21+ awesome Christmas events in Hampshire 2025

Looking for the best Christmas events in Hampshire 2025? From sparkling Christmas markets and dazzling light trails to festive theatre shows and magical train rides, Hampshire is the perfect place to celebrate the festive season.

With so many family days out, Father Christmas experiences, and winter attractions, there’s no shortage of exciting Christmas events in Hampshire this year.  From the historic streets of Winchester to the New Forest countryside, you’ll find something for all ages.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up over 20 of the most unmissable Christmas events in Hampshire, including illuminated trails, pantomimes, and the most popular Christmas market in Hampshire.

So, whether you’re planning a family adventure, a festive evening with friends, or a cosy winter outing, discover our ultimate list of Christmas events in Hampshire 2025.  Let the magic begin!

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📍 West Green House Gardens, Thackham’s Lane, nr Hartley Wintney, Hook, RG27 8JB

• Dates: 29^th November – 30^th December 2025
• Info:    the Christmas Illuminated Garden Adventure
• Cost:     £22 adult/£18 child (3-15) or Family £68

For 2025 West Green House is hosting a brand-new Carnival of Animals Trail in its gardens.  Part of the Christmas Illuminated Garden Adventure, the mile-long illuminated trail features brilliantly lit bears, owls, peacocks, and more.  On selected weekends, families can also visit the manger at the end of the trail, where children have the chance to meet and pet the animals.

To round off the evening, festive food and drinks will be served in the Orangery.  It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for Christmas light trails Hampshire and one of the most family-friendly Christmas events in the area.

📍Marwell Zoo, Colden Common, Winchester, SO21 1JH

• Dates:  28^th November – 24^th December 2025 (selected dates)
• Tickets:  Glow Marwell
• Cost:     £24 adult/£19.95 child (3-16) (This includes admission to the zoo in the afternoon).

Marwell Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with Glow Marwell. Families can wander through immersive light installations, glowing tunnels, and illuminated animal sculptures. It’s one of the most popular Christmas lights attractions in Hampshire, and you can even meet Father Christmas!  Plus, you still get to see the animals, as your ticket also includes admission to the zoo.

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

• Dates:   November 2025 – January 2026
• Tickets:  Illuminations at the Watercress Lane
• Cost:      From £34 pp

All aboard a magical train adventure!  The Watercress Line’s Steam Illuminations return in 2025 with thousands of dazzling LED lights.  This spectacular journey combines heritage steam trains with one of the most unique Christmas light trails in Hampshire, complete with festive music and glowing displays along the track.

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

• Dates: 27^th November – 3^rd January 2026
• Info:    Light up at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
• Cost:     £23.50 adult/£16.50 child (off-peak)

This illuminated trail takes you through stunning gardens filled with soundscapes, projections, and artistic light designs.  Perfect for families, couples, and friends looking for festive Christmas things to do in Hampshire on a winter evening.

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

• Dates: 4^th December – 28^th December 2025
• Info:    Enlightened at Staunton Farm
• Cost:     £12.00 adult/£8.50 child (3-16)

With interactive light play, illuminated tunnels, and family-friendly installations, Enlightened is a favourite for children and adults alike.  It’s one of Hampshire’s most vibrant Christmas lights experiences and perfect for a festive evening out.

📍 Winchester Cathedral, Winchester, 

• Dates: 21^st November – 22^nd December 2025
• Info:     Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
• Cost:      Free

Set in the grounds of the city’s stunning cathedral, the Winchester Christmas Market is one of the most famous in the UK and in Europe.  Visitors can browse more than 100 traditional wooden chalets filled with artisan gifts, handmade crafts, and festive decorations. With twinkling Christmas lights, live music, and the scent of mulled wine, it’s an unforgettable festive day out and widely regarded as one of the best Christmas markets in Hampshire.

📍 Guildhall Square, Southampton SO14 7FP

• Dates: 13 November – 4th January 2026
• Tickets:  Southampton
• Cost:  £8.00 adult (children – free)

The Southampton Christmas Market is a festive wonderland filled with traditional wooden chalets, family attractions, and seasonal cheer. Children will love the Christmas Fun House, the sparkling Ice Slide, and plenty of exciting rides.

Adults can unwind with a festive drink at the Moose Bar or Alpine Bar, while the whole family has the chance to meet Father Christmas. With gifts, street food, and entertainment, it’s one of the most popular Christmas things to do in Hampshire.

📍 Ringwood, New Forest

• Dates: from 30th November 2025
• Cost:  free

Ringwood Winter Wanderland in the New Forsest is a festive celebration featuring a series of events and activities throughout the town.  Visitors can stroll through the charming streets of Ringwood, admire the sparkling Christmas lights, see the town Christmas tree, and browse local shops.

With seasonal stalls, entertainment, and food, it’s a perfect way for families to enjoy a traditional Christmas fayre Hampshire and explore one of the most authentic Christmas things to do in Hampshire.

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

• Dates: 27-30^th November 2025
• Tickets: Christmas Market
• Cost:  £3.50 (online)

The Hawk Conservancy Christmas Market in Hampshire offers a festive shopping experience with over 60 local businesses.  Visitors can find personalised gifts, handcrafted decorations, seasonal treats, and beautiful homeware.

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

• Dates: 6^th Nov – 7^th December 2025
• Tickets:  Milestones Christmas Market
• Cost: £8.50* (*additional charge to see Santa)

The Milestones Christmas Market in Hampshire offers a festive shopping experience set in a Victorian-style open-air museum.  There will be over 40 stalls selling seasonal gifts and treats throughout the museum and the award-winning Milestones shop to visit, too. Plus from 22nd November kids have the opportunity to meet Father Christmas in his grotto*.

📍 Paultons Park & Peppa Pig World, Ower, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 6AL

• Dates:   6^th December – 3^rd January 2026
• Tickets:  A Celebration of Christmas at Paultons Park
• Cost:     £40.00 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:  29^th November – 24^th December 2025
• Tickets:  Spinnaker Tower
• Cost:  £25 per child + £13.00 per adult

Head to Portsmouth’s iconic landmark to join Santa and his elves in the Toymaker Workshop.  Children can build their own cuddly toy, see Santa in his grotto, and follow the Christmas trail to find the mischievous elves hidden around the tower.

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

• Dates:     selected dates from 21st November 2025
• Tickets:  The Magical Christmas Adventure
• Cost:        £40 per child (+ £30 for accompanying adult)

The 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park Christmas experience is a full festive day out for families.  Kids can travel to the North Pole, meet the elves in the ice caves, before meeting Santa in his cabin.  With indoor play areas, animals, and plenty of entertainment included, it’s a fun choice for families looking for Christmas things to do in Hampshire.

📍 Hayling Wonderland at Funland, Hampshire

• Dates:  29^thNovember – 24^th December 2025
• Tickets:  Hayling Wonderland
• Cost:  £32 per child

Families will love the Santa Experience at Hayling Winter Wonderland in Hampshire.  Follow the mischievous Elves through the magical Gingerbread Factory, explore the Naughty and Nice room and enjoy a train ride through Elf Village.  Little children will also get the chance to meet Father Christmas himself and receive a special gift from his workshop.

📍 The Brickworks, Lower Swanwick, SO31 7HB

• Dates: 30 November and 7 December 2025
• Tickets:  The Brickworks Museum
• Cost:  £8.00 adult (children – free)

Father Christmas will be at the Brickworks on Sunday 30th November and Sunday 7th December, along with our decorated museum with a Christmas tree theme with lots of kids craft activities too.

The trains will be running at an additional charge on the day.

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

• Dates:     December 2025
• Tickets:  Christmas Canoe Paddle
• Cost:        From £28 pp

Sign up for a festive paddle on the Beaulieu River to find Santa!  Enjoy exploring the stunning river on a 90 minute guided tour with the added excitement of knowing you’ll soon be meeting Father Christmas.   All children will receive a gift Santa and there’ll be hot chocolate on hand to keep everyone toasty.

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

• Dates: 6 + 7^th and 13 + 14^th December 2025
• Tickets: Owls by Moonlight at Christmas
• Cost:  £21.95

A one-of-a-kind experience where visitors can see owls fly under the night sky.  Combined with seasonal lights and refreshments, it’s a unique addition to our list of Christmas events in Hampshire.

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

• Dates:   From 24th October 2025
• Tickets: Westquay on Ice
• Cost:  £12.00 pp (pre-launch)

If you’re looking for festive days out in beautiful historic settings, Hampshire’s National Trust properties offer a range of Christmas events for families in Hampshire.

• Mottisfont – A Cinderella Christmas
• Hinton Ampner – A Pantomime Christmas
• The Vyne – A Fairytale Christmas

A pantomime is always a favourite family Christmas activity in Hampshire, and this year there are plenty to choose from.  They promise fun for all ages, with plenty of festive laughs and seasonal entertainment.  Here’s what’s on in 2025:

• The Mayflower, Southampton: The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan
• The Kings Theatre, Portsmouth:  Aladdin
• The New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth:  Snow White
• Anvil Arts Centre, Basingstoke:  Aladdin
• Theatre Royal, Winchester:  Puss in Boots

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

Pin for later:  Awesome Christmas events in Hampshire 2025

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