Christmas Events in Hampshire

Christmas in Hampshire sees the county comes alive with special events such as markets, theatre shows, ice rinks, carol services and delicious festive cuisine, offering a warm welcome to its residents and visitors. 

2020 is a different year and many favourite Christmas events will not be taking place.  Please do check before you travel and make sure events are taking place, check opening times and dates and pre-book tickets where needed. 

Please scroll to the bottom of this page for an up-to-date list of events that are planned to take place. 

Visit Father Christmas in Hampshire

Take your little ones on a magical day out to see Father Christmas, he will be making appearences all over Hampshire in top attractions. 

See our 2020 Guide to the best places to see Father Christmas in Hampshire

Ice Skating in Hampshire

Take to the ice during the festive season on the Southampton, Portsmouth and Winchester ice rinks. 

Our guide to festive ice rinks in Hampshire 2020 is coming soon...

Christmas in Winchester

Christmas in Winchester is normally known as 'England's Christmas Capital' and comes alive from November with an exciting array of events taking place in the city centre. From the stunning lantern parade, to the famous Christmas Market and Ice Rink at Winchester Cathedral, there is lots to entertain the family. Other highlights include special festive walks around the city, christmas shopping in a number of boutique and independant shops and soaking up the pretty decorations and Christmas tree which run down the High Street. This year the Winchester Christmas Market will not be taking place but it will be back in 2021. Alternative Christmas plans are being put together and we will post information soon. 

Visit the Watercress Line this Christmas on the outskirts of Winchester, near the town of Alresford, for their brand new Steam Illuminations. This event is a world first and will include a pixel mappable digital LED train! It's an incredible light show on and in a steam train, consisting of thousands of fully controllable colour mixing LED lights and LED wristbands. This makes the train look magical both inside and out!

Christmas in Portsmouth

Head to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard at the end of November and see how people used to celebrate the festivities at the The Victorian Christmas Festival. Here you will travel back in time to bygone era, where snow Dickensian streets welcome you to festive cheer and over 100 stalls sellling christmas gifts, tipples and festive foods. 

There will be special light switch-ons taking place at Cosham, Albert Road in Southsea and the city centre throughout November.

For Christmas shopping head to Gunwharf Quays home to over 90 premium retail outlet stores. 

A festive real ice rink will pop-up outside Portsmouth Guildhall from the end of November to the beginning of January. This covered ice rink is perfect for a festive skate with family and friends whatever the weather. 

Christmas in Southampton

Experience Southampton's German Market this winter, located in the heart of the city centre. With traditional craft stalls, festive foods and carol singers, there will be lots happening to keep visitors and locals entertained!

Pop into West Quay shopping centre for any last minute presents. It enjoys extended opening hours around Christmas time.  

Outside West Quay there is a festive ice rink offering skating sessions daily throughout the festive season. If skating isn't your thing, pop into Moguls Bar, a warm alpine style bar located next to the rink for a glass of mulled wine or a festive hot chocolate.  

Christmas in East Hampshire

Enjoy yummy treats at Alton's Yuletide Festival, a traditional Christmas spectacle with children's entertainers, seasonal fare and market stalls. Or pop along to the Petersfield Christmas Festival taking place on the same day, in conjunction with Hampshire Farmers' Markets.

Top Attractions 

Hampshire's top family attractions have a great range of Christmas activities for all the family over the holiday period. From festive activities at Marwell Zoo to Santa fun at the Paultons Park and the Santa Special at the Watercress Line you'll certainly not be short of things to do! 

Hampshire's Christmas Farmers' Markets

Hampshire Farmers' Markets give you the perfect chance to buy fresh, local, seasonal produce in time for Christmas Day. From delicious meat to mature cheese, fruity wine and homemade gifts, there's lots to whet the appetite.
 

Festive breaks in Hampshire

Make your visit to Hampshire a little longer over the festive season and stay at one of Hampshire's hotels. Book a weekend for Christmas shopping, a few days away with friends and family to enjoy some of Hampshire's festive events or a pre Christmas spa break to unwind before the festive season fully kicks in. 

If you are looking to getaway over the Christmas period and not have to cook, a number of Hampshire's hotels are offering Christmas Day and Boxing Day packages.

See guide to Hotels in Hampshire

Hampshire's self-catering properties and holiday cottages are perfect for those who are looking to spend Christmas away from home. Whether thats alone or with the whole family Hampshire has accommodation to cater for all group sizes.  

See guide to self-catering properties in Hampshire

See guide to holiday cottages in Hampshire