Christmas in Hampshire 2023! There are plenty of Christmas events in Hampshire happening this year. You can discover those magical pantomime performances for some great festive memories. There’s also plenty of family days out to discover around the Christmas period in Hampshire.
Christmas Events In Hampshire
Brickworks Museum Christmas Festival
Swanwick Lane, Bursledon, SO31 7HB
Dates: 26th November 2023
You can enjoy the Brickworks Museum shining in the glow of Christmas lights and decorations to begin the festive period.
Why not shop at the craft market and find out about Christmas’ past in the Victorian cottage display. Father Christmas will also be taking time out of his busy schedule to come and hand out gifts to the children.
Date: 10th December 2023
On 10th December you can also visit to see Santa when he will be taking a day out from his very busy December schedule and arriving at the Brickworks Museum to hand out gifts to his smallest fans. Bring the family, bring the dog and enjoy the magic of Christmas at the Brickworks.
Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway Christmas Trains
Dates: 8th, 15th, 22nd December 2023
On the selected dates in December, see the trains fully illuminated at Eastleigh Lakeside. You can enjoy a ride around the country park in the dark with seasonal refreshments.
Enlightened At Staunton Farm
Staunton Country Park, Middle Park Way, Havant PO9 5HB
Dates: 8th – 24th December 2023
A magical outdoor Christmas light trail for all the family to enjoy this Christmas!
Enlightened comes to Staunton Farm this winter. The grounds will be transformed into a magical illuminated light trail for visitors to enjoy with all the family. Book now to see mesmerising light installations and enchanting moments along a specially crafted route for our visitors this winter.
Glow Marwell
Dates: November 24th, 25th / December 1st – 23rd 2023
Glow Marwell invites guests to explore Marwell zoo in a whole new light with more than 250,000 LED bulbs making up our wonderful illuminations.
Hayling Winter Wonderland
The Seafront, Hayling Island, Hampshire, PO11 0AG
Dates: December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 14th – 24th December 2023
Hayling Island Winter Wonderland has over 40 displays featuring animations and hand crafted scenes. You can even walk through Gingerbread Town. There are over 3 miles of lights and tonnes of snow to create the most magical Christmas experience in Hampshire. Visit Father Christmas in his house and receive an early Christmas gift.
You can stop at the gingerbread factory and Lenny the learner Elf’s house. Why not take a train ride through the Elf Village and look for the toys being made in Santa’s Workshop.
Your ticket price also includes entry into the Kidz Kingdom indoor play area and unlimited outdoor children’s rides. There’s even a seasonal drink and mince pie for the grown ups.
Light Up Hillier Gardens
Dates: 30th November – 31st December 2023
The light trail at Sir Harold HIllier Gardens is back for 2023. The gardens will be transformed into an awe-inspiring, kaleidoscopic and multi-sensory world of light and sound.
You’ll find a shimmering Tree of Joy, hypnotic lasers around the pond, mesmerising projected animals on the trees and a breathtakingly beautiful light show in Himalayan Valley.
Paultons Park Christmas
Dates: 2nd – 23rd December 2023
From the 2nd – 23rd December, you can experience A Celebration of Christmas at Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World.
Peppa and George will be in their seasonal outfits, there will be a Christmas show featuring Father Christmas.
See Peppa Pig World decorated for Christmas, complete with seasonal music. Santa’s Christmas Wish Show will have singing, dancing and fun! Twice daily Santa will be on stage.
Other shows include Frosty’s Snowtime Show and Santa’s Storytime. There will also be plenty of magical Illuminations around the Park. The Marvellous Musical Christmas Tree has its own light show every 15 minutes.
Polar Festive Illuminations
Dates: 9th – 24th December 2023
The Isle of White at Christmas see the Polar Festive Illuminations. Pippa the polar bear invites you back into her world of Polar as it returns to Robin Hill.
Portsmouth On Ice
Dates: 25th November 2023 – 7th January 2024
The large Portsmouth ice rink can be found in Guildhall Square. The ice rink opens in November 2023 which is large enough for 200 skaters in each session. Skating sessions last for an hour and there are skating aids available to hire for those not so confident.
The Watercress Line Steam Illuminations
Dates: 24th November 2023 – 6th January 2024
Steam Illuminations is a unique Christmas digital LED train! Enjoy an amazing light show on and in a steam train, with thousands of fully controllable colour mixing LED lights and LED wristbands.
There’s the chance to see the outside of the train at the start, middle and end of your journey for those amazing photos.
Winchester Science Centre Cosmic Christmas
Dates: 16th – 23rd December 2023
Santa is back in the Planetarium this Christmas at the Winchester Science Centre. Why not visit for an immersive family experience with a festive twist. What adventures will Santa have got up to this year?
Pantomimes In Hampshire
Mayflower Theatre – Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs
Dates: 9th – 31st December 2023
It’s an all star cast at the Mayflower Panto in Southampton this year. Christopher Biggins and Ashley Banjo and Diversity will be starring in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Winchester Theatre Royal – Cinderella
Dates: 30th November 2023 – 1st Jan 2024
Cinderella in pantomime is brought to Winchester by the same team from last year’s amazing Wizard of Oz panto.
Christmas Markets In Hampshire
Hawk Conservatory Trust
Dates: 23rd – 25th November 2023
Enjoy the run up to Christmas, come and enjoy this delightful, festive shopping experience. Shop from local craftspeople and businesses and find personalised presents, Christmas decorations, handcrafted treats, beautiful homeware and much more.
Petersfield Christmas Festival
Dates: 9th – 10th December 2023
Time: 10am – 3.30pm
A festive day in the centre of Petersfield alongside the Hampshire Farmers Market. Traditionally there are over 100 stalls, family entertainment, Father Christmas and much more.
Winchester Christmas Market
Dates: 17th November – 21st december 2023
Times: Sunday – Wednesday: 10.00am – 6.30pm./ Thursday – Saturday: 10.00am – 8.00pm
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is recognised as one of the best in Europe. The Christmas Market is inspired by traditional German Christmas markets and attracts more than 400,000 visitors each year.
There will be over 100 chalet stalls for 2023 across the Inner and Outer Close, Paddock, Craft Village, and the Food Court.
A planned procession is in place for 2nd December, with live music and a spectacular finale.
Where To See Santa In Hampshire
Breakfast With Santa At Harvester Restaurants
Dates: December 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th 2025
Why not enjoy breakfast with Santa at your local Harvester. He’s making his way on his sleigh from the North Pole specially to spend time with you and your little ones and he can’t wait to see them and enjoy a breakfast together.
Santa is a busy man, so he’ll be appearing on selected dates in December. Pre-booking is essential.
A Christmas to remember from £11.99 per child and £12.99 on Christmas Eve. Local Harvester restaurants in Hampshire include :-
- The Ham Farm, Twyford Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 4LF
- Harvester Swan Centre, Unit L1B, The Swan Centre, Wells Place, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 5FX
- Whiteley Shopping Centre, Unit E1-E2, Whiteley Shopping Centre, Fareham Hampshire, PO15 7LJ
- The Buccaneer, 14 The Avenue, Fareham, Hampshire, PO14 1NS
- The Stag And Hounds, Winchester Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG22 6HN
Breakfast With Santa At Toby Carvery Restaurants
Dates: 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th – 24th December 2025
For just £10.99 (£12.99 on Christmas week), your little one’s can meet Father Christmas, and enjoy a cooked breakfast and a juice!
Santa’s sleigh will be visiting on selected dates in December from 9:30am. Pre-booking is essential.
Toby Carvery restaurants in Hampshire include:-
- Bishopstoke, Fair Oak Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 6LD
- Hilsea, Copnor Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO3 5HS
Ember Inns Breakfast With Santa
The Village Inn, 67 Botley Road, Southampton, SO31 1AZ
Dates: 13th – 14th December 2025
All children receive a small gift from Santa as well as enjoying their breakfast. The cost is £11.99.
Breakfast With Santa At Brewers Fayre
Dates: 42nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th – 24th December 2023
You can join Santa at Brewers Fayre pubs in Hampshire for a breakfast with Santa, a chocolate gift and also some time in the indoor soft play zone too. All of this for just £9.99.
Finkley Down Farm Father Christmas
Dates: 2nd – 24th December 2023
Magical Christmas tickets include all-day entry to the farm. Your Christmas journey starts at Mother Christmas’ Kitchen before you make your reindeer food, collect your Christmas passport and so much more.
Father Christmas’ Flying Visit
Hawk Conservatory Trust, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8DY
Date: 21st – 22nd December 2023
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 too!
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