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Christmas can be an expensive time of year, but keeping everyone entertained over the festive break doesn’t have to cost a fortune. From winter walks and twinkling Christmas lights to free museums, festive events and days out in the great outdoors, there are plenty of free things to do in Hampshire over the Christmas holidays.
Whether you’re looking to fill the days before Christmas, burn off some energy after the big day or find something to do between Christmas and New Year, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite ways to enjoy Hampshire for free this festive season.
Check out some of Hampshire’s festive lights
You can’t help but feel festive when you pop along to some of Hampshire’s towns for their Christmas light switch on events. Some of the Christmas light switch ons have already been announced, including Fareham (21 November), Ringwood (29 November) and Winchester (19 November) with other towns being announced shortly.
These events are a great opportunity for communities to come together and often feature visits by Santa, live music and more all for free.
Spend time at some of Hampshire’s Christmas markets
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Browse the gorgeous twinkling stalls at some of Hampshire’s Christmas markets for a free day or evening out. One of the largest Christmas markets in Hampshire is in Winchester, where its wooden chalets are located in the Winchester Cathedral’s grounds. Another popular choice for families is the Southampton Christmas Market, held on Above Bar Street.
Time it right and you may be in for some added extras such as carol singing, visual displays and much more.
Follow a free festive trail
Add a little adventure to your Christmas days out with one of Hampshire's free festive trails. Head to Southampton city centre to follow its annual Christmas walking trail, taking you past specially decorated festive windows as you solve clues along the way.
For some free indoor fun, head to the Curtis Museum in Alton for Dotty the Dodo’s Winter Fact Trail. Follow Dotty around the museum, hunting for clues and uncovering fascinating facts about the natural world as you explore the galleries. Complete the trail and children can even collect a Team Dotty sticker to take home.
Explore some of our free museums
Save the pennies and beat any bad weather on a trip to some of Hampshire’s free museums. Several museums remain open over the Christmas holidays (just check individual opening times ahead of setting off) including the Royal Logistic Corps Museum, near Winchester, Andover Museum and the Willis Museum, Basingstoke.
Wrap up for a winter walk
Itchen Valley Country Park, near Southampton, is a great choice for families, with woodland walks, play areas and plenty of space for little legs to burn off some energy. You can even download one of the park’s free seasonal activity sheets before you visit and turn your winter walk into a nature hunt or outdoor challenge.
Over towards Portsmouth, explore the woodland and parkland at Staunton Country Park, near Havant. Follow one of its walking trails, see how many of the park’s unusual follies you can spot or take a stroll around the lake before warming up with a hot drink.
Both country parks are free to explore, although parking charges apply, making them a great low-cost option for getting everyone outdoors over the Christmas holidays.
If you are looking for winter walks in different parts of Hampshire, find out more about our other country parks and take inspiration from our walking pages.
Head to the coast for some fresh air
Blow away the Christmas cobwebs with a free day out on the Hampshire coast. Wrap up warm and head to Hayling Island for a bracing walk along the pebble beaches, taking in views across the Solent and out towards the Isle of Wight. Further west, enjoy a stroll along the seafront at Milford on Sea with its colourful beach huts, explore the coastline around Calshot or take in the sea air at Lepe Country Park (which also features a fun playground for little ones).
Pack a flask and some leftover Christmas treats and you’ve got an easy, budget-friendly way to escape the house and enjoy Hampshire’s coastline over the festive break.
Find more free things to do in Hampshire
From festive trails and Christmas lights to museums, country parks and winter walks, you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the Christmas holidays in Hampshire.
For even more budget-friendly inspiration, take a look at our top free things to do in Hampshire and discover our favourite things to do for £10 or less. You can also check our what’s on in Hampshire pages for the latest free events taking place over Christmas and New Year.
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Nestled on the outskirts of Southampton, Itchen Valley is the perfect family escape from the hustle bustle of the city, with tranquil woodland walks through enchanting forest and six play areas inspired by nature.
