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Twixmas – the humdrum Chrimbo-limbo between Christmas and New Year – can become a blur of Christmas leftovers and wondering what to do with the children who are still off school and full of excitement.
But your Twixmas doesn’t have to be uneventful, we’ve rounded up the events and openings between Christmas and New Year to get out and about and make the most of those last days of 2025.
Be sure to check opening times with the attraction before making your visit and book tickets in advance.
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Get your skates on and take to the ice
Glide down to Westquay on Ice for a skate on the rink in Southampton, or get your skates on at Portsmouth on Ice where the city’s Guildhall Square is transformed into a winter wonderland – both open from Boxing Day until 4 January 2026.
Find out more about ice skating in Hampshire
Brighten up the winter evenings on a light trail
Light up the darkest days of winter with the brightest lights by wrapping up warm and embarking on a winter light trail.
Catch the beautiful illuminations at Light Up at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, reopening after Christmas from 27 December 2025 until 3 January 2026.
Marwell Zoo will be open from 27 December 2025 with its glowing winter light trail Glow Marwell continuing until 3 January 2026 (excluding 31 December 2025 and 1 January 2026).
Get the New Year party started with the Watercress Line’s Steam Illuminations playing Christmas hits on board on the 27 and 28 December 2025, and pop anthems from 29 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 (excluding New Year's Day).
Read our full guide to winter illumination displays in Hampshire 2025
Follow a seasonal trail
Step and enjoy a seasonal Christmas trail
- A Fairytale Christmas at The Vyne continuing after Christmas from 26 December 2025 until 5 January 2026.
- A Cinderella Christmas at Mottisfont continuing after Christmas from 26 December 2025 until 5 January 2026.
- A Pantomime Christmas at Hinton Ampner continuing after Christmas from 27 December 2025 until 4 January 2026.
- Nutmeg's Adventure Christmas Trail at Itchen Valley Country Park continuing after Christmas until 4 January 2026.
- Southampton’s Snow Window Trail until 4 January 2026 (excluding Boxing Day and New Year's Day).
Hampshire attractions open during Twixmas
The festive fun continues at Beaulieu until 4 January 2026 (including Boxing Day) with pantomime-themed decorations to admire inside its Palace House, as well as the National Motor Museum, adventure playground, and beautiful grounds and gardens.
Winchester Science Centre will reopen after Christmas from 27 December where you can enjoy the interactive exhibits as well as the live planetarium show: Solar System Adventure.
Or head out for a free festive adventure at restored Victorian fort as Albert Bear's Christmas Adventure continues at Royal Armouries Fort Nelson from 27 December 2025 to 4 January 2026.
See a pantomime – oh yes you should!
Is there a more traditionally British way to spend the time between Christmas and New Year than with a trip to see a pantomime? Oh no, there isn't!
Fly away with Peter Pan at Mayflower Theatre Southampton, from 26 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 (excluding New Year's Day).
Enjoy post-Christmas magic with Puss in Boots at Theatre Royal Winchester from 26 December 2025 to 4 January 2026.
In Portsmouth, catch Aladdin at Kings Theatre from 27 to 31 December 2025 and Snow White at New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth from 26 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 (excluding 1 January).
And in Basingstoke, see Aladdin at The Anvil from 26 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 (excluding 1 January).
Find out more about pantomimes in Hampshire
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Walk off the festive feast
Blow away the cobwebs and walk off some of the Christmas pudding with a festive walk in Hampshire.
From easy family-friendly strolls to more adventurous routes offering hilly climbs and stunning views, wrap up warm and get some fresh winter air with a Christmas Day or Boxing Day walk or countdown The Twelve Walks of Christmas in Hampshire.
Make the most of Twixmas by planning a Christmas break to Hampshire. Take a look at our huge range of accommodation. Hampshire has something for all budgets including hotels, bed and breakfasts, self-catering properties, and cosy traditional holiday cottages.
Places to stay over the Christmas and New Year holidays in Hampshire
See our full guide to Christmas in Hampshire
See our guide to winter in Hampshire
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