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Make November a month to remember – from Bonfire Night fun to winter illuminations, and festive markets to Father Christmas’ first appearances of the year.

Here are our top picks of what’s happening in Hampshire this November.

The Utilita Bowl Fireworks Party

7 November

Always a top date in the November diary, The Utilita Bowl Fireworks Party will get the month started with a bang on Friday 7 November with the home of Hampshire Cricket hosting entertainment, a funfair, music, giveaways, and of course spectacular fireworks.

Winchester Bonfire and Fireworks

8 November

Starting with its annual city centre procession, the Winchester Bonfire and Fireworks night is a huge community event raising money for the Winchester Round Table Charitable Trust Fund to help local people. After the procession, the bonfire is lit and the spectacular fireworks display is enjoyed by over 20,000 people.

Mayflower Park Southampton Fireworks

8 November

Promising an explosive evening of fun and excitement, the Southampton family fireworks display at Mayflower Park will light up the skies across The Solent with vibrant colours, crackling sounds, and dazzling fireworks.

Skate at Westquay on Ice, Southampton - Visit Hampshire

24 October 2025 – 4 January 2026

Westquay on Ice in Southampton returns throughout November and December for its annual skating experience beneath the backdrop of the city’s medieval walls.

The perfect place for a fun day out with friends and family, there are also plenty of shops and restaurants at Westquay to make for a full festive day out. 

The Southampton 1.5k, 5k, 10k and Half Marathon MoRun

9 November

Move into Movember with the Southampton MoRun on 9 November, a fun run to help raise awareness and funds for men's health.

There are 5k, 10k, or Half Marathon distances to sign up for and take part in, plus a 1.5k Mini MoRun for kids.

Southampton Christmas Market

13 November 2025 – 4 January 2026

Eat, drink, and be merry at the Southampton Christmas Market. Browse the alpine chalet stalls, hop on a ride, take in the view from the UK’s tallest Ferris wheel, visit Santa’s Workshop, and don’t miss the light projection show illuminating the historic Bargate every evening.

Winterfest at Mill Rythe Coastal Village and Sandy Balls Holiday Village

21 November – 24 December

Stays at Away Resorts’ Mill Rythe Coastal Village and Sandy Balls Holiday Village from 21 November will begin to look a lot like Christmas with Winterfest.

Mill Rythe will have an enchanting Christmas Post Office, where little ones can write and send their letters to Santa and enlist in Santa's Sleigh Team, and at Sandy Balls, the Forest of Light will turn the trees into a magical woodland wonderland.

Christmasville at Gunwharf Quays

21 November 2025 – 4 January 2026

A new immersive experience for 2025, the pop-up ApolloDomes at Gunwharf Quays will become Christmasville from November – a magical new experience including 'The Elf Emporium' immersive theatre, a Santa’s grotto with meet Father Christmas chances for children and 'Confession Sessions with Santa' for naughty grown-ups, 'The Pine Picturehouse' showing vintage Christmas films in the evenings, and 'The Bauble Bar' serving festive-themed food and warming drinks.

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

21 November – 22 December

Nowhere spreads Christmas cheer quite like Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market with its wooden chalets twinkling with their festive wares and warm scents of mulled wine filling the air.

Plus, on 13 November the city’s Christmas lights will be switched on and on 24 November the Winchester Cathedral Lantern Parade will bring a colourful procession through the city centre.

Portsmouth On Ice

22 November 2025 – 4 January 2026

Returning this November, Portsmouth on Ice will transform the city’s Guildhall Square into a winter wonderland with its 646sqm ice rink.

This firm festive favourite is a great place for a family slide outside, with push-along penguins to help the little ones find their skating feet.

Farnborough Frost Fair

22 November

Sprinkling Christmas spirit over the town centre, the Farnborough Frost Fair will feature a festive market with stalls along Queensmead, street theatre, music, children's Christmas crafts, a giant snow globe to bounce around in, and the chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto.

Meet Father Christmas at Milestones

22 November – 21 December (selected dates)

Meet Father Christmas in his magical grotto at Milestones in Basingstoke, tucked within the heart of the living history museum's charming, decorated indoor streets.

You can also pick up the perfect presents for under the tree on 6 and 7 December at the Milestones Christmas Market, and on 13 December, Carols by Candlelight will bring full festive joy.

Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens at Christmas

27 November 2025 – 3 January 2026

Returning for a fourth year, a new resplendent rendition of Light Up at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens will again add a new depth of winter colour to the beautiful gardens near Romsey.

A breathtaking array of glittering installations will lead visitors around eight reimagined zones on this magical trail and, on selected evenings, see animated projections by world-famous artists, a brand new laser light show and immersive Bubble Zone by the magical wish pond.

Glow Marwell at Marwell Zoo

28 November 2025 – 3 January 2026 (selected dates)

Glow Marwell returns for another incredible illumination experience to round off 2025 in glimmering gorgeousness.

Synonymous with Marwell’s conservation core, follow the enchanted nature light trail through a magical world of breathtaking new displays, including fluorescent animals and glowing sculptures shining in spectacular colours.

Steam Illuminations at the Watercress Line

28 November 2025 – 4 January 2026 (selected dates)

Neon nostalgic steam trains? See the locomotives of the Watercress Line as you’ve never seen them before at the Steam Illuminations, when the traditional trains get a modern makeover and are adorned with LED lights inside and out. 

With train-tertainment including the Christmas Chart Crackers DJ mix up and New Year Pop Anthems, interactive LED wrist bands, and onboard karaoke, this is one unmissable festive light party!

Santa's Grotto at The Great Hall

29 November – 23 December

Quite possibly the most jaw-dropping setting to see Father Christmas, the Great Hall in Winchester is welcoming Santa and his elves back this Christmas.

Share a magical moment with Santa and his elf in the magical setting of The Great Hall Grotto, with a gift for the children to take home.

Festive Gift Fair at Chewton Glen Hotel

30 November

Get into the holiday spirit and discover a selection of unique gifts from local artisans and well-loved brands - perfect for ticking off your Christmas list.

Enjoy a complimentary glass of festive fizz and a mince pie on arrival as you browse in a joyful, seasonal atmosphere at the gorgeous Chewton Glen hotel in the New Forest.

Search for more events in Hampshire

Bonfire night and fireworks events in Hampshire

Christmas events in Hampshire

Winter illuminations in Hampshire

Where to see Father Christmas in Hampshire

Fancy a November getaway?  Take a look at our huge range of accommodation. Hampshire has something for all budgets including hotels, bed and breakfastsself-catering properties, and cosy traditional holiday cottages

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