14 Brilliant Christmas Days Out in Hampshire for 2026
Christmas in Hampshire makes for the perfect reason to get out and enjoy some festivities. From Peppa Pig World to Winchester Cathedral, there are plenty of activities to get you in the Christmas mood…
Looking for the best things to do for Christmas in Hampshire in 2026? From festive days out and Christmas markets to light trails, Santa experiences and seasonal events, there’s plenty happening across the county this year.
Whether you live in Hampshire or you’re planning a festive weekend or Christmas staycation, I’ve rounded up some of the best Christmas events and activities in Hampshire for 2026. These are the places to add to your December calendar, with ideas for families, couples and anyone who wants to make the most of Christmas in Hampshire.
1. Spend Christmas with Peppa Pig
CONFIRMED FOR CHRISTMAS 2026: Selected dates in December to 3rd January 26
Paulton’s Park is one of the most popular theme parks in the UK, and a definite winner with the kids. Running throughout December, the entire Peppa Pig World will be decorated for Christmas, right down to characters sporting their favourite holiday outfits. There’s even Santa’s Christmas Wish Show, starring the main man himself!
The best part is, all of the special Christmas extras are included in the price of a standard Paulton’s ticket.
Make sure to check out my guide to how to make the most of your Peppa Pig World day trip here before you go.
2. Sail in a Christmas Canoe with Santa
CONFIRMED FOR CHRISTMAS 2026: 12/13 and 19/20 December
Venture into Beaulieu in the New Forest and experience a Christmas Canoe Paddle with Santa Claus. This active outdoor activity is thrilling (and chilling – dress warm) for the whole family.
Hot chocolate is on tap to keep you nice and warm as you enjoy the trip out on the Beaulieu River searching for Santa.
What’s included?
- Meet and greet with your super instructors
- 90 minutes of festive fun
- Paddle our canoes with your qualified river guide to meet Santa
- All children receive a Christmas gift
- Hot drinks and mince pies to enjoy on arrival
- Dogs are welcome (but do bring a blanket or towel for them to sit on in the boat)
3. Go deer spotting in the New Forest National Park
CONFIRMED FOR CHRISTMAS 2026: Whenever you please!
How about a romantic chilly walk amidst the gathered deer and wintery trees? There are many beautiful winter walks to enjoy in Hampshire with your significant other. The New Forest is a great place for a winter’s day out in England.
4. Visit the animals at Christmas at Marwell Zoo
CONFIRMED for CHRISTMAS 2026: 20th November and 31st December 2026
A visit to Marwell Zoo in Winchester deserves a spot on your Christmas List. This year they’re hosting GLOW, a magical light experience. The winter trail is an ‘immersive light extravaganza’ where the grounds of Marwell will turn into a twinkling wonderland full of fairy lights and magic. This enchanted nature trail features brand new illuminations and immersive displays with over 500,000 lights in a rainbow of colours.
New for 2025 you can also join Christmas at Marwell Hall, where you’ll get to meet Santa with a magical 45 minute family grotto experience. This includes a free ticket to the zoo. Buy in a bundle with the GLOW ticket to save more.
5. See Steam Illuminations on the Watercress Line
CONFIRMED FOR CHRISTMAS 2026: 27th November to 2nd January 2027
There’s something intrinsically Christmassy about steam trains. Who remembers Tom Hanks’ Polar Express?
Get the family together and choo-choo down to the Steam Illuminations on the Watercress Line at either Alresford or Alton.
You’ll marvel at an incredible LED light show whilst chugging along in a steam train on a roundtrip journey of 10 miles of Christmas magic. We did this a few years ago when Reggie was one and had a lovely time. He really enjoyed the trains chugging, and all the entertainment. He was mesmerised by all the lights too. Such a lovely memory.
6. Celebrate Christmas at Highclere Castle
CONFIRMED FOR CHRISTMAS 2026: different events from 3rd to 19th December 2026
If you loved Downton Abbey then you’ll be extra excited as you step into Highclere Castle for one of the best Christmas days out in Hampshire.
This is a lovely one if you want to go all out on the Christmas atmosphere. With festive guided tours, themed afternoon teas and seriously impressive Christmas trees and staircase garlands, the whole place feels suitably grand for the season. Definitely bring your camera!
You can explore the State Rooms, peek inside the upstairs bedrooms and head down to the Egyptian Exhibition in the cellars. I’d also leave a bit of time for the gift shop afterwards – it’s a good place to pick up a Christmas present or two and round off a really festive day out in Hampshire.
7. Mark the Winter Solstice as the ancients did
CONFIRMED FOR CHRISTMAS 2026: 27th November to 12st December 2026
If you fancy something a little different from the usual Christmas grotto, Butser Ancient Farm has a brilliant programme of festive events inspired by ancient winter traditions.
For Christmas 2026, families can meet Father Christmas in his cosy home among the farm’s reconstructed ancient buildings, with firelight, storytelling and festive crafts adding to the atmosphere. There’s also the Midwinter’s Quest, where children can meet the Deer Queen and Holly King, explore the ancient buildings and take part in seasonal activities.
There’s plenty for adults too, including a winter harp concert inside the Great Roundhouse, fireside storytelling, hedgerow wreath making, traditional Christmas decoration workshops and festive shopping from local makers. I really like that this is a Christmas day out that feels genuinely different – less commercial Christmas wonderland and more fires, folklore, crafts and old-fashioned winter magic.
8. Attend the Christmas Tower Toymaker’s Workshop
UNCONFIRMED FOR 2026
Ever wanted to make your own toy? This year at the Spinnaker Tower, you can join Santa’s elves in the workshop as they make the last batch of toys for Christmas. Children can name their cuddly toy, stuff it, put a charm inside and seal it up to start the magic. Then it’s off to see Santa in his grotto!
Included in this toy making experience is:
- The chance to make your own cuddly toy with Santa’s elves in the Toymaker Workshop
- A trip to see Santa in his grotto
- The Christmas trail, where you’ll find mischievous elves hiding
- Free hot chocolate for every child
- All day admission to Spinnaker Tower
9. Walk around Winchester Cathedral and Christmas Market
CONFIRMED FOR CHRISTMAS 2026: 20th November to 22nd December 2026
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is one of the biggest Christmas events in Hampshire, and probably one of the most atmospheric too. Set in the historic grounds of Winchester Cathedral, the market is filled with traditional wooden chalets selling gifts, crafts and festive treats, with Christmas lights, carols and the smell of mulled wine adding to the atmosphere.
It’s a lovely excuse for a festive day out in Winchester. Have a wander around the stalls, grab something warming to eat or drink, and combine your visit with some Christmas shopping around the city centre. You can also check out the Cathedral’s programme of Christmas services, concerts and events while you’re there. When I last visited they had this epic raclette stand which they served over the potatoes and chorizo above – it was lush.
10. Panto Season!
CONFIRMED FOR 2026: All over Hampshire!
If a Christmas panto is part of your festive tradition, there are some great ones to choose from around Hampshire in 2026.
In Winchester, Sleeping Beauty is this year’s traditional family pantomime at Theatre Royal Winchester, running from 4th December 2026 to 3rd January 2027. Expect original songs, plenty of audience participation and all the usual panto mayhem. Younger children might also enjoy Santa’s Best Ever Christmas on 21st December, a 45-minute interactive musical show aimed at ages 2–8. There’s a meet and greet afterwards and every child gets a present from Santa.
Over in Portsmouth, you can see Jack and the Beanstalk at the beautiful Kings Theatre Portsmouth from 5th to 31st December 2026. There’s another panto option at the Theatre Royal in Portsmouth, where Mother Goose runs from 13th to 31st December 2026, with dazzling costumes, musical numbers, comedy and plenty of opportunities to shout ‘he’s behind you!’.
And in Southampton, this year’s big Mayflower Theatre pantomime is Robin Hood, running from 12th December 2026 to 3rd January 2027. Ashley Banjo and Diversity lead the cast as Robin Hood and his Merry Men, with Max Fulham playing Will Scarlett. We went to watch the Captain Hook panto at The Mayflower last year and it was honestly incredible. Expect huge sets, special effects, comedy and plenty of audience participation – definitely one of the biggest Christmas shows in Hampshire this year.
11. Take a Christmas beanstalk journey at Mottisfont
CONFIRMED FOR 2025: 21st November 2026 to 3rd January 2027
Christmas at Mottisfont is going full panto for 2026, with Jack and the Beanstalk taking over.
Follow Jack, Dame Trott and Pat the Cow through the beautifully decorated rooms as the story takes you from the famous beanstalk all the way up to the Giant’s castle in the clouds. Along the way there are interactive activities, silly photo opportunities and plenty of Christmassy details to spot, as well as thousands of twinkling decorations and some seriously impressive Christmas trees.
There’s a festive family trail to enjoy too, and you can warm up afterwards with a hot drink and mince pie in the café. If you’re looking for a Christmas day out in Hampshire that feels properly festive but has plenty to keep the kids entertained too, Mottisfont is a great one.
You don’t need to pre-book the Christmas experience, but you do need to collect a timed ticket for the decorated house from Visitor Reception when you arrive. Normal Mottisfont admission charges apply, while National Trust members and under-fives can visit for free.
12. Spend Christmas at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park
CONFIRMED FOR CHRISTMAS 2026: 28th November to 24th December 2026
4 Kingdoms Adventure Park is paradise for adventurous kids, and it’s even better at Christmas. All year round, you can enjoy over 21 play zones, a petting zoo, laser tag, giant slides, dinosaurs and much more, but they up the ante this time of year to ensure everyone leaves thoroughly entertained.
At Christmas, you can meet Santa there, make your own bear, feed the reindeer, decorate cookies, and see shows in their theatre, among many other things. It’ll be the magical day you’re looking for, while tiring them out just in time for Santa to pop down the chimney!
13. Visit Winter Wonderland on Hayling Island
CONFIRMED FOR CHRISTMAS 2026: 29th November to 24th December 2026 (selected dates)
Funland on Hayling Island comes alive during the Christmas season, and this year it’s bigger than ever. This spectacular wonderland experience sees you meeting Santa’s elves, his reindeer, and Santa himself, who will give you an early Christmas present.
Plus you can walk through the wonderland, and board the Funland Express which will take you past the elf village. Keep your wits about you though, as the Grinch has been spotted from time to time!
While the kids play in the Kidz Kingdom Indoor Play Area, adults can enjoy a mince pie and a tipple at the polar bar.
14. Feel festive in Southampton
Southampton Christmas Market runs from 12th November to 27th December 2026 around Above Bar Street and Guildhall Square. It’s free to visit, with traditional wooden chalets, festive food and drink, fairground rides and Santa’s Grotto near the historic Bargate. Last year we went ice skating there and Reggie loved spinning around on the ice while I basically broke my back bending down to push him around. Worth it for his joy, of course.
One of the highlights for 2026 is the Bargate laser light show, which lights up the historic building every 30 minutes from 5pm. There’s also a Ferris wheel for views over the city, an Ice Slide and smaller rides for children, so there’s enough going on to make the market more than just somewhere to do a bit of Christmas shopping. And there’s always all the shops of Westgate too.
You can also follow Southampton’s free Snow Windows Trail, with more than 20 festive window displays dotted around the city centre. It’s a nice one to add if you’re visiting with kids and want something Christmassy that doesn’t cost anything.
Finish the day with a Christmas show. For younger children, Mayflower Studios has The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show from 2nd to 12th December, followed by Peter Pan: A BIG Musical Adventure from 20th to 31st December.
Christmas in Hampshire
There are loads of great things to do for Christmas in Hampshire. Whether you want a Christmassy Hampshire day out with the kids, or just with the adults, as you can see there’s plenty of festive fun to choose from. Portsmouth at Christmas is always fun and Southampton at Christmas means ice rinks and festive markets – so, go!
- 1. Spend Christmas with Peppa Pig
- 2. Sail in a Christmas Canoe with Santa
- 3. Go deer spotting in the New Forest National Park
- 4. Visit the animals at Christmas at Marwell Zoo
- 5. See Steam Illuminations on the Watercress Line
- 6. Celebrate Christmas at Highclere Castle
- 7. Mark the Winter Solstice as the ancients did
- 8. Attend the Christmas Tower Toymaker’s Workshop
- 9. Walk around Winchester Cathedral and Christmas Market
- 10. See a panto in Hampshire
- 11. Take a Christmas journey up the beanstalk at Mottisfont
- 12. Spend Christmas at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park
- 13. Visit Winter Wonderland on Hayling Island
- 14. Hang out to feel festive in Southampton