Last updated: 11 November 2024
Plan your perfect holiday schedule in Basingstoke! Our guide features all the best festive events and activities. Whether you're a Basingstoke regular or a one-time visitor, our guide helps you create lasting holiday memories.
Popular Events: Experience the enchanting atmosphere of "A Nutcracker Christmas at Mottisfont," where the charming grounds come alive with holiday magic and classical performances. Another delightful option is "A Celebration of Christmas at Paultons Park," featuring captivating attractions and seasonal festivities for all ages. And the "A Wonderland Christmas at The Vyne" is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a unique blend of outdoor trails and festive decorations. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Basingstoke Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Experiences at The Hawk Conservancy
- What to Expect
- Live owl flight displays amidst colorful woodland illuminations.
- Description
- Explore the illuminated walk at The Hawk Conservancy, featuring live owl displays, music, and special effects in a stunning woodland setting.
- Where
- Andover | More Info : Christmas Experiences at The Hawk Conservancy
Light up Trail Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
- What to Expect
- Immersive light trail with live entertainment and diverse food options.
- Description
- Light up Trail Sir Harold Hillier Gardens features an immersive light trail with new installations, live entertainment, and a variety of festive food options.
- Where
- Romsey | More Info : Light up Trail Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Over The Rainbow Christmas at West Green House Gardens
- What to Expect
- Illuminated garden adventure with giant dancing fountains and mysterious follies.
- Description
- Embark on a sparkling journey through West Green House Gardens, featuring giant dancing fountains, mysterious follies, and a glowing poppy field. Locally produced food stalls offer hot chocolate, mulled wine, and Christmas treats. The event includes concerts and carols, making it a musical celebration.
- Where
- Hook | More Info : Over The Rainbow Christmas at West Green House Gardens
Steam Illuminations at The Watercress Line
- 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 colored LED lights and wristbands creating a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns. The event includes interactive elements like the "FlashyOke" game and is hosted by the legendary "Voiceover Man." It offers a unique blend of music, lights, and interactive fun for all ages.
- Where
- Alresford | More Info : Steam Illuminations at The Watercress Line
Basingstoke Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas at Milestones
- What to Expect
- Period streets and giant Christmas tree create a festive welcome.
- Description
- Celebrate Christmas at Milestones with period streets decorated for the season, a giant Christmas tree, and a Reindeer Spotter trail around the museum. Families can enjoy tasty treats and immerse themselves in a perfect Christmas atmosphere.
- Where
- Basingstoke | More Info : Christmas at Milestones
Milestones Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Meet Father Christmas in his grotto.
- Description
- The Milestones Christmas Market offers a variety of seasonal gifts and treats from over 40 stalls within the museum. Enjoy children's entertainment, including the opportunity to meet Father Christmas, live music, and festive refreshments.
- Where
- Basingstoke | More Info : Milestones Christmas Market
Christmas Market at the Hawk Conservancy Trust
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of local shopping and festive food in a natural countryside setting.
- Description
- The Christmas Market at the Hawk Conservancy Trust offers a delightful shopping experience with over 60 local businesses selling personalized presents, Christmas decorations, handcrafted treats, and beautiful homeware. Traditional market food favorites and specialty hot chocolates are available, with free parking and a variety of stalls.
- Where
- Andover | More Info : Christmas Market at the Hawk Conservancy Trust
Basingstoke Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Nutcracker Christmas at Mottisfont
- What to Expect
- Interactive family trail with activities and games.
- Description
- At Mottisfont, immerse yourself in the timeless tale of The Nutcracker with decorated rooms, sparkling trees, and special light effects. Follow Clara and her Nutcracker Prince through frosty landscapes and the Land of Sweets, featuring Sugar Plum Fairies and a thrilling duel scene between the Prince and the Mouse King. Outside, explore the Nutcracker family trail with activities, games, and challenges.
- Where
- Romsey | More Info : A Nutcracker Christmas at Mottisfont
The Magical Christmas Adventure at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park
- What to Expect
- Immersive theatrical Christmas experience with Santa's private audience.
- Description
- At 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park, embark on a theatrical Christmas journey to Santa's grotto, guided by friendly elves. Explore the Glacier Theater, Ice Castle, and Enchanted Forest. Meet Santa in his cabin for a private audience and enjoy activities like building your own bear and making reindeer food.
- Where
- Headley | More Info : The Magical Christmas Adventure at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park
A Celebration of Christmas at Paultons Park
- What to Expect
- Live-action theatrical Christmas show featuring Father Christmas.
- Description
- Celebrate Christmas at Paultons Park with live shows, festive food, and visits to Santa's Grotto, amidst decorated Peppa Pig World and Tornado Springs.
- Where
- Ower | More Info : A Celebration of Christmas at Paultons Park
Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre
- What to Expect
- Immersive theatrical performance with Santa and intergalactic adventures.
- Description
- Join Santa in the Planetarium for a live-action immersive space adventure where Santa recreates his epic mission to the International Space Station. Watch as intergalactic planetary elf, Aster, brings the tale to life through a magical Planetarium space journey. Enjoy audience participation and immersive special effects, culminating in a meet-and-greet with Santa and a special Christmas gift for all children.
- Where
- Winchester | More Info : Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre
Basingstoke Other Holiday Activities
A Wonderland Christmas at The Vyne
- What to Expect
- Whimsical Alice-themed decorations and activities.
- Description
- Explore The Vyne's lavishly decorated house and gardens, featuring whimsical displays inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking-Glass. Enjoy nonsensical fun challenges and activities, and warm up with festive food and drinks in the cozy Brewhouse tea-room.
- Where
- Basingstoke | More Info : A Wonderland Christmas at The Vyne
An Enchanted Christmas at Hinton Ampner
- What to Expect
- Christmas celebration with beautifully decorated trees and festive scenes.
- Description
- Step into Hinton Ampner's beautifully decorated house and gardens, filled with thousands of sparkling lights and charming festive scenes. Explore the world of the Ice Queen, Woodland Ball, Gingerbread Village, and North Pole Workshop. Join in family adventures with games and activities in the gardens, and don't forget to visit the sweetshop.
- Where
- Hinton Ampner | More Info : An Enchanted Christmas at Hinton Ampner
Magical Christmas Experience at Finkley Down Farm
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday activities with Father Christmas and Mother Christmas.
- Description
- At Finkley Down Farm, immerse yourself in a holiday celebration filled with festive activities, including meeting Mother Christmas, decorating gingerbread treats, and making magical reindeer food. Explore the snowy farm, visit the Toy Shop, and write letters to Father Christmas. Enjoy all-day entry to the farm and warm up with free hot chocolate.
- Where
- Andover | More Info : Magical Christmas Experience at Finkley Down Farm
Christmas Tower Toymakers' Workshop at Spinnaker Tower
- What to Expect
- Children create their own cuddly toys with Santa's elves.
- Description
- At Spinnaker Tower, children can join Santa's elves to craft their own cuddly toys, visit Santa in his grotto, and enjoy festive games and a free hot chocolate.
- Where
- Portsmouth | More Info : Christmas Tower Toymakers' Workshop at Spinnaker Tower
Christmas Festival at the Brickworks Museum
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday activities and themed events.
- Description
- The Christmas Festival at the Brickworks Museum features a festive wreath making workshop, a children's Christmas special, and an 80s themed night with live music and entertainment.
- Where
- Lower Swanwick | More Info : Christmas Festival at the Brickworks Museum