8 of the Best Christmas Events in Hampshire
Here’s a roundup of some of the most magical festive events, many I’ve had the joy of experiencing myself and a few that are firm favourites. At the time of writing, tickets were still available, so hopefully you’ll get to enjoy some of them too.
West Green House – The Illuminated Garden Spectacular
From 29th November to 30th December, the gardens at West Green House come to life filled with thousands of lights. The trail is always themed and this year’s theme is the Carnival of Animals. Follow the kilometre long loop around the gardens to spot illuminated peacocks, bears and owls among the glittering flowers of the walled garden.
This light spectacular is suitable for all ages and tickets start from £22 per adult, with family options available.
On the weekends of 29/30 November and 6/7 December, tickets also include the Petting Manger where some of the animals from the Christmas Story will be around to meet – a lovely activity for those with small children.
Booking slots are available from 4:30pm and the Orangery and Tea Rooms are open for a warming snack or drink.
Bombay Sapphire – Festive Film Nights
Who doesn’t love to cosy up and watch a Christmas movie or two in December? At the home of Bombay Sapphire you can do just that, complete with G&T in hand. There’s a variety of films showing from The Holiday to Home Alone and your ticket includes a Bombay Sapphire G&T on arrival, popcorn and sweets.
If that’s not Christmassy enough for you then you could sign up to a Christmas cocktail masterclass. For just £55 you can learn how to make 3 cocktails perfect for the party season, whilst indulging in a grazing platter and mince pies.
Glow Marwell
One of our favourite family events is Glow Marwell – an enchanting light trail around the zoo at twilight. The installations get better each year, and there’s plenty of ways the children (and adults) can play and interact with them. Tickets include free entry to the zoo from 10-4, and then you can do a bit of shopping, or get some food in the Plaza before you embark on the sparkling trail from 5pm.
This year the Grotto experience sounds excellent – it’s an optional 45 min of elfish storytelling, crafting and a meeting with Father Christmas. Tickets must be pre-booked and they start from £39.95 for an adult Glow, Santa and Zoo ticket, or £24.95 for just Glow and Zoo – and you can go around the light trail as many times as you like.
Christmas with National Trust in Hampshire
If there’s ever a time to get a National Trust membership – it’s December. The local National Trust properties come alive with a variety of yule-tide themes and its a Twixmas tradition of ours to visit at least one of them.
At Mottisfont this year you’ll find a Cinderella Christmas with ‘pantomime pizzazz, glittering ballgowns and fairy godmother magic’. There will be family games and activities around the gardens too, all included in the entry price.
Hinton Ampner have gone with a full Pantomime theme, with each ground floor room of the grand house being transformed into a different story like Aladdin and Snow White. Their festivities begin from 15th November and there’s outdoor family games there too.
And my local one – The Vyne – are going for a Fairytale Christmas with a porridge bowl challenge in the Old Kitchen, as well as many other family activities.
Seasonal theatre – various locations across Hampshire
Another winter tradition of ours is a family trip to the theatre, and whether you want an extravagant Pantomime or a cosy play, there’s something for everyone across the Hampshire theatre scene.
My top choices will always include the Proteus Christmas production in Basingstoke. This years is The Christmas Dragon and it will be an interactive and immersive performance which is suitable even for babies. Another wonderful, wintery show for little ones will be Tales from Acorn Wood at Christmas at the Haymarket in Basingstoke early December. I’ve seen other Julia Donaldson classics brought to life here and it promises to be a gentle storytelling with the popular book characters.
For older children I don’t think you can beat the South Coast’s largest panto: the Mayflower theatres The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan. They’ll have special effects and spectacular sets and the incredible Alexandra Burke will be performing as Captain Hook. Do also check out fabulous pantomimes in Basingstoke, Winchester and Portsmouth to name but a few.
4 Kingdoms – a magical Christmas adventure
Our favourite Santa experience last year was at 4 Kingdoms – they go all out for Christmas! I’m talking about a 3 hour immersive and interactive walkthrough, culminating in a grotto meeting that is so personalised we were blown away.
The encounter begins with a trip in Santa’s spaceship to the North Pole where each room greets you with something incredible, whether that’s a snowball fight with the elves, or a giant animatronic bear who knows all your secrets.
After meeting the real Santa Claus (honest!) there’s time to explore Sparkle Copse where you can choose to make a teddy bear, reindeer food and choose your gift before riding the Santa Express back home.
It’s £35 an adult and £45 for a child but the whole experience makes it value for money. There’s also special Toddler and SEND sessions as 4 Kingdoms is a brilliant welcoming family-run business.
Winter Woodland Lights – The Hawk Conservancy
Christmas at Finkley Down Farm
And finally (for now) one of our most-loved family attractions is also hosting a magical Christmas experience. There are plenty of memory-making moments here at Finkley Down Farm, and the festivities begin with a trip to Mother Christmas’ kitchen to decorate some treats, make reindeer food, send a letter to Santa and then meet him too, in a shared family experience.
All tickets include day entry to the farm where you can follow the timetable and meet the resident animals and birds – don’t forget the goat race! There’s also indoor soft play areas which are suitable from under 1s, the outdoor parks and climbing areas, jumping pillows, trampolines, ride on diggers, crazy golf and so much more. We spend 5-6 hours here whenever we visit, and the Christmas event will give you even more fun for your money.
Tickets are £41.95 for children over 2, but adults pay the usual price of £16.95.
This is just a small selection of all the Christmas activities available in Hampshire. I share lots more as and when I see them over on my Instagram account so do make sure you follow along.
By Sarah Frost
Images credit Sarah Frost & Dreamstime
