Christmas in Hampshire | Things To Do 2026
*This article is in the process of being updated – many attractions haven’t announced their activities for this year yet so I’ve kept last year’s events on for some attractions until I can update them.
Prices correct at the time of writing. Click through to each venue for up to date pricing and information.
This post may contain affiliate links and I may receive commission if you visit a link and buy something. Purchasing via an affiliate link doesn’t cost you any extra, and I only recommend products and services I trust.
Christmas is just around the corner and there are so many festive activities and magical Christmas events coming up that I thought I’d share them with you. They’re great for inspiration if you have a free weekend, a few hours spare after school or are looking for ways to fill up the Christmas holidays.
So here are some ideas of things to do over the festive season taking place across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight:
Meeting Father Christmas in Hampshire
I know one of the main things people want to know at this time of year is where to see Father Christmas so I’ve put together a post that tells you just that. Keep reading for all the Christmas days out that aren’t just Santa events and activities! If you’re specifically looking for Father Christmas, this post might be helpful.
Days Out in Hampshire
If you’re simply looking for a day out to enjoy over the festive period then we have a lot of inspiration for you and these posts should be helpful:
If you’re happy to go a little further afield then these posts may be helpful too:
- Family Days Out in the South East
- Educational Days Out in the South East
- Educational Days Out in London
- Things to Do on a Family Trip to London
- Things to do in London on a Rainy Day
But, carry on reading for special Christmas themed days out and activity ideas across Hampshire over the festive season.
Christmas Afternoon Tea
If you fancy going for afternoon tea as a festive treat there are plenty of places to choose from and these guides may help you find somewhere perfect!
- 15 Options for Christmas Afternoon Tea in Hampshire
- The Best Places to Have Afternoon Tea in Hampshire
- 14 Options for Children’s Afternoon Tea in Hampshire
There are also a few really lovely Christmas themed afternoon tea options around:
Tylney Hall Hotel & Gardens – 30th November to 23rd December 2026 – From £45 per person
Kick the festive season off with a seasonal afternoon tea, served in the cosy lounge with a roaring log fire and close friends or family for company. Including a selection of fresh finger sandwiches, scones and pastries.
West Green House Gardens – 28th November to 23rd December 2026 – From £59 per adult and £34 per child
Join friends and family at 2.30pm and indulge in a Traditional Christmas Afternoon Tea of scones, jam and clotted cream, sandwiches and cakes, served with a choice of Tea or Coffee and a glass of Mulled Wine. Then, as darkness falls and before the spectacular garden lights open for everyone to see, enter the garden and view them as a VIP guest.
Careys Manor Hotel – Saturday 28th November 2026 to Saturday 2nd January 2027 – From £28 per person
A selection of seasonal finger sandwiches, cranberry and orange scones plus a variety of sweet treats.
* Christmas Tree Farm Hampshire
A great festive activity is going to choose a Christmas tree and it’s lovely being able to go and pick one freshly cut from a Christmas tree farm.
Here are some of the options in Hampshire:
- Wylds Farm Christmas Trees – 21st November to 18th December 2026
- Temple Valley Christmas Trees – 27th November to 21st December 2025
- Burcot Farm Christmas Trees – From 22nd November 2025
You can read about more places to get Christmas trees in Hampshire here.
Christmas Events in Hampshire
Wherever you are in Hampshire, there are so many festive events to keep the whole family entertained. Here are a few ideas from across the county suitable for all ages.
Here are a couple of specific posts that you might find useful:
Days Out with Christmas Activities in Hampshire
Hawk Conservancy Trust – Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire SP11 8DY
The Big Christmas Present Hunt! – 12 & 13 December, Saturday 19 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027
‘Twas the month before Christmas, and all through the Trust, The birds were all stirring and making a fuss, For Santa’s gift sack is missing… the gifts are all gone! Can you help the elves find it before Christmas is done?
Can you solve the mystery of Santa’s missing present sack this Christmas? Bring the whole family along for this festive trail, where you can find clues hidden around the Hawk Conservancy Trust and help get Christmas back on track. Help restore the magic of Christmas!
Owls by Moonlight at Christmas – Friday 4, Saturday 5, Friday 11, Saturday 12 December 2026
Kick off the festive season with a magical evening with our owls! We’ll be flying our awesome owls under moonlight at this special time of year with a few festive features to get you in the Christmas spirit. Watch these mystical birds twist and turn through the night sky and make sure you duck as they skim silently over the top of your head.
Christmas Carols and Owls – Friday 18, Saturday 19, Sunday 20, Monday 21 December 2026
Join us for a special evening to get you in the Christmas spirit! Sing along with Christmas carols, both traditional and modern, under the night sky accompanied by rousing live music. Warm up during the interval with mulled wine and a mince pie.
The Brickworks Museum – Swanwick Lane, Lower Swanwick, Hampshire SO31 7HB
Christmas at The Brickworks – 5th and 6th December 2026
More details to follow.
Victorian Christmas Fayre – 29th November 2026
See the museum decorated in Victorian style and browse the market for all your Christmas gifting needs. Find something unique and special among our fantastic independent traders. All this and the fantastic museum in full steam!
Rookesbury Park – Southwick Road, Wickham, Hampshire PO17 6HT
Christmas at Rookesbury – 28th and 29th November 2026
Step inside the beautiful historic setting of Rookesbury Park for a magical two-day Christmas Market, taking place throughout the Old House and Orangery. Browse a wonderful selection of festive stalls and gifts, enjoy seasonal treats and make a day of it with family and friends.
Come and enjoy the atmosphere of Rookesbury Park dressed for Christmas. Find some special gifts, choose your Christmas tree, make a wreath, meet Father Christmas or simply catch up with friends over a mulled wine and a mince pie.
* Aldershot Military Museum – Queens Avenue, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 2LG
All I Want for Christmas Family Activity Trail – Not confirmed for 2025
Celebrate the festive season with a free activity trail around the museum based on favourite Christmas gifts and wishes throughout history. Learn about traditional gifts from the past, and reflect on your own wishes for Christmas.
Curtis Museum – High Street, Alton, Hampshire GU34 1B
Dotty the Dodo Winter Fact Trail – Tuesday 1st December 2026to Saturday 27th February 2027
Dotty is back and needs your help to uncover fascinating facts about the natural world hidden throughout the museum. Follow the trail, explore the galleries, and discover amazing objects as you hunt for clues scattered along the way.
Whitchurch Silk Mill – 28 Winchester Street, Whitchurch, Hampshire RG28 7AL
Elf on a Shelf Trail – 5th December 2026
Make your way along the trail and find activities for the whole family. Take part in the 10 elf-themed activities around the site and collect your chocolatey reward.
Tudor House & Garden – Bugle St, Southampton SO14 2AD
Christmas Lantern Walking Tour – 19th December 2026
Step into Christmas past for a festive walking tour with your guide Andy Skinner. How did Jane Austen celebrate Christmas, what festive songs herald from our fine city and why was the Christmas of 1945 one to forget? Unlocking the secrets of Southampton’s merry history, this lantern-lit tour will explore the Old Town, including delving into some of hidden medieval vaults under the ground!
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard – Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 3LJ
A Christmas Ship – December 5th and 6th 2026
Join the crew of HMS Warrior as they prepare for Christmas 1863. Enjoy traditional Victorian live entertainment and help members of the crew decorate the gun deck, practice their carol singing and make charismas homemade crafts to take home for your loved ones.
Rats in Hats – 12th December 2026 to 3rd January 2027
Help! Twelve rats have hidden themselves amongst the largest collection of Tudor artefacts anywhere in the world this Christmas. We now need your help to locate them! Dressed in an array of Tudor hats, from the Lord of Misrule’s festive Jester’s hat to King Henry VIII’s crown, rats have taken over the museum this Christmas!
* Itchen Valley Country Park – Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, Hampshire SO30 3HQ
Nutmeg’s Adventure: Christmas Trail – Saturday 29 November 2025 until Sunday 4 January 2026
This Christmas, a little friend needs your help! Join Nutmeg your gingerbread friend on a festive adventure and see if your family can save the magic of Christmas.
Festive Songs and Lanterns – Sunday 21 December 2025 – From £4 per person
Celebrate the season with light, music, and festive cheer at our lantern workshop, procession and festive singalong event!
* Chawton House – Chawton, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1SJ
Regency Christmas at Chawton House – 21st November 2025 to 4th January 2026
This famed Christmas trail returns with a Regency twist for the 250th anniversary year of Jane Austen’s birth, with each room transformed with handcrafted treasures created by our talented volunteer Christmas Committee.
* D Day Museum and Overlord Embroidery – Clarence Esplanade, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO5 3NT
Festive Theme Marvellous Models – 30th November 2025
Discover the impressive display of hand-made military warships, aircraft and vehicles brought to live and intricately crafted by the South Coast Modellers.
Finkley Down Farm Park – North Way, Andover, Hampshire SP11 6NF
Christmas At Finkley – Sat 28th Nov to Thur 24th Dec 2026
Have a fun and festive time this Christmas at Finkley, packed with many magical moments!
* Longdown Activity Farm – Deerleap Lane, Ashurst, Southampton, Hampshire SO40 7EH
Longdown Farm Christmas Barn – Saturday 6th December & Sunday 7th December, then daily from
Monday 12th to Tuesday 23rd December 2025.
Enter a magical world of twinkling trees, snow, sparkling lights and festive decorations to meet Father Christmas who will be waiting to talk to the children and to give them a jolly wave and an extra special “Ho-ho-ho!”
Butser Ancient Farm – Chalton Lane, Chalton, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO8 0BG
Harp Songs for a Winter’s Night with Keziah Thomas – 3rd December 2026
Join us for an unforgettable evening of hauntingly beautiful music as winter descends upon the ancient grounds of Butser Ancient Farm. Award-winning harpist Keziah Thomas returns with a spellbinding solo pedal harp concert celebrating the magic and mystery of Advent and Christmas through the ages.
The Horns of Yule – A Winter Tale – 18th December 2026
Yuletide – Christmas time – is a traditional time for all ages to get together and listen to stories – particularly ghost stories. Join award-winning performer Jason Buck for an immersive one-man show, fit for the time of year, and presented in the atmospheric surroundings around the central fire of Butser’s Iron Age Roundhouse.
Osborne House – York Avenue, East Cowes, Isle of Wight PO32 6JT
Festive Fun at Osborne – Selected dates, from 5th to 20th Dec 2026
Join the Victorian butlers at Osborne this Christmas season for a barrel of laughs and festive fun! Enjoy lively stories, entertaining plays, and hands-on activities, including the chance to create your very own traditional Christmas cracker to take home. Little ones can also take part in a Christmas quest.
Paulton’s Park – Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 6AL
A Celebration of Christmas at Paultons Park – Throughout December 2026 and until 3rd January 2027
Step into a magical winter wonderland as Paultons Park is transformed for the festive season! There is plenty to get you into the Christmas spirit with Magical Illuminations across the Park, Peppa and George in their seasonal outfits and a Christmas show featuring Father Christmas!
Read about a day we spent at Paulton’s Park here
Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway – Exbury, Southampton, Hampshire SO45 1AZ
Christmas at Exbury – Selected dates from 28th November to 6th December 2026
Everything you need to know about getting in the festive spirit at Exbury this Christmas. Father Christmas, the Christmas Fair, Donkey rides, the Festive Express and so much more!
The Cart and Horses – London Road, Kings Worthy, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 7QN
Christmas Choir & Carol Sing-along – Mon 21 December 2026
Who doesn’t love a traditional festive sing-along! And in the true spirit of Christmas, we are so pleased to once again be welcoming Reverend Paul and his local choir group to lead us through a wonderful evening of good old festive favourites and Christmas classics.
Havant Garden Centre – Bartons Rd, Havant PO9 5NA
Christmas Dinner – 26th October to 30th December 2026
Whether you’re catching up with friends or celebrating a successful Christmas shop at your local British Garden Centre, our two‑course festive menu is the perfect seasonal treat.
Choose from tender Slow Roasted Beef with a homemade Yorkshire pudding, traditional Roast Turkey with sage, cranberry & onion stuffing and a pig in blanket, delicately cooked Haddock Bearnaise on a bed of spinach, or our hearty vegan Chestnut & Seed Roast with cranberry‑spiced gravy.
Children’s Christmas Activities in Hampshire
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens – Jermyns Lane, Romsey SO51 0QA
Children’s Christmas Crafts – 12th December 2026 – £19 per child
Indoor craft activities with the Education Team. Learn about plants as you make beautiful gifts by leaf printing onto canvas and creating evergreen bundles.
Festive Make and Take – 14th December 2026 – £19 per child
Handmade joy for the holiday season. Create simple, nature-inspired crafts using garden evergreens to bring a cosy, rustic touch to your festive décor. Enjoy family friendly fun with different activities each day!
* Aldershot Military Museum – Queens Avenue, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 2LG
Deck the Halls: Home Made Christmas Decorating Crafting – Not confirmed for 2025
Craft your own unique Christmas decorations with all materials and instructions provided for some Christmas classics. From paper chains to garlands, deck your halls with a homemade Christmas!
Curtis Museum – High Street, Alton, Hampshire GU34 1B
Dotty the Dodo Winter Fact Trail – 1st December 2026 to 27th February 2027
Dotty is back and needs your help to uncover fascinating facts about the natural world hidden throughout the museum. Follow the trail, explore the galleries, and discover amazing objects as you hunt for clues scattered along the way.
Queen Elizabeth Country Park – Gravel Hill, Horndean, Hampshire PO8 0QE
Mosaic Christmas Tree Decorations – 17th December 2026 – £18 per person
Come and join in a fun-filled morning of creativity at this Christmas Tree Mosaic Workshop
West End Centre – 48 Queens Road, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 3JD
Home Education: Fused Glass Christmas Decorations – 30th November 2026 – £35 per child – Age 12 to 17
In this 2-hour workshop, you will be provided with up to 2-3 A5 size pieces of clear glass which you will be able to build a picture on of your choice, or you can cut up to make smaller pieces. You can make Christmas ornaments or anything you choose. Perfect to keep as a treat for yourself or as a gift for someone else!
Adult Christmas Events in Hampshire
Wreath Making
These are so many wreath making events across Hampshire and you can see all the dates and up to date information here:
The Arc – Jewry Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8SB
Christmas doll ornaments with Sachiko Mason – 5th November 2026 – £25 per person
Spend a cosy afternoon getting creative and making your own festive decorations with artist and tutor Sachiko Mason.
Christmas origami gift boxes with Sachiko Mason – 19th November 2026 – £25 per person
Add a handmade touch to your festive celebrations with this creative paper-folding workshop led by artist and tutor Sachiko Mason.
Sashiko Keepsake Tree Decorations – 28th November 2026 – £55 per person
Making hand-stitched Christmas keepsakes is a deeply personal, relaxing craft. Using the art of slow stitch (Sashiko) you will create timeless and elegantly simple decorations.
Yule Crown Workshop – 3rd December 2026 – £55 per person
Using magical stitchery pokery you will cut, draw, paint and stitch a crown to wear for Yuletide. Bells may be obligatory!
Nordic Elegance: Hand-Painted Paper Fan Ornaments – 10th December 2026 – £55 per person
Ink painted folded paper fan decorations are a beautiful, minimalist, and eco-friendly Scandinavian aesthetic for your home. Making them yourself is relaxing and pleasing experience, creating styles to hang in clusters over windows or on your tree.
West End Centre – 48 Queens Road, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 3JD
Fused Glass Christmas Decoration – 14th November 2026 – £75 per person
In the workshop, you will be provided with an A5 size piece of clear glass which you will be able to build a picture on of your choice, or you can cut it up to make smaller pieces. Perfect to keep as a treat for yourself or as a gift for someone else.
Adult Pottery Christmas Workshop – 7th November 2026 – £45 per person
Ready to get your hands dirty and create something beautiful? Whether you’re a complete novice or just looking to refresh your skills, this workshop will teach you the basics of working with clay, with two projects to inspire you: creating ceramic jewellery or tealight/candleholders.
Silver Jewellery Christmas Gift – 28th November 2026 – £80 per person
Design and make your own silver jewellery item to wear home or give as a gift (Christmas is coming!). Start with some supplied templates for necklaces or rings, but you can then adapt and personalise your piece your own way. You will be introduced to Piercing (sawing) and Gas Torch work, the two must haves for the creation of jewellery.
Drink and Draw: Winter Images in Mixed Media – 4 Dec 2026 – £30 per person
Unwind at our adult Drink & Draw session, a creative evening inspired by winter imagery. You’ll begin with pencil sketches before exploring a range of mixed media – including collage, ink, pastels, watercolour, acrylics, and gouache – to create a vibrant final piece.
The Garlic Farm – Mersley Lane, Newchurch, Sandown, Isle of Wight PO36 0NR
Willow Christmas Decoration Workshop – 4th December 2026 – £60 per person
Master the art of festive craftsmanship with this Willow Christmas Decoration Workshop. Learn to create stunning yuletide pieces, from elegant trees and celestial stars to graceful angels, guided by expert instruction.
Willow & Sage – 7 Oak Green Parade, Four Marks, Alton, Hampshire GU34 5HQ
Christmas Table Centre Workshop – 23rd December 2026 – £65 per person
Using a carefully chosen selection of winter foliage, flowers and festive details, you’ll be guided through the design step-by-step, whilst learning floristry techniques and styling tips before you create a table centre in your own personal style.
Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa – Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst SO42 7RH
Candle Wreath Centrepiece & Seasonal Lunch – 26th November 2026 – £90 per person
Begin your morning with freshly brewed tea or coffee and a selection of Chef’s goodies before creating a handcrafted candle wreath centrepiece for your Christmas table. Guided by expert florist Laura, you’ll learn how to work with seasonal foliage and natural materials to create something beautiful to enjoy throughout the festive season. After your workshop, settle into Cambium for a two-course seasonal lunch.
Lainston House – Woodman Lane, Sparsholt, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 2LT
Christmas Crafts – 21st and 22nd November 2026 – £99 per person
Sparkle Christmas cards – Come and join us as we make beautiful Christmas cards and get stuck into glitter and gold paints. There are various Christmas card designs that you can paint over, or you can create your own design. We provide the ideas, all the equipment and you get to take home your own gold paint, brush and extra paper. This class is run by Emma from Lemon Yellow Lettering and followed by the ever popular Lainston House traditional afternoon tea.
Personalised Christmas wrap and tags – Come and join us for a unique Christmas wrapping paper workshop. We will be making hand lettered wrapping paper with gift tags to complement. Plenty of instruction, designs and all your equipment supplied. Take home paint and extra paper to wrap all your Christmas presents in. This is a fun workshop and no calligraphy experience is needed
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens – Jermyns Lane, Romsey SO51 0QA
Christmas Decorations – 8th November 2026 – £62 per person
Add some sparkle to your Christmas and make your own decorations with your tutor Linda Rowe. You will learn tips and techniques of the fusing process. Using a selection of pre-cut bases, you will make 3 to 4 decorations during your session. These will be kiln-fired and posted to you.
Needle Felt Christmas Decorations – 14th November 2026 – £88 per person
In this workshop, participants will create colourful Christmas tree decorations using needle-felting techniques. The session also includes making a 3D needle-felted robin to add to the seasonal cheer!
Winter Candlelight Holders – 15th November 2026 – £103 per person
A traditional, hand-building, pottery workshop with guidance from ceramic artist, Tania Ware. You will create a set of decorative ceramic house tea-light holders. A choice of coloured glazes will be offered at the end of the session and all fired work will be returned 6 weeks later.
Star Mini Quilt – 28th November 2026 – £87 per person
Design your own star block and turn it into a mini quilt, with textile artist and quilter, Samantha Boot. Learn how to draft and piece your own quilt block star using traditional patchwork techniques before turning your completed start into a mini quilt to finish at home. All by hand, some dexterity is required.
Luxury Chocolate Making – 29th November 2026 – from £66.50 per person
You’ll be tutored in making your very own delicious chocolates using a fine range of ingredients plus a handmade chocolate bauble for the Christmas tree! Tastings along the way too of course! Run by professional chocolatiers from Chocolate Craft, we’ll show you how to make your finished chocolates look as good as the professionals.
Christmas Swag Workshop – 3rd December 2026 – £60 per person
Get into the holiday spirit with this Christmas Swag Workshop. You’ll be provided with a stunning selection of unique foliage and berries freshly sourced from the Gardens. You will make a beautiful swag to take home and decorate your mantel piece with or to use as the table centrepiece.
* Chawton House – Chawton, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1SJ
Folk inspired Christmas Embroidery Workshop – A two-part session: Sunday 23rd November & Sunday 30th November
In the historic setting of Chawton House, you will create a Crewelwork Hand Embroidered hoop, taking inspiration from the patterns and designs found in Fair Isle Kitting patterns.
Festive Flower Brooch Workshop – Thursday 11th December 2025
Just in time for Christmas, this workshop will be led by talented Chawton House volunteer Linda. You will learn to make a unique fabric flower brooch, perfect as a handmade gift for someone you love, or as a present to yourself! Relax in the peace and quiet of the Billiards Room. Beginners welcome.
Festive Supper with the Kings Pond Shantymen – Friday 5th December 2025
Visit the Glimmering Gardens from 5pm, before arriving in the Great Hall for a three-course Festive Feast. After dinner, enjoy a rousing performance of shanty and drinking songs, interspersed with Christmas Carols with a twist, by the Kings Pond Shantymen.
* Itchen Valley Country Park – Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, Hampshire SO30 3HQ
Festive Willow Stars – 16th November 2025 – £35
In this friendly, hands-on workshop, you’ll learn to weave two beautiful willow stars using traditional techniques and locally sourced willow. Your stars will make charming decorations for your Christmas tree, windows, or festive table and they also make thoughtful handmade gifts for loved ones.
Craft & Natter – Table Decoration – 9th December 2025 – £12
You will be making a festive table decoration using found pine cones and natural materials.
Gingerbread House Craft -Saturday 13 December 2025
Get ready for a festive treat this December! Join the craft team to design and decorate your very own cozy cardboard gingerbread house. It’s a fun, hands-on activity that’s perfect for accompanied children aged 5yrs+
Festive Willow Lantern Workshop – Sunday 14 December 2025 – £10 per person
Light up the season with your very own handmade lantern.
Butser Ancient Farm – Chalton Lane, Chalton, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO8 0BG
Tree Ornament Workshop – Various dates, 5th to 12th December 2026 – £40
Connect with an endangered craft deeply rooted to rural life, from one of the last remaining tutors in the South of England. Learn to plait straw to create a range of corn dollies for your festive tree or as lovely gifts. A soothing and relaxing activity, this workshop offers a calming escape from the bustle of modern Christmas, and is beginner friendly.
* Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium – Telegraph Way, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1HZ
Science Lates: Christmas Cracker – Not confirmed for 2025
Looking for a work Christmas party idea? A unique festive date night? Or just something different to do with friends over the holiday period? The adults only Science Lates: Christmas Cracker is just for you! Visit this festive season and delve into the science behind one of the most-loved family holidays.
* Whitchurch Silk Mill – 28 Winchester Street, Whitchurch, Hampshire RG28 7AL
Pins & Needles: Make Papercraft Christmas Cards – Not confirmed for 2025
In this relaxed workshop, all materials are provided. You will make your own Christmas Cards using a variety of card stock, embellishments, and fabrics to personalise your cards for friends and family.
St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery – St Barbe, New St, Lymington SO41 9BH
Metallic Calligraphy – 3rd November 2026 – £50 per person
This course is a must have for anyone who is looking to create some stunning festive gifts, cards and stationery. During the session, Ali will show you how to use metallic inks to create a selection of cards and tags using calligraphy and simple illustration techniques. These cards and tags will be perfect to gift to your friends and family this Christmas! You will be amazed at the effects that can be achieved!
Ceramic Christmas Bells and Baubles – 13th November 2026 – £50 per person
Join ceramics tutor Rachel Palmer to create Baubles and Bells for the tree, for gifts or for anywhere the imagination allows! White clay will be shaped by hand and smoothed to create simple spheres and bells that ring. Easy going session to introduce or develop hand building confidence along with some early Christmas cheer. All materials provided. Don’t wear your best clothes! Aprons available or bring your own, please leave rings at home!
Wire Weaving Tree Decorations – 22nd December 2026 – £8 per child
Learn how to use wire to make some elegant decorations to hang on your Christmas tree. This workshop is for children aged 8 years and over due to the more detailed and creative techniques involved.
Christmas Crazy – 23rd December 2026 – Free
Family fun activities with a Christmas theme.
Forest Arts Centre – Old Milton Rd, New Milton, Hampshire BH25 6DS
Craft Class with a Wine Glass: Hands-On Art ‘Festive Birds’ – 26th November 2026
Try something wonderfully different in this fun, relaxed workshop! Using only your hands—no brushes allowed—you’ll create up to 5 hand-painted colourful festive bird themed cards. Explore colour, texture, and expressive mark-making in a playful, sensory experience that’s both calming and freeing. Send a unique hand-made card this season with these festive themed cards!
SeaCity Museum – Havelock Road, Southampton, Hampshire SO14 7FY
Winter Lanterns: Sunday Watercolours with Viktoriia Bezugla – 13th December 2026 – £25 per person
Take inspiration from the season at this creative and calming workshop with fine artist and teacher Viktoriia Bezugla. At these Sunday painting classes, Viktoriia will guide you step by step to learning new techniques and processes, with beautiful results.
Christmas Table Decorations for all ages with Victoria Goss – 20th December 2026 – £18 per person
Come and join in the festivities at this family friendly workshop with Victoria Goss. It’s a great chance for you to create a homemade decoration to take centre stage on the dining room table, which you can be proud you have made.
* Tudor House & Garden – Bugle St, Southampton SO14 2AD
Collage Christmas Cards with Alex Sutherland – 23rd November 2025 – £25 per person
A great opportunity to make some unique Christmas decorations. Join New Forest ceramic artist Amy Morris to decorate and glaze a beautiful range of her pre-fired ceramic blanks ready for Christmas.
Queen Elizabeth Country Park – Gravel Hill, Horndean, Hampshire PO8 0QE
Festive Mosaic Christmas Decorations – 17th December 2026 – £18 per person
Join us for a magical, hands-on mosaic Christmas decoration workshop that’s bursting with festive cheer! Perfect for all ages (from 3+), this joyful experience is a wonderful way to kick off the season with your loved ones.
National Trust Days Out with Activities
The Vyne – Vyne Rd, Sherborne St John, Basingstoke RG24 9HL
Christmas garden trail – 21st November 2026 to 3rd January 2027
Leap like a lord over hurdles, join the ladies dancing, help the maids milk a cow, return the partridge to the pear tree, wheelbarrow golden eggs back to Mother Goose, find the calling birds, listen out for the French hens, balance like a swan and play quoits with the five gold rings. Along the way, strike a pose at playful photo opportunities and enjoy festive fun for all the family.
Twelve Days of Christmas – 21st November 2026 to 3rd January 2027
Glittering Christmas trees and festive sparkle await on the ground floor of the house, decorated to celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas. Inside, families can enjoy free Christmas Bingo, while the gardens offer a fun interactive trail.
You can read about our trip to The Vyne here
Mottisfont – Romsey, Hampshire SO51 0LP
A Jack and the Beanstalk Christmas at Mottisfont – 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
Magic comes to Mottisfont this Christmas, as we invite you on a fun and festive adventure into the much-loved tale of Jack and the Beanstalk. The house is transformed with sparkle and theatrical flair, lights and laughs as you journey from a towering beanstalk to a castle in the clouds and a Giant’s Christmas banquet. But be careful; can you hear the fe-fi-fo-fum?
You can read about our trip to Mottisfont here
Hinton Ampner National Trust – near Alresford, Hampshire SO24 0LA
A Christmas Wish at Hinton Ampner – 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
Step into a Christmas story at Hinton Ampner this festive season, where every room holds a wish waiting to be discovered. The journey begins in Father Christmas’ post room, where wishes from around the world are gathered. Travel through the house to meet much-loved characters and discover their Christmas wishes, brought to life through beautiful decorations and displays.
West Green House Gardens – Thackham’s Lane, near Hartley Wintney,
Hook, Hampshire RG27 8JB
Once Upon a Time Illuminated Trail – 28th November to 30th December 2026
Discover the magic of a kilometre-long Illuminated Trail, passing lakes and gardens to discover the magical creatures and fairy folk who inhabit our favourite ‘Once Upon a Time’ stories.
Discover perhaps The Frog Prince, Jack and the Beanstalk, The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, Hansel and Gretel, and many, many more – including a little castle of lights!
The West Green House Christmas Choir – 18th December 2026
Many of the beautiful voices who sing for us each summer at West Green House Opera have come together to perform the music of Christmas; the Carols and Christmas hits in the glittering Greenhouse. Join in the singing of the carols we love best, making a night for all the family. Then, walk out into the spectacularly lit garden and enjoy our “Once Upon a Time” illuminated trail and meet your favourite story book characters.
Theatre Shows
Going to the theatre is a great activity that the whole family will enjoy and Hampshire has a lot of great theatres to really make the most of. Here are the family shows on over the Christmas period:
The Arc – Jewry Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8SB
- Hundred Watt Club, Winchester, Christmas 2026 – 10th December 2026
- Mud – 12th December 2026
- Barnstormers Comedy Special Dec 2026 – 18th December 2026
- Five Star Swing: At Christmas – 19th December 2026
Forest Arts Centre – Old Milton Rd, New Milton, Hampshire BH25 6DS
- A Winter Union – 3rd December 2026
- A Christmas Carol – 7th December 2026
- Big Band Christmas – 10th December 2026
- Hundred Watt Club – 11th December 2026
- St Agnes Fountain – 15th December 2026
- Throbbin’ Hood – 17th to 19th December 2026
Theatre Royal Winchester – Jewry St, Winchester SO23 8SB
- A Christmas Carol: A radio play live on stage – Sun 15 Nov 2026
- Sleeping Beauty – Fri 4 Dec 2026 to Sun 3 Jan 2027
- Santa’s Best Ever Christmas – Mon 21 Dec 2026 to Mon 21 Dec 2026
Kings Theatre – 24 Albert Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 2QJ
- Christmas Carol Goes Wrong – Tuesday 24th to Saturday 28th November 2026
- Jack and the Beanstalk – Saturday 5th to Thursday 31st December 2026
- That’ll Be Christmas – Monday 7th December 2026
- Christmas In Ireland – Monday 21st December 2026
Princes Hall – Princes Way, Aldershot GU11 1NX
- Neil Sands’ Christmas Memories – Tuesday 10 November 2026
- Sleeping Beauty – Friday 04 December 2026 to Sunday 03 January 2027
The Anvil – Churchill Way, Basingstoke RG21 7QR
- The Nutcracker – Sat 21 Nov 2026
- Step Into Christmas – Tue 1 Dec 2026
- Dear Santa Live – Wed 2 to Sun 6 Dec 2026
- The Snow Queen – Wed 9 Dec 2026
- Beauty and the Beast – Thu 10 Dec 2026 to Sun 3 Jan 2027
- A Christmas Carol – Fri 11 and Sat 12 Dec 2026
- Buddy Holly & The Cricketers: Holly at Christmas – Wed 16 Dec 2026
- Cara Dillon: Upon A Winter’s Night – Sat 19 Dec 2026
- ABBA-Merry Christmas – Sun 20 Dec 2026
- The Albion Christmas Band – Mon 21 Dec 2026
Mayflower Theatre – 22-26 Commercial Rd, Southampton SO15 1GE
- Christmas Lights – 25 to 28 November 2026
- Cinderella… a VERY Happy Ending! Adult Panto – 26 November to 11 December 2026
- Christmas at the Movies – 29 November 2026
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show – 2 to 12 December 2026
- Robin Hood: Southampton’s Spectacular Pantomime – 12 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
- Peter Pan: A BIG Musical Adventure – 20 to 31 December 2026
The Point – Leigh Rd, Eastleigh SO50 9DE
- Santa Live! – Sat 19 Dec 2026
- Rapunzel – Thu 21 Jan to Sat 23 Jan 2027
New Theatre Royal – 20-24 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth PO1 2DD
- Adult Panto: Tinderella – Fri 5 to Sat 6 Feb 2027
- Swan Lake – Wed 11 Nov 2026
- Elf the Musical – Fri 20 to Sat 28 Nov 2026
- Mother Goose – Sun 13 to Thu 31 Dec 2026
I hope that’s given you some inspiration of things to do in Hampshire over the festive season. I’ll add more Hampshire Christmas events as I become aware of them and if I’ve missed your favourite event please do get in touch and let me know. I’m sure there will be more winter wonderlands announced nearer the time. I hope you have a lovely Christmas!
If you’re looking for other festive activities and inspiration, these posts may help:
- Christmas Lights in Hampshire
- Where to see Father Christmas in Hampshire
- Christmas Theatre and Pantomimes in Hampshire
- Where to buy Christmas Trees in Hampshire
- Christmas Ice Skating Hampshire
- Christmas Light Trails in Hampshire
- Wreath Making in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
- Christmas Markets in Hampshire
