Enjoy the holiday spirit in Eastleigh with our detailed guide. From those who navigate Eastleigh streets with ease to those still finding their way, our guide leads to holiday cheer.
The Eastleigh Christmas Lights Switch On lights up the town with a spectacular display that marks the start of the festive season. Over in Winchester, the Christmas Market creates a magical experience with its charming stalls and handcrafted gifts. And Christmas at Marwell Zoo is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring festive animal encounters and seasonal activities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Eastleigh
- Eastleigh Christmas Lights Switch On
- Winchester Christmas Market (Winchester)
- Christmas at Marwell Zoo (Winchester)
- Beaulieu Christmas (Beaulieu)
- Paultons Park Christmas Wonderland (Romsey)
- Christmas at Mottisfont (Romsey)
- Festival of Christmas at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (Portsmouth)
- Christmas Pantomime at The Point Theatre
- Hinton Ampner Festive Celebrations (Alresford)
- Santa's Grotto at Fareham Shopping Centre (Fareham)
See these and even more events listed below!
Eastleigh Holiday Light Displays
Eastleigh Christmas Lights Switch On
What to Expect:
Community-led countdown and switch-on ceremony
Description:
Eastleigh's town center transforms into a glittering spectacle as thousands gather for the annual Christmas lights switch-on. The air buzzes with excitement as local choirs perform traditional carols. You can join the community-led countdown, a tradition dating back to the 1950s. The event showcases Eastleigh's strong community spirit, with local businesses and organizations contributing to the festivities. Visitors can explore the illuminated streets, admiring intricate light displays that reflect the town's rich railway heritage.
Where: Eastleigh | More Info: Eastleigh Christmas Lights Switch On
Eastleigh Holiday Markets and Shopping
Winchester Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Market stalls set around Winchester Cathedral
Description:
Winchester Cathedral provides a stunning backdrop for one of England's finest Christmas markets. Inspired by traditional German markets, this event has grown since its inception in 2006. Wooden chalets surround the ancient cathedral, offering a treasure trove of unique gifts and local crafts. The aroma of mulled wine wafts through the air as visitors explore over 100 stalls. You can ice skate on the cathedral's grounds, a relatively new addition that has quickly become a beloved tradition.
Where: Winchester | More Info: Winchester Christmas Market
Christmas Fair at Broadlands
What to Expect:
Artisan food and craft demonstrations
Description:
Broadlands Estate hosts a Christmas fair that celebrates local artisans and their crafts. The event showcases live demonstrations of traditional skills, from glassblowing to cheese making. Visitors can watch craftspeople at work and purchase unique, handmade gifts. The fair honors Broadlands' history as a center of rural craftsmanship dating back centuries. You can participate in hands-on workshops, learning techniques passed down through generations of local artisans.
Where: Romsey | More Info: Christmas Fair at Broadlands
Titchfield Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Medieval-themed Christmas market
Description:
Titchfield's Christmas market transports visitors to the Middle Ages with its medieval theme. The historic village square bustles with stalls selling period-appropriate goods and foods. Visitors can watch demonstrations of medieval crafts and enjoy performances by wandering minstrels. The event celebrates Titchfield's rich medieval history, including its 13th-century abbey. You can try your hand at archery or participate in a medieval feast, savoring dishes prepared using authentic recipes from the period.
Where: Titchfield | More Info: Titchfield Christmas Market
Petersfield Christmas Festival Market
What to Expect:
Focus on locally sourced and produced goods
Description:
Petersfield's Christmas Festival Market puts the spotlight on Hampshire's local producers and artisans. The event showcases an impressive array of locally sourced foods, drinks, and crafts. Visitors can sample award-winning Hampshire wines and cheeses while browsing handmade gifts. The market honors Petersfield's long-standing agricultural heritage, dating back to its origins as a market town. You can participate in cooking demonstrations using local ingredients, learning how to create traditional Hampshire dishes with a festive twist.
Where: Petersfield | More Info: Petersfield Christmas Festival Market
Eastleigh Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas at Mottisfont
What to Expect:
Art installations inspired by classic Christmas stories
Description:
Mottisfont's historic priory and gardens come alive with artistic interpretations of beloved Christmas tales. The National Trust property showcases specially commissioned art installations throughout its grounds. Visitors can wander through illuminated gardens, each area representing a different story. The event celebrates Mottisfont's connection to art, dating back to its days as a creative retreat in the 1930s. You can participate in storytelling sessions, bringing classic Christmas narratives to life in the atmospheric surroundings of this ancient priory.
Where: Romsey | More Info: Christmas at Mottisfont
Christmas Pantomime at The Point Theatre
What to Expect:
Interactive elements and local references in the performance
Description:
The Point Theatre's annual pantomime injects local flavor into a beloved British tradition. This year's production incorporates Eastleigh-specific jokes and references, creating a unique experience for the community. Audiences can participate in call-and-response segments, a hallmark of pantomime performances. The event continues a theatrical tradition that has roots in 16th-century Italian commedia dell'arte. You can join in sing-alongs of both traditional and contemporary songs, adding your voice to the theatrical merriment.
Where: Eastleigh | More Info: Christmas Pantomime at The Point Theatre
Eastleigh Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at Marwell Zoo
What to Expect:
Animal-themed Christmas decorations and activities
Description:
Marwell Zoo embraces the holiday season with a unique twist, incorporating its animal residents into the celebrations. The zoo's pathways sparkle with animal-shaped light sculptures, creating a nocturnal safari experience. Visitors can embark on a special Christmas trail, learning about winter wildlife adaptations. The event pays homage to Marwell's conservation efforts, highlighting endangered species through festive displays. You can watch zookeepers present animals with special Christmas enrichment activities, offering a glimpse into animal care during the winter months.
Where: Winchester | More Info: Christmas at Marwell Zoo
Beaulieu Christmas
What to Expect:
Vintage car-themed Christmas decorations
Description:
Beaulieu's National Motor Museum revs up its holiday celebrations with a unique automotive twist. The attraction's historic buildings and vintage vehicles don holiday attire, creating a nostalgic journey through time. Visitors can admire classic cars adorned with twinkling lights and garlands. The event pays tribute to Beaulieu's rich motoring heritage, with each decorated vehicle telling a story of Christmases past. You can participate in a scavenger hunt, searching for hidden vintage ornaments throughout the grounds.
Where: Beaulieu | More Info: Beaulieu Christmas
Paultons Park Christmas Wonderland
What to Expect:
Peppa Pig World Christmas transformation
Description:
Paultons Park's Christmas Wonderland brings a family-friendly twist to holiday celebrations. The park's famous Peppa Pig World undergoes a jolly transformation, with characters donning festive outfits. Visitors can meet Santa's reindeer and learn about their care. The event honors the park's commitment to creating memorable family experiences, a tradition since its opening in 1983. You can ride on specially decorated attractions, including a Christmas-themed train journey through the park's winter landscape.
Where: Romsey | More Info: Paultons Park Christmas Wonderland
Festival of Christmas at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed Christmas celebrations on historic ships
Description:
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard sails into the past with its Festival of Christmas, recreating Victorian-era holiday celebrations. The event brings history to life aboard famous ships like HMS Victory. Visitors can explore decks adorned with period-appropriate decorations and meet costumed interpreters. The festival honors Portsmouth's naval heritage, showcasing how sailors celebrated Christmas at sea. You can participate in traditional Victorian games and crafts, experiencing the holidays as they were celebrated over a century ago.
Where: Portsmouth | More Info: Festival of Christmas at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Hinton Ampner Festive Celebrations
What to Expect:
1940s-themed Christmas celebrations
Description:
Hinton Ampner steps back in time to the 1940s for its festive celebrations. The National Trust property recreates a wartime Christmas, offering a glimpse into holiday traditions during challenging times. Visitors can explore rooms decorated in period style, complete with authentic ration book recipes. The event pays homage to Hinton Ampner's role during World War II when it housed evacuated children. You can learn traditional 1940s dances, swinging to the tunes of a live band playing hits from the era.
Where: Alresford | More Info: Hinton Ampner Festive Celebrations
Santa's Grotto at Fareham Shopping Centre
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly grotto made from recycled materials
Description:
Fareham Shopping Centre takes a green approach to Christmas with its eco-friendly Santa's Grotto. The entire structure is crafted from recycled and sustainable materials, setting it apart from traditional grottos. Visitors can learn about environmental conservation while waiting to meet Santa. The event reflects Fareham's commitment to sustainability, a focus that has grown in recent years. You can participate in upcycling workshops, creating unique Christmas decorations from everyday items.
Where: Fareham | More Info: Santa's Grotto at Fareham Shopping Centre
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Southampton (5 miles)
- Fareham (11 miles)
- Gosport (15 miles)
- Portsmouth (16 miles)
- Basingstoke (23 miles)
- Bournemouth (29 miles)
- Poole (33 miles)
- Reading (38 miles)
- Guildford (38 miles)
- Bracknell (40 miles)
- Woking (42 miles)
- Worthing (44 miles)
- Swindon (45 miles)