Last updated: 11 November 2024
Experience the excitement of the holidays in Waterlooville! Our guide has everything you need for a festive season. For both locals and travellers, this guide reveals the best holiday activities in Waterlooville.
Popular events include the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, where twinkling lights and festive stalls create a charming atmosphere for all ages. The Christmas Lights Switch On dazzles visitors with vibrant displays illuminating the town, making it a highlight of the holiday calendar. And the Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering fun, interactive displays that spark the imagination. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Waterlooville Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Lights Switch On
- What to Expect
- Illuminated city centre with festive lighting.
- Description
- The Christmas Lights Switch On event in Winchester city centre features the installation of winter hanging baskets and Christmas lights across the city, culminating in a grand lighting ceremony at Broadway, High Street Square.
- Where
- Winchester | More Info : Christmas Lights Switch On
Light up Trail Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
- What to Expect
- Immersive light trail with theatrical entertainment and festive food options.
- Description
- Light Up Trail at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens features a new immersive light trail with numerous festive installations, including mesmerizing fire jugglers and aerial artists. The event offers a sensory feast with delectable street food and festive drinks, ensuring a delightful experience for all ages.
- Where
- Romsey | More Info : Light up Trail Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Christmas Illuminated Garden Adventure at West Green House
- What to Expect
- Floral-themed light display with giant fountains and themed installations.
- Description
- Explore a ten-acre illuminated garden featuring gigantic shimmering flowers, glowing fairies, and giant dancing fountains. The trail includes mysterious follies, a glowing poppy field, and an evil witch, leading to the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Lion, and Dorothy in search of the Wizard. Locally produced food stalls offer hot chocolate, mulled wine, and Christmas treats.
- Where
- Hook | More Info : Christmas Illuminated Garden Adventure at West Green House
Waterlooville Holiday Markets and Shopping
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
- 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
Vineyards of Hampshire Festive Fizz
- What to Expect
- Wine tasting and shopping experience featuring local vineyards.
- Description
- Join Vineyards of Hampshire for a Christmas shopping wine experience at Guildhall Winchester. Taste wines from eight local vineyards, including Black Chalk, Danebury Vineyards, Exton Park, The Grange, Hambledon, Hattingley Valley, Louis Pommery England, and Raimes. Enjoy light festive food and special offers on your favourite wines.
- Where
- Winchester | More Info : Vineyards of Hampshire Festive Fizz
Christmas Market at The Hawk Conservancy
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience supporting local craftspeople and conservation work.
- 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 mulled wine are available, along with specialty hot chocolates and fresh hot churros.
- Where
- Andover | More Info : Christmas Market at The Hawk Conservancy
Waterlooville Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre
- What to Expect
- Immersive theatrical performance with magical effects and audience participation.
- Description
- At Cosmic Christmas, join Santa in the Planetarium for a live-action immersive space adventure. Meet Santa, enjoy an out-of-this-world journey through space, and participate in fun audience activities. This event includes a special Christmas gift for all children and is an original Christmas tale brought to life with magical effects and immersive elements.
- Where
- Winchester | More Info : Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre
Magical Christmas Adventure at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park
- What to Expect
- Immersive theatrical Christmas experience with private Santa visits and interactive activities.
- Description
- At 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park, embark on a theatrical Christmas journey to the North Pole. Meet friendly elves, cheer on performers, and explore the Enchanted Forest. Enjoy a private audience with Santa, build your own bear, and make reindeer food. This immersive experience includes a sleigh ride, visits to the Glacier Theater and Ice Castle, and a stroll through Sparkle Cops village.
- Where
- Headley | More Info : Magical Christmas Adventure at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park
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 light and sound 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 interactive elements like the "FlashyOke" game and is hosted by the legendary Voiceover Man. It offers a musical journey with Christmas hits and pop anthems, making it a wonderful experience for families and groups.
- Where
- Alton | More Info : Steam Illuminations at The Watercress Line
Christmas at Paultons Park
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas shows and festive food options.
- Description
- Celebrate Christmas at Paultons Park with Peppa Pig World, Tornado Springs, and festive shows featuring Santa, Frosty, and Rudolph. Enjoy rides, food, and shopping in a holiday-themed setting.
- Where
- Romsey | More Info : Christmas at Paultons Park
Space Station Science at Winchester Science Centre
- What to Expect
- Immersive theatrical experience with Santa and special effects.
- Description
- Join Santa in the Planetarium for a live-action immersive space adventure. Meet Santa, enjoy magical effects, and embark on an out-of-this-world journey through space. Children will receive a special Christmas gift and have the chance to take festive photos with Santa.
- Where
- Winchester | More Info : Space Station Science at Winchester Science Centre
Waterlooville Other Holiday Activities
Candlelight Tour of Jane Austen's House
- What to Expect
- Guided candlelit tour of Jane Austen's House, highlighting her life and Christmas traditions.
- Description
- Step back in time to explore Jane Austen's House, lit by candlelight, and discover her story through expert guides and historical objects.
- Where
- Chawton | More Info : Candlelight Tour of Jane Austen's House
White's Eco Light Festival
- What to Expect
- Immersive winter light festival celebrating Gilbert White's legacy.
- Description
- White's Eco Light Festival is a winter event that delves into the story of Gilbert White, featuring a brand-new magical experience with lights and discovery.
- Where
- Winchester | More Info : White's Eco Light Festival
Christmas Tower Toymakers' Workshop at Spinnaker Tower
- What to Expect
- Children craft their own cuddly toys with Santa's elves.
- Description
- This Christmas, Spinnaker Tower transforms into a toy-making workshop where children can craft their own cuddly toys, enjoy festive games, and visit Santa in his grotto. Each child will create their own cuddly toy, give it a special name, and fill it with soft, fluffy stuffing. The event also includes a trail of festive fun with mischievous elves hiding delightful surprises around the tower.
- Where
- Portsmouth | More Info : Christmas Tower Toymakers' Workshop at Spinnaker Tower
Winter Wonderland at Hayling Island
- What to Expect
- Interactive festive activities for all ages.
- Description
- At Hayling Wonderland, immerse your family in a festive atmosphere filled with fun fair rides, an indoor play area, and a chance to meet Father Christmas. Enjoy personalized gingerbread treats and a train ride through the Elf Village.
- Where
- Hayling Island | More Info : Winter Wonderland at Hayling Island
Christmas Day Lunch in The Wellhouse
- What to Expect
- Woodfire-cooked Christmas Day lunch with mulled wine and mince pies.
- Description
- Treat yourself and your loved ones to a Christmas Day Lunch in The Wellhouse, where you'll enjoy a glass of mulled wine or cider before savoring four delicious courses all cooked to perfection by woodfire. Finish your meal with coffee and mince pies.
- Where
- Winchester | More Info : Christmas Day Lunch in The Wellhouse
Boxing Day Lunch in the Wellhouse Woodfired
- What to Expect
- Woodfired dining with a variety of local flavors.
- Description
- Treat yourself and your loved ones to a Boxing Day Lunch in the Wellhouse Woodfired Restaurant, where you can enjoy three delicious courses cooked in the woodfired ovens, followed by coffee and mince pies.
- Where
- Winchester | More Info : Boxing Day Lunch in the Wellhouse Woodfired
New Years Eve Sparkling Afternoon Tea
- What to Expect
- Sparkling afternoon tea with a delightful pastry selection.
- Description
- Indulge in a delightful afternoon tea at Lainston House, featuring savory and sweet treats crafted by Georgia's pastry team, paired with an indulgent glass of fizz.
- Where
- Winchester | More Info : New Years Eve Sparkling Afternoon Tea