Explore the festive magic with our blog all about the most enchanting events in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight this December. From twinkling Christmas markets to captivating winter wonderlands, we’ve handpicked the top attractions that promise to make your December truly memorable. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as historic sites transform into festive spectacles. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly activities, seasonal treats, or simply want to soak in the joyful atmosphere, Hampshire’s got it all.
Shanklin Old Village at the Isle of WightIsle of Wight
Christmas on the Isle of Wight is a magical time for families to come together. The Island’s charming villages and coastal towns are adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations and families can explore the bustling Christmas markets, where local artisans showcase their crafts and delicious seasonal treats are abundant. With brisk walks along the Island’s beautiful beaches and countryside, as well as gatherings by the fireplace in cozy cottages, Christmas on the Isle of Wight is a time for creating cherished memories. Say Yes to a magical Island getaway this Christmas.
Escape the crowds and head to Cowes High Street for your late-night Christmas shopping on 16 November & 7 December. Discover unique gifts from independent retailers and stock up on delicious local produce for your own festive feast. Sail straight into the heart of Cowes on Red Funnel’s Red Jet for just £12.30pp return!
Christmas Activities
Discover the perfect blend of nostalgia and merriment this December at The Putt Hutt. An 18-hole golf adventure awaits, sprinkled with whimsical seaside charm. Cosy up at ‘The 19th Hole’ and relish exclusive group party packages, tailor-made for unforgettable Christmas celebrations. Book now for an unforgettable December rendezvous.
Bring friends, colleagues, or loved ones together to celebrate Christmas at the Bombay Sapphire Distillery. There is something to suit everyone from Cinema Nights, Christmas Gin Cocktail Masterclasses, or private parties where you can enjoy a festive meal before heading to the dancefloor.
Make your mark on history at 878 AD leave a legacy and mint your own anglo-axon coin! Explore our Anglo-Saxon forge as you witness the traditional process of crafting currency. Imprint your very own coin and seize the opportunity to take home a tangible piece of history!
Bombay Sapphire DistilleryFollow letters to Father Christmas on a magical journey to the North Pole at Mottisfont. Discover festive bedrooms, a polar bear’s ball, and experience the wonder of the northern lights. A family-friendly activity trail invites you to become an honorary elf for the day, helping to deliver Christmas wishes.
Festive family fun
Steam Illuminations returns to The Watercress Line. Experience an incredible light show on and in a steam train, consisting of thousands of coloured lights and LED wristbands, creating a kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns. New for 2023 ‘Canopy of Lights’ a sound-to-light show inside every carriage.
Join Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for a festive extravaganza! Be transported back in time to a traditional Victorian Christmas on board HMS Warrior and enjoy the magnificence of a vintage Christmas party. Be immersed in the festive Tudor court at The Mary Rose, where you can follow the Tudor Christmas Trail and make festive Tudor candles.
To his horror … instead of finding all the elves busy making toys, the place is empty and there are no presents ready! We need to find the elves and get them back to work. Join us on an Exbury steam train adventure on 2nd and 3rd December and help us save Christmas! Under 3’s travel free.
Ignite your Christmas spark with festive fun at Beaulieu! Experience the beauty of a Victorian Christmas in Palace House and see pantomime rehearsals of Jack and the Beanstalk. Take part in fun-filled activities in the National Motor Museum, and catch Father Christmas driving around in a car from the museum!
Gilbert White’s Christmas concertFrom the famous Christmas Market on indoor, historic streets (which sold out in 2022!), a Father Christmas experience to Twixmas family fun, there’s so much happening at Milestones Museum in Basingstoke this December. Take a look at a full list of events on the Milestones website.
Get in the holiday spirit at Glow Marwell this December! Follow the magical light trail, take some Insta-worthy snaps and enjoy some delicious food along the way. Visit on a premium night to see 2 Glow acts. Plus, Father Christmas will be flying in on selected dates.
Celebrating 100 years of music, Otterbourne Brass Band will perform a joyful Christmas Concert of traditional favourites at Gilbert White’s House & Gardens on 7th December. Then delve into Christmas crafts by needlefelting a Santa Dog on 4th December or discover how to create watercolour Christmas cards on 6th December.
Celebrate Christmas at Calshot Castle. From 9 – 23 December, Calshot Castle will be alight with festive cheer, including a Christmas tree forest, cool crafts, and even a chance to meet Santa and his elves. Tickets cost £16.50 per child and include a gift from Santa and a hot chocolate.
Outdoor adventures
Wrap up warm, put on your wellies, and look out for winter wildlife with the family at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. Get in the Christmas spirit and have fun with indoor Children’s Christmas Crafts activities with the Education Team. Enjoy making Christmassy things and gifts to take home!
Paultons ParkFrom Saturday 25 November to Monday 1 January, join Peter Rabbit™ and friends on a festive adventure around Lepe Country Park, Queen Elizabeth Country Park, and Royal Victoria Country Park’s spectacular landscapes. Pick up a trail pack which includes an activity booklet, a pencil, and a voucher for little ones to enjoy a free babyccino and a special gift. Inspired by Beatrix Potter’s beloved characters, this fun-filled adventure is suitable for children aged 3 and upwards.
Join Paultons Park for ‘A Celebration of Christmas’ running on selected dates from 2nd December. Paultons will be transformed into a winter wonderland, with magical Christmas shows and illuminations at every turn. Tornado Springs and Peppa Pig World will be included in the festive fun and Santa’s Grotto returns for 2023!
The fun doesn’t stop this winter at Laser Squad. Join their festive favourite ‘Capture the Candy Canes’ themed games which are sure to be a hit across late December in an event the whole family will love leading up to Christmas Eve with this extra special Laser Tag games.
Join The Snowman™ and The Snowdog on a winter wander around Staunton Country Park and River Hamble Country Park, from Saturday 25 November to Monday 1 January. Don your hat, scarf, and gloves and relive the magic of this enchanting story as follow the trail and explore Hampshire’s countryside at its wintry best. Suitable for children aged 3 and upwards.
Meet Father Christmas
Meet Santa at Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre. A live-action-immersive space adventure where live science, magical effects, and an out-of-this-world space journey will bring an exciting Christmas tale to life. Join the excavation team in Dino Dig, handle real fossils in Dino Discovery, and be wowed by live science in The Dino Show during Science Dino-mite.
Army Flying MuseumThe Brickworks Museum is excited to welcome visitors to their festive special on December 10th when Father Christmas will be handing out gifts to his smallest fans (book your tickets online now to avoid disappointment) Enjoy the magic of Christmas past in their authentic Museum.
Father Christmas and his magical team of owls will be stopping at the Hawk Conservancy Trust for a special family event: Father Christmas’ Flying Visit! Good girls and boys will meet Mother Christmas for freshly-baked treats and a present, and enjoy a festive flying display with the Trust’s mystical owls!
Celebrate Christmas at Calshot Castle. From 9 – 23 December, Calshot Castle will be alight with festive cheer, including a Christmas tree forest, cool crafts, and even a chance to meet Santa and his elves. Tickets cost £16.50 per child and include a gift from Santa and a hot chocolate.
Santa will be making a flying visit to the Army Flying Museum on Saturday 2nd December. Don’t miss this special opportunity to have a professional photograph taken with Santa in a helicopter. Enjoy a fun Museum trail, festive craft activities, complimentary refreshments, and each child will receive a Christmas gift.
There are even more opportunities to see Santa this Christmas with Hampshire’s Top Attractions. Stay up to date with the latest events and things to do by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Check out our event, vouchers, and attractions.