The Christmas depend down is on! In preparation for this festive season, right here’s my information to Christmas occasions in Hampshire this yr.
Ticket gross sales for among the hottest days out went stay in the summertime. Don’t delay in reserving your tickets for these Christmas occasions taking place in 2023. They’re certain to get snapped up quick.
Right here’s extra Christmas days out taking place across the UK.
Christmas occasions at Hampshire household sights
Ho ho how do you fancy a totally festive day trip?
Learn on to search out out what’s on this December together with the place you’ll discover Christmas occasions at sights in addition to festive reveals, gentle trails and Santa himself!
Steam Illuminations on the Watercress Line
All aboard the Watercress Line for a magical Christmas prepare trip in 2023!
The classic loco and carriages are lined in 1000’s of absolutely controllable color mixing LED lights making the the scene magical each inside and outside.
Durin g the journey you’ll be entertained by festive tunes and the legendary ‘Voiceover Man’ (as heard on Britain’s Received Expertise and X-Issue)
Trains depart from both Alresford or Alton and full a spherical journey, again to the beginning station.
Please observe: this isn’t a Santa prepare.
Steam Illuminations, Watercress Line, Alton, chosen dates from 24 November to 23 December 2023
Christmas at Longdown Exercise Farm
Santa shall be greeting youngsters in his festive lodge on the farm.
Particulars about this occasion shall be launched nearer the time.
Longdown Exercise Farm, Ashurst, chosen dates from 24 November onwards.
The Magical Christmas Journey at 4 Kingdoms Journey Park
Santa is coming to 4 Kingdoms Journey Park in Headley which hosts the UK’s largest indoor Christmas expertise.
The Magical Christmas Journey is a spectacular 2.5-hour storytelling journey full of immersive experiences.
Guide tickets to your youngsters to expertise a personal viewers with the massive man himself earlier than exploring his magical North Pole village of Sparkle Copse.
From toys to teddies, snowballs, and sleighs, immerse your self in a seasonal extravaganza; take a number of unbelievable pictures and are available away laden with goodies and full of Christmas cheer.
4 Kingdoms Journey Park, Headley, 25 November to 24 December 2023.
Portsmouth on Ice
Portsmouth’s ice rink returns to Guildhall Sq. this winter.
The ice rink features a cover for assured skating regardless of the climate. Classes could be booked prematurely and final an hour.
Portsmouth on Ice rink, Guildhall Sq., 25 November 2023 to 7 January 2024.
Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre
Step inside an intergalactic wonderland this Christmas at Winchester Science Centre.
Be a part of Santa within the Winchester Planetarium for a live-action efficiency and take part because the story is delivered to life by way of magical immersive experiences, thrilling stay science and an out-of-this-world journey by way of house throughout the dome.
Winchester Science Centre, 16 December to 23 December 2023
Right here’s some extra issues to do in Winchester.
Hayling Island Winter Wonderland
The elves at Funland have been busy making a spectacular wonderland expertise.
Be a part of them for a stroll by way of Wonderland, stopping on the Gingerbread Manufacturing facility and driving a festive prepare earlier than assembly Santa Claus himself on the North Pole.
Entry into the Kidz Kingdom indoor play space in addition to limitless out of doors youngsters’s rides is included in your ticket.
Funland, Hayling Island, chosen dates from 2 to 24 December 2023
Midwinter’s Magical Quest at Butser Historic Farm
Embark upon a magical quest within the coronary heart of Hampshire and immerse your self within the enchanting world of historical traditions at Butser’s dwelling historical past farm.
The majestic Holly King and the brave Deer Queen will take you on an journey by way of the traditional buildings, full of festive crafts and actions.
The search takes place over the primary two weekends of December however there are additionally story telling occasions all through the month. Locations should be booked prematurely.
Midwinters Magical Quest, Butser Farm, chosen dates 2 to 10 December 2023
Christmas at Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World
Guests to Paulton’s Park close to Southampton will be capable to see Peppa Pig World embellished for the season in addition to a brand new Christmas present and illuminations across the park.
Guests can meet Father Christmas in his grotto (reserving important) and see the Santa’s Christmas Want Present! with singing, dancing and particular results. Santa shall be making an look too.
Paultons Park, Romsey, 3 to 23 December 2023
Check out extra days out close to Southampton.
Discover extra enjoyable issues to do in Portsmouth with youngsters.
Christmas at Milestones
Wander the cobbled streets decked for the season, benefit from the indoor market and meet Santa and his helpers of their grotto.
Extra particulars about this yr’s enjoyable shall be out there nearer to the winter.
Milestones, Basingstoke, TBC
Paddle with Santa within the New Forest
Christmas occasions in Hampshire don’t come way more distinctive than this opportunity to paddle down Beaulieu River to search out Santa.
New Forest Actions will take you on a guided canoe journey lasting 90 minutes throughout which you’ll meet Father Christmas. There shall be a present for every little one and a sizzling chocolate to maintain everybody toasty.
Christmas Canoe Paddle, Bailey’s Laborious, New Forest, 9 to 23 December 2023.
Father Christmas Flying Go to on the Hawk Conservancy, Andover
Father Christmas and his magical group of owls shall be stopping on the Belief for this particular household occasion.
Discover out what mischief Evergreen the Elf is as much as and watch the magical owls fly.
Women and boys will meet Mom Christmas, who will share some freshly-baked treats from her kitchen for the youngsters to take pleasure in while she tells them concerning the magical owls.
Hawk Conservancy Belief, Andover, 21 to 22 December 2023
Christmas gentle trails in Hampshire
Take in the magic of winter gentle trails at these illuminating Christmas occasions in Hampshire:
Festive gentle path at Marwell Zoo
Glow Marwell 2023 goes to be larger and higher than ever with half 1,000,000 twinkling lights, model new illuminations and interactive components.
Youngsters of all ages will be capable to play in an LED playground, stroll throughout light-up stepping stones, and strike a pose on Rainbow Street.
This yr’s multicoloured gentle tunnel spans an unbelievable 36 metres and our specifically created Enchanted Tree will tower overhead.
Father Christmas can even be there in a brand new grotto.
Marwell Zoo, Winchester, chosen dates from 24 November to 30 December 2023
The Illuminated Backyard Journey at West Inexperienced Home Gardens
This extraordinary mile lengthy gentle path at West Inexperienced Home has a number of new options in 2023 together with 1000’s of lights telling the story of Alice in Wonderland.
There shall be large 10 to 15ft excessive fountains dancing to music on the lake.
The backyard’s 5 Bridges will grow to be tunnels of sunshine with creatures beneath, whereas within the Paradise Backyard shall be remodeled into the flamingo’s crocket garden.
Warming drinks, sizzling meals and treats could also be bought alongside the path.
The Illuminated Backyard Journey, Hook, 25 November to 30 December 2023
Mild up Hellier Gardens, Romsey
New final yr, this Christmas gentle path in Hampshire will illuminate the gardens such as you’ve by no means seen then earlier than with an awe-inspiring, kaleidoscopic and multi-sensory world of sunshine and sound.
Anticipate to see lasers in Himalayan Valley, a multi-sensory, spectacular gentle present across the pond and large illuminated reindeer, snowdrops and icicles.
Mild Up Hellier Gardens, Romsey, chosen dates from 30 November to 31 December 2023
Enlightened at Staunton Farm in Havant
Staunton Farm shall be remodeled right into a magical illuminated gentle path with mesmerising gentle installations across the grounds.
There shall be interactive video games of sunshine and illuminated shapes and tunnels to bop by way of. The path is about 1.2 Kilometres in size and appropriate for the entire household.
Staunton Farm, Havant, 8 to 24 December 2023
Right here’s some extra Christmas gentle trails taking place across the UK.
Nationwide Belief Christmas occasions in Hampshire
Nationwide Belief properties are all the time an exquisite place to expertise conventional decorations and winter walks.
Anticipate winter exercise trails and embellished homes.
Discover out extra about what’s on at Nationwide Belief properties in Hampshire this Christmas.
Hampshire pantomimes and Christmas reveals
Love pantomimes? Oh sure you do! Right here’s among the Christmas reveals taking place in Hampshire in 2023:
Cinderella at Theatre Royal Winchester
This yr’s panto is a magical retelling of the best fairytale of all of them.
With unique songs, a great deal of corny gags, viewers participation and a few shocking twists to the story, the entire household is certain to have a ball at Cinderella.
Cinderella, Theatre Royal Winchester, 30 November 2023 to 1 January 2024.
Hook at The Kings Theatre, Portsmouth
After the record-breaking run of Cinderella final Christmas, panto is again at The Kings Theatre in 2023.
This yr Eastenders’ Shaun Williamson will star because the notorious Captain Hook alongside James “Arg” Argent as Peter Pan.
Shaun and James shall be joined by Pompey panto favorite Jack Edwards as Mrs Smee.
Gallery tickets price £10 for each efficiency.
Hook: The Excessive Flying Adventures of Peter Pan, The Kings Theatre, Albert Street, Portsmouth, 1 to 31 December 2023
The Additional Adventures of Peter Pan at The Anvil in Basingstoke
Be a part of Peter, Smee, Tinker Bell, and Ethyl Mermaid on a brand-new swashbuckling journey filled with enjoyable, laughter…and crocodiles!
After defeating the evil Captain Hook and his crew of prancing pirates, life has been fairly excellent for Peter Pan. However when a stranger arrives in Neverland, he’s compelled to query his previous and face his future. Will Peter ever develop up?
The Additional Adventures of Peter Pan, The Anvil, Basingstoke, 8 to 31 December 2023
Aladdin on the New Theatre Royal Portsmouth
Widow Twankey needs a husband. Evil Abanazaar needs the magic lamp. Aladdin needs journey. And Wishee Washee needs some Spiderman pants!
Who is aware of if Genie can and can grant their needs?!
Aladdin, New Theatre Royal Portsmouth, 8 to 31 December 2023
Snow White on the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has an all star solid together with Britain’s Received Expertise winners and Avenue Dance sensations Ashley Banjo & Variety, pantomime legend, Christopher Biggins and award-winning actor and slapstick comedian Kev Orkian.
The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, 9 to 31 December 2023.
Christmas Markets in Hampshire
In case you fancy immersing yourselves in all of the sights and smells of the winter season whereas doing all your reward procuring right here’s the place to search out Christmas Markets in Hampshire:
Christmas on the Fort
The nineteenth Century Fort Brockhurst in Gosport will host greater than 50 artisan stalls in addition to seasonal leisure over the weekend.
Enter is free.
Fort Brockhurst, Gosport, 18 to 19 November 2023
Ringwood Winter Wanderland
Ringwood is marking the beginning of the festive season with the return of its winter wonderland market and occasions.
This neighborhood Christmas occasion in Hampshire may have reward stalls, festive meals, stay music and presumably an look by the person in purple.
Ringwood Winter Wanderland, Market Place, Ringwood, 26 November 2023
Southampton Christmas Market 2023
The Southampton Christmas Market incorporates a conventional German market with alpine chalets providing conventional German fayre, from bratwurst and waffles to gingerbread hearts and candied fruit.
The market contains unbiased stallholders providing a spread of hand-made, genuine items and Christmas decorations, in addition to two bars and stay leisure.
Southampton Christmas Market, Above Bar, from 16 November 2023 to 2 January 2024
Winchester Christmas Market 2023
Winchester has among the finest recognized UK Christmas markets – in truth it’s often recognised within the prime 10 in Europe.
What makes it so particular is its distinctive location within the Cathedral’s Interior Shut, its handpicked prime quality exhibitors and bustling ambiance.
It’s impressed by conventional German Christmas markets with fairly picket chalets, festive lighting, the sound of Christmas carols and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting within the air.
Discover out extra about what to anticipate at this yr’s Winchester Christmas Market.
Winchester Christmas Market, Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire, 17 November to 21 December 2023
Queen Elizabeth Nation Park Christmas Market
Go to the nation park for a winter stroll and to browse a spread of stalls with handmade items made by crafters from the local people.
Enter to the market is free. Regular parking prices apply.
Queen Elizabeth County Park, Gravel Hill, 25 November 2023
Right here’s some extra Christmas markets across the UK.
Christmas occasions close to Hampshire
There’s loads of season spirit within the air in neighbouring county’s too. Right here’s some issues to do close to Hampshire:
Polar at Robin Hill
Embark on a magical journey as Pippa the polar bear goes on an journey at Robin Hill.
Step into an enchanted world, that includes the fantastically illuminated historical woodland, Stroll of Surprise and spectacular illuminations.
Heat up beside the comfy fires discovered within the Ponds and take pleasure in scrumptious number of festive meals and drinks earlier than hopping on-board the Large Purple Specific for a twinkling tractor journey by way of the bushes in quest of Father Christmas’s unfastened reindeer.
Polar at Robin Hill, Newport, 9 to 24 December 2023.
Santa Specials on Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Board one of many Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s historic steam trains at Havenstreet for an atmospheric trip by way of wintery woodland.
Again at Havenstreet comply with the pathway to Santa’s North Pole station, the place you’ll be welcomed by a seasonal Station Grasp and his helpers. Subsequent Meet Santa himself on board a historically festive Victorian carriage.
There’s additionally magic reveals, a standard carousel and pop up shops promoting distinctive Christmas items.
Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet, chosen dates from 2 to 24 December 2023
Discover extra recommendations for issues to do within the Isle of Wight with youngsters.
Christmas in Bournemouth
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Pageant is again in 2023! This seaside city in Dorset shall be remodeled into an open-air alpine village.
Expertise the magical spectacle of greater than 100 glittering bushes and illuminations, and discover the Alpine market and skate within the enchanting Victorian decrease gardens.
Dates are nonetheless to be introduced however the occasion is confirmed.
Examine what to anticipate from the Christmas Tree Wonderland and check out our video from our final go to.
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland, 17 November 2023 to 1 January 2024
Discover extra issues to do in Poole and Bournemouth with youngsters.
Christmas at Kingston Lacey
Go to this elegant Nationwide Belief property close to Wimborne Minster to see the gardens remodeled right into a show of color and sound.
This yr’s Christmas occasion remains to be be be introduced. Anticipate extra info after the summer time.
Kingston Lacey, Wimborne Minster, TBC
Poole Christmas Maritime Mild Pageant
Enter a world of Christmas in Poole this yr, with this FREE Christmas attraction!
Be ready to be dazzled as 1000’s of twinkling lights take you on a nautical journey by way of the city and culminating within the glistening lit-up harbour.
There shall be a lot of spectacular gentle installations, together with a five-metre tall ship, a large anchor, a formidable 120-metre maritime curtain of lights to present you a bespoke ‘below the ocean’ expertise.
This enchanting gentle competition gives way more than simply gentle installations, with plans for funfair rides, a Christmas themed market promoting conventional fare, and distinctive festive meals and drinks choices.
Poole Christmas Maritime Mild Pageant, Poole City Centre, 25 November 2023 to 2 January 2024
Longleat’s Pageant of Mild in Wiltshire
Rediscover the tales that formed your childhood at this yr’s Pageant of Mild: Treasured Tales.
Anticipate show-stopping scenes from C.S Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Cinderella, Snow White, The Wizard of Oz and Winnie the Pooh.
The Pageant of Mild, Longleat, from 11 November 2023 to 7 January 2024
Christmas gentle path at Stourhead in Wiltshire
Watch reflections of the festive lights dance throughout the lake at Stourhead this winter.
The 2023 path celebrates the fifth anniversary of this well-liked occasion with lights up the waterside and forest panorama.
There shall be music and road meals to accompany you stroll across the gardens whereas they’re illuminated with lasers and light-weight installations.
Stourhead, Mere, 24 November to 31 December 2023.
Christmas at Blenheim in Oxfordshire
The Palace’s gardens shall be illuminated by 1,000,000 lights, whereas inside you’ll discover rooms remodeled into The Kingdom of The Snow Queen.
Outside you’ll additionally discover Blenheim’s famed Christmas market within the Nice Court docket.
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, 17 November 2023 to 1 January 2024
Glow Wild 2023 at Wakehurst
Glow Wild youngsters celebrating its tenth anniversary with new fantastically hand-crafted lanterns and fascinating gentle installations created by main artists.
This yr, Glow Wild celebrates the elegant, inviting you to grow to be a part of the path and uncover awe-inspiring moments in nature.
Underneath fours can go to free of charge.
Glow Wild, Haywards Heath, chosen dates between 23 November 2023 to 1 January 2024
Leonardslee Illuminated at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens
With the occasion in its fifth yr, the historic 240-acre Grade I Listed property will transport guests right into a magical world because the gardens are remodeled with illuminations, large-scale installations and atmospheric soundscapes.
Company are welcomed with a Victorian funfair, a small Christmas market, a number of seasonal food and drinks and different leisure earlier than coming into the mile lengthy path.
Leonardslee Illuminated, Horsham, chosen dates from 24 November to 21 December 2023
For extra seasonal occasions check out my information to Christmas days out throughout the UK.