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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 on and things to do in Hampshire this November.
Get the month off to a Bonfire Night bang
November begins with a bang as Bonfire Night events and fireworks displays fill the dark skies with spectacular shows.
The biggest fireworks events in Hampshire include The Utilita Bowl Fireworks Party near Southampton on 6 November 2026, Winchester Bonfire and Fireworks on 7 November 2026, and Glitter n Glow Firework Festival at Thruxton Race Circuit on 7 November 2026.
To find more fireworks displays, head over to our Bonfire Night and Fireworks in Hampshire page.
Glow with the forest flow at Go Ape
November is your last chance this year to swing from the trees at night with Go Ape Sundown Adventures, which continue until 8 November 2026.
Experience all the Go Ape thrills taken up a level as you climb through the canopy on a high ropes course lit with glowing lights and illuminated trees at Go Ape Southampton, Moors Valley, and Alice Holt.
Move into Movember with the Southampton MoRun
Move into Movember with the Southampton MoRun on 15 November 2026, 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.
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Soak up some awesome autumn colour
November is the best time of year to admire nature’s spectacular show of golden tones, and Hampshire has some of the best places to see autumn colour in the UK.
Top spots include the New Forest National Park, the South Downs National Park, Basingstoke Canal Towpath Trail and Hampshire’s autumn gardens.
Feel merry and bright at a Christmas Lights Switch-on
Festive cheer promises to brighten up those late November nights as Christmas lights are switched on in towns and cities across the county from November.
Christmas lights switch on events in Hampshire include Winchester on 19 November 2026, Romsey on 21 November 2026, and Eastleigh on 21 November 2026.
Get festive at the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
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 from 20 November to 22 December 2026.
Plus, on 19 November 2026 the city’s Christmas lights will be switched on and on 23 November 2026 the Winchester Cathedral Lantern Parade will bring a colourful procession through the city centre.
Light Up at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Now a firm favourite in the festive calendar, the resplendent Light Up at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens adds a new depth of winter colour to the beautiful gardens near Romsey from 26 November 2026 to 1 January 2027.
A breathtaking array of glittering installations will lead visitors on a journey through starlight, ember, colour and snow with 11 zones, including the glowing Ember Garden, the jewel-bright Fernlight Walk and the colour-shifting lilies of House of Bloom.
Have a Christmas adventure (or three) at Marwell
Marwell Zoo has mixed things up a bit this Christmas and has three magical experiences to enjoy all in one place from 20 November to 31 December 2026.
During the daytime, spend a wholesome winter day exploring the zoo with festive activities. As darkness falls, Fire & Ice Evenings bring live performances, fire, ice and illuminations. Plus, there’s a magical Santa’s Grotto experience including festive storytelling, Christmas crafts, and a personal family meeting with Father Christmas.
Have a lit party on The Watercress Line
Neon nostalgic steam trains? See the locomotives of the Watercress Line in lights at the Steam Illuminations, when the traditional trains get a modern makeover and are adorned with LED lights inside and out from 27 November 2026 to 2 January 2027.
With train-tertainment including on board music, LED wrist bands, a Christmas Quiz, a new Disco Ball Alley and a Snow Light Cascade display, this is one unmissable festive light party!
Skate down to On Ice Westquay
With the ice rink having popped up in October, On Ice Westquay (23 October 2026 to 3 January 2027) will be well underway in November, providing plenty of time to twirl and polish your skating skills throughout the month. The covered ice rink is right outside Westquay Shopping Centre, perfect to combine with some early Christmas shopping or a pre-or-post-skate bite to eat in one of Westquay’s restaurants.
Portsmouth On Ice also returns to the city’s Guildhall Square later in the month from 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
Where to go ice skating in Hampshire 2026
Start to feel Christmassy at Southampton Christmas Market
Eat, drink, and be merry at the Southampton Christmas Market from12 November to 27 December 2026. Browse the alpine chalet stalls, hop on a ride, warm up with a mulled wine from the Alpine Bar, visit Santa’s Grotto, and don’t miss the light projection show illuminating the historic Bargate every evening.
Visit Santa's Grotto at The Great Hall
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 from 28 November to 23 December 2026.
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.
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Discover Alice's Christmas Wonderland at Beaulieu
New for 2026, Alice's Christmas Wonderland at Beaulieu is a fun festive experience for the whole family to enjoy from 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
Visit the Mad Hatter's hat shop, tumble down a rabbit hole and meet the Queen of Hearts as Palace House takes you on a journey through Alice's imagination.
Step into Scrooge’s story at Milestones Museum
A brand-new festive experience is coming to Milestones Museum in Basingstoke this November, inviting visitors to step into Scrooge's story in an immersive Christmas Carol Experience from 25 November to 23 December 2026. Encounter extraordinary characters and discover the magic of Charles Dickens' beloved Christmas tale.
Young visitors can also book to Meet Father Christmas at Milestones from 28 November to 23 December 2026.
Feel festive at Farnborough Frost Fair
Sprinkling Christmas spirit over the town centre on 21 November 2026, 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.
Search for more events in Hampshire
Bonfire night and fireworks events in Hampshire
Winter illuminations in Hampshire
Where to see Father Christmas in Hampshire
Fancy an November break? 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.
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Related
Head to Thruxton Race Circuit on Saturday 7th November 2026 for the Glitter n Glow Firework Festival hosted by Andover Community Events. Enjoy fireworks, a huge bonfire, food and drink, DJ, funfair, Stalls and more. All funds raised from the event go towards supporting Andover Foodbank.
Sundown Adventures – Get glowing, Go Ape at Night! Looking for unique things to do this autumn in Hampshire? Back by popular demand, Go Ape's Sundown Adventures return this October, offering a new level of forest fun in the evenings after dark. Experience the usual Go Ape thrills taken up a level as you climb through the canopy on a high ropes course lit with glowing lights and illuminated trees.
Sundown Adventures – Get glowing, Go Ape at Night! Looking for unique things to do this autumn on the Hampshire borders? Back by popular demand, Go Ape's Sundown Adventures return this October, offering a new level of forest fun in the evenings after dark.
Sundown Adventures – Get glowing, Go Ape at Night! Looking for unique things to do this autumn on the Hampshire Surrey border? Back by popular demand, Go Ape's Sundown Adventures return this October, offering a new level of forest fun in the evenings after dark.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is recognised as one of the best in Europe. Taking place from 20th November – 22nd December 2026, Winchester Cathedral's Christmas Market is renowned for its bustling atmosphere, stunning location and handpicked high quality exhibitors, which attracts visitors from around the world each year who come to shop at the pretty wooden chalets, situated within the historic grounds.
Award winning producers, Light Up Trails return with a host of NEW glittering installations and amazing food and drink, completing a sensational, sensory feast. Immerse yourself in a truly unforgettable, magical light trail experience like no other, for the whole family!
Discover a whole new festive adventure at Marwell Zoo this Christmas, with three magical experiences in one place. Why not combine all three for the ultimate Christmas experience?!
Steam Illuminations returns to The Watercress Line (November to January). 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, includes 'Canopy of Lights' a sound to light show inside every carriage.
Memories wrapped up in magic! This Christmas, enjoy a festive experience for the whole family. Share a magical moment with Santa and his elf in the magical setting of The Great Hall Grotto, creating memories you and your family will treasure for a lifetime.
Don't be late for a very important date! Alice's Christmas Wonderland is coming to Beaulieu in a brand new festive experience for 2026. Visit the Mad Hatter's hat shop, tumble down a rabbit hole and meet the Queen of Hearts as Palace House takes you on a journey through Alice's imagination.
A brand new festive experience bringing family and friends together to travel through the realms of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Step into Scrooge's story, move freely through the action, meet the characters and watch memorable moments unfold before you.
Make Christmas extra special with a magical visit to Father Christmas at Milestones. Step into his beautifully decorated grotto, meet his elf and enjoy a special festive experience that the whole family will remember. Your experience includes a special gift for every ticketed child, a personalised visit with Father Christmas and the chance to share a truly memorable Christmas moment together. Surrounded by stunning decorations and the festive atmosphere of Milestones all around you, it's a Christmas experience to treasure. NEW for 2026! On most days, your Meet Father Christmas visit also includes A Christmas Carol Experience, a spectacular new family Christmas experience transforming Milestones into the world of Dickens.
