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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Embark on an exciting holiday adventure in Southampton with our guide. Discover all the best festive happenings. For those who live and breathe Southampton and those just getting acquainted, this guide is your festive companion.

This season, immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Christmas at Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World, where enchanting displays and themed attractions create joyful memories for families. Enjoy the stunning illuminations and seasonal beauty at the Light up Trail at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, showcasing twinkling lights amid the natural splendor. And the Christmas at The Hawk Conservancy is something you definitely don't want to miss, where visitors can experience a unique blend of wildlife encounters and festive cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Southampton Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Immersive light trail with theatrical live entertainment.

Description:

Light Up Trail Sir Harold Hillier Gardens at Christmas features immersive light trails, festive installations, and a variety of delectable street food and drinks. The event includes theatrical, live entertainment by Steamship Circus, showcasing mesmerizing fire jugglers and aerial artists. The gardens are transformed into a vibrant winter wonderland with towering luminous reindeer, glistening icicles, and delicate snowdrops.

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

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What to Expect:

Spectacular light displays and community events.

Description:

The Fleet Christmas Festival is a vibrant holiday event featuring elaborate light displays, live entertainment, and community activities that bring people together to celebrate the season.

Where: Fleet | More Info: Fleet Christmas Festival

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What to Expect:

Immersive light trail with interactive elements and festive treats.

Description:

Explore Marwell Zoo in a new light with breathtaking displays and interactive experiences. The event features vibrant UV face paint designs, an enchanted tree, and interactive light-up stepping stones. Enjoy free access to the zoo from 1pm to 4pm and indulge in festive treats like giant stuffed Yorkshire puddings and illuminated candy floss.

Where: Marwell | More Info: Glow Marwell

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Southampton Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Meet Father Christmas in his grotto.

Description:

The Basingstoke Christmas Market offers a variety of seasonal gifts and treats from local and independent sellers, with children's entertainment including a chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto. The event features live music and festive refreshments, making it a delightful experience for all the family.

Where: Basingstoke | More Info: Basingstoke Christmas Market

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What to Expect:

Traditional German-style Christmas market with unique gifts and festive atmosphere.

Description:

Winchester Cathedral's Christmas Market is renowned for its bustling atmosphere and stunning location, featuring handpicked high-quality exhibitors in traditional German-style wooden chalets. Visitors can shop for unique gifts, enjoy festive food and drink, and experience the cathedral's many Christmas services and carol concerts.

Where: Winchester | More Info: Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

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What to Expect:

Vibrant city centre celebration with local artisans and festive entertainment.

Description:

The Southampton Christmas Festival transforms the city centre into a hub of seasonal cheer, featuring a variety of stalls, artisan goods, and seasonal delicacies. Visitors can wander through beautifully decorated areas while enjoying live entertainment from local artists. The atmosphere is enhanced by the festive decorations and lights that illuminate the streets, creating a delightful backdrop for holiday shopping and gatherings.

Where: Southampton | More Info: Southampton Christmas Festival

Event Organizer?

Southampton Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Interactive live stage shows featuring Santa and festive characters.

Description:

At Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World, Christmas festivities include live stage shows, festive food, and rides like Tornado Springs and Victorian Carousel. Meet Santa in his grotto or enjoy the Santa's Christmas Wish Show. The park is decorated with giant Christmas trees and festive lights.

Where: Romsey | More Info: Christmas at Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World

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What to Expect:

Immersive North Pole experience with Santa and interactive activities.

Description:

At 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park, The Magical Christmas Adventure offers a theatrical tour through the North Pole, including a private meeting with Santa, building your own bear, making reindeer food, and enjoying festive activities in Sparkle Copse.

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

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What to Expect:

Interactive Nutcracker-themed family trail.

Description:

At Mottisfont, immerse yourself in The Nutcracker's timeless tale through decorated rooms and special light effects. Follow Clara and the Nutcracker Prince into a frosty world with swirling snowflakes and twirling Sugar Plum Fairies. The adventure continues outside on a family activity trail filled with activities, games, and challenges.

Where: Romsey | More Info: A Christmas Crackers at Montisfont

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What to Expect:

Interactive Nutcracker-themed house tour with family activities.

Description:

At Mottisfont, immerse yourself in a Nutcracker-themed Christmas with decorated rooms, music, and light effects. Follow Clara and her Nutcracker Prince through a frosty wonderland filled with sugarplum fairies and candy canes. The story unfolds as you explore the house and participate in a Nutcracker-themed family activity trail.

Where: Mottisfont | More Info: Mottisfont Christmas

Event Organizer?

Southampton Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Holiday celebration with bird of prey exhibits and educational activities.

Description:

Celebrate the holiday season at The Hawk Conservancy, where you can witness majestic birds of prey in their natural habitats, enjoy educational talks, and explore the beautiful woodland and wildflower meadows. The event features spectacular flying displays, interactive activities, and the opportunity to meet adorable Burrowing Owls up close.

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

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What to Expect:

Interactive festive train ride with an interactive performance.

Description:

At Exbury Gardens, the Christmas Express Railway offers an interactive performance experience where visitors can help the elves prevent a Christmas catastrophe. The event includes a festive train ride and is suitable for both children and adults.

Where: Southampton | More Info: Christmas Express Railway at Exbury Gardens

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What to Expect:

Guided canoe tour to meet Santa with gifts and hot drinks.

Description:

Join New Forest Activities for a 90-minute guided canoe tour on the Beaulieu River to meet Santa. Enjoy exploring the stunning river while knowing you'll soon be meeting jolly old Saint Nick. All children receive a gift from Father Christmas, and there will be hot chocolate and mince pies available to keep everyone toasty. Dogs are welcome, and participants are encouraged to dress warmly.

Where: Beaulieu | More Info: Christmas Canoe Paddle with New Forest Activities

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What to Expect:

Family-friendly activities with a scarecrow scramble and spooky ghost stories.

Description:

Beaulieu offers a variety of festive activities, including a scarecrow scramble, spooky ghost stories, and family-friendly events during the October half-term.

Where: Beaulieu | More Info: Festive Fun at Beaulieu

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What to Expect:

Elegant Christmas celebration with a diverse and Fairtrade organic menu.

Description:

The Careys Manor Christmas Ball offers a sophisticated and traditional festive experience with champagne, a 3-course dinner, and a DJ after dinner. The menu features a variety of dishes including smoked ham hock, chalk stream trout rillette, and dark chocolate brownie delice.

Where: Brockenhurst | More Info: Careys Manor Christmas Ball

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Immersive historical experiences with AI-generated sea creatures.

Description:

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers a variety of Christmas activities, including Tudor Christmas Crafts, fun-filled family trails, and immersive experiences like the Mary Rose 4D. Visitors can also explore underwater ecosystems and participate in historical re-enactments.

Where: Portsmouth | More Info: Portsmouth Historic Dockyard's Festival of Christmas

Event Organizer?

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