25+ Magical Christmas Events in Hampshire for families (2026 guide)

Looking for the best Christmas events in Hampshire for families this year?

From dazzling Christmas light trails and magical Santa experiences to festive pantomimes, Christmas train rides and seasonal days out, Hampshire is packed with festive fun throughout the Christmas season.

This guide brings together some of the very best Hampshire events in Hampshire for 2026, from family favourites to new experiences which will get you in a festive mood.

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Few things feel more festive than wrapping up warm and heading out to a Christmas light trail.  We love to go early in December to kick start the festive season.  This year, there’s a fantastic choice of light trails in Hampshire.  Here are some of the most popular ones.

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

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.

Visitor Information:  Check the Glow Marwell website for the dates, times and ticket prices.

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

West Green House in Hampshire is returning with a completely new theme for Christmas 2026.

The kilometre-long Once Upon a Time Illuminated Trail, leads through the gardens and around the lakes, bringing favourite fairy tales to life.  Look out for characters inspired by The Frog Prince, Hansel & Gretel and more.

Younger children will enjoy meeting and petting animals at the Nativity scene.

Visitor Information:  Check the West Green House website for dates, times and ticket prices.

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

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.

Visitor Information:  Check the Light up at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens website for dates, times and ticket prices.

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

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.

Visitor Information:  Check the Staunton Farm website for dates, times and ticket prices.

Meeting Father Christmas is one of the most popular family Christmas events Hampshire has to offer.  Here are some of the most popular Santa experiences in Hampshire.

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

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.

Visitor Information:  Check the Paultons Park website for dates, times and ticket prices.

📍 Beaulieu Motor Museum, New Forest, Hampshire, SO42 7ZN

Discover a brand new festive experience as Alice’s Christmas Wonderland arrives at Beaulieu.  It’s perfect for the family bringing Alice’s world to life with magical installations, storytelling and plenty of surprises along the way.

Visitor Information:  Check Beaulieu Motor Museum website for dates, times and ticket prices.

📍Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth, PO1 3TZ

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.

Visitor Information:  Check the Spinnaker Tower website for dates, times and ticket prices.

📍 Hayling Wonderland at Funland, Hampshire

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.

Visitor Information:  Check the Hayling Wonderland website for dates, times and ticket prices.

📍 The Brickworks, Lower Swanwick, SO31 7HB

Father Christmas will be at the Brickworks, along with our decorated museum with a Christmas tree theme with lots of kids craft activities too.

Visitor Information:  Check the Brickworks Museum website for dates, times and ticket prices.

Looking for Christmas train rides in Hampshire?  These festive journeys are among the most magical family experiences in the county.

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

All aboard a magical train adventure!  The Watercress Line’s Steam Illuminations return in 2026 with thousands of dazzling LED lights.  This spectacular journey combines heritage steam trains with one of the most unique Christmas experiences in Hampshire, complete with festive music and glowing displays along the track.

Visitor Information:  Check the Illuminations at the Watercress Line website for dates, times and ticket prices.

📍 Exbury Gardens, Southampton, SO45 1AZ

Join the elves of Exbury on the Festive Express and embark on a magical steam train adventure.  This immersive, festive experience includes a Christmas singalong and lots of elf mischief.  You can also combine your visit with Exbury’s festive Christmas Fair

Visitor Information:  Check the Exbury Gardens website for dates, times and ticket prices.

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

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 from Santa and there’ll be hot chocolate on hand to keep everyone toasty.

Visitor Information:  Check Christmas Canoe Paddle website for dates, times and ticket prices.

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

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.

Visitor Information:  Check The Hawk Conservancy website for dates, times and ticket prices.

📍 West Quay Shopping Centre, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1QE

Enjoy a lively session of skating in the heart of Southampton.

Visitor Information:  Check Westquay on Ice for dates, times and ticket prices.

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 Jack & the Beanstalk Christmas
• Hinton Ampner – A Christmas Wish
• 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 are some of the best Hampshire pantomimes for 2026:

📍 Winchester Cathedral, Winchester, 

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.

Visitor Information:  Check Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market for dates, times and ticket prices.

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

The Magical Christmas Adventure is a 3-hour immersive Christmas experience with live theatrical performances, festive activities and a private visit to Father Christmas.

Visitor Information:  Check The Magical Christmas Adventure for dates, times and ticket prices.

Pin for later:  Awesome Christmas events in Hampshire 2026

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