Christmas in Hampshire | Things To Do 2024
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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!
- 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 – Thursday 28th November – Monday 23rd December 2024 – From £39 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.
New Place Hotel – Daily in December 2024 – From £37 per adult and £15 per child
Treat yourself to a scrumptious Afternoon Tea this festive season, there will also be Christmas crackers.
Careys Manor Hotel – Daily from Saturday 23rd November 2024 – 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 – From 31st November 2024
- Temple Valley Christmas Trees – 23rd November to 20th December 2024
- Burcot Farm Christmas Trees – From 30th November 2024
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
Milestones Museum – Basingstoke Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG22 6PG
A classic Christmas at Milestones – 30 Nov 2024 – 23 Dec 2024
Experience a family Christmas to remember this year at Milestones! The period streets will be decorated for the season and the giant Christmas tree will give a warm, festive welcome. Families can take part in a spotter trail around the museum, enjoy tasty treats and take in the atmosphere of a perfect Christmas.
D Day Museum and Overlord Embroidery – Clarence Esplanade, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO5 3NT
Festive Theme Marvellous Models – 30th November 2024
Discover the impressive display of hand-made military warships, aircraft and vehicles brought to live and intricately crafted by the South Coast Modellers.
The Brickworks Museum – Swanwick Lane, Lower Swanwick, Hampshire SO31 7HB
Christmas at The Brickworks – 24th November 2024
The Museum’s Christmas steam event – see the site shining in the glow of Christmas lights and decorations to begin the festive period; shop at the craft market and find out about Christmas’ past in the Victorian cottage display.
Aldershot Military Museum – Queens Avenue, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 2LG
All I Want for Christmas Family Activity Trail – 29th November 2024 – 5th January 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
Festive Trail – 14th December 2024 – 5th January 2025
Drop in to the museum and follow this fun seasonal stocking trail!
Whitchurch Silk Mill – 28 Winchester Street, Whitchurch, Hampshire RG28 7AL
Christmas Treat Trail – 7th December 2024
Collect a bag on arrival, or bring your stocking and hunt high and low around the Mill grounds to find the Christmas Treats left behind by the Christmas Elves! Each child will be given a bag and sheet to collect 15 treats from different locations around the Mill grounds.
Tudor House & Garden – Bugle St, Southampton SO14 2AD
Christmas Lantern Walking Tour – 21st December 2024
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
Time Walk through Christmas Past – 1st December 2024 to 5th January 2025
Time walk through Christmas past and experience a Victorian Christmas on HMS Warrior, a First World War Christmas on HMS M33 and a 1950s Christmas onboard the submarine HMS Alliance.
A Christmas Ship – December 7th and 8th 2024
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.
Henry VIII’s Christmas Court – 7th and 8th December and 14th and 15th December 2024
Immerse yourself in the world of the Royal Tudor court with this wonderfully festive experience which mixes yuletide tradition with Tudor re-enactment. This live character re-enactment and performance will bring the past to life with humour, drama and a little Christmas magic!
Itchen Valley Country Park – Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, Hampshire SO30 3HQ
Lanterns and Festive Songs – Sunday 15th December 2024
Join this festive outdoor event, create a seasonal lantern for the parade, and enjoy a festive singalong of popular Christmas songs accompanied by Joyful Sounds Choir and Otterbourne Brass Band.
Finkley Down Farm Park – North Way, Andover, Hampshire SP11 6NF
Christmas At Finkley – Sat 30th Nov – Tue 24th Dec 2024
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 – Friday to Monday: 22nd November to 25th November, 29th November to 2nd December, 6th December to 9th December, then daily from 13th December to 23rd December 2024
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
Tales of Winter Magic – family afternoon storytelling – 6th December 2024
Visit the great roundhouse for a festive fireside afternoon of Winter storytelling with Red Phoenix, a magical and enthralling storyteller. The perfect way to start your festive season together!
Tales of Winter Magic – evening storytelling and Mummers’ play – 6th December 2024
Visit the great roundhouse for a festive fireside evening of Winter storytelling with Red Phoenix, a magical and enthralling storyteller. After the storytelling we will have a cheeky visit from The Prize Old Mummers.
Midwinter’s Magical Quest – Yules of Yesteryear – 7th and 8th December 2024 | 14th and 15th December 2024 | 21st and 22nd December 2024
Explore the ancient buildings brought to life by festive crafts and activities this Christmas, and discover festive traditions from a time before commercial holidays!
Osborne House – York Avenue, East Cowes, Isle of Wight PO32 6JT
Festive Fun at Osborne – Weekends from 30th November to Sunday 22nd Dec 2024
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 2024 Celebration of Christmas at Paultons Park – 6th to 23rd of December 2024
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!
Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway – Exbury, Southampton, Hampshire SO45 1AZ
Festive Christmas Trail – Selected dates from 30th November to 8th December 2024
Enjoy this fantastic festive Christmas trail in the Rock Garden, free with Christmas Fair and gardens admission.
Children’s Christmas Activities in Hampshire
Aldershot Military Museum – Queens Avenue, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 2LG
Deck the Halls: Home Made Christmas Decorating Crafting – 29th November 2024 – 5th January 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
Toy Making Workshop – 21st December 2024 – Ages 6+ – £20 per adult and £18 per child
Take part in a toy-making workshop at the Curtis Museum and make your own wooden wheeled toy and learn some woodwork skills at the same time! The ideal gift for friends or family of all ages.
SeaCity Museum – Havelock Road, Southampton, Hampshire SO14 7FY
Christmas Table Decorations for all ages with Victoria Goss – 21st December 2024 – £18 per person
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. All materials provided Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Festive treat and hot drink or squash are included.
Queen Elizabeth Country Park – Gravel Hill, Horndean, Hampshire PO8 0QE
Children’s Christmas Tree Mosaics – 7th December 2024 – £15 per person
Come and join in a fun-filled morning of creativity at this Christmas Tree Mosaic Workshop
The Arc – Jewry Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8SB
Fizzy Painting Christmas Trees – 17th December 2024 – £8 per child
This festive and fun-filled art workshop is perfect for children of all ages. In this holiday-themed session, kids create colourful Christmas tree designs using a fizzy paint mixture made from baking soda, vinegar, and water colours.
Woolly Robin Crafting & Wild Bird Care for Ages 5+ – 20th December 2024 – £10 per child
Inspired by the current exhibition, The Arc are offering a range of after-school animal and conservation themed crafty workshops for all children to enjoy, meet new friends, learn something new and take home a creation of their very own.
Paint a 2024 Bauble – 24th December 2024 – £8 per child
This delightful and creative festive workshop is perfect for children and families. In this activity, participants design and paint their own personalised Christmas bauble to celebrate the year.
Adult Christmas Events in Hampshire
West End Centre – 48 Queens Road, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 3JD
Christmas Silver Jewellery Autumn 24 – 30th November 2024 – £65 per person
Design and make your own silver jewellery item to wear home or give as a gift. Start with some supplied templates for necklaces or rings and 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. The Tutor will help you build on the skills you learn over the day covering shaping, filing, texturing and soldering, then finishing your pieces to a lovely polished shine. A set amount of Silver is supplied with the cost of the course. This is a wonderful introduction to metalwork and a fun way to get in the Christmas mood!
The Brickworks Museum – Swanwick Lane, Lower Swanwick, Hampshire SO31 7HB
Festive Wreath Making Workshop – 30th November 2024 – £55 per person
All materials and refreshments will be provided to make an eco friendly 40cms door wreath with a moss base from scratch.
Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium – Telegraph Way, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1HZ
Science Lates: Christmas Cracker – Friday 13th December 2024
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 – 5th December 2024 – £12.50 per person
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
Decorate Christmas Ceramics with Amy Morris – 14th November 2024 – £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.
Christmas Wreath Making – 23rd November 2024 – £45 per person
Add a touch of seasonal warmth to your front door by creating your very own Christmas wreath. You’ll be guided through the process by the fabulous Elaine from Floral Fleurtations.
SeaCity Museum – Havelock Road, Southampton, Hampshire SO14 7FY
Christmas Wreathmaking with Victoria Goss – 30th November, 1st and 7th December 2024 – £37 per person
Join local floristry artist Victoria Goss to create a stunning Christmas wreath for your door. Use a wide range of beautiful natural materials with expert guidance and support throughout. All materials are provided and suitable for all levels of experience. Festive refreshments will also be provided!
Tudor House & Garden – Bugle St, Southampton SO14 2AD
Decorate Christmas Ceramics with Amy Morris – 23rd November 2024 – £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.
Hand Painted Christmas Decorations with Elisa Orchard – 1st December 2024 – £25 per person
Elisa will guide you to make beautiful wooden Christmas decorations, using acrylic paints and taking inspiration from nature. All levels of experience are welcome and all materials are provided.
Queen Elizabeth Country Park – Gravel Hill, Horndean, Hampshire PO8 0QE
Willow Weaving Workshop – 13th November 2024 – £85 per person
Create your own small willow deer, reindeer or even a llama in this workshop led by Willow & Crafts
Silver Clay at Christmas – 17th November 2024 – £69 per person
Visit QECP for some festive fun this Christmas and learn to make your own silver pendants using silver clay.
Bells, Bows and Wreaths Mosaics Workshop – 5th December 2024 – £65 per person
Immerse yourself in a vibrant and engaging mosaic workshop this holiday season!
Candle Making Experience – 14th December 2024 – £60 per person
Join Hampshire Wick in this hands on workshop where you will make your own luxury scented soy wax candle.
The Arc – Jewry Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8SB
Collage a Festive Landscape – 16th December 2024 – £19 per person
This creative workshop is perfect for the holiday season, inviting participants to craft vibrant, textured scenes using mixed media.
Festive Candle Making – 19th December 2024 – £27 per person
This delightful workshop is perfect for the holiday season. Participants will learn the art of candle making, crafting beautiful, personalised candles to brighten their homes or give as gifts.
Butser Ancient Farm – Chalton Lane, Chalton, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO8 0BG
Hedgerow Wreath Making Workshop – 3rd December 2024
Bring nature into your home and craft a gorgeous handmade hedgerow wreath! Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of the Saxon meadhall in this calming escape from the bustle of modern Christmas.
Raffia Basketry Workshop – 8th December 2024
Unwind during the hustle and bustle of the festive season by learning to craft with raffia. Sit round a crackling fire and create a small, unique raffia basket in this hands-on workshop. Perfect to use for decoration, store small items, or gift to someone special.
Itchen Valley Country Park – Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, Hampshire SO30 3HQ
Festive Craft Wreath – Sunday 1st December 2024 – £14 per person
A workshop to make a simple wreath to decorate your home for the festive season using a wire ring, jute ribbon and natural materials.
National Trust Days Out with Activities
The Vyne – Vyne Rd, Sherborne St John, Basingstoke RG24 9HL
Wonderland Christmas at The Vyne – 20 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. Closed 24/25 December.
With sparkling trees and quirky displays in The Vyne house and gardens, lose yourself in Lewis Carroll’s dreamlike children’s classics Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking-Glass
Mottisfont – Romsey, Hampshire SO51 0LP
A Nutcracker Christmas at Mottisfont – 23 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. Closed 24/25 December.
Experience the timeless magic of The Nutcracker at Mottisfont this Christmas, with a decorated house and family activity trail.
Hinton Ampner National Trust – near Alresford, Hampshire SO24 0LA
An Enchanted Christmas at Hinton Ampner – 23 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. Closed 25/26 December.
Step into this beautiful house, enchanted by the magic of Christmas. There’s something to surprise and delight around every corner. With thousands of sparkling lights and presents stacked high – don’t miss out on this Christmas delight!
Elf Adventures – 23 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. Closed 25/26 December.
Tiny tots can spot hidden elves and there are fun, festive games and activities for older children to enjoy.
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
- A Merry (humbug) Christmas Carol – 18th December 2024
- Barnstormers Christmas Comedy Special – 20th December 2024
- The 3 Little Pig Tails at Christmas – 23rd December 2024
Queen Elizabeth Country Park – Gravel Hill, Horndean, Hampshire PO8 0QE
- A Christmas Carol – 30th November 2024
Theatre Royal Winchester – Jewry St, Winchester SO23 8SB
- Mother Goose – 30th November 2024 to 5th January 2025
- The Scummy Mummies Christmas Show – 10th and 11th December 2024
- Santa’s Christmas Cracker – 16th December 2024
Kings Theatre – 24 Albert Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 2QJ
- Dick Whittington – 29th November to 31st December 2024
- Step into Christmas – 4th December 2024
- The Rat Pack at Christmas – 5th December 2024
- So This Is Christmas – 11th December 2024
- Christmas with Anton Du Beke – 18th December 2024
- Christmas Comedy at the Kings – 29th December 2024
Princes Hall – Princes Way, Aldershot GU11 1NX
- Beauty and the Beast – 6 December 2024 to 31 December 2024
The Anvil – Churchill Way, Basingstoke RG21 7QR
- BATS: Nativity the Musical – 27th to 30th November 2024
- The Rick Wakeman Yuletide Christmas Show – 1st December 2024
- The Owl Who Came for Christmas – 3rd to 8th December 2024
- The Nutcracker – 10th December 2024
- Sleeping Beauty – 12th December 2024 to 5th January 2025
- The Albion Christmas Band – 12th December 2024
- A Christmas Carol – 14th and 15th December 2024
- Philharmonia Brass at Christmas – 17th December 2024
- Tennessee Country Christmas – Dolly Parton Tribute Christmas Show – 20th December 2024
Mayflower Theatre – 22-26 Commercial Rd, Southampton SO15 1GE
- English National Ballet: Nutcracker – 28th to 30th November 2024
- Fairytale of New York – 1st December 2024
- Elf the Musical – 3rd to 7th December 2024
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show – 4th to 14th December 2024
- Jack and the Beanstalk – 14th December 2024 to 5th January 2025
The Point – Leigh Rd, Eastleigh SO50 9DE
- Dreamcoat Stars: A Musical Christmas – 28th November 2024
- Nick Cope’s Festive Family Show – 1st December 2024
- Sh!t Theatre’s Original Sing-a-long-a-Muppet Christmas Carol – 3rd December 2024
- A Winter’s Tail – 5th December 2024
- Hundred Watt Club:A Christmas Cracker Cabaret – 7th December 2024
- Cinderella’s Wellies – 21st to 31st December 2024
New Theatre Royal – 20-24 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth PO1 2DD
- The Rick Wakeman Yuletide Christmas Show – 23rd November 2024
- Beauty and the Beast – 13th December 2024 to 5th January 2025
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:
