11 awesome Christmas events in Hampshire 2022

Are you looking for some magical activities to get you in the festive spirit?  Or wondering where to find the best Christmas events in Hampshire for families in 2022?  Well, we’ve got it sorted for you.

There’s an abundance of awesome things to do with kids this Christmas in Hampshire.  Whether you’re looking for Christmas markets, illuminated trails, train rides, or festive shows, we’ve got something for you.

Here’s our round up of 11 awesome Christmas events in Hampshire for families. Plus, we’ve added the best Christmas illuminations in Hampshire and some fun festive activities happening further afield.

Paultons Park, Ower, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 6AL

• Dates:  3^rd December – 23^rd December 2022
• Tickets:  A Christmas of Christmas at Paultons
• Cost:     £140 (family of four)

One of the best Christmas events in Hampshire for younger kids is a visit to Paultons Park.

Little children will love seeing Peppa Pig World decorated for Christmas.  Then they can enjoy a selection of rides, meet Frosty the Snowman, hear the Musical Christmas Tree and watch Santa’s Christmas Wish Show.

Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth, PO1 3TZ

• Dates: 3^rd – 24^th December 2022
• Tickets:  Spinnaker Tower
• Cost:  £19.95 per child

Join Santa’s mischievous elves for fun and games at Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth!  Write your letter to Santa, receive a special gift and enjoy the incredible views from Spinnaker Tower in this uplifting Christmas experience.

You will even meet Santa himself!

Winchester Science Centre, Winchester, SO21 1HZ

• Dates:   3^rd December 2022 to 24^th December 2022
• Tickets:  Cosmic Christmas
• Cost:  £3.50 with general admission

Ready, steady, get set for a brand new 45-minute live-action immersive performance in the Planetarium theatre at Winchester Science Centre. Join in with Santa and Aster, the intergalactic planetary elf, as the story of their first mission to space is brought to life through immersive experiences, live science and an out-of-this-world journey through space.

Milestones Museum, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke, RG22 6PG

• Dates:   3^rd – 4^th December 2022
• Tickets:  Milestones Christmas Market
• Cost:  £6 pp

The Milestones Christmas market is back with unique seasonal gifts and treats, offering the perfect way to start your Christmas shopping. Take a stroll through our charming cobbled streets, sprinkled with festive magic and traditional decorations.

New Forest Activities, Baileys Hard Lane, Beaulieu, Hampshire, SO42 7YF

• Dates:     10 + 11^th December and 17-23^rd December 2022
• Tickets:  Christmas Canoe Paddle
• Cost:        £130.20 (family of four)

If you are looking for a unique Christmas activity, what about joining New Forest Activities for a festive paddle on the Beaulieu River to find Santa? Enjoy a 90 minute guided tour of the river’s beautiful nature reserve, with the river offering up some of its more stunning sights on a fresh winter’s day.

Theatre Royal Winchester, 21-23 Jewry Street, Winchester, SO23 8SB

• Dates:  Monday 20^th December 2021
• Tickets:  Santa Saves Christmas
• Cost:  £13 per child (includes a meet and greet with Santa and present)

Alternatively, join Father Christmas and friends in this brand new, festive, musical, interactive adventure for 2022.  Who can save the magic of Christmas? Jack’s beanstalk won’t grow, Cinderella’s glass slipper is broken and what’s happened to the magic in the Fairy Godmother’s wand? 

It looks as though Christmas might have to be cancelled…  Join Jack, Dasher the Reindeer and Pompom the Penguin for this festive, musical, interactive adventure, as they meet Father Christmas at his home in the North Pole and help Santa Save Christmas!

It’s a family show most suitable for 2-7 year olds, where everyone will receive a present from Santa.

Hawk Conservancy Trust, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8DY

• Dates:   Thursday 22^nd December 2022
• Tickets: Father Christmas’ Flying Visit
• Cost:  £21.95

Father Christmas and more of his magical team of owls will be stopping at the Trust for this special family event. Find out what mischief Evergreen the Elf is up to and watch the magical owls fly. Girls and boys will meet Mother Christmas, who will share some freshly-baked treats from her kitchen for the children to enjoy whilst she tells them about the magical owls.
Father Christmas’ elves will have a special present to give out to every good girl and boy!

This joyous family event includes a magical owl flying display and festive story-telling. It also includes a hot dog or burger, festive biscuit and hot drink.

West Quay Shopping Centre, Southampton, Hampshire, SP15 1QE

• Dates:   From 11th November 2022
• Tickets: Father Christmas’ Flying Visit
• Cost:  £12.00 pp (pre-launch)

We’re excited to announce that West Quay Shopping Centre will be home to Southampton Ice Rink this year. Southampton’s premium ice skating experience returns for the 2022/2023 winter season.

We are providing the perfect atmospheric experience for both beginners & skating aficionados. 
Step inside our alpine winter wonderland and see all we have to offer. 

Hayling Wonderland at Funland, Hampshire

• Dates:  3^rd – 24^th December 2022
• Tickets:  Hayling Wonderland
• Cost:  £26 per child

The elves at Funland have been busy creating a spectacular wonderland experience and we invite you to come along. To start your journey you will be met by Santa’s elves, who will take you on your visit to Santa, with a breath-taking walk through Wonderland, where you will meet Santa Claus himself and the children will receive an early Christmas present!

Following your visit with Santa you will board the Funland Express, an indoor train journey through a stunning elf village. You can then enjoy the festivities of the day and may even meet Rudolph, Santa’s favourite reindeer! 

Winchester Cathedral, Winchester, 

• Dates:   18^th November – 22^nd December 2022
• Info:     Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
• Cost:      Free

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is recognised as one of the best in Europe.  It is renowned for its bustling atmosphere, stunning location and handpicked high quality exhibitors, which attracts visitors from around the world each year who come to shop at the pretty wooden chalets, situated within the historic grounds.

The wooden chalets are inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets, and combined with the festive lighting, the sound of Christmas carols and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting in the air, visitors will be transported into a festive setting to purchase their Christmas gifts and take in the atmosphere.

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1GE

• Dates:   10^th – 31^st December 2022
• Tickets:  Goldilocks & the Three Bears
• Cost:  From £19.50 pp

Actor, singer and television star Jason Donovan will lead the cast in this year’s magical pantomime, alongside Coronation Street and musical theatre star Faye Brookes, with the triumphant return of Richard Cadell & Sooty in Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

For three weeks only, the theatre will be transformed into a sensational circus, where everything is possible, and anything could (and will) happen.

This festive extravaganza is packed with riotous comedy, extraordinary special effects, hair-raising stunts and international circus acts!

Marwell Zoo, Colden Common, Winchester, SO21 1JH

• Dates: 18^th November – 30^th December 2022
• Info:    Glow Marwell
• Cost:     £15 adult/£12 child (3-16)

Join us for our winter light trail: an immersive light extravaganza that will see Marwell’s majestic grounds turned into a twinkling wonderland full of fairy lights, magic and delight.

Glow Marwell invites guests to explore the zoo in a whole new light with more than 250,000 LED bulbs making up our wonderful illuminations.

Winchester Cathedral, Winchester, SO23 0PR

• Dates:  Tuesday 13^th – Sunday 18^th December 2022
• Info:    Star of Wonder
• Cost:     £9.25 adult/£6 child (3-16)

All set to transform Winchester Cathedral throughout the interior with stunning sound and light artwork, the award winning artistic collaboration, Luxmuralis, will begin this years Christmas celebrations taking viewers on an uplifting journey. Projections with bespoke music will transform the historical architecture of this majestic building.

It promises to be a stunning experience for the whole family and the perfect start to the Christmas season.

Station Road, Alresford SO24 9JG or Station Road, Alton, GU34 2PZ

• Dates:   November 2022 – January 2023
• Tickets:  Illuminations at the Watercress Lane
• Cost:      £110 (family of four)

Marvel at the wonderful light show with different colours and flashing patterns, whilst sitting back and relaxing on one of our steam trains as it travels up and down our 10-mile line.

What are your favourite things to do in Hampshire at Christmas?  We’d love to hear your comments below.

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