Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Recognised as one of the best in Europe, Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is renowned for its bustling atmosphere, stunning location and handpicked high quality exhibitors, attracting visitors from around the world who come to shop at the pretty wooden chalets, inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets, situated within the historic grounds. Combined with festive lighting, the sound of Christmas carols and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting in the air, visitors will be transported into a festive setting to purchase their Christmas gifts and take in the atmosphere.
Daily until December 22, Winchester Cathedral, free admission, winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/christmas-market
NATIONAL TRUST
A Nutcracker Christmas at Mottisfont
Experience the magic of The Nutcracker at Mottisfont; as sparkling trees, music and light effects bring the story to life, with frosty wonderlands, twirling Sugar Plum Fairies, and a thrilling duel scene between the Prince and the Mouse King. Outside, the adventure continues on The Nutcracker family trail, with activities, games and challenges to complete.
Until January 5, 10am to 3pm, (property closed December 24 and 25), Mottisfont, near Romsey, from £19, nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/mottisfont
Elf the Musical
The beloved Hollywood blockbuster movie Elf has been supersized into a live spectacular stage show for Christmas 2024. The story is enhanced with amazing film backdrops on a huge LED screen. It also has Santa’s flying sleigh, an audience snowball fight, indoor snowstorm, a giant candy cane journey from the North Pole, and aerial cirque stars, plus an original score of great songs that has delighted audiences on Broadway and the West End.
December 3 to 7, various times, from £29.50, mayflower.org.uk
LIGHT UP TRAIL
Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Prepare to be captivated as the award-winning producers return to Sir Harold Hillier Gardens for an extraordinary third year, following an outpouring of rave reviews in 2023. Visitors can expect an enchanting spectacle of new light and sound installations, weaving through a changed route that promises to captivate your senses at every turn. Each corner holds a new treasure, igniting joy and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Until January 1, 4.30pm to 8pm daily, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, from £20, lightuptrails.com
FAMILY
Christmas at Finkley Down Farm
Father Christmas returns to Finkley Down Farm with a Christmas Event for weekend and school holidays and a new Mini Christmas Event on term time dates aimed at younger children. Meet Mother Christmas, decorate a gingerbread treat, meet Santa and make some magical reindeer food before visiting the Toy Shop to choose a present, post your letter to Santa and warm up with a hot chocolate.
Until December 24, 9.45am to 4.30pm, Finkley Down Farm, Andover, £39.95 per child, finkleydownfarm.co.uk
CRAFTY
Festive wreath making
Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season as you create a stunning festive wreath, guided by a qualified florist. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients, you’ll craft a beautiful wreath that will add a touch of elegance to the festive season. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, the florist will provide all the guidance and inspiration you need. To make the experience even more enjoyable, tea, coffee, and cake will be served.
December 3, 4 and 6, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, from £20, mayflower.org.uk
FUNDRAISING
Festive Railway Experience at Exbury Gardens
Visitors to this fundraising event at Southampton's Exbury Gardens are invited to jump aboard the Festive Express and help the Exbury elves prevent a Christmas catastrophe by taking part in an interactive performance experience that will be loved by children and adults alike. Children under 3 are free and do not need a train ticket. Adults will also need Christmas Fair and gardens tickets which are £6. Children and carer tickets for the Christmas Fair and gardens are free.
December 7 and 8, 4.30pm, Exbury Gardens, Southampton, £8.75, exbury.co.uk
MUSEUM FESTIVITIES
Children’s Christmas Special
The smallest but sweetest event of the year held at The Brickworks Museum is dedicated to everyone who truly believes in magic. Enjoy a host of activities, meet Father Christmas and receive a special gift. You can also enjoy the venue's collections and history as the only steam driven brickworks in the UK.
December 8, 11am to 3pm, The Brickworks Museum, Lower Swanwick, adults from £7, children free, thebrickworksmuseum.org
Enlightened
Enlightened Light Trails cast their spell across Staunton Farm in Havant, beckoning adventurers of all ages to wander the luminous paths. Featuring new installations and interactive wonders for 2024, the trails promise to be the most dazzling and immersive yet, igniting imaginations and crafting cherished moments under the winter sky.
Until December 24, from 4.30pm, Staunton, Havant, from £12.50, enlightenedmoments.co.uk/events/staunton-farm
LUNCH
Father Christmas Sunday lunch
The only thing better than the delicious, three-course Sunday lunch created by the award-winning chefs at the Solent Hotel & Spa is the look on your little one’s face when they see that Father Christmas has popped in to say hello. Includes a gift for all children under 12. Pre-booking required.
December 8, 15 and 22, Solent Hotel & Spa, Portsmouth, £42 per adult, £20 per child aged 4 to 12, solenthotel.co.uk
ACTIVITY
Battlezone: The Great Grinchmas Heist
In a festive holiday clash, the Grinch has pulled off his most mischievous stunt yet, crash-landing Santa's sleigh and scattering his precious presents across the BattleZone. Team up with Santa's merry band of Elves to recover Santa's gifts and rescue his sleigh to save Christmas, Or side with the Grinches goons, determined to keep the loot and turn your holiday 'Grinch-tastic' green?
December 9 to 17, Saturdays and Sundays, 1.30pm, New Forest Activities, Beaulieu, from £18, newforestactivities.co.uk
The Nutcracker
Join Clara and her heroic Nutcracker Prince as they encounter wondrous snowflakes, delightful dancing dolls, waltzing flowers, a magnificent Christmas tree that seemingly touches the heavens, and of course, the magical Sugar Plum Fairy. Tchaikovsky's hauntingly beautiful musical score intertwines with stunning choreography, creating a spellbinding atmosphere of fantasy and illusion.
December 10, 7.30pm, The Haymarket, Basingstoke, £24, anvilarts.org.uk
PLAY
A Christmas Carol
Join the great Victorian novelist Charles Dickens as he brings to life one of the most famous ghost stories of all time, A Christmas Carol. A classic tale of revenants and redemption, hauntings and humbug, seasonal spooks and sentiment, staged at Petersfield Museum.
Suitable for ages 11+
December 11, 7.30pm, Petersfield Museum, £12, petersfieldmuseum.co.uk
Celebration of Christmas
See Peppa Pig World decorated for Christmas and meet Peppa and George in their festive outfits, before exploring the magical illuminations around the rest of Paulton's Park, enjoying Santa's storytime and meeting the famous Frosty the snowman, Rudolph the reindeer and elves Billy and Belinda. Enjoy Santa's Christmas Wish show, rides, festive food and some Christmas shopping. You can also visit Santa in his grotto.
Until December 23, 10am to 4.30pm, Paulton's Park, Romsey, from £38.75, paultonspark.co.uk
Steam Illuminations on the Watercress Line
An incredible sound and light show on and in a steam train, consisting of thousands of coloured LED lights and LED wristbands, creating a kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns, this year's Steam Illuminations features the new Snowlight Cascade display and the returning Canopy of Lights in every carriage. Enjoy an interactive show while hosted by ‘Voiceover Man’ (as heard on Britain’s Got Talent and X-Factor).
Until January 4, from 4.10pm, trains depart from Alresford and Alton, £32, watercressline.co.uk/steam-illuminations
Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre
Santa is back in the Planetarium for this year's Cosmic Christmas! Blast off on a live-action immersive festive space adventure for the whole family, meet the man in red himself and get a special Christmas gift. A live show, magical effects and an out-of-this-world journey through space on the Planetarium dome will come together as an original Christmas tale comes alive. Entry to the Science Centre will also need to be purchased
December 14 to 23, various times, £9.60 per adult, £14.60 per child, Winchester Science Centre, winchestersciencecentre.org
The Elf Society
Calling all Elf Recruits, join the Elves on their mission, inventing, creating and preparing this years favourite toys ready for another busy Christmas delivery. Explore work stations, toy creations, try your hand at gingerbread decorating and discover what wonders await within this magical workshop before you meet Santa himself! Have you got what it takes to be an Elf?
Various dates until December 24, various times, The Garden Society, Southampton, £15, thegardensociety.co.uk
Christmas Carols and Owls
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 before entering the magical world of the Hawk Conservancy Trust's owls during the evening, witnessing the birds twist and turn in the moonlight and skim silently over the top of your head.
December 15-17, from 4.30pm, Hawk Conservancy Trust. Andover, £21.50, hawk-conservancy.org
The Christmas Orchestra
The Christmas Orchestra brings a unique concert experience to Central Hall, Southampton. The concert is performed live by a 16 piece chamber orchestra supported with full sound production and lighting show. Experience uplifting nostalgia with compositions from your favourite Christmas films, as well as popular sing-along classics to ignite your festive spirit.
December 17, 6pm and 8.30pm, Central Hall, Southampton, from £19, thechristmasorchestra.co.uk
Christmas with Anton du Beke & Friends
Journey into a festive wonderland as Strictly’s one and only Anton Du Beke brightens up your Christmas with his brand new show – Christmas with Anton Du Beke. The 'Ballroom King' and Strictly Come Dancing judge joins forces with a live band, vocalist Lance Ellington, and a troupe of dancers, for a magical evening of music, dance and laughter.
December 18, 7.30pm, Kings Theatre, Portsmouth, from £42, kingsportsmouth.co.uk
SHOPPING
Southampton Christmas Market
The city market will once again boast a variety of stalls, food vendors, and the popular laser projection show on the Bargate, as well as several exciting rides including a vintage carousel and the UK's tallest Ferris wheel. Soak up the atmosphere as you browse an array of traditional wooden chalets featuring unique crafts and gifts to tempting food and drink. For little ones, take a trip into the Christmas Fun House with smaller children’s rides and visit Santa’s Workshop on the southern side of the Bargate.
Until January 5, 11am to 10pm Monday to Thursday and 10am to 10pm Friday and Saturday, 11am to 7pm on Sundays, Southampton city centre, southamptonchristmasmarket.co.uk
COCKTAILS
Christmas Cocktail Masterclass
Take part in a festive Christmas Gin Cocktail Masterclass led by one of of the gin experts at the Bombay Sapphire Distillery. Indulge in an evening of mixology and learn to craft three delicious cocktails showcasing the different, unique expressions of the gin. Enjoy a grazing platter during the class, followed by a mince pie in the Mill Bar, before visiting the Gin Shop or enjoying more drinks in the bar.
December 20-21, 6pm and 8.30pm, Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Whitchurch, £60, bombaysapphire.com/distillery
The Chapel Choir of the Royal Hospital of Chelsea
The much-recorded choir from the Chapel of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea returns to West Green House Gardens in a special concert of traditional carols and songs of Christmas. One of England’s most celebrated choirs sing a selected programme of the most beautiful carols of Christmas, and the Christmas songs we all know and love.
December 23, 6pm, West Green House Gardens, Hook, £40 - ticket includes concert and illuminated garden, westgreenhouse.co.uk
SANTA
Santa’s Winter Wonderland
Santa and his elves have been working hard all year to create a Winter Wonderland village at Stewarts Abbey Garden Centre in Titchfield for all to enjoy this Christmas. From the elves' workshops to Rudolph’s stables prepare for a journey through Santa’s Winter Wonderland village. Santa’s friendly elves will guide you through the magical snowy walkway to meet him in his grotto. Have your photo taken with him and, if you’ve been good this year you might even get a present!
Until December 24, various times, Stewarts Abbey Garden Centre, Titchfield, £18.50, santa.stewarts.co.uk
