Winchester Other Christmas Activities 2026

Visitors tour the principal rooms of Abbey House, the official residence of the Mayor of Winchester, with a professional guide. The visit covers the history of the house from around 1700 through its acquisition by the council, showcasing pieces from...

Participants learn how to craft a personalized holiday wreath using a range of materials and techniques. Experienced instructors provide guidance and tips throughout the session. The hands-on class accommodates all skill levels, and attendees take their finished wreath home.

Visitors step into Father Christmas' Post Room and explore lavish rooms decorated to tell the Christmas wishes of King Arthur, Clara from The Nutcracker, Amelia Earhart, and Jay Gatsby. Guests can write their own Christmas Wish to add to the...

Participants paint from a fresh collection of seasonal foliage, including holly, ivy, eucalyptus, berries, and evergreen greenery. The guided session covers basic watercolour techniques such as mixing greens, layering transparent colour, and capturing loose botanical details. All art materials are...

Participants build a custom wreath on a pre-mossed base, choosing from fresh foliage, berries, seed heads, and dried flowers before finishing it with a ribbon. Much of the foliage is grown or foraged on the organizer's farm or sourced from...

Visitors can explore an outdoor market featuring unique handmade gifts, decorations, and crafts stretching along the street, as well as family funfair rides like a big wheel and helter skelter. Live entertainment runs across the event, with local musicians performing...

Skaters take to the ice for one-hour sessions in the heart of the city centre, with skate hire included. Ice skate marshals are stationed on the ice to monitor safety and assist novices. Spectators can soak in the atmosphere from...

Visitors ride the Rhododendron Line Steam Railway on an illuminated journey through the woodland gardens after dark, gliding past twinkling lights and festive displays. Each departure includes a personal send-off from Father Christmas. Festive food and drink are also available...

Visitors can experience a citywide programme of light installations, visual art, live performance, and interactive exhibitions across multiple community hubs. Offerings include light and art takeovers at Cosham Park and Victoria Park, a lantern parade and interactive art experience at...

Children can meet Father Christmas inside his special railway carriage in the engine shed, which is transformed into a festive winter wonderland. Each child visiting Father Christmas receives a festive gift to take home.

Visitors experience a candlelit guided tour of the rooms that Jane Austen and her family knew and loved, dressed up for Christmas. An expert guide shares Jane Austen’s story using the house itself and collection objects to set the scene....

Children can meet Father Christmas inside a special railway carriage in the engine shed, transformed into a festive winter wonderland. Every visiting child receives a festive gift to take home. Entry includes walking through the gardens to reach the engine...

Jane Austen's House is adorned for the season with evergreen garlands, ribbons, and paper decorations crafted from old copies of Austen's novels. The Dining Room table is set for a holiday feast, accompanied by music and audio recreating festive scenes...

Visitors attend a traditional carol service set in candlelit surroundings. The service features special readings and carols sung by the Cathedral Choir.

Guests sing along to traditional and modern Christmas carols under the night sky accompanied by live music. During the evening, owls fly overhead, twisting and turning in the moonlight. Mulled wine and a mince pie are served during the interval,...

Visitors watch owls twist, turn, and skim silently overhead during evening flying displays with festive seasonal touches. Guests can explore the grounds after dark to meet other resident owls and learn about British owl conservation and research projects. Warm food,...

Visitors can explore displays of decorated Christmas trees and nativity scenes created by local organisations, charities, schools, and individuals. A daily programme of live music fills the church with performances by community and school choirs, music groups, and soloists. Guests...

Visitors explore the museum's galleries to discover everyday Tudor life and spark creative ideas. Participants enjoy a glass of prosecco or a soft alternative alongside an introduction to Tudor Christmas traditions. Guided step-by-step with supplied materials and equipment, attendees craft...

More than 30 businesses gather to offer holistic health and spiritual services, including tarot readers, psychic mediums, reflexology, and Reiki healing. Attendees can browse stalls selling crystals, aura sprays, cacao, and other spiritual items, or view aura imaging displays. The...

Craft a festive decoupage paper bauble for your Christmas tree using pages and favourite quotes from old copies of Jane Austen's novels. Led by crafters Alice and Ginny in the Learning Centre, the friendly session includes tea, coffee, and mince...

Visitors drop into a relaxed workshop led by crafters Alice and Ginny in the Learning Centre behind the house. Using pages from old, discarded copies of Jane Austen's novels, participants create delicate festive shapes such as stars and snowflakes. The...

Skaters of all ages and abilities take to the rink accompanied by music from a resident DJ and a display of disco lights and lasers. Skate hire and skating aids are available on site for those needing assistance. Refreshments are...

Participants design and assemble their own handmade door wreath using provided materials. Refreshments, including homemade treats and a glass of fizz, are served while festive music plays in the background. No previous crafting experience is necessary to participate.

Participants learn modern calligraphy techniques using pointed nib and brush pens. The session covers crafting handmade Christmas cards, custom gift tags, wrapping paper, and framed artwork using festive templates, metallics, and decorative flourishes. Instruction also includes skills in layout design...

Visitors take part in an informal art session hosted inside a converted historic mill pub. Attendees can choose between self-led canvas painting or decorating pre-cut wooden MDF shapes like candy canes, penguins, and baubles. All painting materials and creative guidance...

Participants learn how to combine fragrant evergreen foliage, berries, ribbons, cinnamon, and dried fruits into seasonal holiday decorations under step-by-step guidance from expert florist Laura. Depending on the chosen session, guests craft either a candle wreath centrepiece paired with a...

Participants learn simple macrame techniques to create a festive Christmas tree garland to take home. The wellbeing session combines hands-on crafting with mindfulness, reflection, and a break at the Bury Court Cafe. All materials are provided, and no prior artistic...

Led by jewellery designer Chloe Menage from Pinkhot Jewellery, this festive support group session introduces attendees to bead weaving. Participants use a needle, thread, and colourful beads to assemble a beaded bead, completing the piece with ribbon for use as...

Attendees spend the evening painting either a Christmas-themed canvas or three MDF decorations, selecting from shapes such as trees, wreaths, candy canes, and presents. The session takes place to the sound of Christmas songs, and all painting materials are supplied....

Participants build a festive wreath from scratch using a pre-mossed base and a selection of fresh greenery, berries, seed heads, dried flowers, and ribbons. Step-by-step guidance is provided, with much of the foliage grown or foraged locally. Sessions accommodate up...

Participants paint and decorate their own glass Christmas baubles at the HUB 87 Creative Studio. The session accommodates both beginners and experienced makers looking to craft seasonal decorations. Designed for crafters aged 14 and older, it functions as an open...

Visitors can view a colourful gathering of classic and custom Volkswagens, including Beetles, buggies, Golfs, Caddys, and split-screens, adorned in festive holiday decorations. Participants, families, and even pet dogs join the holiday fun dressed in full Christmas costumes for a...

Hosted by Martin and Libby, this evening retreat focuses on rest, balance, and restoring energy during the winter season. Participants take part in an immersive session designed for clarity and personal reflection, followed by post-event refreshments.

Step into the UK's most magical indoor Christmas experience! This 3-hour immersive adventure transports families through fantastical worlds to the North Pole. Enjoy live theatrical performances, festive activities like making a teddy bear and decorating cookies, and a truly personal...

Step into a magical Cinderella Christmas at Mottisfont, where the house is transformed with theatrical flair and seasonal sparkle. Explore scenes from the classic pantomime, from the bustling kitchen to the dazzling royal ballroom, brought to life with fairy godmother...

Step back in time for a unique Tudor Christmas experience at the Mary Rose Museum. This festive season, they are offering a variety of enchanting events, including storytelling sessions with a Tudor twist, creative workshops to make your own decorations,...

Step into a festive wonderland at The Brickworks Museum's Christmas Steam Up! The site will be aglow with Christmas lights and decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. Browse a craft market for unique gifts, discover Christmases of the past in a...

Step into a festive wonderland at Tudor House & Garden this Christmas. Children can meet Father Christmas in the historic Banqueting Hall, receive a special gift, and enjoy a delightful craft activity. Indulge in a festive biscuit and a warm...

Experience the magic of Christmas at The Brickworks Museum's Children's Christmas Special. Children can meet Father Christmas in his grotto, receive a special gift, and help his elves wrap presents. Engage in festive crafts like making decorations and origami, and...

Experience a magical Christmas adventure on the Beaulieu River with a festive canoe paddle. Glide along the water in stable Canadian canoes and meet Santa Claus as he arrives by boat, bringing gifts for all the children. Warm up afterwards...