Find your holiday happiness in Southampton with our event guide. Embrace the festive season with a variety of enchanting activities and celebrations throughout the city.
One of the highlights is the Southampton Christmas Festival, offering festive markets and captivating light displays. Experience the magic of the holiday at Christmas at Paultons Park with its dazzling illuminations and Santa’s Grotto. And don’t forget the Winter Wonderland at Beaulieu, where you can enjoy ice skating, seasonal foods, and more. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Southampton
See these and even more events listed below!Southampton Holiday Markets and Shopping
Southampton Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Fusion of traditional and modern Christmas experiences
Description:
Southampton Christmas Festival transforms the city center into a bustling holiday hub. Stroll through the German-inspired market stalls, offering handcrafted gifts and aromatic mulled wine. The festival blends centuries-old traditions with contemporary entertainment, reflecting Southampton's rich maritime history. You can ice skate beneath the stars on the outdoor rink, a nod to the city's connection to the ill-fated Titanic. This vibrant celebration captures the essence of a modern British Christmas.
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Southampton Christmas Festival
Nearby Events
Christmas at Paultons Park (Romsey)
What to Expect:
Family-friendly theme park with Christmas overlay
Description:
Paultons Park dons its holiday best, creating a whimsical Christmas experience for families. The park's rides and attractions receive a festive makeover, with Peppa Pig World taking center stage in its winter attire. Children can meet Santa in his grotto and receive a special gift. The park's transformation pays homage to the area's rich folklore, with nods to local legends woven throughout the decorations. Delight in the twinkling lights that adorn the century-old trees lining the park's pathways.
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Winter Wonderland at Beaulieu (Brockenhurst)
What to Expect:
Historic estate transformed into winter spectacle
Description:
Beaulieu Estate embraces the winter season with a grand transformation. The grounds of this 13th-century abbey come alive with illuminated trails and frost-kissed gardens. Visitors can explore the National Motor Museum's vintage car collection, now adorned with holiday finery. The event celebrates the estate's long-standing connection to British motoring history, with classic cars featured in unique holiday displays. Warm yourself by crackling fire pits as you sip on spiced cider, taking in the crisp winter air.
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Festival of Light at Longleat (Warminster)
What to Expect:
Elaborate lantern displays inspired by wildlife
Description:
Longleat's Festival of Light illuminates the historic estate with hundreds of intricate lanterns. These vibrant installations draw inspiration from the park's famous safari animals, creating a unique fusion of wildlife and artistry. Wander through glowing forests and past shimmering lakes, each turn revealing a new spectacle. The event pays tribute to Longleat's pioneering role as the first drive-through safari park outside Africa. You can witness the majestic lions of Longleat, now rendered in glowing silk and steel.
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New Forest Christmas Fair (Brockenhurst)
What to Expect:
Celebration of local artisans and New Forest produce
Description:
The New Forest Christmas Fair showcases the best of local craftsmanship and regional delicacies. Set against the backdrop of ancient woodlands, this fair brings together artisans, farmers, and food producers from across the national park. Sample award-winning cheeses and locally distilled spirits as you browse handmade gifts. The fair honors the New Forest's centuries-old commoning traditions, with demonstrations of traditional crafts. Visitors can try their hand at wreath-making using materials foraged from the forest floor.
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Portsmouth Historic Dockyard's Festival of Christmas (Portsmouth)
What to Expect:
Maritime-themed Christmas celebration
Description:
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard's Festival of Christmas brings naval history to life with a yuletide twist. The event unfolds across the dockyard's historic ships and museums, each offering a unique glimpse into Christmas past. Explore HMS Victory decked out in Victorian Christmas splendor, reflecting the traditions of Nelson's era. The festival highlights Portsmouth's crucial role in British naval history, with costumed interpreters sharing tales of seafaring Christmases. You can join in traditional sea shanties aboard the HMS Warrior, feeling the wooden decks beneath your feet.
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Portsmouth Historic Dockyard's Festival of Christmas
Hawk Conservancy Trust's Winter Wonderland (Andover)
What to Expect:
Birds of prey demonstrations with winter theme
Description:
The Hawk Conservancy Trust's Winter Wonderland offers a unique blend of nature and seasonal cheer. Witness breathtaking flying displays featuring owls, eagles, and other raptors against a wintry backdrop. The trust's commitment to bird conservation takes center stage, with educational talks highlighting the challenges faced by these majestic creatures in winter. Visitors can experience the silent flight of an owl up close, feeling the rush of air as it swoops overhead. The event showcases the trust's ongoing work in raptor rehabilitation and research.
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Hawk Conservancy Trust's Winter Wonderland
Marwell Zoo's Christmas at Marwell (Winchester)
What to Expect:
Zoo animals in festive settings
Description:
Marwell Zoo's Christmas celebration offers a wild twist on holiday traditions. The zoo's inhabitants receive special festive enrichments, allowing visitors to observe natural behaviors in a seasonal context. Stroll through the Victorian manor house, now transformed into Santa's grotto, where children can meet exotic animals alongside Father Christmas. The event highlights Marwell's pioneering conservation work, with talks on protecting endangered species. You can watch playful penguins frolic in their winter wonderland, complete with "snowfall" and festive decorations.
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Marwell Zoo's Christmas at Marwell
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market (Winchester)
What to Expect:
Christmas market set against medieval cathedral backdrop
Description:
Winchester Cathedral's Christmas Market transports visitors to a bygone era of yuletide celebrations. Wooden chalets cluster in the cathedral's Inner Close, offering artisanal gifts and seasonal treats. The market's layout echoes medieval fairs once held in the shadow of this Norman cathedral. Savor the aroma of roasting chestnuts as you explore stalls selling locally crafted goods. The event pays homage to Winchester's role as the ancient capital of England, with historical reenactors bringing the past to life. You can ice skate around the cathedral's imposing facade, a striking juxtaposition of old and new.
Website:
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Christmas in the Cotswolds at Sudeley Castle (Gloucestershire)
What to Expect:
Tudor-inspired Christmas celebrations
Description:
Sudeley Castle embraces its Tudor heritage with a Christmas celebration fit for royalty. The castle, once home to Katherine Parr, last wife of Henry VIII, comes alive with period decorations and entertainments. Explore the candlelit state rooms, each telling a story of Christmases past. The event highlights the castle's significant role in English history, with costumed interpreters sharing tales of Tudor yuletide traditions. Visitors can try their hand at traditional Tudor games in the castle's grand halls.
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Christmas in the Cotswolds at Sudeley Castle
Lymington Christmas Market (Lymington)
What to Expect:
Coastal town Christmas market with nautical theme
Description:
Lymington's Christmas Market infuses holiday cheer with maritime flair. The Georgian high street transforms into a haven of festive stalls, many offering sea-inspired gifts and decorations. Local fishmongers showcase their finest catches, perfect for traditional Christmas feasts. The market celebrates Lymington's rich sailing heritage, with model boat displays and sea shanty performances. You can sample freshly shucked oysters while browsing handcrafted nautical ornaments. The event captures the essence of a coastal Christmas, with the salty sea air mingling with the scent of mulled wine.
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Chichester Christmas Market (Chichester)
What to Expect:
Roman and medieval-inspired Christmas celebrations
Description:
Chichester's Christmas Market blends Roman and medieval influences, reflecting the city's rich history. Stalls line the cross-streets of this ancient market town, offering a mix of traditional and contemporary gifts. The market pays homage to Chichester's Roman roots with authentic cuisine and craft demonstrations. Explore the cloisters of Chichester Cathedral, now hosting an array of artisanal food producers. You can watch skilled glassblowers create delicate ornaments, a nod to the city's long-standing artistic traditions.
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Christmas at Mottisfont (Romsey)
What to Expect:
Literary-themed Christmas at historic priory
Description:
Mottisfont's Christmas celebration brings beloved children's stories to life in a historic setting. The 13th-century priory and its grounds transform into scenes from classic tales, with interactive displays and art installations. Explore the winter garden, where the famous rose collection gives way to frost-kissed sculptures. The event honors Mottisfont's connection to 20th-century artists and writers, with literary-inspired decorations throughout. You can follow a storybook trail through the estate's ancient woodlands, discovering hidden characters along the way.
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Lyndhurst Festival of Light (Lyndhurst)
What to Expect:
Forest-inspired light installations
Description:
Lyndhurst's Festival of Light illuminates the heart of the New Forest with nature-inspired displays. Winding trails through ancient woodlands reveal stunning light installations that celebrate the forest's flora and fauna. The event highlights the unique ecosystem of the New Forest, with educational elements woven into the displays. Visitors can walk through a tunnel of twinkling lights designed to mimic the forest canopy. The festival pays tribute to Lyndhurst's role as the unofficial capital of the New Forest, with references to local legends and folklore throughout.
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Basingstoke Christmas Market (Basingstoke)
What to Expect:
Fusion of traditional and contemporary Christmas market experiences
Description:
Basingstoke Christmas Market transforms the heart of this historic Hampshire town into a bustling hub of holiday cheer. Blending time-honored traditions with modern flair, the market showcases local artisans alongside innovative pop-up shops. Visitors can savor the aroma of mulled wine while perusing handcrafted gifts and gourmet treats. Try your hand at wreath-making workshops led by expert florists. The market's location near the ruins of Basing House, a Tudor palace, adds a touch of English heritage to your shopping experience. Stroll through the lively stalls, each offering a unique treasure to discover.
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Christmas at Hillier Gardens (Romsey)
What to Expect:
Botanical Christmas celebration
Description:
Hillier Gardens embraces the season with a horticultural twist on Christmas traditions. The gardens showcase winter-flowering plants and rare evergreens, creating a living Christmas display. Explore themed areas that demonstrate how different cultures incorporate plants into their winter celebrations. The event highlights Hillier's contributions to plant conservation and breeding, with talks on developing new festive plant varieties. Visitors can craft their own botanical decorations using materials gathered from the gardens. The air is filled with the crisp scent of pine and winter-blooming flowers.
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Fleet Christmas Festival (Fleet)
What to Expect:
Community-driven Christmas celebration
Description:
Fleet's Christmas Festival embodies the spirit of community with its locally-organized events and attractions. The town center bustles with activity, from amateur choral performances to craft workshops run by local artisans. Explore the "Taste of Fleet" food market, showcasing the best of local produce and cuisine. The festival celebrates Fleet's rapid growth from a small village to a thriving town, with historical displays throughout. You can join a community lantern parade, illuminating the streets with handmade creations. This grassroots celebration captures the essence of a small-town Christmas.