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Last updated: November 11, 2024

It's holiday time, Andover! Use our guide to find all the best seasonal activities. Whether you call Andover home or are just passing through, this guide will make your holidays special.

Popular events during this festive season include the enchanting Christmas at Winchester Cathedral, showcasing stunning decorations and a series of festive services. In addition, the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market features a delightful array of handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats, perfect for finding unique presents. And the magical experience at Paultons Park, with its family-friendly attractions and festive lights, is something you definitely don't want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Andover Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Live owl display with music and special effects in a colourful woodland setting.

Description:

The Winter Woodland Lights event at the Hawk Conservancy Trust features beautiful illuminations and a live owl display set in a stunning, colourful woodland. Explore the popular illuminated walk and discover exciting new sights. The event includes a delicious menu available from Feathers Restaurant, catering to most dietary requirements. The beautiful owls will take flight in the woodland, brought to life with music, special effects, and lighting to tell a brand new story.

Where: Andover | More Info: Christmas Experiences at The Hawk Conservancy

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What to Expect:

Immersive light trail with live entertainment and festive food options.

Description:

Light up Trail Sir Harold Hillier Gardens at Christmas features a new immersive light trail with breathtaking installations, live entertainment, and festive food options, creating a captivating experience for all ages.

Where: Romsey | More Info: Light up Trail Sir Harold Hillier Gardens at Christmas

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What to Expect:

Sparkling mile-long light trail with giant dancing fountains and mysterious follies.

Description:

Explore a ten-acre illuminated garden at West Green House, featuring gigantic shimmering flowers, glowing fairies, and a forest of illuminated field flowers. Enjoy giant dancing fountains, mysterious follies, and locally produced food stalls. The event includes concerts, carols, and musical fun.

Where: Hook | More Info: Over The Rainbow Christmas at West Green House Gardens

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Andover Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Meet Father Christmas in a historic setting.

Description:

The Milestones Christmas Market features over 40 stalls selling seasonal gifts and treats, with children's entertainment including a chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto. Enjoy live music and festive refreshments in the museum's immersive, historic streets.

Where: Basingstoke | More Info: Milestones Christmas Market

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What to Expect:

Unique shopping experience with local crafts and traditional market food.

Description:

The Christmas Market at the Hawk Conservancy Trust offers a delightful shopping experience with over 60 local businesses selling personalized presents, Christmas decorations, and handcrafted treats. Traditional market food favorites like barbecue, German Bratwurst, and fresh hot churros are available, along with specialty festive hot chocolates and mulled wine.

Where: Andover | More Info: Christmas Market at the Hawk Conservancy Trust

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What to Expect:

Traditional German-inspired wooden chalets with festive atmosphere.

Description:

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is a renowned event in Europe, featuring bustling atmosphere, stunning location, and high-quality exhibitors. Visitors can shop at pretty wooden chalets inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets, enjoy festive lighting, Christmas carols, and mulled wine, and experience an authentic Christmas celebration with many services and events.

Where: Winchester | More Info: Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

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What to Expect:

Multi-stage event with local music, children's activities, and a Christmas Market.

Description:

The Andover Christmas Festival is a vibrant celebration featuring three main stages with a packed program of performances, children's activities, a Christmas market, and street theatre. Local music acts will perform Christmas songs, and children can enjoy face painting and fun fairground rides. The event includes a Christmas Lights switch-on at 7 PM, a Christmas Market with local businesses selling gifts and handmade items, and live music at various stages. Refreshments are available from local restaurants and food stalls.

Where: Andover | More Info: Andover’s Christmas Festival

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Andover Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Immersive theatrical Christmas experience with private Santa audience.

Description:

At 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park, embark on a 2.5-hour journey to the North Pole, where you'll meet friendly elves, cheer performers at the Glacier Theatre, and explore the Enchanted Forest. Enjoy a private audience with Santa, build your own bear, and make reindeer food. The event includes a group tour around the enchanted North Pole, Sweet Treats, and your child's choice of toy from Santa's toy shop.

Where: Headley | More Info: Magical Christmas Adventure at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park

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What to Expect:

Steam-powered festivities with historical decorations.

Description:

Celebrate the festive season at the Brickworks Museum with a Christmas steam event, featuring the site illuminated by Christmas lights and decorations. Shop at the craft market and explore the Victorian cottage display to learn about Christmas traditions.

Where: Lower Swanwick | More Info: Christmas Festival at the Brickworks Museum

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What to Expect:

Live-action immersive space adventure with Santa and special effects.

Description:

Join Santa in an immersive space adventure at Winchester Science Centre's Cosmic Christmas. Explore the Planetarium dome for an original Christmas tale filled with live shows, magical effects, and audience participation. Children receive a special gift and meet Santa for a festive selfie.

Where: Winchester | More Info: Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre

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What to Expect:

Interactive light and sound show on a historic steam train.

Description:

Steam Illuminations at The Watercress Line features a spectacular sound and light show on a steam train, with thousands of coloured LED lights and LED wristbands creating a kaleidoscope of colours and flashing patterns. The event includes 'Canopy of Lights' inside every carriage and 'Snowlight Cascade,' an enchanting display of falling lights at the summit of the journey. Hosted by the legendary 'Voiceover Man,' the show also includes interactive LED wristbands, neon-coloured flashing views of the scenery, and a full train Christmas karaoke experience.

Where: Alresford | More Info: Steam Illuminations at The Watercress Line

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What to Expect:

Christmas carols and owl displays under the night sky.

Description:

Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for a special evening of Christmas carols and owl displays. Sing along with traditional and modern carols under the night sky accompanied by live music. Enjoy mulled wine and a mince pie during the interval. Witness the beautiful owls twist and turn in the moonlight as they skim silently over your head. Feathers Restaurant will be open serving warming meals, hot drinks, and light snacks.

Where: Andover | More Info: Christmas Carols and Owls at Hawk Conservancy

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Andover Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Interactive toy-making experience with Santa's elves.

Description:

At Spinnaker Tower, children can join Santa's elves to craft their own cuddly toys, enjoy festive games, and visit Santa in his grotto. Each child will create their own toy, name it, and fill it with soft stuffing, while also discovering hidden elves and delightful surprises around the tower.

Where: Portsmouth | More Info: Christmas Tower Toymakers' Workshop at Spinnaker Tower

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What to Expect:

Interactive Christmas activities with Father Christmas and festive treats.

Description:

Celebrate Christmas at Finkley Down Farm with activities like decorating gingerbread treats, making magical reindeer food, and meeting Father Christmas. Collect your Christmas Activity Passport and participate in various festive activities around the farm.

Where: Andover | More Info: Magical Christmas Experience at Finkley Down Farm

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Find Other Markets

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