mother Goose’s fortunes change when she meets the magical Priscilla, the goose that lays golden eggs! But when Priscilla is stolen away, Mother Goose and her son Jack embark on an adventure (or wild goose chase!) to rescue her, with a little help from their friends and you of course!

People will be FLOCKing to see it, so book early!

The Anvil, Churchill Way, Basingstoke, RG21 7QR

• Dates: Friday 12^th December – Sunday 5^th January 2025
• Tickets:  Sleeping Beauty
• Cost:   From £23.50 pp

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!

A beautiful Princess is cursed by the evil Carabosse on the eve of her 18th birthday party and can only be awoken by true love’s kiss. Can the Good Fairy’s magical spell break the curse? Will she find her true love and live happily ever after?

The Haymarket, Wote Street, Basingstoke, RG21 7NW

• Dates: Tuesday 3^rd – Sunday 8^th December 2024
• Tickets:  The Owl who came for Christmas
• Cost:   From £19.00 pp

Join Rosie the Owl on her enchanting adventures as she finds herself nestled amidst the branches of a family’s new Christmas tree. Witness the joy and wonder as the family discovers their unexpected visitor, and endeavours to help Rosie find her way back home to the forest.

Inspired by the 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, this show promises to delight audiences of all ages.

King’s Theatre, Albert Road, Southsea, PO5 2SJ

• Dates: Friday 29^th  November – Tuesday 31^st December 2024
• Tickets:  Dick Whittington
• Cost:   From £10.00 pp

Starring Eastenders legend Lorraine Stanley 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, who will be celebrating his tenth panto here at The Kings Theatre!

Returning to the Kings this year are Pompey Panto favourites, Jacob Bailey, Joe Rowntree, Imogen Bailey and Julia Worsley.

Full of all the elements you’ve come to expect from the Pompey Panto including fabulous sets, dazzling costumes and foot-tapping tunes, join Dick and his Cat as they journey to London – the city where the streets are paved with gold.

What are your favourite things to do in Hampshire at Christmas?  We’d love to hear your comments below.

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